US Patent 6881220 Method of recapturing a stent

An endoluminal stent contains a hollow passageway for the circulation of heated and/or cryogenic fluids to recapture a previously implanted shape memory stent. The hollow passageway stent can have one or a plurality of passageways and is configured in a tubular shape with numerous coils, providing an empty tubular lumen through the center of the stent to allow blood flow. The stent is connected to a removable catheter that conducts fluid to the stent. Fluid flow may be regulated by valves incorporated in either the stent and/or the catheter.