Importance

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Abstract

A radially expandable surgical stent 10 is provided for implantation into a body lumen. The stent 10 includes a series of circumferential elements 20 circumscribing a central axis 4 of the stent 10 and axially spaced from each other by gaps 40. Each circumferential element 20 includes a wave-like series of bends 30. Each bend 30 has one side defining a trough 32 in and an opposite side defining a crest 36. The trough 32 is that side of the bend 30 most distant from adjacent circumferential elements 20. The crest 36 is that side of each bend 30 closest to adjacent circumferential elements 20. Axial elements 50 span each gap 40 with ends of each axial element 50 attaching to circumferential elements 20 at troughs 32. Some of the axial elements 50 are configured as tie bars 51 extending linearly axially between adjacent circumferential elements 20. Other axial elements 50 can be configured as double bend links 60 extending between adjacent circumferential elements 20. The double bend links 60 include a first curve 65 and a second curve 67 which can each have their radii of curvature adjusted to allow the double bend link 60 to be expanded or compressed and allowing the stent 10 to flex with the central axis 4 bending. The stent 10 can additionally include enhanced density markers 360 which increase the visibility of portions of the stent 10 when viewed with a medical imaging device.

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First Claim