STENT WITH VARIABLE FEATURES TO OPTIMIZE SUPPORT AND METHOD OF MAKING SUCH STENT

摘要

An intravascular stent especially suited for implanting in lumens having variable characteristics such as curvatures, changing diameters as found in ostial regions or variable wall compliance during systolic cycles. The stent can include an end region which is fabricated to have a greater radial strength than the remaining axial length of the stent. Such a stent is particularly suited for use in ostial regions, which require greater support near the end of the stent. The stent alternatively can include sections adjacent the end of the stent with greater bending flexibility than the remaining axial length of the stent. Such a stent is particularly suited for use in curved arteries. The stent can be constructed with an end that has greater radial strength and sections adjacent the end with greater bending flexibility. Such a stent prevents flaring of the stent end during insertion. The stent can also be constructed to have increased longitudinal flexibility when expanded such that it flexes with the vessel wall during systolic cycles.