Abstract: The invention comprises a bioabsorbable radially self-expanding stent with one or more supplemental apparatus or methods for achieving the desired final resting diameter of the stent by imparting memory into the bioabsorbable material components. The inventive apparatus and methods include increasing the radial expansion force of the stent through the use of a balloon within the stent delivery apparatus, substituting within the stent body one or more particularly rigid threads relative to the other threads, forming one or more of the helical threads of two side-by-side threads with one of the threads comprised of standard material and the other comprised of a more rigid material, attaching one or more bands to the stent body, and weaving circular or oval bands into the threads forming the wall of the stent shaped and positioned to resist axially elongation of the stent.

Abstract: Methods for attaching an axial filament to the body of a self expanding stent, the filament serving to enhance the radial self expanding force of the stent body. Also stents having enhanced radial self expansion characteristics.