Abstract: A scaffold strut is shaped to improve hemocompatibility. The scaffold is made from a tube having variable wall thickness. Methods are disclosed for modifying the thickness of the tube in such a way as to achieve a reduced hemodynamic profile, but without significantly affecting strength properties in areas where stress concentrations exist when the scaffold is loaded.

Abstract: A scaffold strut is shaped to improve hemocompatibility. The scaffold is made from a tube having variable wall thickness. Methods are disclosed for modifying the thickness of the tube in such a way as to achieve a reduced hemodynamic profile, but without significantly affecting strength properties in areas where stress concentrations exist when the scaffold is loaded.

Abstract: An expandable stent has larger cells located at the proximal and distal ends of the stent than in the body portion so that more of a catheter balloon can protrude into the stent cells to increase stent retention. The intravascular stent has a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by links, the spacing of which is a factor in defining the cell size. Where the spacing between adjacent rings is longer such as at the ends of the stent, more than one U-shaped elements can be incorporated into the links to improve flexibility. The stent can be compressed or crimped onto a balloon catheter to a very low profile and maintain a high degree of stent retention due to increased spacing between rings at the proximal and distal ends of the stent.

Abstract: Various methods for implanting a stent into an ostium or a proximal portion of a body vessel utilizing a guide catheter, rather than a convention balloon angioplasty balloon catheter, as the primary delivery device are disclosed. The guide catheter can be used as the primary stent delivery catheter for the ostium region of the body vessel and can be anchored to the vessel to allow secondary treatment devices to be advanced to distal locations in the body vessel.