The present invention relates to a stent manufactured from a thin-walled
tube of surgical implant quality. The stent comprises a plurality of main
circumferential rings, a plurality of longitudinal links and a plurality
of intermediate circumferential rings. The main circumferential rings are
longitudinally spaced apart along a longitudinal axis. Circumferential
gaps are formed between adjacent main circumferential rings. The
longitudinal links span the gaps and are attached to adjacent main
circumferential rings. The intermediate circumferential rings fill in the
circumferential gaps and are attached to the longitudinal links. The
present invention thereby provides a stent with adequate radial strength
to properly deploy, adequate scaffolding affect to properly support
vessel walls and increased longitudinal flexibility to easily maneuver
through tortuous vessels.