Disclosed is a stent having struts with reverse direction curvature for providing a reduced compressed profile and an increased expanded profile. The strut configuration comprises a plurality of arcuate sections facing in opposite convex and a concave orientation. The strut width may be gradually decreased from its ends towards the struts mid-section to redistribute maximal strains away from portions of the stent more susceptible to permanent deformation, such as the loop portions. Varying strut lengths to offset the maximum circumferential widths of adjacent portions of the stent may further reduce the compressed stent profile. The varied stent lengths may also contribute to an increased expanded stent profile. Stents with the reverse direction curvature strut design can obtain an expanded to compressed stent diameter ratio of about 7:1 compared to conventional stents that have a ratio of up to about 5:1. The curved strut can be utilized with any stent design.
