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Abstract

An expandable stent having end rings with enhanced strength and radiopacity for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, is disclosed. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common longitudinal stent axis and interconnected by one or more interconnecting members placed so that the stent is flexible in the longitudinal direction. The expandable cylindrical elements have regions which are subject to high stresses and regions subject to low stresses when the cylindrical elements are radially expanded. In order to increase the radiopacity of the stent, the width of the strut in the low stress region of the stent is designed to be wider than the width of the strut in the high stress regions. If a high radiopaque material is utilized and reduced radiopacity is desired, the width of the strut in the low stress region of the stent can be designed to be narrower than the strut width in the high stress regions. The end rings of the stent are strengthened by utilizing a plurality of W-shaped members having a strut construction which increases the overall hoop-strength of the ring.

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First Claim