Expandible stent

Abstract

A stent has a tubular body with longitudinal struts interconnected by multi-bar linkages. The struts inhibit foreshortening of the body and relative rotation between the links in the linkages permits radial expansion. The links are plastically deformed as they are expanded to maintain the expanded diameter.

1 . A stent having a generally tubular body with a plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinal struts extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of said body, circumferentially adjacent pairs of said struts being interconnected solely b)(a set) of linkages axially spaced from one another and defining a predetermined space between adjacent pairs of said struts, each of said linkages having a plurality of links angularly disposed relative to one another in an unexpanded condition such that when a radial force is exerted-on-said tubular body, relative rotation between adjacent links and plastic deformation occurs, thereby increasing said space between said adjacent pairs of said struts and permitting radial expansion of said stent, said struts inhibiting relative axial movement between said linkages and foreshortening of said body, each of said linkages having hinge points spaced apart along said linkage, said hinge points deforming upon radial expansion of said stent to facilitate relative rotation of said links, wherein said hinge points are provided by zones of relative weakness along said links.  
   
   
       2 . A stent according to  claim 1  wherein said zones of relative weakness are provided by a reduced cross-sectional area.