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US 10,022,906 B2Granted
Methods for solid phase processing of tubes and medical devices made from the processed tubes
AssigneeAbbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
InventorsManish B. Gada, Bobby B. Speed, James P. Oberhauser
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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.
Claims17
A method for making a medical device, comprising:
- forming a tube comprising a polymer or a polymer combination having a glass transition temperature (Tg);
- radially expanding the tube to increase polymer chain orientation in a circumferential direction, thereby increasing a radial strength of the tube, wherein the increased polymer chain orientation in the circumferential direction occurs to a greater degree nearer to an inner surface of the tube than an outer surface of the tube;
- die drawing the radially expanded tube to increase polymer chain orientation in the circumferential direction to a greater degree nearer to the outer surface of the tube than the inner surface of the tube such that the polymer chain orientation from the inner surface to the outer surface of the die drawn tube is more uniform than that of the radially expanded tube;
- and
- making a scaffold from the die drawn tube.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.