| abstract |
This invention relates to an deformable stent or catheter formed of a shape-memory polymeric material (SMP). The stent is originally molded into a desired configuration for treatment of a variety of medical treatments. Subsequently, the stent can be deformed to a second configuration selected to facilitate implantation. Either during implantation or after implantation, the stent can be stimulated to induce it to deform, for example, but not restricted to reverting to the original molded configuration or an approximation of that configuration. |