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Abstract

An expandable, balloon catheter delivered intravascular stent, especially adapted for cardiovascular applications, having a plurality of protrusions on its outer surface for engaging the artery walls in which it is disposed. The protrusions are formed from the body of the stent in a unitary, one-piece manner. Apertures are formed in the stent body from the space vacated in the body by the material forming the protrusions. When the stent is expanded by the balloon catheter, the protrusions engage both the apertures and the artery walls, to lock the stent into the expanded diameter. In this way axial displacement and radial collapse of the stent is avoided. The protrusions are arranged in a plurality of shapes, sizes and patterns. The stent may be made of a bioabsorbable material and/or a therapeutic drug delivery material.

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First Claim