Patent ID: 6123715
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: A61B,A61F,B21F,D04C,D10B,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of forming a medical device comprising the steps of:(a) providing a metal fabric formed of a plurality of strands, the strands being formed of a metal which can be heat treated to substantially set a desired shape;(b) deforming the metal fabric outwardly to generally conform to an internal surface of a molding element;(c) heat treating the metal fabric in contact with the internal surface of the molding element at an elevated temperature, the temperature and the duration of the heat treatment being sufficient to substantially set the shape of the fabric in its deformed state; and(d) removing the metal fabric from contact with the internal surface of the molding element, whereby the metal fabric defines a medical device which can be collapsed for passage through a catheter for deployment in a channel of the patient's body.