According to embodiments of the present invention, an embolic device for embolizing a target vascular site is provided. The embolic device includes a biodegradable shape memory element having an original shape and a deformed shape, wherein the biodegradable shape memory element in the deformed shape is in at least one dimension of a smaller size than the biodegradable shape memory element in the original shape, and wherein the biodegradable shape memory element is provided in the deformed shape and configured to resume the original shape in response to an external stimulus being applied to the biodegradable shape memory element in its deformed shape, to embolize the target vascular site and prevent fluid flow through the target vascular site. According to further embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for embolizing a target vascular site and a method thereof are also provided.
