MEDICAL DEVICES FORMED FROM SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS DISPLAYING A STRESS-RETAINED MARTENSITIC STATE AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF

摘要

A method is disclosed for utilizing a deformable article of manufacture 110 formed at least partly of a shape memory alloy. The method includes the steps of deforming the article from a first predetermined configuration to a second predetermined configuration while the shape memory alloy is, at least partially, in its stable martensitic state and at a first temperature. A resisting force is applied to the deformed article of manufacture using a restraining means and the article is heated from the first temperature to a second temperature in the presence of the resisting force. The stable martensitic state is transformed to a metastable stress-retained martensitic state. The resisting force is then removed allowing the article to transform to its austenitic state and the shape of the article to be restored substantially to its first configuration. Devices, primarily medical devices 110 employing this method, are also disclosed.