Stent

摘要

A coronary stent (1) has a thin-walled, hollow cylindrical basic form. The surface is cut-out, forming a filigree network. Whilst essentially transparent to x-rays, some opacity is intentionally included. A tracer, i.e. an element or region opaque to x-rays, extends linearly and covers part of the circumference. Preferably the tracer is a meandering fibre around the entire circumference, especially at the ends. Forms and methods of attachment are described. It is made of stainless steel, gold, silver or tantalum and the stent is made of titanium, which is x-ray transparent. Amorphous silicon carbide may coat it.