A stent comprises a plurality of serpentine circumferential bands and a
plurality of connector columns. Each connector column is located between
two adjacent serpentine circumferential bands and comprises a plurality
connector struts. Each connector strut is connected at one end to one
serpentine circumferential band and at another end to another serpentine
circumferential band. Each connector strut has step sections and at least
one riser. Each step section extends substantially in a circumferential
direction and each riser extends in a substantially longitudinal
direction. The steps in a connector are connected to one another via a
riser.