A preferred embodiment of a
stent provides a folded strut section that provides both
structural rigidity and reduction in foreshortening of the
stent mechanism. A flexible section provides flexibility for delivery of the
stent mechanism. In a second embodiment, flexible section columns are angled with respect to each other, and to the longitudinal axis of the stent. These relatively flexible sections are oppositely phased in order to negate any torsion along their length. In yet another embodiment, the flexible connector can take on an undulating shape (like an āNā), but such that the longitudinal axis of the connector is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the stent. Finally, a new method is disclosed for making stents. The method consists of performing a standard photochemical
machining process of
cutting, cleaning and
coating the tube with a
photoresist. However, unlike former methods, the
photoresist image is developed on the surface of the cylindrical metallic tube, which results in a controlled variable
etching rate at selected sites on the cylindrical metallic tube during the
etching process. Further embodiments provide
living hinge connectors and connections along the length of the radial strut member.