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.
