US Patent 8343211 Connectors for bifurcated stent

A stent assembly comprises a second stent body and a substantially tubular first stent body defining a first lumen and containing a side branch opening. In an undeployed state, the second stent body is at least partially comprised of rings having peaks and valleys at least some of the valleys of adjacent rings being interconnected by bridges. In an expanded state, the rings of the second stent body define a second lumen opening in fluid communication with the first lumen. The second lumen has superior body vessel coverage and is flexible enough to form an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the first stent body.