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Abstract

An intraluminal stent ideal for intravascular and other applications. The stent comprises a plurality of circumferential bands interconnected by rows of links. Each of the bands is formed of a serpentine strand forming a plurality of loops. The loops form repeating bends along the edges of the bands. Except for the bends on the outer most edges of the end bands, the internal bends are radiused to greater than 180 degrees. This forms a crimped neck or narrowed portion from which the legs of each loop extend, and three 'joints' in each leg. The bends on the outer edges of the stent may be simple 180-degree curves, to provide relatively rigid leading edges. The links that connect the bands preferably are serpentine as well, and more preferably are S-shaped. The rows of serpentine links may alternate between being right-handed and left-handed. The present stent provides an increased range of radial expansion, improved radial strength once deployed, improved rigidity at the forward and rearward leading edges to prevent trauma to the balloon or the vessel wall during insertion, and increased flexibility for better trackability.

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First Claim