US Patent 7070614 Radially expandable vessel support

The invention relates to a radially expandable vessel support which comprises a multitude of zigzag shaped annular elements interconnected in a flexible way by bending elements. Said annular elements define a vessel support with a proximal and a distal end and a longitudinal axis, where the zigzag shaped annular elements are arranged side by side across the longitudinal axis of the vessel support, where zigzag shaped annular elements are linked to at least one further annular element by means of at least one bending element which is comprised either of a pair of S-shaped bars or of a pair of bow shaped bars which are located diametrically on the circumference and whose apertures show into opposite directions.