We present a novel mathematical model to study the mechanical properties of endovascular stents in their expanded state. The model is based on the theory of slender curved rods. Stent struts are modeled as linearly elastic curved rods that satisfy the kinematic and dynamic contact conditions at the vertices where the struts meet. A weak formulation for the stent problem is defined and a Finite Element Method for a numerical computation of its solution is used to study mechanical properties of two commonly used coronary stents (Palmaz-like and Xience-like stent) in their expanded, fractured state. A simple fracture (separation), corresponding to one stent strut being disconnected from one vertex in a stent, was considered. Our results show a drastic difference in the response of the two stents to the physiologically reasonable uniform compression and bending forces.