Biodegradable mesh and film stent

A method of making a biodegradable mesh and film stent for use in maintaining the patency of blood vessels, comprising the steps of:

• forming a sheet of biodegradable mesh and film material from a plurality of fibers of a first biodegradable polymer and a second biodegradable polymer, said second biodegradable polymer melting at a lower temperature than the first biodegradable polymer;
• placing at least one laminating film of a biodegradable polymer, on at least one side of said mesh;
• heating said laminating film and mesh to melt said second biodegradable polymer and form a mesh and film laminate;
• and
• cutting the sheet of biodegradable mesh and film material in a shape to form said stent, said stent being formed to include first and second ends and a main body portion between said first and second ends;
• and
• rolling said sheet of biodegradable mesh and film material into a cylindrical configuration whereby said first end overlaps said second end.

A method of making a biodegradable mesh and film stent for use in maintaining the patency of blood vessels, comprising the steps of:

• forming a mesh of a plurality of fibers of a first biodegradable polymer and a second biodegradable polymer, said second biodegradable polymer melting at a lower temperature than the first biodegradable polymer;
• placing at least one laminating film of a biodegradable on at least one side of said mesh;
• heating said laminating film and mesh to melt said second biodegradable polymer and form a mesh and film laminate;
• and
• cutting the mesh and film laminate in a shape to form said stent, said stent being formed to include first and second ends and a main body portion between said first and second ends, said first end having a surface defining a slot for receiving said second end, said second end and said main body portion being formed to be insertable through said slot so as to form a loop, said second end being formed to include means for retaining said second end inserted in said slot, and said main body portion being formed to have means for releasably engaging said slot to adjustably retain said main body portion in said slot.