Controlled detachment stents

A stent is provided with specific "designated detachment" points or zones, such that after the stent is deployed, the stress applied on the stent will cause the stent to detach at these designated detachment points or zones. When the detachment occurs completely around the circumference of the stent, the stent separates into stent segments, each able to move with the vessel independently of the other stent segments. The components at the designated detachment zones may have a cross-sectional area sufficiently low so that the components will detach under the stress placed on the stent after implantation. Alternatively or additionally, the components at the designated detachment zones may be made of a material that is sufficiently weaker so that the components will detach under the stress placed on the stent after implantation. The stent may have a lower number of components at the designated detachment zones than in the stent segments.