STENT HAVING VARIABLE STIFFNESS

摘要

A plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements are generally aligned along a common longitudinal axis and are interconnected by a plurality of interconnecting members placed so that the stent is flexible in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of cylindrical elements collectively form first and second stent ends longitudinally separated by a stent body. At least one of the first and second stent ends is reverse-tapered laterally outward from the longitudinal axis and longitudinally away from the stent body. The stent body has a stiffness value of X, and at least one of the first and second stent ends has a stiffness value of Z, with Z being greater than X such that the stent is more resistant to lateral force in the at least one of the first and second stent ends than in the stent body.