Abstract: A method and apparatus for a radially expandable stent for implantation within a body vessel, comprising a first and second wire having a series of alternating peaks and valleys. The valleys of the first wire are braided with the peaks of the second wire forming a braided region with the interwoven first and second wire being wound into a continuous helix having a hollow cylindrical shape. The peaks of the first wire of the continuous helix may be welded to the adjacent valleys of the second wire of the continuous helix. The peaks and valleys of the first wire may symmetrically intersect with the peaks and valleys of the second wire to form a uniform series of crossings thereby permitting even expansion of the first and second wires. The proximal end of the first wire may be attached to the proximal end of the second wire. The distal end of the first wire may be attached to the distal end of the second wire.

Abstract: A method apparatus for a radially expandable stent for implantation within a body vessel, comprising a first wire formed winding and a second wire formed winding. The first wire formed winding has a hollow cylindrical shape including a preformed pattern such as a sinusoidal wave form and being wound into a continuous helix the length of the stent. The second wire formed winding has a hollow cylindrical shape including a preformed pattern such as a sinusoidal wave form and being wound into a continuous helix the length of the stent. The second winding helix is opposite that of the first winding helix. The second winding has a greater inner diameter than the outer diameter of the first winding. The second winding is coaxial with the first winding, the pattern of the first winding symmetrically intersects with the pattern of the second winding to form a uniform series of crossings thereby permitting even expansion of the first and second windings.

Abstract: The present invention is accomplished by providing a method and apparatus for a radially expandable stent for implantation within a body vessel, comprising a large wire formed winding segment and 2 small wire formed winding segments. The large wire formed winding segment has a hollow cylindrical shape including a preformed pattern such as a sinusoidal wave form being wound into a continuous helix the length of the stent. The second and third wire formed winding segments have a hollow cylindrical shape including a preformed pattern such as a sinusoidal wave form wound into a continuous helix. The uniform pattern of the first, second and third wire segments permit uniform expansion of the stent. The second and third winding segments have more wire per unit surface area than the first winding segment. The second winding segment proximal end is attached to the distal end of the second winding segment to form a ring. The second winding segment is attached to the proximal end of the first winding segment.