A flexible stent structure includes a plurality of axially spaced strutportions defining generally tubular axial segments of the stent andconstructed to be radially expandable. A helical portion is interposed axiallybetween two strut portions and has a plurality of helical elements connectedbetween circumferentially spaced locations on the two strut portions. Thehelical elements extend helically between those locations and the length of ahelical element is sufficient so that, when the stent is in a radiallyexpanded state, it can simultaneously withstand repeated axial compression orexpansion and bending.
