Abstract: In one aspect, a ceramic matrix composite sandwich structure has a ceramic honeycomb core structure, a first face sheet on a first surface of the ceramic honeycomb core structure, and a second face sheet on a second surface of the ceramic honeycomb core structure. Methods of preparing the ceramic matrix composite sandwich structure involve applying ceramic matrix composite prepregs to a honeycomb core to form an unbonded sandwich structure, subjecting the unbonded sandwich structure to an autoclave process to form an intermediate bonded sandwich structure, and subjecting the intermediate bonded sandwich structure to a sintering process to produce the ceramic matrix composite sandwich structure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a ceramic matrix composite material into a part, including applying a semi-permeable membrane over a stack of composite plies pre-impregnated with ceramic matrix. The semi-permeable membrane comprises a porous plastic material and may have a thickness of approximately 0.002 to 0.008 inches. The method may include compressing the semi-permeable membrane and the stack together and heating the semi-permeable membrane and the stack to cure the stack into the composite part. The semi-permeable membrane may be a porous plastic having pores large enough to allow volatile gasses to escape therethrough during curing but equal to or smaller than solid ceramic particles or clusters of the solid ceramic particles suspended in the ceramic matrix. The composite plies may contain approximately 35 percent to 45 percent of the ceramic matrix by weight relative to an overall weight of the stack of the composite plies pre-impregnated with the ceramic matrix.

Abstract: The self-expandable endovascular apparatus for aneurysm occlusion of the invention comprises a deformable shape memory frame with at least a partial segment covering comprised of a matrix implant material. The device can be folded and/or stretched to adopt a narrow profile for loading into a coaxial delivery device and expands in place as it adopts its original shape on release from the device into an aneurysm. A method of treating an aneurysm, comprises the steps of: (a) providing the self-expandable endovascular apparatus inserted into a lumen of a delivery device comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a distal tip; (b) advancing the distal tip of the delivery device into an opening in an aneurysm having an interior sac; (c) advancing the apparatus through the lumen into the opening; and (d) withdrawing the delivery device, whereby the apparatus expands into the sac and covers the opening.