| abstract |
This invention is directed to an expandable stent for implanting in a body lumen. The invention provides for an intravascular stent having cylindrical rings and a plurality of flexible spring joints linking the rings together. The flexible spring joints enable components of the stent to be large enough to provide excellent radiopaque and vessel supporting capabilities. The stent is flexible along its length and about its longitudinal axis while maintaining stiffness in the radial direction in order to resist collapse once implanted. |