Method of making metal reinforced polymer stent
First Claim
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1. A method of making a stent for use in maintaining the patency of blood vessels, comprising the steps of:
- cutting a thin planar sheet of metal in a shape to form a plurality of reinforcement members, each of said reinforcement members including first and second ends, a main body portion between the first and second ends, said first ends being directly connected together and interconnecting tabs joining the second ends, the first end having a surface defining a slot for receiving the second end and the main body portion, the second end and the main body portion being formed to be insertable through said slot so as to form a loop, and means in said slot for releasably engaging the second end and the main body portion;
placing at least one laminating polymeric film capable of absorbing and releasing therapeutic drugs on at least one side of said plurality of reinforcement members;
heating said laminating polymeric film to bond the laminating polymeric film to the surface of the reinforcement members to form a plurality of laminated reinforcement members;
removing said interconnecting tabs; and
rolling said plurality of laminated reinforcement members into a cylindrical configuration whereby the first end overlaps the second end.
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Abstract
The metal reinforced polymer stent for use in blood vessels is formed of a thin planar sheet of metal, and is laminated on at least one side with a thin film of a polymer capable of absorbing and releasing therapeutic drugs. The thin planar sheet of metal is formed as a sheet and cut in a shape that can be used as a stent, the ends of which can be joined in a contractible, expandable loop.
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Citations
5 Claims
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1. A method of making a stent for use in maintaining the patency of blood vessels, comprising the steps of:
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cutting a thin planar sheet of metal in a shape to form a plurality of reinforcement members, each of said reinforcement members including first and second ends, a main body portion between the first and second ends, said first ends being directly connected together and interconnecting tabs joining the second ends, the first end having a surface defining a slot for receiving the second end and the main body portion, the second end and the main body portion being formed to be insertable through said slot so as to form a loop, and means in said slot for releasably engaging the second end and the main body portion; placing at least one laminating polymeric film capable of absorbing and releasing therapeutic drugs on at least one side of said plurality of reinforcement members; heating said laminating polymeric film to bond the laminating polymeric film to the surface of the reinforcement members to form a plurality of laminated reinforcement members; removing said interconnecting tabs; and rolling said plurality of laminated reinforcement members into a cylindrical configuration whereby the first end overlaps the second end. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification