Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a self-expanding stent for insertion into an artery or other internal vessel. The stent is formed from a series of radial bands each formed with overlapping first and second ends. The overlap between the first and second ends is variable, allowing each band to move between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration. The first and second ends of each band are both formed to include a tab which is folded to hold the first and second end against the band. The bands are distributed along a common axis to form a cylinder and interconnected by a pair of elongated strips. In use, the stent is placed over a balloon catheter and compressed to adopt the contracted configuration. The balloon catheter and stent are then advanced through a placement catheter and to a target site where the balloon is partially inflated to free the stent for self-expansion. The balloon may then be more fully inflated to further expand any of the radial bands in the stent. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the expanded stent to support that target site.

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First Claim