DEPLOYABLE AND RETRIEVABLE SHAPE MEMORY STENT/TUBE AND METHOD

摘要

A method for the deployment and retrieval of a tubular member. The method is achieved by first introducing a tubular member having a first diameter to a preselected treatment site, wherein said tubular member exhibits shape memory characteristics. The tubular member is then expanded to a second diameter at the treatment site and deployed at the treatment site. After a predetermined time, the tubular member is retrieved from the treatment site by causing the tubular member to return to its first diameter and withdrawing the tubular member from the treatment site. A tubular member with shape memory characteristics for use in accordance with the method is also provided.