Endolumenal prostheses that readily and extensively convert from a
delivery configuration to a deployed configuration are disclosed.
Endolumenal prostheses may be fabricated from one or more shape memory
polymers, a high modulus elastomer, a polymer that is both elastomeric
and exhibits shape memory behavior, a hydrogel, or some combination
thereof. Polymers used to fabricate the prostheses are selectively
synthesized to exhibit desired characteristics such as crystallinity,
strain fixity rate, strain recovery rate, elasticity, tensile strength,
mechanical strength, cross-linking density, extent physical
cross-linking, extent of covalent cross-linking, extent of
interpenetrating networks, rate of erosion, heat of fusion,
crystallization temperature, and acidity during erosion. The endolumenal
prostheses convert to the deployed configuration following delivery to a
treatment site, upon exposure to an initiator either present within the
body naturally or introduced into the body.