Shape memory alloys are used in aerospace structures, orthodontics, cardiovascular prosthetic devices, sensors and controllers, and many other engineering, technology, science, and other fields. The methods are described in the case of a temporary heart assist pump to illustrate the concepts, but the method applies to many other fields. The properties of shape memory alloys are used to fold or collapse and implant in the human body a device without breaking the device as it reaches body temperature or without reaching permanent plastic deformation. The properties of nitinol are also used to describe intended explantation of the device, at body temperature, from the body without breaking it. Such planned explantation may be needed in cases where the device is designed for temporary use, such as mechanical circulatory support devices intended for temporary use and then removal of all components of the device from the body. The same method can be used for devices that have not been initially designed for removal, such as stents or valves, that must later be explanted for reasons unanticipated when they were installed. The methods ensure that the devices stay within stress-strain-temperature conditions so they remain elastic, or under the upper stress plateau, or remain plastic, but always under the breaking strain, of shape memory alloys at: room or environmental conditions; cooler than environmental conditions; and at a higher temperature, or body temperature. The methods described may also be applied to other industrial applications, where shape memory alloys may be installed and removed at different temperatures. Applications in other industries, include aerospace, civil structures, mechanical structures are contemplated.

A medical device for treating a target site within a lumen having an arcuate portion is provided. The medical device includes a first tubular portion comprising a proximal and distal end, and a second tubular portion comprising a proximal and distal end. A linking portion couples the first and second tubular portions, and an opening defined between the distal end of the first tubular portion and the proximal end of the second tubular portion. At least part of the linking portion is configured to conform to at least a portion of the arcuate portion of the lumen. Associated methods for using a medical device are also provided.

A system, method, and apparatus to insert and remove a thermally activated vaginal pessary, by employing a nitinol core material that is integrated into the construction of the thermally activated vaginal pessary and configured to increase in radial size upon contact with body temperature by undergoing a configurational phase change in the underlying nitinol core material.

A medical arrangement for introducing an object, such as an implant into an anatomical target position comprises a first introducer, a guide wire and a guiding catheter). The guide wire is configured to be introduced before the guiding catheter and object into or towards the anatomical target position. The guiding catheter is configured to be delivered into the position along the guide wire, after which the guide wire is configured to be retracted. The object is configured to be delivered inside the guiding catheter after the guide wire is retracted.

A medical arrangement for introducing an implant into an anatomical target position comprises a first introducer and a guide wire. The guide wire is configured to be introduced before the implant into or towards the anatomical target position. The implant is configured to be delivered along the guide wire into the anatomical target position. The guide wire is configured to be retracted after the implant has been introduced into said anatomical target position so that said object essentially maintains the shape taken when introduced into said anatomical target position.

An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface, a proximal end and a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said surface and define a geometry of an expanded spacer. Preferably the spacer is adapted to be inserted between two spinal vertebrae of a human.

An assembly for collapsing a prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member and a pusher member. The compression member has a first open end with a first diameter, a second open end with a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a tapered wall between the first open end and the second open end. The pusher member has a base adapted to engage an end of the valve. The pusher member and the compression member are movable relative to one another between an initial position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively far from the first open end of the compression member and an operative position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively close to the first open end of the compression member. Movement of the pusher and compression members from the initial position to the operative position radially compresses the valve.

A system, method, and apparatus to insert and remove a thermally activated vaginal pessary (102), by employing a nitinol core material that is integrated into the construction of the thermally activated vaginal pessary and configured to increase in radial size upon contact with body temperature by undergoing a configurational phase change in the underlying nitinol core material.

An assembly for collapsing a prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member and a pusher member. The compression member has a first open end with a first diameter, a second open end with a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a tapered wall between the first open end and the second open end. The pusher member has a base adapted to engage an end of the valve. The pusher member and the compression member are movable relative to one another between an initial position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively far from the first open end of the compression member and an operative position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively close to the first open end of the compression member. Movement of the pusher and compression members from the initial position to the operative position radially compresses the valve.

A system, method, and apparatus to insert and remove a thermally activated vaginal pessary, by employing a nitinol core material that is integrated into the construction of the thermally activated vaginal pessary and configured to increase in radial size upon contact with body temperature by undergoing a configurational phase change in the underlying nitinol core material.