Intravascular stent

Abstract

The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implantating in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen. The invention provides for a an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by undulating links. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen.

1 - 76 . (canceled) 
     
     
         77 . A flexible intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising:
 a plurality of cylindrical rings including a distal end ring, a proximal end ring, and a plurality of body rings therebetween, the plurality of cylindrical rings being interconnected to form the stent, each cylindrical ring having a first delivery diameter and a second expanded diameter;   each cylindrical ring having a proximal end and a distal end and a cylindrical wall extending circumferentially between the proximal end and the distal end of the cylindrical ring;   at least one undulating link attaching at least one of the body rings to adjacent body ring, the undulating link being positioned substantially within the cylindrical wall of the body ring; and   at least one straight link attaching the proximal end ring to an adjacent body ring and at least one straight link attaching the distal end ring to an adjacent body ring.   
     
     
         78 . The stent of  claim 77 , wherein the body rings have a W-shaped portion having curved struts positioned circumferentially adjacent to the at least one undulating link. 
     
     
         79 . The stent of  claim 77 , wherein the distal end ring has a W-shaped portion having curved struts positioned circumferentially adjacent to the at least one straight link. 
     
     
         80 . The stent of  claim 77 , wherein the proximal end ring has a Y-shaped portion comprised of a valley attached to the at least one straight link. 
     
     
         81 . The stent of  claim 77 , wherein three straight links attach the proximal end ring and the distal end ring to respective adjacent body rings.