Intravascular stent

Claim 2

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other, and each cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length having a uniform ring length; at least one peak on each of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned peak on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer ring length by a link; and wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link.

Claim 3

The stent of claim 1 , wherein at least one valley on each of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer ring length by a link.

Claim 4

The stent of claim 1 , wherein an undulating link couples at least one valley at the first, proximal position on at least one of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter length to the circumferentially aligned peak at the second, more distal position on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer length.

Claim 5

The stent of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the links includes a straight configuration.

Claim 6

The stent of claim 1 , wherein: the strut pattern of the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length includes a first width; the strut pattern of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length includes a second width; and the first strut pattern width is greater than the second strut pattern width, the ratio between the first and second strut pattern widths being within a range of about 1.10:1 to about 1.45:1.

Claim 7

The stent of claim 1 , wherein the ratio between the first, longer ring length and the second, shorter ring length is within a range of about 1.1:1 to about 1.4:1.

Claim 8

The stent of claim 1 , wherein the ratio between the first, longer ring length and the second, shorter ring length is within a range of about 1.6:1 to about 2.5:1.

Claim 9

The stent of claim 1 , wherein the first, longer ring length is within a range of about 0.6 to about 2.0 mm (0.024 0.079 inch) and the second, shorter ring length is within a range of about 0.4 to about 1.2 mm (0.016 0.047 inch).

Claim 10

The stent of claim 1 , wherein the radial thickness of the stent is variable along the length of the stent.

Claim 11

The stent of claim 9 , wherein the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length include a first radial thickness which is greater than a second radial thickness of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length.

Claim 12

The stent of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the peaks of at least one of the cylindrical rings is circumferentially offset and near to a valley on the proximally adjacent cylindrical ring.

Claim 13

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other, and each cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length having a uniform ring length; and wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; and wherein at least one valley on each of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned peak on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer ring length by a link.

Claim 14

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other, and each cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length having a uniform ring length; and wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; and wherein at least one valley on each of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned peak on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer ring length by a link.

Claim 15

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other, and each cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length having a uniform ring length; and wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; and the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length each include peaks at a first, proximal position and at least one peak at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent; and the at least one peak at the second, more distal position of each of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length is circumferentially aligned with a valley on the proximally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer ring length.

Claim 16

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other, and each cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length having a uniform ring length; and wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; and the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length each include peaks at a first, proximal position and at least one peak at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent; and the at least one peak at the second, more distal position of each of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length is circumferentially aligned with a valley on the proximally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer ring length.

Claim 17

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other, and each cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length having a uniform ring length; and wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; and wherein at least one of the links includes straight portions and at least one curved portion.

Claim 18

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other, and each cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length having a uniform ring length; and wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; and wherein at least one of the links includes straight portions and at least one curved portion.

Claim 19

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other, and each cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length having a uniform ring length; and wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; and wherein the peaks of each cylindrical ring are circumferentially offset from the valleys on the proximally adjacent cylindrical ring.

Claim 20

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other, and each cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length having a uniform ring length; and wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; and wherein the peaks of each cylindrical ring are circumferentially offset from the valleys on the proximally adjacent cylindrical ring.

Claim 21

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternate between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; and wherein the peaks of each cylindrical ring are circumferentially offset from and near to the valleys on the proximally adjacent cylindrical ring.

Claim 22

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternate between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; and wherein the peaks of each cylindrical ring are circumferentially offset from and near to the valleys on the proximally adjacent cylindrical ring.

Claim 23

The stent of claim 16 , wherein: the circumferential distance between adjacent peaks on at least one of the cylindrical rings is variable about the circumference of the cylindrical rings; and the circumferential distance between adjacent valleys on at least one of the cylindrical rings is variable about the circumference of the cylindrical rings.

Claim 24

The stent of claim 16 , wherein at least one of the links includes at least one curved portion.

Claim 25

The stent of claim 16 , wherein at least one peak on at least one cylindrical ring is coupled to a circumferentially offset valley on the proximally adjacent cylindrical ring by a link.

Claim 26

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings including a first, proximal ring, at least one central ring and a second, distal ring, the at least one central ring being positioned between the first, proximal ring and the second, distal ring, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; the strut pattern of the first, proximal ring includes at least one group of adjacent valleys at a first, proximal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent and at least one group of adjacent valleys at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent; the strut pattern of the at least one central ring includes at least one group of adjacent peaks at a first, proximal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent and at least one group of adjacent peaks at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent; the strut pattern of the at least one central ring includes at least one group of adjacent valleys at a first, proximal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent and at least one group of adjacent valleys at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent; the strut pattern of the second, distal ring includes at least one group of adjacent peaks at a first, proximal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent and at least one group of adjacent peaks at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent; the valleys of the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the first, proximal position of the first, proximal ring are circumferentially aligned with the peaks of the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the first, proximal position of the distally adjacent central ring and the valleys of the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the second, more distal position of the first, proximal ring are circumferentially aligned with the peaks of the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the second, more distal position of the distally adjacent central ring; wherein the valleys of the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the first, proximal position of the at least one central ring are circumferentially aligned with the peaks of the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the first, proximal position of the distally adjacent cylindrical ring and the valleys of the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the second, more distal position of the at least one central ring are circumferentially aligned with the peaks of the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the second, more distal position of the distally adjacent cylindrical ring; wherein the number of valleys in the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the first, proximal position of the first, proximal ring is greater than the number of valleys in the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the second, more distal position of the first, proximal ring; the number of peaks in the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the second, more distal position of the at least one central ring is greater than the number of peaks in the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the first, proximal position of the at least one central ring; the number of valleys in the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the first, proximal position of the at least one central ring is greater than the number of valleys in the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the second, more distal position of the at least one central ring; and the number of peaks in the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the second, more distal position of the second, distal ring is greater than the number of peaks in the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the first, proximal position. of the second, distal ring.

Claim 27

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings including a first, proximal ring, at least one central ring and a second, distal ring, the at least one central ring being positioned between the first, proximal ring and the second, distal ring, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; the strut pattern of the first, proximal ring includes at least one group of adjacent valleys at a first, proximal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent and at least one group of adjacent valleys at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent; the strut pattern of the at least one central ring includes at least one group of adjacent peaks at a first, proximal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent and at least one group of adjacent peaks at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent; the strut pattern of the at least one central ring includes at least one group of adjacent valleys at a first, proximal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent and at least one group of adjacent valleys at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent; the strut pattern of the second, distal ring includes at least one group of adjacent peaks at a first, proximal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent and at least one group of adjacent peaks at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent; the valleys of the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the first, proximal position of the first, proximal ring are circumferentially aligned with the peaks of the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the first, proximal position of the distally adjacent central ring and the valleys of the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the second, more distal position of the first, proximal ring are circumferentially aligned with the peaks of the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the second, more distal position of the distally adjacent central ring; wherein the valleys of the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the first, proximal position of the at least one central ring are circumferentially aligned with the peaks of the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the first, proximal position of the distally adjacent cylindrical ring and the valleys of the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the second, more distal position of the at least one central ring are circumferentially aligned with the peaks of the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the second, more distal position of the distally adjacent cylindrical ring; wherein the number of valleys in the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the first, proximal position of the first, proximal ring is greater than the number of valleys in the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the second, more distal position of the first, proximal ring; the number of peaks in the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the second, more distal position of the at least one central ring is greater than the number of peaks in the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the first, proximal position of the at least one central ring; the number of valleys in the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the first, proximal position of the at least one central ring is greater than the number of valleys in the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the second, more distal position of the at least one central ring; and the number of peaks in the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the second, more distal position of the second, distal ring is greater than the number of peaks in the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the first, proximal position. of the second, distal ring.

Claim 28

The stent of claim 20 , wherein: the circumferential distance between adjacent valleys at the second, more distal position of the first, proximal ring is greater than the circumferential distance between adjacent valleys at the first, proximal position of the first, proximal ring; the circumferential distance between adjacent peaks at the first, proximal position of the at least one central ring is greater than the circumferential distance between adjacent peaks at the second, more distal position of the at least one central ring; the circumferential distance between adjacent valleys at the second, more distal position of the at least one central ring is greater than the circumferential distance between adjacent valleys at the first, proximal position of the at least one central ring; the circumferential distance between adjacent peaks at the first, proximal position of the second, distal ring is greater than the circumferential distance between adjacent peaks at the second, more distal position of the second, distal ring.

Claim 29

The stent of claim 20 , wherein: the arc length of the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the first, proximal position of the first, proximal ring is substantially the same as the arc length of the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the second, more distal position of the first, proximal ring; the arc length of the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the first, proximal position of the at least one central ring is substantially the same as the arc length of the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the second, more distal position of the at least one central ring; the arc length of the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the first, proximal position of the at least one central ring is substantially the same as the arc length of the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the second, more distal position of the at least one central ring; and the arc length of the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the first, proximal position of the second, distal ring is substantially the same as the arc length of the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the second, more distal position of the second, distal ring.

Claim 30

The stent of claim 20 , wherein: the peaks of the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the first, proximal position of the at least one central ring are circumferentially aligned with the valleys of the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the second, more distal position of the at least one central ring; and the peaks of the at least one group of adjacent peaks at the second, more distal position of the at least one central ring are circumferentially aligned with the valleys of the at least one group of adjacent valleys at the first, proximal position of the at least one central ring.

Claim 31

The stent of claim 20 , wherein the strut pattern of the first, proximal ring includes at least one group of adjacent peaks at a first, proximal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent and at least one group of adjacent peaks at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent.

Claim 32

The stent of claim 20 , wherein the strut pattern of the second, distal ring includes at least one group of adjacent valleys at a first, proximal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent and at least one group of adjacent valleys at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent.

Claim 33

The stent of claim 20 , wherein at least one of the links includes at least one curved portion.

Claim 34

The stent of claim 20 , wherein at least one of the links includes a straight configuration.

Claim 35

The stent of claim 20 , wherein at least one of the peaks of at least one of the cylindrical rings is circumferentially offset and near to a valley on the proximally adjacent cylindrical ring.

Claim 36

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternate between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the radial thickness of the stent is variable along the length of the stent; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length are out of phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length each include peaks at a first, proximal position and at least one peak at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent, the at least one peak at the second, more distal position of each of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length is circumferentially aligned with a valley on the proximally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer ring length; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length each include at least one valley at a first, proximal position and valleys at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent, the at least one valley at the first, proximal position of each of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length is circumferentially aligned with a peak on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer ring length; and wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link.

Claim 37

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternate between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the radial thickness of the stent is variable along the length of the stent; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length are out of phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length each include peaks at a first, proximal position and at least one peak at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent, the at least one peak at the second, more distal position of each of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length is circumferentially aligned with a valley on the proximally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer ring length; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length each include at least one valley at a first, proximal position and valleys at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent, the at least one valley at the first, proximal position of each of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length is circumferentially aligned with a peak on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer ring length; and wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link.

Claim 38

The stent of claim 29 , wherein the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length include a first radial thickness which is greater than a second radial thickness of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length.

Claim 39

The stent of claim 29 , wherein at least one of the peaks of at least one of the cylindrical rings is circumferentially offset and near to a valley on the proximally adjacent cylindrical ring.

Claim 40

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other; wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; and wherein at least one peak on each of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer ring length by a link.

Claim 41

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other; wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; and wherein at least one peak on each of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer ring length by a link.

Claim 42

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other; wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; and wherein at least one valley on at least one cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length is coupled to a circumferentially offset peak on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer ring length by a link.

Claim 43

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other; wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; and wherein at least one valley on at least one cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length is coupled to a circumferentially offset peak on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer ring length by a link.

Claim 44

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other; wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; wherein the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length each include at least one valley at a first, proximal position and valleys at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent; and wherein the at least one valley at the first, proximal position of each of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length is circumferentially aligned with a peak on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer ring length.

Claim 45

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other; wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; wherein the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length each include at least one valley at a first, proximal position and valleys at a second, more distal position along the longitudinal axis of the stent; and wherein the at least one valley at the first, proximal position of each of the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length is circumferentially aligned with a peak on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the first, longer ring length.

Claim 46

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other; wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; and wherein at least one of the links includes an undulating configuration.

Claim 47

An intravascular stent for use in a body lumen, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical rings, each cylindrical ring having a strut pattern, a first, proximal end and a second, distal end, the first, proximal end and the second, distal end defining a ring length, the cylindrical rings being aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the stent and radially expandable with a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter; and at least one link coupling each pair of adjacent cylindrical rings; wherein the strut pattern of each cylindrical ring includes an undulating pattern of U shaped portions forming peaks at the first, proximal end of the cylindrical ring and valleys at the second, distal end of the cylindrical ring with struts extending therebetween; adjacent cylindrical rings alternating between a first, longer ring length and a second, shorter ring length, the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length having fewer peaks and valleys than the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length; the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length being in phase with each other; the cylindrical rings of the second, shorter ring length being in phase with each other; wherein at least one valley on the cylindrical rings of the first, longer ring length is coupled to a circumferentially aligned valley on the distally adjacent cylindrical ring of the second, shorter ring length by a link; and wherein at least one of the links includes an undulating configuration.