Polymeric stent having modified molecular structures

Abstract

A biocompatible material may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including intraluminal stents. Polymeric materials may be utilized to fabricate any of these devices, including stents. The stents may be balloon expandable or self-expanding. By preferential mechanical deformation of the polymer, the polymer chains may be oriented to achieve certain desirable performance characteristics.

1 . A substantially tubular intraluminal medical device having a longitudinal axis and a radial axis, the device comprising:
 a plurality of hoops formed from a polymeric material, the plurality of hoops comprising a plurality of radial struts and a plurality of radial arcs, the plurality of radial struts having a first amount of alignment of the polymer chains comprising the polymeric material in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and the plurality of radial arcs having a second amount of alignment of the polymer chains comprising the polymeric material in a direction substantially parallel to the radial axis, the first amount of alignment being greater than the second amount of alignment; and   a plurality of bridges formed from a polymeric material interconnecting the plurality of hoops.   
     
     
         2 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric material comprises bioabsorbable polymers. 
     
     
         3 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 2 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises poly (α-hydroxy esters). 
     
     
         4 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 2 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises tyrosine derived poly amino acid. 
     
     
         5 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 2 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises phosphorous containing materials. 
     
     
         6 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 2 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyalkanoates. 
     
     
         7 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 2 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyanhydrides. 
     
     
         8 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 2 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyorthoesters. 
     
     
         9 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric material comprise biostable polymers. 
     
     
         10 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 9 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyolefins. 
     
     
         11 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 9 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyurethanes. 
     
     
         12 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 9 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises fluoropolymers. 
     
     
         13 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 9 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyamides. 
     
     
         14 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 9 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyesters. 
     
     
         15 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 9 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises acrylics. 
     
     
         16 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one therapeutic agent. 
     
     
         17 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 16 , wherein the at least one therapeutic agent comprises an antirestenotic agent. 
     
     
         18 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 17 , wherein the antirestenotic agent comprises a rapamycin. 
     
     
         19 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 17 , wherein the antirestenotic agent comprises paclitaxel. 
     
     
         20 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 16 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprise an anti-inflammatory agent. 
     
     
         21 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 19 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent comprises a rapamycin. 
     
     
         22 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 19 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent comprises dexamethasone. 
     
     
         23 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 16 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprise an anticoagulant. 
     
     
         24 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 23 , wherein the anticoagulant is heparin. 
     
     
         25 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a radiopaque material. 
     
     
         26 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 1 , wherein the stent is self expanding. 
     
     
         27 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 1 , wherein the stent is balloon expandable. 
     
     
         28 . A substantially tubular intraluminal medical device having a longitudinal axis and a radial axis, the device comprising:
 a plurality of hoops formed from a polymeric material, the plurality of hoops comprising a plurality of radial struts and a plurality of radial arcs, the plurality of radial struts having a first amount of alignment of the polymer chains comprising the polymeric material in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and the plurality of radial arcs having a second amount of alignment of the polymer chains comprising the polymeric material in a direction substantially parallel to the radial axis, the first amount of alignment being less than the second amount of alignment; and   a plurality of bridges formed from a polymeric material interconnecting the plurality of hoops.   
     
     
         29 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 28 , wherein the polymeric material comprises bioabsorbable polymers. 
     
     
         30 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 29 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises poly (α-hydroxy esters). 
     
     
         31 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 29 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises tyrosine derived poly amino acid. 
     
     
         32 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 29 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises phosphorous containing materials. 
     
     
         33 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 29 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyalkanoates. 
     
     
         34 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 29 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyanhydrides. 
     
     
         35 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 29 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyorthoesters. 
     
     
         36 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 28 , wherein the polymeric material comprise biostable polymers. 
     
     
         37 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 36 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyolefins. 
     
     
         38 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 36 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyurethanes. 
     
     
         39 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 36 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises fluoropolymers. 
     
     
         40 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 36 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyamides. 
     
     
         41 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 36 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyesters. 
     
     
         42 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 36 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises acrylics. 
     
     
         43 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 28 , further comprising at least one therapeutic agent. 
     
     
         44 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 43 , wherein the at least one therapeutic agent comprises an antirestenotic agent. 
     
     
         45 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 44 , wherein the antirestenotic agent comprises a rapamycin. 
     
     
         46 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 44 , wherein the antirestenotic agent comprises paclitaxel. 
     
     
         47 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 43 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprise an anti-inflammatory agent. 
     
     
         48 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 47 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent comprises a rapamycin. 
     
     
         49 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 47 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent comprises dexamethasone. 
     
     
         50 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 43 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprise an anticoagulant. 
     
     
         51 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 50 , wherein the anticoagulant is heparin. 
     
     
         52 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 28 , further comprising a radiopaque material. 
     
     
         53 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 28 , wherein the stent is self expanding. 
     
     
         54 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 28 , wherein the stent is balloon expandable. 
     
     
         55 . A substantially tubular intraluminal medical device having a longitudinal axis and a radial axis, the device comprising:
 a plurality of hoops formed from a polymeric material, the plurality of hoops comprising a plurality of radial struts and a plurality of radial arcs, the plurality of radial struts having a first amount of alignment of the polymer chains comprising the polymeric material in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and the plurality of radial arcs having a second amount of alignment of the polymer chains comprising the polymeric material in a direction substantially parallel to the radial axis, the first amount of alignment being substantially equal to the second amount of alignment; and   a plurality of bridges formed from a polymeric material interconnecting the plurality of hoops.   
     
     
         56 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 55 , wherein the polymeric material comprises bioabsorbable polymers. 
     
     
         57 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 56 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises poly (α-hydroxy esters). 
     
     
         58 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 56 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises tyrosine derived poly amino acid. 
     
     
         59 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 56 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises phosphorous containing materials. 
     
     
         60 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 56 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyalkanoates. 
     
     
         61 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 56 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyanhydrides. 
     
     
         62 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 56 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyorthoesters. 
     
     
         63 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 55 , wherein the polymeric material comprise biostable polymers. 
     
     
         64 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 63 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyolefins. 
     
     
         65 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 63 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyurethanes. 
     
     
         66 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 63 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises fluoropolymers. 
     
     
         67 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 63 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyamides. 
     
     
         68 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 63 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyesters. 
     
     
         69 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 63 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises acrylics. 
     
     
         70 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 55 , further comprising at least one therapeutic agent. 
     
     
         71 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 70 , wherein the at least one therapeutic agent comprises an antirestenotic agent. 
     
     
         72 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 71 , wherein the antirestenotic agent comprises a rapamycin. 
     
     
         73 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 71 , wherein the antirestenotic agent comprises paclitaxel. 
     
     
         74 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 70 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprise an anti-inflammatory agent. 
     
     
         75 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 74 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent comprises a rapamycin. 
     
     
         76 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 74 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent comprises dexamethasone. 
     
     
         77 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 70 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprise an anticoagulant. 
     
     
         78 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 77 , wherein the anticoagulant is heparin. 
     
     
         79 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 55 , further comprising a radiopaque material. 
     
     
         80 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 55 , wherein the stent is self expanding. 
     
     
         81 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 55 , wherein the stent is balloon expandable. 
     
     
         82 . A substantially tubular intraluminal medical device having a longitudinal axis and a radial axis, the device comprising a plurality of hoops formed from a polymeric material, the plurality of hoops comprising a plurality of radial struts and a plurality of radial arcs, the plurality of radial struts having a first amount of alignment of the polymer chains comprising the polymeric material in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and the plurality of radial arcs having a second amount of alignment of the polymer chains comprising the polymeric material in a direction substantially parallel to the radial axis, the first amount of alignment being greater than the second amount of alignment, the plurality of hoops being interconnected to form the substantially tubular structure. 
     
     
         83 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 82 , wherein the polymeric material comprises bioabsorbable polymers. 
     
     
         84 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 83 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises poly (α-hydroxy esters). 
     
     
         85 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 83 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises tyrosine derived poly amino acid. 
     
     
         86 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 83 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises phosphorous containing materials. 
     
     
         87 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 83 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyalkanoates. 
     
     
         88 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 83 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyanhydrides. 
     
     
         89 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 83 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyorthoesters. 
     
     
         90 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 82 , wherein the polymeric material comprise biostable polymers. 
     
     
         91 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 90 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyolefins. 
     
     
         92 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 90 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyurethanes. 
     
     
         93 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 90 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises fluoropolymers. 
     
     
         94 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 90 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyamides. 
     
     
         95 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 90 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyesters. 
     
     
         96 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 90 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises acrylics. 
     
     
         97 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 82 , further comprising at least one therapeutic agent. 
     
     
         98 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 97 , wherein the at least one therapeutic agent comprises an antirestenotic agent. 
     
     
         99 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 98 , wherein the antirestenotic agent comprises a rapamycin. 
     
     
         100 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 98 , wherein the antirestenotic agent comprises paclitaxel. 
     
     
         101 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 97 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprise an anti-inflammatory agent. 
     
     
         102 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 101 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent comprises a rapamycin. 
     
     
         103 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 101 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent comprises dexamethasone. 
     
     
         104 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 97 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprise an anticoagulant. 
     
     
         105 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 104 , wherein the anticoagulant is heparin. 
     
     
         106 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 82 , further comprising a radiopaque material. 
     
     
         107 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 82 , wherein the stent is self expanding. 
     
     
         108 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 82 , wherein the stent is balloon expandable. 
     
     
         109 . A substantially tubular intraluminal medical device having a longitudinal axis and a radial axis, the device comprising a plurality of hoops formed from a polymeric material, the plurality of hoops comprising a plurality of radial struts and a plurality of radial arcs, the plurality of radial struts having a first amount of alignment of the polymer chains comprising the polymeric material in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and the plurality of radial arcs having a second amount of alignment of the polymer chains comprising the polymeric material in a direction substantially parallel to the radial axis, the first amount of alignment being less than the second amount of alignment, the plurality of hoops being interconnected to form the substantially tubular structure. 
     
     
         110 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 109 , wherein the polymeric material comprises bioabsorbable polymers. 
     
     
         111 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 110 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises poly (α-hydroxy esters). 
     
     
         112 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 110 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises tyrosine derived poly amino acid. 
     
     
         113 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 110 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises phosphorous containing materials. 
     
     
         114 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 110 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyalkanoates. 
     
     
         115 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 110 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyanhydrides. 
     
     
         116 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 110 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyorthoesters. 
     
     
         117 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 109 , wherein the polymeric material comprise biostable polymers. 
     
     
         118 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 117 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyolefins. 
     
     
         119 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 117 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyurethanes. 
     
     
         120 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 117 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises fluoropolymers. 
     
     
         121 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 117 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyamides. 
     
     
         122 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 117 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyesters. 
     
     
         123 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 117 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises acrylics. 
     
     
         124 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 109 , further comprising at least one therapeutic agent. 
     
     
         125 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 124 , wherein the at least one therapeutic agent comprises an antirestenotic agent. 
     
     
         126 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 125 , wherein the antirestenotic agent comprises a rapamycin. 
     
     
         127 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 125 , wherein the antirestenotic agent comprises paclitaxel. 
     
     
         128 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 124 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprise an anti-inflammatory agent. 
     
     
         129 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 128 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent comprises a rapamycin. 
     
     
         130 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 128 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent comprises dexamethasone. 
     
     
         131 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 124 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprise an anticoagulant. 
     
     
         132 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 131 , wherein the anticoagulant is heparin. 
     
     
         133 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 109 , further comprising a radiopaque material. 
     
     
         134 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 109 , wherein the stent is self expanding. 
     
     
         135 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 109 , wherein the stent is balloon expandable. 
     
     
         136 . A substantially tubular intraluminal medical device having a longitudinal axis and a radial axis, the device comprising a plurality of hoops formed from a polymeric material, the plurality of hoops comprising a plurality of radial struts and a plurality of radial arcs, the plurality of radial struts having a first amount of alignment of the polymer chains comprising the polymeric material in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and the plurality of radial arcs having a second amount of alignment of the polymer chains comprising the polymeric material in a direction substantially parallel to the radial axis, the first amount of alignment being substantially equal to the second amount of alignment, the plurality of hoops being interconnected to form the substantially tubular structure. 
     
     
         137 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 136 , wherein the polymeric material comprises bioabsorbable polymers. 
     
     
         138 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 137 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises poly (α-hydroxy esters). 
     
     
         139 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 137 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises tyrosine derived poly amino acid. 
     
     
         140 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 137 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises phosphorous containing materials. 
     
     
         141 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 137 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyalkanoates. 
     
     
         142 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 137 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyanhydrides. 
     
     
         143 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 136 , wherein the bioabsorbable polymers comprises polyorthoesters. 
     
     
         144 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 136 , wherein the polymeric material comprise biostable polymers. 
     
     
         145 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 144 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyolefins. 
     
     
         146 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 144 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyurethanes. 
     
     
         147 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 144 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises fluoropolymers. 
     
     
         148 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 144 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyamides. 
     
     
         149 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 144 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises polyesters. 
     
     
         150 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 144 , wherein the biostable polymers comprises acrylics. 
     
     
         151 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 136 , further comprising at least one therapeutic agent. 
     
     
         152 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 151 , wherein the at least one therapeutic agent comprises an antirestenotic agent. 
     
     
         153 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 152 , wherein the antirestenotic agent comprises a rapamycin. 
     
     
         154 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 152 , wherein the antirestenotic agent comprises paclitaxel. 
     
     
         155 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 151 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprise an anti-inflammatory agent. 
     
     
         156 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 155 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent comprises a rapamycin. 
     
     
         157 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 155 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent comprises dexamethasone. 
     
     
         158 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 151 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprise an anticoagulant. 
     
     
         159 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 158 , wherein the anticoagulant is heparin. 
     
     
         160 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 136 , further comprising a radiopaque material. 
     
     
         161 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 136 , wherein the stent is self expanding. 
     
     
         162 . The substantially tubular intraluminal device according to  claim 136 , wherein the stent is balloon expandable. 
     
     
         163 . A substantially tubular intraluminal medical device having a longitudinal axis and a radial axis, the device comprising:
 a plurality of hoops formed from a polymeric material, the plurality of hoops comprising a plurality of radial struts and a plurality of radial arcs, the plurality of radial struts having a first amount of alignment of the polymer chains comprising the polymeric material in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and the plurality of radial arcs having a second amount of alignment of the polymer chains comprising the polymeric material in a direction substantially parallel to the radial axis, the first and second amounts of alignment being greater than a nominal alignment; and   a plurality of bridges formed from a polymeric material interconnecting the plurality of hoops.   
     
     
         164 . A substantially tubular intraluminal medical device having a longitudinal axis and a radial axis, the device comprising:
 a plurality of hoops formed from a polymeric material, the plurality of hoops comprising a plurality of radial struts and a plurality of radial arcs, the plurality of radial struts having a first amount of alignment of the polymer chains comprising the polymeric material in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and a plurality of radial arcs having a second amount of alignment of the polymeric chains comprising the polymeric material in a direction substantially parallel to the radial axis, the first and second amounts of alignment being greater than a nominal alignment and not equal to one another; and   a plurality of bridges formed from a polymeric material interconnecting the plurality of hoops.   
     
     
         165 . A substantially tubular intraluminal medical device having a longitudinal axis and a radial axis, the device comprising:
 a plurality of hoops formed from a polymeric material, the plurality of hoops comprising a plurality of radial struts oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and a plurality of radial arcs oriented substantially parallel to the radial axis, the polymeric material having increased elongation at break regions in a direction substantially parallel to at least one of the longitudinal axis and the radial axis, the polymeric material comprising a predetermined molecular alignment in the regions of increased elongation at break resulting from being drawn in the range from greater than zero percent to about five hundred percent; and   a plurality of bridges formed from a polymeric material interconnecting the plurality of hoops.   
     
     
         166 . A substantially tubular intraluminal medical device having a longitudinal axis and a radial axis, the device comprising:
 a plurality of hoops formed from a polymeric material, the plurality of hoops comprising a plurality of radial struts oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and a plurality of radial arcs oriented substantially parallel to the radial axis, the polymeric material having increased elongation at break regions in a direction substantially parallel to the at least one of the longitudinal axis and the radial axis, the polymeric material comprising a predetermined molecular alignment in the regions of increased elongation at break resulting from being drawn in the range from greater than zero percent to about five hundred percent and then relaxed to less than five hundred percent at a constant temperature; and   a plurality of bridges formed from a polymeric material interconnecting the plurality of hoops.   
     
     
         167 . A substantially tubular intraluminal medical device having a longitudinal axis and a radial axis, the device comprising:
 a plurality of hoops formed from a polymeric material, the plurality of hoops comprising a plurality of radial struts oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and a plurality of radial arcs oriented substantially parallel to the radial axis, the polymeric material having increased elongation at break regions in a direction substantially parallel to the at least one of the longitudinal axis and the radial axis, the polymeric material comprising a predetermined molecular alignment in the regions of increased elongation at break resulting from being drawn in the range from greater than zero percent to about five hundred percent at a first temperature, fixed and cooled to a second temperature, heated to about the first temperature and relaxed to about less than five hundred percent at a constant temperature; and   a plurality of bridges formed from a polymeric material interconnecting the plurality of hoops.   
     
     
         168 . A substantially tubular intraluminal medical device comprising a plurality of elements formed from a polymeric material, wherein one or more elements comprises at least one high elongation at break region in a direction of the one or more elements, the polymeric material having a predetermined molecular alignment in the regions of increased elongation at break resulting from being heated and drawn in the direction of the one or more elements. 
     
     
         169 . A substantially tubular intraluminal medical device comprising a plurality of elements formed from a polymeric material, wherein one or more elements comprises at least one high elongation at break region in a direction of the one or more elements, the polymeric material having a predetermined molecular alignment in the regions of increased elongation at break resulting from being heated and drawn in the direction of the one or more elements, and then allowing the material to relax in the direction of the one or more elements. 
     
     
         170 . A substantially tubular intraluminal medical device comprising a plurality of elements formed from a polymeric material, wherein one or more elements comprises at least one high elongation at break region in a direction of the one or more elements, the polymeric material having a predetermined molecular alignment in the regions of increased elongation at break resulting from being heated and drawn in the direction of the one or more elements, fixing and cooling the polymeric material, heating the polymeric material and allowing the polymeric material to relax in the direction of the one or more elements.