Bioabsorbable self-expanding endolumenal devices

Abstract

The present invention is directed to bioabsorbable self-expanding medical devices for use inside or outside body conduits that self-expand at, or below, normal human body temperature without requisite for a polymeric thermal transition

1 . An implantable medical device comprising: 
 an integral framework delimiting a multiplicity of fenestrations, said framework comprising a non-blended hydrolyzable polymeric material; and    wherein said framework is substantially tubular in shape and radially expands from a compressed first diameter to an uncompressed second diameter equal to or greater than 1.5 times said first diameter within two minutes following application and release of a compressive force while immersed in an aqueous medium at 37 degrees centigrade without requisite for an extrinsically applied force and without requisite for a thermal transition.    
   
   
       2 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1  wherein said Integral framework does not change axial length significantly as said integral framework expands radially.  
   
   
       3 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1  wherein the device is a stent.  
   
   
       4 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1  wherein said integral framework has elements with different cross-sectional dimensions.  
   
   
       5 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1  wherein said integral framework has elements comprising bioabsorbable material having different chemical compositions.  
   
   
       6 . The implantable medical device of  claim 2  wherein the stent has a fenestration pattern substantially as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
   
   
       7 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1  wherein the non-blended hydrolyzable polymeric material is a tri-block co-polymer of poly(glycolide) and poly(trimethylenecarbonate).  
   
   
       8 - 36 . (canceled)