Intraluminal medical device having varialble axial flexibility about the circumference of the device

This invention concerns expandable intraluminal medical devices for use within a body passageway or duct, wherein the devices exhibit differing degrees of flexibility around the circumference of the device. In one embodiment the device comprises a plurality of components in a tubular configuration positioned between first and second open ends, the tubular configuration having a longitudinal axis extending between the ends, the plurality of components comprised of a plurality of hoop components being formed as a continuous series of substantially longitudinally oriented radial strut members and a plurality of radial arc members connecting circumferentially adjacent radial struts, and a plurality of connecting elements having first and second ends, which first and second ends bridge adjacent radial strut members and/or radial arc members, wherein the tubular configuration of the device has a first circumferential segment substantially extending the length of the device, the first circumferential segment exhibiting relatively greater axial stiffness and a second circumferential segment substantially extending the length of the device, the second circumferential segment exhibiting relatively greater axial flexibility.