Endoprosthesis having multiple bridging junctions

摘要

An endoprosthesis is provided which presents an endoprosthesis body of a plurality of full-circle helical sections exhibiting a repeating pattern of undulations that follow a generally helical axis. Adjacent full-circle windings each have at least one bridging junction joining together apex-like portions of adjacent full-circle sections. In a preferred arrangement, a plurality of these bridging junctions define a substantially in-line helical pattern of bridging junctions along the endoprosthesis or stent. One, two, three or more of these substantially in-line helical patterns can be provided. Also provided is a procedure by which the endoprosthesis or stent is implanted by deployment with a suitable device, the deployment expanding the pattern of undulations in a uniform manner to provide an especially consistent support surface throughout the endoprosthesis.