A peripheral stent with individual segments reduces the occurrence of fatigue fracture failure seen in vessels and tubes having bending and twisting movement. Segments can be attached via connecting fibers that biodegrade and offer the segments freedom of movement. The segments are balloon-expandable but will not be crushed by external forces placed upon the stent. Hinges and struts provide the stent with a plastic deformation during expansion and remain elastic if exposed to an oval shape. The segments overlap each other to provide improved scaffolding of the vessel wall and a greater flexibility during delivery. A composite stent having both balloon-expandable and self-expanding character has application in the venous system.
