BIFURCATED STENT WITH MINIMALLY CIRCUMFERENTIALLY PROJECTED SIDE BRANCH

摘要

The present invention is directed toward a bifurcation stent comprising a plurality of interconnected expansion columns, wherein the plurality of interconntected expansion columns are longitudinally spaced from the proximal end of the stent to the distal end of the stent and wherein the plurality of interconnected expansion columns define a plurality of cells. The inventive stent further comprises a framework defining a side branch cell. The framework is designed to minimize the circumferential space the side branch structure consumes. A plurality of expansion columns are connected to the framework. When the side branch is extended and expanded, the connected expansion columns form the wall of the side branch and the framework expands to conform to the shape of a targeted bodily vessel.