Implanting stent

摘要

A stent in the form of a generally tubular member has a diameter allowing for insertion into a body passageway and is radially expandable upon application of an outward force. A series of annular units (4) are axially arranged to construct the stent (1). Each annular unit (4) includes a plurality of generally ellipsoidal or polygonal elements (2) equiangularly arranged around the stent axis, the elements being axially elongate and having a center opening. A tie member (3) connects opposed ends of adjacent elements (2). Adjacent annular units (4) are interconnected at their tie members (3) by a connecting member (5).