An expandable stent comprising a proximal end and a distal end in communication
with one another and a tubular wall disposed between the proximal end and the distal
end. The tubular wall has a longitudinal axis and a porous surface defined by a
plurality of intersecting members comprising a series of longitudinal struts disposed
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stent. Each longitudinal
strut in the series comprises flexure means for substantially complementary extension
and compression of a diametrically opposed pair of the longitudinal struts upon
flexure of the stent. The stent is expandable from a first, contracted position
to a second, expanded position upon the application of a radially outward force
on the stent. The provision of such flexure means in the series of struts leads
to a very desirable balance of lateral flexibility of the unexpanded stent and
radial rigidity of the expanded stent.
