A self-expanding stent for implantation into a body lumen, such as an artery,
includes
a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a
common longitudinal stent axis and interconnected by a plurality of interconnecting
members placed on the stent in a collinear arrangement to create at least one continuous
spine which extends along the length of the stent. The cylindrical elements are
nested when placed in a collapsed position. The cylindrical elements may include
a W-shared portion to which the interconnecting members attach.
