<；P>；PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stent for implanting in the body, that is to provide a flexible stent which minimally shrinks, in the longitudinal direction, during expansion. <；P>；SOLUTION: The stent is formed of a tube having a patterned shape which has, in an expanded and developed state: a. first meander patterns having an axis extended in a first direction； and b. second meander patterns having an axis extended in a second direction different from the first direction； wherein the second meander patterns are intertwined with the first meander patterns to form an almost uniform distribution structure； wherein the first patterns are connected with the second patterns so that a part of the second meander patterns is placed between the second meander patterns and a neighboring pair of the first meander patterns； and wherein the second meander patterns are connected so that a loop of the first meander patterns is formed between the first meander patterns and a pair of the second meaner patterns. <；P>；COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
