#$%^&*AU2014201135B220151203.pdf#####ABSTRACT The present invention relates generally to expandable tubular structures capable of insertion into small spaces in living bodies and, more particularly, concerns a stent structure which is capable of substantial and repeated flexing at points along its length without mechanical failures and with no substantial changes in its geometry. The invention provides a flexible stent structure including a plurality of axially spaced strut portions defining generally tubular axial segments of the stent and constructed to be radially expandable. A helical portion is interposed axially between two strut portions and has a plurality of helical elements connected between circumferentially spaced locations on the two strut portions. The helical elements extend helically between those locations and the length of a helical element is sufficient so that, when the stent is in a radially expanded state, it can simultaneously withstand repeated axial compression or expansion and bending. Fig 1A1/15 U WA IR I k"WV IIK',WIM$,；W I II ~ xu xP . r"'h Oil
