Flexible self-expandable stent using a shape memory alloy and method and apparatus for fabricating the same

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a flexible self-expandable stent using shape memory alloy for expanding stenosal portions and method and apparatus for fabricating the same. The self-expandable stent using shape memory allow, comprises a first cylindrical stent member comprised of a first wire formed of super elastic shape memory alloy, the first wire being bent a large number of times while being extended upwardly and downwardly a large number of times, so the first wire forms a plurality of variable rhombic spaces by forming a plurality of intersections for causing the first wire to be intersected with itself to resist longitudinal constriction of the first cylindrical stent member and a plurality of interlocked points for causing the first wire to be interlocked with itself at spaced positions to allow longitudinal constriction of the first cylindrical stent member; and a second cylindrical stent member comprised of a second wire formed of super elastic shape memory alloy, the second wire being diagonally extended in parallel with the previously positioned first wire and passed alternately under and over the first wire so as to divide each of a plurality of rhombic spaces formed in the first cylindrical stent member into four equal parts, thereby preventing the first and second cylindrical stent members from being separated from each other.

1 - 3 . (canceled)  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus for fabricating self-expandable stent using shape memory allow, comprising: 
 a cylinder having the same diameter and length as those of a self-expandable stent to be fabricated;    a plurality of assembly grooves formed along circumference dividing lines and a length of said cylinder, said circumference dividing lines being set by regularly dividing a circumference of said cylinder;    a fixed projected pin implanted on an uppermost portion of said cylinder.    
   
   
       5 . The apparatus according to  claim 4 , further comprising a plurality of assembly auxiliary grooves, said assembly auxiliary grooves being each formed between two neighboring assembly grooves.