Crimpable intraluminal endoprosthesis having helical elements

Abstract

A stent having helical elements, a geometry for improved crimping, and a good stent-to-vessel ratio is disclosed. In one embodiment, the stent has a plurality of first helical segments and a plurality of second opposing helical segments. The first helical segments are comprised of a plurality of first expandable elements and the second helical segments are comprised of a plurality of second helical elements. The expandable elements are joined to each other by a plurality of struts. When the stent is crimped a portion of one of the first expandable elements nest within another portion of the same expandable element and a portion of two first expandable elements nestle between the same two portions of second expandable elements.

1 - 16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . A stent having a generally cylindrical main body, the main body comprising: 
 a plurality of helical segments, at least one helical segment crossing another helical segment; and    wherein the stent has a crimped diameter and an expanded diameter that is 3-6 times the crimped diameter.    
   
   
       18 . The stent of  claim 17 , wherein the helical segments contract and expand in a direction parallel to the circumference of the main body when the stent is crimped and expanded.  
   
   
       19 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . The stent of  claim 18 , wherein at least a portion of one helical segment nestles between two other helical segments when the stent is crimped and the stent is manufactured from a tube having a diameter of approximately between 0.03 to 0.500 inches.  
   
   
       22 . The stent of  claim 21 , wherein the stent is manufactured by laser cutting the tube.  
   
   
       23 - 37 . (canceled)