Abstract:
Methods of fabricating a polymeric implantable device with improved fracture toughness through annealing are disclosed herein. A polymeric construct is annealed with no or substantially no crystal growth to increase nucleation density. After the annealing, crystallites are grown around the formed nuclei. An implantable medical device, such as a stent, can be fabricated from the polymer construct after the crystallite growth.
Abstract:
A medical device- includes a polymer stent crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The stent is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes heating the stent to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve stent retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the stent when later deployed to support a body lumen.
Abstract:
A medical device-includes a polymer stent crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The stent is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes heating the stent to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve stent retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the stent when later deployed to support a body lumen.
Abstract:
A polymer endoprosthesis is fabricated by a combination of injection molding and blow molding which form a tubular substrate of polymer material, followed by laser cutting, crimping and sterilization. After the injection and blow molding processes, a subtractive process is performed on the tubular substrate to transform it into a stent having a network of stent struts. The tubular substrate can be made in an injection mold and blow mold which are attached to each other. The transition from injection molding and blow molding can be performed while the injection molded substrate remains at a temperature at or above Tg of the polymer material.
Abstract:
A medical device-includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes inflating the delivery balloon during a diameter reduction to improve scaffold retention. A crimping temperature is maintained at about the onset of glass transition of the polymer material to facilitate more rapid stabilization of mechanical properties in the scaffold following crimping.
Abstract:
Methods of fabricating an implantable medical devices such as stents made from biodegradable polymers are disclosed that reduce or minimize chain scission and monomer generation during processing steps. The method includes processing a poly(L-lactide) resin having an number average molecular weight between 150 to 200 kD in an extruder in a molten state. A poly(L-lactide) tube is formed from the processed resin and a stent is fabricated from the tube. The number average molecular weight of the poly(L-lactide) of the stent after sterilization is 70 to 100 kD.
Abstract:
Bioabsorbable scaffolds made at least in part of a poly(L-lactide)-based composite are disclosed. The composite includes poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) or poly(L-lactide)-b-polycaprolactone block copolymer, which increases the fracture toughness or fracture resistance of the scaffold. The composite can further include bioceramic particles, L-lactide monomer, or both dispersed throughout the composite. The bioceramic particles improve the radial strength and stiffness of the scaffold. The L-lactide monomer is used to control the absorption rate of the scaffold.
Abstract:
Methods and devices relating to polymer-bioceramic composite implantable medical devices, such as stents are disclosed. A suspension solution is formed including a fluid, a biodegradable polymer, and bioceramic particles. The biodegradable polymer and particles are precipitated from the suspension to form a mixture. A composite is formed by combining the mixture with another polymer and a scaffolding is formed from the composite.
Abstract:
Methods of fabricating a polymeric implantable device with improved fracture toughness through annealing, nucleating agents, or both are disclosed herein. A polymeric construct that is completely amorphous or that has a very low crystallinity is annealed with no or substantially no crystal growth to increase nucleation density. Alternatively, the polymer construct includes nucleating agent. The crystallinity of the polymer construct is increased with a high nucleation density through an increase in temperature, deformation, or both. An implantable medical device, such as a stent, can be fabricated from the polymer construct after the increase in crystallinity.