| 摘要 |
An expandable stent is disclosed which is implantable within a blood vessel or other body lumen for maintaining lumen patency. The stent comprises a plurality of interconnected stent modules. Each of the stent modules includes first and second segments which are joined together by first and second connectors located on diametrically opposite sides of the module. The first and second segments are formed in a sinusoidal pattern and are moveable between flattened and expanded configurations. The stent modules are coupled along a common longitudinal axis with interconnection elements extending between the connectors of adjacent modules. This arrangement results in a stent having optimal longitudinal flexibility as well as radial stability. The modules may be fabricated in an automated manufacturing method using inexpensive equipment from an even number of wire strands of substantially equal length. In an alternative embodiment of the invention graft material may be clamped between wire wall sections of the stent for delivering drugs to the site of a target lesion. |
