Yarn wrapped PTFE tubular prosthesis

US5607478A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Meadox Medicals, Inc. · US

Inventors

• David J. Lentz · Salt Lake City, US
• Nick Popadiuk · Fryeburg, US
• Peter Schmitt · Erlangen, DE
• Edward Dormier · Rockaway, US
• Richard J. Zdrahala · Bloomington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 14, 1996
• Grant date: Mar 4, 1997
• Expiry date: Mar 14, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S623/901
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An implantable microporous ePTFE tubular vascular graft exhibits long-term patency, superior radial tensile strength, reduction in tear propagation, and increases in suture retention strength and crush resistance. The graft includes an ePTFE tubular structure having a preselected microporous structure. The tubular structure is wrapped externally with a PTFE yarn in a helical fashion. The helical wrap of yarn is bonded to the exterior surface of the tubular structure by application of heat or heat in combination with force to form a composite structure which substantially maintains the porosity of the underlying tubular structure while increasing the suture retention strength, radial tensile strength, crush resistance, and tear propagation resistance.