| abstract |
A radially expansible lumenal prosthesis comprises one or more body segments which include struts (12) and hinge regions (40) between the struts (32). Certain of the hinge regions (36) are weakened relative to others so that the expansion characteristics of the prosthesis may be programmed. In particular, by distributing the weakened hinge regions (36) circumferentially about the body segment, uniform expansion of the prosthesis can be improved, even when the prosthesis is only partially deployed. |