Low temperature heat shrinkable polymer material
AssigneesThe Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland
InventorsHou-Ching Yang, Joseph Silverman, John J. Wozniak
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Abstract
A heat shrinkable polymer material is particularly adapted for implanted biomedical use. A polycrystalline polymer is irradiated to produce crosslinking of its intramolecular structure to thereby impart viscoelasticity. The material is biocompatible and suitable for implanted use, from the standpoints of very low toxicity, ability to retain structural integrity and being non-carcinogenic and, moreover, is heat shrinkable at a temperature compatible with such implanted use.
Claims18
An article of manufacture comprising, a polycrystalline trans-1,4 polyisoprene having a crystalline melt temperature substantially 130.degree. F. and produced by the sequential steps of:
- exposing the material to ionizing radiation sufficient to create intramolecular crosslinks within the material, heating the material to substantially 130.degree. F., altering the shape of the material from a first configuration to a second configuration, and cooling the material while in said second configuration to reform the crystalline structure, whereby said material will remain in said second configuration until subsequent reheating of the material to substantially 130.degree. F. to cause the material to revert from said second configuration to said first configuration.
A polycrystalline trans-1,4 polyisoprene, radiation-crosslinked to produce a viscoelastic memory therein and having a crystalline melt temperature of substantially 130.degree. F. and being biocompatible.
A heat shrinkable polymer material comprising, radiation-crosslinked, polycrystalline trans-1,4 polyisoprene characterized by a crystalline melt temperature of substantially 130.degree. F. and pre-stretched to a first configuration, said polymer material shrinking to a second configuration upon the heating thereof to said crystalline melt temperature.
A heat shrinkable, biocompatible member useful for performing vascular anastomosis and like surgical procedures in vivo, comprising, a biocompatible, radiation-crosslinked polycrystalline trans-1,4 polyisoprene characterized by a crystalline melt temperature of substantially 130.degree. F., said member being pre-stretched to a first configuration and capable of being movably disposed to encircle in sleeve-like fashion the vascular members to be interconnected and having a viscoelastic memory, whereby said pre-stretched member upon being heated to substantially 130.degree. F. shrinks to a second configuration forming a sleeve of smaller diameter to engage and maintain said vascular members in interconnected relationship.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.