Abstract:
Methods for fabricating a polymeric stent with improved fracture toughness including radial expansion of a polymer tube and fabricating a stent from the expanded tube are disclosed. The polymer tube is disposed within a mold and may be heated with radiation. The heated tube radially expands within the mold.
Abstract:
Catheter including an inner tubular member, an outer tubular member movable relative to the inner tubular member, and an expandable member coupled to the distal end portion of the inner tubular member. The expandable member having an inner chamber and transitionable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. A pressure chamber is defined by the proximal seal, the distal seal, the exterior surface of the inner tubular member and interior surface of the outer tubular member, with the pressure chamber in fluid communication with a fluid flow port, wherein fluid introduced through the fluid flow port and into the pressure chamber applies a force on the proximal seal to urge the outer tubular member in a proximal direction.
Abstract:
Drug-delivery systems such as drug-delivery stents having an anti-proliferative agent such as everolimus and an anti-flammatory agent such as clobetasol are provided. Also disclosed are methods of treating a vascular impairment such as restenosis or vulnerable plaque.
Abstract:
A medical device-includes a scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes one or more balloon pressurization steps. The balloon pressurization steps are selected to enhance scaffold retention to the balloon and maintain a relatively uniform arrangement of balloon folds about the inner surface of the crimped scaffold so that the scaffold expands in a uniform manner when the balloon is inflated.
Abstract:
A polymer tube is processed using a solid phase process for improving mechanical characteristics of the tube, including radial strength and stiffness. The tube is made into a scaffold possessing improved mechanical and use characteristics, such as a reduced crimped profile and improved deliverability.
Abstract:
Bioabsorbable scaffolds are disclosed with a rigid polymer component and a rubbery polymer component. The rubbery polymer component is miscible, partially miscible, or immiscible with the rigid polymer component.
Abstract:
An implantable prosthesis can comprise a strut having a lumen, radiopaque particles within the lumen, and a polymer binder. The polymer binder retains the radiopaque particles within the lumen. The strut may have side holes through which a therapeutic agent may pass and through which the radiopaque particles are incapable of passing. The polymer binder may be absent or optional. The radiopaque particles can have sizes that prevent them from escaping out of the lumen through the side holes. The radiopaque particles placed within the lumen can improve visualization of the prosthesis during an implantation procedure.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a medical device. The method can include forming a medical device from a tube having a first diameter; uniformly expanding the medical device from the first diameter to a second diameter at which the medical device can be left within a body vessel, the medical device being expanded from the first diameter to the second diameter while being continuously positioned on an expander; and heat setting the expanded medical device at the second diameter while the medical device is positioned on the expander.
Abstract:
A device for repositioning a device during an electropolishing process. A fixture is disclosed that is configured to reposition the device during the electropolishing process in order to more evenly electropolish a surface of the device.