IMPROVED ENDOPROSTHESES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE

摘要

Improved endoprostheses comprising a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration and methods of manufacture are disclosed. Some embodiments according to the invention comprise woven tubular structures and means for maintaining said structures in their expanded configurations. In one embodiment of the invention, locking elements (12, 14) disposed on one or mo re fibers (15, 17) maintain said endoprosthesis in its deployed configuration. In alternative embodiments, one or more axial members may maintain said endoprosthesis in its deployed configuration. In yet additional alternative embodiments, a chemical bond or thermocouple may maintain said endoprosthesi s in its deployed configuration. Some embodiments according to the invention m ay comprise erodible material.