Abstract: A magnetically induced radially expandable vascular stent for use inside a human body to hold open a stenosed vascular lumen. The stent comprises a flexible yet non elastic tubular main body, defining a peripheral wall having a radially outwardly expanded limit condition. A plurality of magnets are mounted in closely spaced wall pockets made in the main body peripheral wall. The relative orientation and position of the magnets are such that an equilibrium state is achieved corresponding to the tubular main body radially outward expanded condition, whereby the net effect of magnetic repulsion between the array of magnets is transformed into a synchronous mechanical radial expansion force of the stent tubular main body to an expanded stable condition thereof.

Abstract: A support device for supporting at least one medical wire adjacent a supporting surface. The support device comprises a plate-shaped holder portion defining a peripheral edge, the holder portion comprising a support slot defining a loading opening made in the peripheral edge of the holder portion, a holder well made transversely in the holder portion spacedly from its peripheral edge, and a channel made transversely in the holder portion and extending between the holder well and the loading opening. The holder well is dimensioned such that it is broader than the medical wire the support device is destined to support. The support device further comprises attachment means connected to the holder portion for attaching the support device to the supporting surface.