Importance

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Abstract

A coiled ladder stent comprises first and second rails and rungs connecting the rails. At least one rung has lower strength portion or is an enhanced flexibility rung, or both. The lower strength portion is positioned at a reduced strength fracture location along the rung so to promote any fracture of the ladder stent at the fracture location along the rung to help prevent fracture of a rail. One way to make the lower strength portion is to make the cross-sectional area of the lower strength portion less than the average cross-sectional area of the rung. The enhanced flexibility aspect helps to accommodate relative movement between the first and second rails. Doing so helps to prevent fracture of the rails and rungs. In some embodiments of the invention the enhanced flexibility rung comprises one or more nonlinear, such as generally S-shaped or generally U-shaped, portions.

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First Claim