Abstract: A radially expandible intra vascular stent 20 is provided with improved radially expandible strength due to increased amounts of metal surface area while flexibility is increased due to the unique stent wall surface pattern. In the un-expanded form, the stent wall surface pattern 58 resembles a series of linked S-shapes 22 formed radially about the tube with interconnections 21 between the radial rows of S's 22 with alternating adjacent S's. Longitudinally, the un-expanded stent resembles longitudinal rows of pattern series of an S 24, S 24, reverse S 26, reverse S 26 shapes. This series repeats itself along the longitudinal surface of the stent. The longitudinal pattern is interconnected by the radial S's 21.

Abstract: A radially self-expanding stent having multiple layers includes a medial region and proximal and distal cuffs having diameters greater than the medial region diameter when the stent is in the relaxed state. A silicone coating circumscribes at least the medial region of the stent. A deployment device for the stent includes an inner tube surrounded by the stent along with an outer tube that radially compresses the stent. A low durometer sleeve, fixed to the inner tube and in surface engagement with the compressed stent, tends to fix the axial position of the stent relative to the inner tube whenever the outer tube is moved axially relative to the inner tube. Consequently, precision in stent placement and the ability to recapture a partially deployed stent are enhanced.