Importance

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Abstract

A vascular or endoluminal stent is adapted for deployment in a vessel or tract of a patient to maintain an open lumen therein. The stent includes a biocompatible metal hollow tube constituting a base layer having a multiplicity of openings through an open-ended tubular wall thereof, the tube constituting a single member from which the entire stent is fabricated, and a thin, tightly adherent intermediate layer of noble metal overlying the entire exposed surface area of the tube including edges of the openings as well as exterior and interior surfaces and ends of the wall. A third, outermost ceramic-like layer composed of an oxide, hydroxide or nitrate of a noble metal is formed atop and in adherent relation to the intermediate layer.

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First Claim