Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is accomplished by providing a method and apparatus for a radially expandable stent for implantation within a body vessel, comprising a large wire formed winding segment and 2 small wire formed winding segments. The large wire formed winding segment has a hollow cylindrical shape including a preformed pattern such as a sinusoidal wave form being wound into a continuous helix the length of the stent. The second and third wire formed winding segments have a hollow cylindrical shape including a preformed pattern such as a sinusoidal wave form wound into a continuous helix. The uniform pattern of the first, second and third wire segments permit uniform expansion of the stent. The second and third winding segments have more wire per unit surface area than the first winding segment. The second winding segment proximal end is attached to the distal end of the second winding segment to form a ring. The second winding segment is attached to the proximal end of the first winding segment. The third winding segment proximal end is attached to the distal end of the third winding segment to form a ring. The third winding segment is attached to the distal end of the first winding segment. The first, second and third winding segments may be formed of a unitary wire or may be formed from two or more wires. A member within the first, second and third winding segments to expand the first, second and third winding segments is included.

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First Claim