The present invention relates to expandable stents with a geometric design that exhibits a high degree of flexibility and significant radial strength. The stents of the present invention comprise a generally cylindrically shaped main body having a plurality of expandable first and second circumferential elements. When the stent is expanded, the second circumferential element forms a ring- or hoop-like structure. In certain embodiments, the main body contains a plurality of expandable first, second and third circumferential elements where both the second and third circumferential elements form a ring- or hoop-like structure when expanded. The stent may further comprise an end zone that caps the main body, or two end zones positioned at both ends of the main body.
