Abstract: An array of arcuate relief holes is formed at the flexion points formed at the junctures of two or more struts of an expandable stent. The relief holes are small enough to preserve the columnar compressive strength of the stent as well as the resistance of the struts to twisting and warping. The relief holes allow a balloon expandable stent to be expanded with less balloon pressure. The relief holes allow the use of wider and thinner material in the stent, giving greater vessel coverage while simultaneously reducing the stent profile and increasing laminar blood flow through the stented vessel. The struts have a cross-sectional width that remains constant at the junctures or flexion points, minimizing or eliminating plastic deformation of the struts at the flexion points and between flexion points.

Abstract: A low profile emboli capture device is provided for use in angioplasty and other intravascular procedures. A standard guidewire is utilized having a reduced cross-sectional area formed near its distal end. A filter and self-expanding stent are packaged on the reduced cross-sectional area of the guidewire. A movable sleeve extends over the guidewire and holds the self-expanding stent and filter in their retracted positions while the device is being positioned in the artery. The sheath is moved relative to the self-expanding stent and filter, whereupon the self-expanding stent and filter become deployed.