| abstract |
A temporary stent (10) for supporting a region of a vessel in a body comprising a composite stent portion (14) and an actuator portion (18) and methods for the use and manufacture thereof. The composite stent portion (14) is comprised of an elongate perfusable vessel supporting portion adapted to be configurable between a reduced size for placement in the vessel and removal therefrom and an expanded size for structurally supporting the vessel and perfusable end portions (30,34) connected to and forming ends of the vessel supporting portion and adapted to allow fluid flow therethrough. The composite stent portion (14) is comprised of a plurality of resilient metallic wires coated with a polymeric material to provide stability for both lifting and maintaining a vessel. A method is disclosed for deployment of the composite stent to maintain vessel patency during occurrence of an intimal flap, vasoconstriction or vasospasm. |