Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent, which combines many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal stents while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, a principal objective in accordance with the present invention is to provide a family of stents where the relative hardness/softness of regions of the stent can differ from other regions of the stent to provide additional patient comfort and resistance to radial forces. An exemplary embodiment also provides a family of stents with novel interstice configurations that facilitate flexibility, durability and/or proper installation.