A circumferentially connected stent in a non-expanded state with a longitudinal axis, includes a first expansion column strut pair having a first expansion strut, a second expansion strut with a joining strut. The first expansion column strut pair defines a chevron shaped slot, and a plurality of the first expansion strut pair forms a first expansion column. A second expansion column strut pair includes a first expansion strut, a second expansion strut and a joining strut. The second expansion column strut pair defines a chevron shaped slot, and a plurality of the second expansion strut pair forms a second expansion column. A first serial connecting strut column is formed of a plurality of first connecting struts, and the first connecting strut column couples the first expansion column to the second expansion column.
