Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a stent provides a folded strut section that provides both structural rigidity and reduction in foreshortening of the stent mechanism. A flexible section provides flexibility for delivery of the stent mechanism. In a second embodiment, flexible section columns are angled with respect to each other, and to the longitudinal axis of the stent. These relatively flexible sections are oppositely phased in order to negate any torsion along their length. In yet another embodiment, the flexible connector can take on an undulating shape (like an “N”), but such that the longitudinal axis of the connector is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the stent. Finally, a new method is disclosed for making stents. The method consists of performing a standard photochemical machining process of cutting, cleaning and coating the tube with a photoresist.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a stent provides a folded strut section that provides both structural rigidity and reduction in foreshortening of the stent mechanism. A flexible section provides flexibility for delivery of the stent mechanism. In a second embodiment, flexible section columns are angled with respect to each other, and to the longitudinal axis of the stent. These relatively flexible sections are oppositely phased in order to negate any torsion along their length. In yet another embodiment, the flexible connector can take on an undulating shape (like an “N”), but such that the longitudinal axis of the connector is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the stent. Finally, a new method is disclosed for making stents. The method consists of performing a standard photochemical machining process of cutting, cleaning and coating the tube with a photoresist.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a stent for implantation into a vessel of a patient. The stent has at least two plastically deformable and expandable tubular graft members for expansion within a vessel. Each of the graft member has a first end, a second end, a wall section disposed therebetween and a lumen extending therethrough. The stent further includes at least one articulation connecting the first end of one of the graft members with the second end of the other graft member. Wherein the articulation is made from a superelastic material.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a stent for implantation into a vessel of a patient. The stent has at least two plastically deformable and expandable tubular graft members for expansion within a vessel. Each of the graft member has a first end, a second end, a wall section disposed therebetween and a lumen extending therethrough. The stent further includes at least one articulation connecting the first end of one of the graft members with the second end of the other graft member. Wherein the articulation is made from a superelastic material.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a stent for implantation into a vessel of a patient. The stent has at least two plastically deformable and expandable tubular graft members for expansion within a vessel. Each of the graft member has a first end, a second end, a wall section disposed therebetween and a lumen extending therethrough. The stent further includes at least one articulation connecting the first end of one of the graft members with the second end of the other graft member. Wherein the articulation is made from a superelastic material.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes a body structure formed of a biocompatible material, the body structure including a first material having an average atomic number greater than 24 and a second material that is different than the first material. The body structure has a mass absorption coefficient effective to provide a ratio of an intensity of an incident X-ray to an intensity of a transmitted X-ray in a range of 1e.sup.-2 to 1e.sup.-4. The endoprosthesis may have a yield strength not greater than 100,000 psi. The endoprosthesis may be in the form of a wire or a tube. In one embodiment the first material is present in an amount not greater than 9% by volume based on the combined volume of the first and second materials. In another embodiment, about 30 to about 40% by volume of the first material is present based on a combined volume of the first and second materials in an endoprosthesis of tubular form.

Abstract: What is described herein is a endovascular tube or bifurcated prosthesis used for the repair of aneurysms or other vessel disease. This can be soft or hard occlusive disease. This prosthesis is constructed by fabricating a structure that consists of a textile or other polymeric material and through which is threaded a superelastic metal wire such as a nitinol, a ductile wire or other filament material. The textile can be a polymeric material. The wire provides the self-expandability of the current device. Ideally, the thickness of the device should be minimized, so that it can be delivered to the diseased site using a percutaneous procedure.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes a body structure formed of a biocompatible material, the body structure including a first material having an average atomic number greater than 24 and a second material that is different than the first material. The first material is present in an amount not greater than 9% by volume based on the combined volume of the first material and the second material. The body structure has a mass absorption coefficient effective to provide a ratio of an intensity of an incident X-ray to an intensity of a transmitted X-ray in a range of 1e.sup.-2 to 1e.sup.-4.