UNIFORM EXPANSION RADIOACTIVE STENTS

摘要

This invention is directed to a radioactive expandable stent (See Fig. 2) useful for implantation into an artery or the like. In one aspect of this invention, the stents can be made into radioactive beta emitters by direct exposure to thermal neutrons. The present invention also provides for a stent pattern (See Fig. 5) comprised of one or more logitudinal members (46) connected by a plurality of flexible circumferential bands (48). The flexible circumferential bands (48) are connected to the longitudinal members (46) so as to allow for an expansion in circumference of the stent without a corresponding decrease in length of the stent. In one preferred embodiment, the stent is formed by an electroforming process and is comprised of gold.