Medical devices including metallic films and methods for making same

Abstract

An endoprosthesis for deployment within a body passage includes a framework and a metallic film, which can circumferentially surround the framework or be surrounded by the framework. The framework and metallic film can be attached without using a third material, e.g., without sewing. The framework can define a circumferential recess along at least a portion of its length and circumference. The recess accommodates at least a portion of the metallic film therein.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An endoprosthesis for deployment within a body passage, comprising:
 a framework having first and second ends; and   a tubular member comprising a metallic film having a thickness of about 50 μm or less and being generally coextensive with at least a portion of the framework, the framework and tubular member retained with respect to one another by a filament at a plurality of retention sites, each retention site located at substantially the same distance from the first end of the framework.   
     
     
         22 . The endoprosthesis of claim  1 , wherein the plurality of retention sites are located closer to the first end of the framework than to the second end of the framework. 
     
     
         23 . The endoprosthesis of claim  1 , wherein the plurality of retention sites are located closer to the second end of the framework than to the first end of the framework. 
     
     
         24 . The endoprosthesis of claim  1 , wherein the tubular member comprises a plurality of fenestrations and the framework comprises a plurality of framework members such that the filament passes through the fenestrations and at least partially around the framework members. 
     
     
         25 . The endoprosthesis of claim  4 , wherein the filament at least partially encircles the framework. 
     
     
         26 . The endoprosthesis of claim  5 , wherein the tubular member is compressed between the filament and the framework. 
     
     
         27 . The endoprosthesis of claim  1 , wherein the metallic film is a deposited metallic film comprising nickel and titanium. 
     
     
         28 . An endoprosthesis for deployment within a body passage, comprising:
 a framework having first and second ends; and   a tubular member comprising a metallic film having a thickness of about 50 μm or less and being generally coextensive with at least a portion of the framework, the framework and tubular member retained with respect to one another by one filament at one retention site.   
     
     
         29 . The endoprosthesis of claim  8 , wherein the retention site is located closer to the first end of the framework than to the second end of the framework. 
     
     
         30 . The endoprosthesis of claim  8 , wherein the retention site is located closer to the second end of the framework than to the first end of the framework. 
     
     
         31 . The endoprosthesis of claim  8 , wherein the tubular member includes adjacent fenestrations such that the filament passes through the adjacent fenestrations and at least partially around a framework member. 
     
     
         32 . The endoprosthesis of claim  8 , wherein the filament allows radial and/or longitudinal movement between the tubular member and framework. 
     
     
         33 . The endoprosthesis of claim  8 , wherein the filament does not allow radial and/or longitudinal movement between the tubular member bad framework. 
     
     
         34 . The endoprosthesis of claim  8 , wherein the metallic film is a deposited metallic film comprising nickel and titanium. 
     
     
         35 . An endoprosthesis for deployment within a body passage, comprising:
 a framework having first and second ends; and   a tubular member comprising a metallic film having a thickness of about 50 μm or less and being generally coextensive with at least a portion of the framework, the framework and tubular member retained with respect to one another by a plurality of filaments at a plurality of retention sites, each retention site located at substantially the same distance from the first end of the framework.   
     
     
         36 . The endoprosthesis of claim  15 , wherein the plurality of retention sites are located closer to the first end of the framework than to the second end of the framework. 
     
     
         37 . The endoprosthesis of claim  15 , wherein the plurality of retention sites are located closer to the second end of the framework than to the first end of the framework. 
     
     
         38 . The endoprosthesis of claim  15 , wherein the tubular member includes adjacent fenestrations such that a single filament passes through adjacent fenestrations and at least partially around a framework member at a single retention site. 
     
     
         39 . The endoprosthesis of claim  15 , wherein the metallic film is a deposited metallic film comprising nickel and titanium.