METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PACKAGING OF MEDICAL DEVICES INCLUDING SHAPE MEMORY MATERIALS

摘要

Packages (100) are described for constraining expansion of medical devices (106) along at least one axis. Removal devices (800) for removing the medical devices from the packages are described. Medical devices stored in and removed from packages can include shape memory materials (e.g., polymers, alloys) which can cause the medical device to expand due to activation of the shape memory material. Medical devices can also expand due to other reasons, such as elastic recoil and/or thermal expansion. The methods and systems described herein may be used to limit the expansion of a medical device along at least one axis while inside a package. The methods and systems described herein may be used to relieve some of the stored strain in the medical device upon the opening of the package. Methods and systems are also described for opening a package which is subject to expansive forces from the medical device.