Method for extending shelf-life of constructs of semi-crystallizable polymers
First Claim
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1. A method of extending the shelf-life of a polymeric construct comprising:
- providing a polymeric construct comprising at least one semi-crystalline polymer;
determining a glass transition temperature (Tg) of each semi-crystalline polymer of the polymeric construct;
determining a melting temperature (Tm) of each semi-crystalline polymer of the polymeric construct;
heating the polymeric construct to a temperature between Tg and Tm of at least one of the semi-crystalline polymers;
holding the polymeric construct at the temperature until one or more of the polymers independently is above about 25% crystalline and,removing the polymeric construct from the source of heat.
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Abstract
This invention relates to a method of extending the shelf-life of constructs, in particular bioabsorbable stents, comprising semi-crystalline polymers by increasing the crystallinity of the polymers.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of extending the shelf-life of a polymeric construct comprising:
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providing a polymeric construct comprising at least one semi-crystalline polymer; determining a glass transition temperature (Tg) of each semi-crystalline polymer of the polymeric construct; determining a melting temperature (Tm) of each semi-crystalline polymer of the polymeric construct; heating the polymeric construct to a temperature between Tg and Tm of at least one of the semi-crystalline polymers; holding the polymeric construct at the temperature until one or more of the polymers independently is above about 25% crystalline and, removing the polymeric construct from the source of heat. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification