Patent attributes
Improved endoprostheses comprising a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration and methods of manufacture are disclosed. Some embodiments according to the invention comprise woven tubular structures and means for maintaining said structures in their expanded configurations. In one embodiment of the invention, locking elements disposed on one or more fibers maintain said endoprosthesis in its deployed configuration. In alternative embodiments, one or more axial members may maintain said endoprosthesis in its deployed configuration. In yet additional alternative embodiments, a chemical bond or thermocouple may maintain said endoprosthesis in its deployed configuration. Some embodiments according to the invention may comprise erodible material.
