Stents

摘要

A stent (22) of cylindrical form is disclosed which comprises a plurality of rings (24) extending around the stent's longitudinal axis. The rings (24) are spaced apart along the axis and are joined to one another by longitudinals (26) each of which spans between one ring and an adjacent ring. Each ring (24) is of zig-zag form and comprises bars (28) all of which are parallel to one another and bars (30) all of which are parallel to one another and at an angle to the bars (28). The bars (28, 30) alternate and are joined to one another by way of hairpin bends (32). the longitudinals (26) join the hairpin bends (32) of one ring to the hairpin bends (32) of the adjacent ring. Each of the rings has, between each adjacent pair of longitudinals (considered in the circumferential direction) at least two, or any multiple of two, hairpin bends (32) which are not joined to hairpin bends (32) of the adjacent ring.