Abstract: A self-expanding, tapered profile stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, is disclosed. The stent is constructed of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common longitudinal stent axis and interconnected by one or more interconnecting members placed so that the stent is flexible in the longitudinal direction. The lengths of the cylindrical elements increase from one end of the stent to the opposite end by increasing the lengths of the struts and the lengths of the interconnecting members. Each cylindrical element is formed from repeating patterns of upright V's and inverted V's connected by straight strut arms with shoulders to create an overall serpentine wave pattern around the circumference. A step, continuous, parabolic, or curved taper in the stent can be imparted by using an expansion mandrel and applying deforming forces to the stent. The stent is made from pseudoelastic and shape memory alloys.