Method and preform for forming a device comprising a shape memory polymer

A method of manufacturing a device comprising at least a first fibre using a draw apparatus, the method comprising:

• providing a first preform comprising a shape memory polymer to the draw apparatus;
• heating a first portion of the first preform;
• and
• drawing, using the draw apparatus, the heated first portion in order to form the first fibre,
• wherein the first preform has a first hollow channel extending from a first end of the first preform in a draw direction at least partially through the first preform towards a second, opposing, end of the first preform, the draw direction comprising the direction in which the heated first portion is drawn using the draw apparatus;
• and
• wherein the method further comprises:
• providing a second preform comprising a shape memory polymer, the second preform having a receiving channel extending from the cross-sectional centre of a first end of the second preform in the draw direction at least partially through the second preform towards the cross-sectional centre of a second, opposing, end of the second preform, the receiving channel having a cross-sectional area at least equal to the cross-sectional area of the first preform such that the receiving channel is suitable for receiving the first preform within the receiving channel, the second preform further having at least a first hollow channel, different from the receiving channel, extending from one of the first end and the second end in the draw direction at least partially through the second preform towards the opposing end of the second preform;
• heating a first portion of the second preform;
• and
• drawing, using the draw apparatus, the heated first portion of the second preform in order to form a second fibre.