Patent ID: 8043361
Filing Date: 2011-10-25
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A tubular endoprosthesis comprising a shape memory polymeric material, the endoprosthesis having at least one longitudinal element, a wall of the endoprosthesis surrounding at least a portion of the at least one longitudinal element, the endoprosthesis having a collapsed position that can be reverted to a first expanded position larger than the collapsed position by heating the wall to a first temperature subsequent to insertion of the endoprosthesis into a cavity or lumen in a mammal, wherein the endoprosthesis can be further expanded from the first expanded position to a second expanded position within the cavity or lumen in the mammal by heating the wall to a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature, said polymeric material comprising a hard segment, a first soft segment having a first transition temperature, and a second soft segment having a second transition temperature, wherein heating the endoprosthesis above the first transition temperature reverts the collapsed position to the first expanded position and wherein heating the endoprosthesis in the first expanded position above the second transition temperature expands the endoprosthesis from the first expanded position to the second expanded position.