Devices and methods for forming stenting structures in situ

• US 20040260381A1
• Filed: 08/06/2003
• Published: 12/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/18/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: D-Crown Limited
• Original Assignee: D-Crown Limited
• Inventors: Kutscher, Tuvia Dror, Marco, Doron
• Application Number:
  US10/636,927
• Publication Number:
  US 20040260381A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/1.11
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/86 Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/95 Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/966 with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0067 Means for introducing or releasing pharmaceutical products into the body

Abstract

Described here are devices and methods for delivering and deploying prostheses having stenting properties within body lumens. More specifically, stent precursor structures, delivery assemblies, and methods for delivering and deploying stent precursor members to form stenting structures at a selected target site within a body lumen are described. In some variations, the stent precursor members are made of super-elastic materials, in other variations, the stent precursor members are made of plastic materials. The stent precursor member may optionally be loaded with, coated by, or otherwise made to release a biologically active agent. The stent precursor structure may optionally include a guide member to support the stent precursor member. In some variations, the guide member is made of super-elastic materials or plastic materials.

Claims

1. A structure for delivering stent precursors to a selected site in a body lumen, comprising:

a.) a delivery element having a proximal end, and

b.) at least one stent precursor member,

i.) wherein the delivery element is configured to release the at least one stent precursor member when the at least one stent precursor member moves proximally relative to the delivery element, and

ii.) wherein the at least one stent precursor member is configured to be releasable from the delivery element upon the proximal movement relative to the delivery element and to form a stent structure.

2. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 1 where the delivery element is noncaged.

3. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 1 where the delivery element further comprises at least one guide member.

4. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 3 where the at least one guide member comprises a super-elastic material.

5. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 4 where the group consisting of nickel-titanium alloys, copper-zinc alloys, and nickel-aluminum alloys.

6. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 5 where the super-elastic material comprises nitinol.

7. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 2 where the at least one guide member comprises a plastic material.

8. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 7 where the plastic material is selected from the group consisting of stainless steels, polyurethanes, ethers, acrylates, olefins, propylene, butenes, butadiene, styrene, and thermoplastic olefin elastomers, polydimethyl siloxane-based polymers, polyethyleneterephthalate, cross-linked polymers, non-cross linked polymers, rayon, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, nitrocellulose, natural rubbers, polyesters, lactides, glycolides, caprolactones and their copolymers and acid derivatives, hydroxybutyrate and polyhydroxyvalerate and their copolymers, polyether esters, anhydrides, hexadecandioic acid, and orthoesters.

9. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 8 where the plastic material comprises a stainless steel.

10. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 8 where the plastic material comprises a polymer.

11. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 3 where the at least one stent precursor member is adherent to the at least one guide member.

12. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 3 where the at least one stent precursor member is adhesively attached to the at least one guide member.

13. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 3 where the at least one stent precursor member is adherent to the at least one guide member substantially along the length of the at least one stent precursor member.

14. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 13 where the at least one stent precursor member comprises more than one stent precursor member.

15. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 2 where the at least one stent precursor member comprises more than one stent precursor member.

16. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 15 where the stent precursor members are configured to release simultaneously from the guide member.

17. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 15 where the more than one stent precursor members are configured to release sequentially from the guide member.

18. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 15 further comprising one or more clasps releasably holding stent precursor members not to be released from the bundle as another stent precursor member is released sequentially from the delivery element.

19. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 18 wherein the one or more clasps comprise electrolytically releasable clasps.

20. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 2 where the at least one self-forming stent precursor member comprises a super-elastic material.

21. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 20 where the super-elastic material is selected from the group consisting of nickel-titanium alloys, copper-zinc alloys, and nickel-aluminum alloys.

22. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 20 where the super-elastic material comprises nitinol.

23. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 2 where the at least one stent precursor member comprises a plastic material and is of dimensions such that the at least one stent precursor member is plastically deformed upon forming the stent structure.

24. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 23 where the plastic material is selected from the group consisting of stainless steels, polyurethanes, ethers, acrylates, olefins, propylene, butenes, butadiene, styrene, and thermoplastic olefin elastomers, polydimethyl siloxane-based polymers, polyethyleneterephthalate, cross-linked polymers, non-cross linked polymers, rayon, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, nitrocellulose, natural rubbers, polyesters, lactides, glycolides, caprolactones and their copolymers and acid derivatives, hydroxybutyrate and :

polyhydroxyvalerate and their copolymers, polyether esters, anhydrides, hexadecandioic acid, and orthoesters.

25. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 23 where the plastic material comprises a stainless steel.

26. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 23 where the plastic material comprises a polymer.

27. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 2 where the at least one stent precursor member includes at least a first portion comprising a super-elastic material and at least a second portion comprising a plastic material and having dimensions such that the at least the second portion is plastically deformed upon forming the stent structure.

28. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 27 where the super-elastic material at least first portion comprising a super-elastic material is configured to form a bend in the stent structure upon release from the delivery element.

29. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 2 where the at least one stent precursor member includes at least one bi-metallic portion configured to form a bend in the stent structure upon release from the delivery element.

30. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 2 where the at least one stent precursor member is self-forming into the stent structure upon release from the delivery element.

31. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 30 where the at least one self-forming stent precursor member has been substantially straightened prior to release.

32. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 30 where the at least one self-forming stent precursor member comprises a super-elastic material.

33. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 32 where the super-elastic material comprises nitinol.

34. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 2 where the at least one stent precursor member is self-expanding into the stent structure upon release from the delivery element.

35. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 34 where the at least one self-expanding stent precursor member has been substantially straightened prior to release.

36. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 2 further comprising a forming member configured to release the at least one stent precursor member from the delivery element.

37. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 36 where the forming member is configured to form the at least one stent precursor member into the stent structure.

38. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 36 where the forming member is configured to bend the stent precursor member in a direction having a radial component.

39. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 36 where the forming member is configured to bend the stent precursor member in a direction having a proximal component.

40. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 36 where the forming member is configured to bend the stent precursor member in a direction having a distal component.

41. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 36 where the forming member is adjustable to provide for bending the stent precursor member in different directions.

42. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 36 where the forming member is adjacent a distal end of the release member.

43. The stent precursor,delivery device of claim 36 where the forming member is not adjacent a distal end of the release member.

44. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 36 where the forming member further comprises an inflatable balloon adjacent a distal end of the release member.

45. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 36 where the forming member is proximal of the inflatable balloon.

46. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 36 where, the forming member comprises a tubular member.

47. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 46 where the tubular member includes a distally extending section having a diameter smaller than the more proximal section.

67. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 2 where the at least one self-forming stent precursor member comprises a super-elastic material.

68. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 67 where the super-elastic material is selected from the group consisting of nickel-titanium alloys, copper-zinc alloys, and nickel-aluminum alloys.

69. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 67 where the super-elastic material comprises nitinol.

70. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 2 where the at least one stent precursor member comprises a plastic material and is of dimensions such that the at least one stent precursor member is plastically deformed upon forming the stent structure.

71. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 70 where the plastic material is selected from the group consisting of stainless steels, polyurethanes, ethers, acrylates, olefins, propylene, butenes, butadiene, styrene, and thermoplastic olefin elastomers, polydimethyl siloxane-based polymers, polyethyleneterephthalate, cross-linked polymers, non-cross linked polymers, rayon, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, nitrocellulose, natural rubbers, polyesters, lactides, glycolides, caprolactones and their copolymers and acid derivatives, hydroxybutyrate and polyhydroxyvalerate and their copolymers, polyether esters, anhydrides, hexadecandioic acid, and orthoesters.

72. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 70 where the plastic material comprises a stainless steel.

73. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 70 where the plastic material comprises a polymer.

74. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 2 where the at least one stent precursor member includes at least a first portion comprising a super-elastic material and at least a second portion comprising a plastic material and having dimensions such that the at least the second portion is plastically deformed upon forming the stent structure.

75. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 74 where the super-elastic material at least first portion comprising a super-elastic material is configured to form a bend in the stent structure upon release from the delivery element.

76. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 2 where the at least one stent precursor member includes at least one bi-metallic portion configured to form a bend in the stent structure upon release from the delivery element.

77. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 2 where the at least one stent precursor member is self-forming into the stent structure upon release from the delivery element.

78. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 77 where the at least one self-forming stent precursor member has been substantially straightened prior to release.

79. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 77 where the at least one self-forming stent precursor member comprises a super-elastic material.

80. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 79 where the super-elastic material comprises nitinol.

81. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 2 where the at least one stent precursor member is self-expanding into the stent structure upon release from the delivery element.

82. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 81 where the at least one self-expanding stent precursor member has been substantially straightened prior to release.

83. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 2 further comprising a forming member configured to release the at least one stent precursor member from the delivery element.

84. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 83 where the forming member is configured to form the at least one stent precursor member into the stent structure.

85. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 83 where the forming member is configured to bend the stent precursor member in a direction having a radial component.

86. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 83 where the forming member is configured to bend the stent precursor member in a direction having a proximal component.

87. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 83 where the forming member is configured to bend the stent precursor member in a direction having a distal component.

88. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 83 where the forming member is adjustable to provide for bending the stent precursor member in different directions.

89. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 83 where the forming member is adjacent a distal end of the release member.

90. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 83 where the forming member is not adjacent a distal end of the release member.

91. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 83 where the forming member further comprises an inflatable balloon adjacent a distal end of the release member.

92. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 83 where the forming member is proximal of the inflatable balloon.

93. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 83 where the forming member comprises a tubular member.

94. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 93 where the tubular member includes a distally extending section having a diameter smaller than the more proximal section.

164. A method for delivering stent precursors to a selected site in a body lumen, comprising the steps of:

a.) passing to a selected site in a body lumen, a structure comprising one selected from the structures recited in claims 1-163,

b.) releasing at least one stent precursor member, and

c.) forming a stent structure.

165. The method of claim 164 where the step of releasing at least one stent precursor member comprises releasing more than one stent precursor member.

166. The method of claim 164 where the step of releasing at least one stent precursor member comprises releasing more than one stent precursor member.

167. The method of claim 164 further comprising the step of reforming the stenting structure with a balloon.

48. A structure for delivering stent precursors to a selected site in a body lumen, comprising:

a.) a non-caged delivery element having a distal end, and

b.) at least one stent precursor member,

i.) wherein the delivery element is configured to release the at least one stent precursor member when the at least one stent precursor member moves distally relative to the delivery element, and

ii.) wherein the at least one stent precursor member is configured to be releasable from the delivery element upon the relative distal movement and to form a stent structure.

49. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 48 where the delivery element is noncaged.

50. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 48 where the delivery element further comprises at least one guide member.

51. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 50 where the at least one guide member comprises a super-elastic material.

52. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 51 where the super-elastic material is selected from the group consisting of nickel-titanium alloys, copper-zinc alloys, and nickel-aluminum alloys.

53. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 52 where the super-elastic material comprises nitinol.

54. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 49 where the at least one guide member comprises a plastic material.

55. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 54 where the plastic material is selected from the group consisting of stainless steels, polyurethanes, ethers, acrylates, olefins, propylene, butenes, butadiene, styrene, and thermoplastic olefin elastomers, polydimethyl siloxane-based polymers, polyethyleneterephthalate, cross-linked polymers, non-cross linked polymers, rayon, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, nitrocellulose, natural rubbers, polyesters, lactides, glycolides, caprolactones and their copolymers and acid derivatives, hydroxybutyrate and polyhydroxyvalerate and their copolymers, polyether esters, anhydrides, hexadecandioic acid, and orthoesters.

56. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 55 where the plastic material comprises a stainless steel.

57. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 55 where the plastic material comprises a polymer.

58. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 50 where, the at least one stent precursor member is adherent to the at least one guide member.

59. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 50 where the at least one stent precursor member is adhesively attached to the at least one guide member.

60. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 50 where the at least one stent precursor member is adherent to the at least one guide member substantially along the length of the at least one stent precursor member.

61. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 60 where the at least one stent precursor member comprises more than one stent precursor member.

62. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 49 where the at least one stent precursor member comprises more than one stent precursor member.

63. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 62 where the stent precursor members are configured to release simultaneously from the guide member.

64. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 62 where the more than one stent precursor members are configured to release sequentially from the guide member.

65. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 62 further comprising one or more clasps releasably holding stent precursor members not to be released from the bundle as another stent precursor member is released sequentially from the delivery element.

66. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 65 wherein the one or more clasps comprise electrolytically releasable clasps.

95. A structure for delivering stent precursors to a selected site in a body lumen, comprising:

a.) a delivery element having a distal end, and comprising at least one guide member, and

b.) at least one stent precursor member adherent to the at least one guide member substantially along the length of the at least one stent precursor member,

i.) wherein the delivery element is configured to release the at least one stent precursor member when the at least one stent precursor member moves distally relative to the delivery element, and

ii.) wherein the at least one stent precursor member is configured to be releasable from the delivery element upon the relative distal movement and to form a stent structure.

96. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 95 where the at least one guide member comprises a super-elastic material.

97. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 96 where the super-elastic material is selected from the group consisting of nickel-titanium alloys, copper-zinc alloys, and nickel aluminum alloys.

98. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 97 where the super-elastic material comprises nitinol.

99. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 96 where the at least one guide member comprises a plastic material.

100. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 99 where the plastic material is selected from the group consisting of stainless steels, polyurethanes, ethers, acrylates, olefins, propylene, butenes, butadiene, styrene and thermoplastic olefin elastomers, polydimethyl siloxane-based polymers, polyethyleneterephthalate, cross-linked polymers, non-cross linked polymers, rayon, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, nitrocellulose, natural rubbers, polyesters, lactides, glycolides, caprolactones and their copolymers and acid derivatives, hydroxybutyrate and polyhydroxyvalerate and their copolymers, polyether esters, anhydrides, hexadecandioic acid, and orthoesters.

101. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 100 where the plastic material comprises a stainless steel.

102. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 100 where the plastic material comprises a polymer.

103. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 95 where the at least one stent precursor member is adhesively attached to the at least one guide member.

104. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 95 where the at least one stent precursor member comprises more than one stent precursor member.

105. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 104 where the stent precursor members are configured to release simultaneously from the guide member.

106. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 104 where the more than one stent precursor members are configured to release sequentially from the guide member.

107. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 104 further comprising one or more clasps releasably holding stent precursor members not to be released from the bundle as another stent precursor member is released sequentially from the delivery element.

108. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 107 wherein the one or more clasps comprise electrolytically releasable clasps.

109. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 96 where the at least one self-forming stent precursor member comprises a super-elastic material.

110. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 109 where the super-elastic material is selected from the group consisting of nickel-titanium alloys, copper-zinc alloys, and nickel-aluminum alloys.

111. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 109 where the super-elastic material comprises nitinol.

112. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 96 where the at least one stent precursor member comprises a plastic material and is of dimensions such that the at least one stent precursor member is plastically deformed upon forming the stent structure.

113. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 112 where the plastic material is selected from the group consisting of stainless steels, polyurethanes, ethers, acrylates, olefins, propylene, butenes, butadiene, styrene, and thermoplastic olefin elastomers, polydimethyl siloxane-based polymers, polyethyleneterephthalate, cross-linked polymers, non-cross linked polymers, rayon, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, nitrocellulose, natural rubbers, polyesters, lactides, glycolides, caprolactones and their copolymers and acid derivatives, hydroxybutyrate and polyhydroxyvalerate and their copolymers, polyether esters, anhydrides, hexadecandioic acid and orthoesters.

114. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 112 where the plastic material comprises a stainless steel.

115. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 112 where the plastic material comprises a polymer.

116. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 96 where the at least one stent precursor member includes at least a first portion comprising a super-elastic material and at least a second portion comprising a plastics material and having dimnensions such that the at least the second portion is plastically deformed upon forming the stent structure.

117. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 116 where the super-elastic material at least first portion comprising a super-elastic material is configured to form a bend in the stent structure upon release from the delivery element.

118. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 96 where the at least one stent precursor member includes at least one bi-metallic portion configured to form a bend in the stent structure upon release from the delivery element.

119. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 96 where the at least one stent precursor member is self-forming into the stent structure upon release from the delivery element.

120. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 119 where the at least one self-forming stent precursor member has been substantially straightened prior to release.

121. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 119 where the at least one self-forming stent precursor member comprises a super-elastic material.

122. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 121 where the super-elastic material comprises nitinol.

123. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 96 where the at least one stent precursor member is self-expanding into the stent structure upon release from the delivery element.

124. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 123 where the at least one self-expanding stent precursor member has been substantially straightened prior to release.

125. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 96 further comprising a forming member configured to release the at least one stent precursor member from the delivery element.

126. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 125 where the forming member is configured to form the at least one stent precursor member into the stent structure.

127. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 125 where the forming member is configured to bend the stent precursor member in a direction having a radial component.

128. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 125 where the forming member is configured to bend the stent precursor member in a direction having a proximal component.

129. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 125 where the forming member is configured to bend the stent precursor member in a direction having a distal component.

130. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 125 where the forming member is adjustable to provide for bending the stent precursor member in different directions.

131. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 125 where the forming member is adjacent a distal end of the release member.

132. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 125 where the forming member is not adjacent a distal end of the release member.

133. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 125 where the forming member further comprises an inflatable balloon adjacent a distal end of the release member.

134. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 125 where the forming member is proximal of the inflatable balloon.

135. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 125 where the forming member comprises a tubular member.

136. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 135 where the tubular member includes a distally extending section having a diameter smaller than the more proximal section.

137. A stent precursor delivery device for delivering stent structures at a selected site in a body lumen, comprising:

a.) an elongate delivery element having at least a first longitudinal passageway configured to permit a guide member with at least one adherent stent precursor member to slide therethrough, a proximal end, and distal stent release region,

b.) the at least one stent precursor member adherent to a guide member, and

c.) the guide member, the guide member being configured to slide though the first longitudinal passageway in the elongate elongate delivery element to the distal stent release region, to release adherent stent precursor members at the distal stent release region, and to return to the elongate delivery element proximal end.

138. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 137 where the distal stent release region further comprises a forming member configured to form the stent precursor member into a stent structure upon release from the guide member.

139. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 138 where the forming member is configured to bend the stent precursor member in a direction having a radial component.

140. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 138 where the forming member is configured to bend the stent precursor member in a direction having a proximal component.

141. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 138 where the, forming member is configured to bend the stent precursor member in a direction having a distal component.

142. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 138 where the elongate delivery element further comprises a return longitudinal passageway.

143. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 142 where the return longitudinal passageway is configured to allow the returning guide member to slide therethrough to the proximal end.

144. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 138 where the guide member is configured to be pulled to cause the sliding movement in the first longitudinal passageway and the return longitudinal passageway.

145. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 137 where the distal stent release region further comprises a turning member configured to bend the guide member.

146. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 137 comprising multiple stent precursor members.

147. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 146 where the distal stent release region is configured to release more than one stent precursor members simultaneously.

148. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 146 configured to release more than one stent precursor member sequentially.

149. The stent precursor delivery device of claim 137 where the at least one stent precursor member is self-forming into the stent structure upon release.

150. The sent precursor delivery device of claim 149 where the at least on self-forming stent precursor member comprises a super-elastic material.

151. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 137 where the at least one stent precursor member is self-expanding into the stent structure.

152. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 151 where at least one self-forming stent precursor member comprises a super-elastic material.

153. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 152 where the super-elastic material is selected from the group consisting of nickel-titanium alloys, copper-zinc alloys, and nickel-aluminum alloys.

154. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 153 where the super-elastic material comprises nitinol.

155. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 137 where at least one stent precursor member comprises a plastic material and is of dimensions such that the at least one stent precursor member is plastically deformed upon forming the stent structure.

156. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 155 where the plastic material is selected from the group consisting of stainless steels, polyurethanes, ethers, acrylates, olefins, propylene, butenes, butadiene, styrene, and thermoplastic olefin elastomers, polydimethyl siloxane-based polymers, polyethyleneterephthalate, cross-linked polymers, non-cross linked polymers, rayon, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, nitrocellulose, natural rubbers, polyesters, lactides, glycolides, caprolactones and their copolymers and acid derivatives, hydroxybutyrate and polyhydroxyvalerate and their copolymers, polyether esters, anhydrides, hexadecandioic acid, and orthoesters.

157. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 155 where the plastic material comprises stainless steel.

158. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 155 where the plastic material comprises a polymer.

159. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 155 where the plastic material comprises a biodegradable polymer.

160. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 138 where at least one stent precursor member includes at least a first portion comprising a super-elastic material and at least a second portion comprising a plastic material and having dimensions such that the at least the second portion is plastically deformed upon forming the stent structure.

161. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 138 where the at least one stent precursor member further contains a drug.

162. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 138 where the at least one stent precursor member further contains a member selected from the group consisting of anti-proliferation agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics, and immunosuppressants.

163. The stent precursor delivery structure of claim 138 where the at least one stent precursor member further contains a member selected from the group consisting of paclitaxel, methotrexate, batimastal, doxycycline, tetracycline, rapamycin, actinomycin, dexamethosone, methyl prednisolone, nitroprussides, estrogen, and estradiols.