Shape memory polymer stent

摘要

The shape memory polymer stent or intravascular flow modifier is made from a polymer having shape memory properties so as to be self expanding. The stent can be formed as an extruded tube having a truss-like design, and formed from a polymer having shape memory properties, or can be formed as a tube woven from extruded strands of a polymer having shape memory properties. The stent of the invention can be compressed over a mounting portion of a pusher catheter for deployment within the vasculature. The stent can then be inserted into the vasculature and maneuvered into a desired location mounted on the pusher catheter, and heat can be transferred to the stent from the pusher catheter to cause the stent to radially expand and axially retract to deploy the stent in the vasculature, and allow the pusher catheter to be retracted from the vasculature.