A stent is provided comprising a plurality of hoops aligned along a common axis, wherein each of the hoops is oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stent. Each of the hoops includes a plurality of elongate elements joined to one another and forming apices that point in a direction along the axis of the stent. The stent also comprises means for securing an apex of one hoop to a juxtaposed apex of a neighboring hoop.