Medical devices comprising ionically and non-ionically crosslinked polymer hydrogels having improved mechanical properties
AssigneeBoston Scientific Corporation
InventorsJohn M. Ronan, Samuel A. Thompson
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Abstract
Shaped-medical devices, e.g. stents, having improved mechanical properties and structural integrity are disclosed. The devices comprise shaped polymeric hydrogels which are both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked and which exhibit improved structural integrity after selective removal of the crosslinking ions. Process for making such devices are also disclosed wherein an ionically crosslinkable polymer is both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked to form a shaped medical device. When implanted in the body, selective in-vivo stripping of the crosslinking ions produces a softer, more flexible implant having improved structural integrity.
Claims18
A shaped medical device having improved mechanical properties comprising a crosslinked polymeric hydrogel, said hydrogel comprising both an ionic and a non-ionic crosslink structure, wherein said shaped medical device having a first shape and a second shape whereby said shaped medical device changes from said first shape to said second shape upon selective and at least partial removal of said ionic crosslink structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.