Patent ID: 8348990
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: A61F,A61L

Abstract:
1. An implantable medical device, comprising: a generally tubular member having a plurality of interconnected structural members in spaced apart relationship and a plurality of interstitial openings passing through a wall surface of the generally tubular member, at least some of the plurality of interconnected structural members being interconnected in an articulated fashion defining hinge regions such that the generally tubular member is circumferentially expansible and longitudinally flexible, wherein at least some of the hinge regions comprise first hinge regions that operate to permit at least one of elastic or pseudoelastic circumferential expansion in vivo and at least some of the hinge regions comprise second hinge regions that operate to permit at least one of plastic or pseudoplastic deformation along the longitudinal axis of the device in vivo, wherein the generally tubular member further comprises a nickel-titanium alloy, and wherein the second hinge regions further have a higher transition temperature than the remainder of the generally tubular member.