Objective To design a novel high performance stent with preferable axial flexibility by using smaller strut thickness and less metal coverage which would not compromise its radial strength, so as to reduce the in-stent restenosis. Methods Based on researches about deformation properties of both the symmetric and asymmetric cell structures, the new stent structure was designed and analyzed through numerical simulation. The radial strength and bending stiffness tests were performed to evaluate the stent made by the new design. Results The proposed design possessed a higher radial strength, smaller metal coverage and good flexibility, which would be beneficial for the reduction of in-stent restenosis. Conclusions The asymmetric structure-based stent design method is effective, by which a high performance stent design can be obtained.