Patent ID: 8529616
Filing Date: 2013-09-10
Classification: A61F,A61L

Abstract:
1. A method of making a geometrically expansible, implantable stent comprising the steps of: forming a stent having a plurality of circumferential ring members having first hinge members, a plurality of interconnecting members each comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a second hinge member disposed between the first and second portions, wherein the interconnecting members are configured to connect adjacent pairs of circumferential ring members, the plurality of circumferential ring members, the first hinge members and the plurality of interconnecting members having an austenitic phase in vivo, and wherein both the first and second portions of each interconnecting member are oblique to the second hinge member at a point immediately adjacent to a junction between the second hinge member and either the first or second portions; and selectively altering the mechanical properties of at least some of the second hinge members to form a martensitic region in the second hinge members to behave pseudoplastically under in vivo conditions, while maintaining the austenitic phase in vivo in the first and second portions, wherein the second hinge members are substantially non-collinear with other regions of the interconnecting members when the second hinge members behave pseudoplastically under in vivo conditions.