METHODS OF MAKING DURABLE MULTI-LAYER HIGH STRENGTH POLYMER COMPOSITE SUITABLE FOR IMPLANT AND ARTICLES PRODUCED THEREFROM
First Claim
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1. A method of forming a leaflet of an implantable article for regulating blood flow direction in a human patient, the method comprising:
- providing a sheet of a composite material having more than one fluoropolymer layer having a plurality of pores that have a pore size that is less than 5 μ
m and an elastomer present in the pores;
bringing one layer of the sheet of the composite material into contact with additional layers of the sheet of the composite material; and
bonding the layers of the composite material together via the elastomer.
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Abstract
A thin, biocompatible, high-strength, composite material is disclosed that is suitable for use in various implanted configurations. The composite material maintains flexibility in high-cycle flexural applications, making it particularly applicable to high-flex implants such as heart pacing lead or heart valve leaflet. The composite material includes at least one porous expanded fluoropolymer layer.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method of forming a leaflet of an implantable article for regulating blood flow direction in a human patient, the method comprising:
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providing a sheet of a composite material having more than one fluoropolymer layer having a plurality of pores that have a pore size that is less than 5 μ
m and an elastomer present in the pores;bringing one layer of the sheet of the composite material into contact with additional layers of the sheet of the composite material; and bonding the layers of the composite material together via the elastomer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of forming a leaflet of an implantable article for regulating blood flow direction in a human patient, the method comprising:
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providing a sheet of a composite material having more than one fluoropolymer layer having a plurality of pores that have a pore size that is less than 5 μ
m and an elastomeric material present in the pores;bringing one layer of the composite material into contact with additional layers of the composite material; and bonding the layers of composite material together via the elastomeric material. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of forming a leaflet of an implantable article for regulating blood flow direction in a human patient, the method comprising:
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providing a sheet of a composite material having more than one fluoropolymer layer having a plurality of pores that have a pore size that is less than 5 μ
m and TFE/PMVE present in the pores;bringing one layer of the composite material into contact with additional layers of the composite material; and bonding the layers of composite material together via the TFE/PMVE. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification