Abstract:
Methods of stabilizing the molecular weight of polymer stents scaffolds after E-beam sterilization are disclosed. The molecular weight of the polymer of the irradiated scaffolds is stabilized through exposure to gas containing oxygen.
Abstract:
Methods of controlling the degradation profile of a biodegradable stent scaffolding are disclosed. Disclosed methods include controlling features of the degradation profile including the time to loss of radial strength and the degradation time of the stent.
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. A variable diameter sheath with a central portion that prevents expansion of the stent when the balloon is pressurized and larger diameter ends is disposed over the crimped stent-balloon assembly. The balloon is pressurized and the larger diameter ends of the sheath allow the balloon beyond the ends of the stent to expand. The balloon is then depressurized.
Abstract:
Bioresorbable polymer vascular scaffolds made of combinations of polylactide and polycaprolactone having a high molecular weight polymer, thin struts in a selected range and sufficient radial strength to support a vessel upon deployment. The scaffolds have degradation behavior of molecular weight, radial strength, and mass that are conducive to healing of a vessel including providing patency to a vessel, reduction of radial strength, breaking up, and resorbing to allow return of the vessel to a natural state.
Abstract:
Bioresorbable polymer vascular scaffolds made of combinations of polylactide and polycaprolactone having a high molecular weight polymer, thin struts in a selected range and sufficient radial strength to support a vessel upon deployment. The scaffolds have degradation behavior of molecular weight, radial strength, and mass that are conducive to healing of a vessel including providing patency to a vessel, reduction of radial strength, breaking up, and resorbing to allow return of the vessel to a natural state.
Abstract:
Methods of stabilizing the molecular weight of polymer stents scaffolds after E-beam sterilization are disclosed. The molecular weight of the polymer of the irradiated scaffolds is stabilized through exposure to gas containing oxygen.
Abstract:
Methods are disclosed including thermally processing a scaffold to increase the radial strength of the scaffold when the scaffold is deployed from a crimped state to a deployed state such as a nominal deployment diameter. The thermal processing may further maintain or increase the expansion capability of the scaffold when expanded beyond the nominal diameter.
Abstract:
Methods of treating with a biodegradable polymeric stent made from poly(L-lactide) and a low concentration of L-lactide monomer is disclosed. The concentration of L-lactide is adjusted to provide a degradation behavior that is suitable for different treatment applications including coronary, peripheral, and nasal.
Abstract:
It is provided herein modified polylactide (PLA) polymers comprising biocompatibile functional group(s) on the polymers and methods of making and using the modified PLA polymers.
Abstract:
Methods are disclosed for conditioning a polymeric stent after sterilization, and/or after crimping and before packaging, such that the properties of the polymeric stent fall within a narrower range of values. The stent is exposed to a controlled temperature at or above ambient for a period of time after radiation sterilization and/or after crimping and before sterilization. As a result, the polymeric stent properties, particularly radial strength and number-average molecular weight of the polymer of the polymeric stent, fall within a narrower range.