A radially expandable stent comprising a plurality of spaced band-like elements
and intersecting links is disclosed. The band-like elements have a generally serpentine
configuration to provide continuous waves of generally sinusoidal character to
each band-like element. The waves are characterized by a plurality of peaks and
troughs taking a generally longitudinal direction along the cylinder such that
the waves in the band-like elements open as the stent is expanded from a first
diameter to a second diameter. The intersecting links are substantially U-shaped
and terminate in first and second shanks. The first shank of a link emanates from
a region between a peak and trough on a band-like element and the second shank
of the link emanates from a region between a peak and trough on an adjacent band-like element.