Bioabsorbable marker having radiopaque constituents and method of using the same

Abstract

A temporary bioabsorbable-radiopaque marker for use on an implantable endoprosthesis. The bioabsorbable-radiopaque marker is adapted to be disposed on or adjacent an implantable endoprosthesis in a body lumen for a predetermined amount of time until the bioabsorbable and radiopaque materials are absorbed or dispersed in the body.

1 - 46 . (canceled)  
     
     
         47 . A method, comprising: 
 imaging a medical device with X-rays, the medical device having a first radiopacity; and    imaging the medical device with a magnetic field, the medical device having a second radiopacity less than the first radiopacity.    
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the medical device comprises a biodegradable composition.  
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the biodegradable composition is in the form of a coating.  
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the medical device is imaged with the magnetic field after imaging the medical device with X-rays.  
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 47 , further comprising implanting the medical device.  
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the medical device is imaged with the magnetic field after implanting the medical device.  
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the medical device comprises an endoprosthesis.  
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the medical device comprises a stent.  
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the endoprosthesis comprises a polymer.  
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the medical device comprises an occlusive device.  
     
     
         57 . A method, comprising: 
 imaging a medical device with a first imaging technique;    changing the visibility of the medical device, as imaged by the first imaging technique; and    imaging the medical device with a second imaging technique different than the first imaging technique.    
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 57 , wherein the first imaging technique comprises applying X-rays.  
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 57 , wherein the second imaging technique is selected from the group consisting of ultrasound, magnetic resonance, and endoscopy.  
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 57 , wherein the medical device comprises a biodegradable composition.  
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 60 , wherein the biodegradable composition is in the form of a coating.  
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 57 , wherein the medical device is imaged with the second imaging technique after imaging the medical device with the first technique.  
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 57 , further comprising implanting the medical device.  
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein the medical device is imaged with the second technique after implanting the medical device.  
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 57 , wherein the medical device comprises an endoprosthesis.  
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein the medical device comprises a stent.  
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein the endoprosthesis comprises a polymer.  
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 57 , wherein the medical device comprises an occlusive device.  
     
     
         69 . An implantable medical device, comprising a radiopaque composition capable of diminishing in radiopacity after the device has been implanted in a body.  
     
     
         70 . The device of  claim 69 , wherein the composition is biodegradable.  
     
     
         71 . The device of  claim 70 , wherein the composition is in the form of a coating.  
     
     
         72 . The device of  claim 69 , wherein the medical device comprises an endoprosthesis.  
     
     
         73 . The device of  claim 72 , wherein the medical device comprises a stent.  
     
     
         74 . The device of  claim 72 , wherein the endoprosthesis comprises a polymer.  
     
     
         75 . The device of  claim 69 , wherein the medical device comprises an occlusive device.