Self-expandable, woven intravascular devices for use as stents (both
straight and tapered), filters (both temporary and permanent) and
occluders for insertion and implantation into a variety of anatomical
structures. The devices may be formed from shape memory metals such as
nitinol. The devices may also be formed from biodegradable materials.
Delivery systems for the devices include two hollow tubes that operate
coaxially. A device is secured to the tubes prior to the implantation and
delivery of the device by securing one end of the device to the outside
of the inner tube and by securing the other end of the device to the
outside of the outer tube. The stents may be partially or completely
covered by graft materials, but may also be bare. The devices may be
formed from a single wire. The devices may be formed by either hand or
machine weaving. The devices may be created by bending shape memory wires
around tabs projecting from a template, and weaving the ends of the wires
to create the body of the device such that the wires cross each other to
form a plurality of angles, at least one of the angles being obtuse. The
value of the obtuse angle may be increased by axially compressing the
body.