a stent and method of its use , the stent in its expanded configuration , exhibiting varying outward radial force along its length . in use , the expanded stent is of a tapered configuration which provides greater force in vessel regions requiring greater force and less force in regions requiring less . in particular the stent is useful in the ostium regions and at areas of bifurcation in vessels . varying force over the length of the stent is achieved by varying the number of elements , the density of elements , the thickness of the elements making up the stent body , and maintaining a substantially metal to artery ratio in the expanded stent over its length .