Medical device formed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
US6428506B1 · kind B1 · utility
56Cited by
13References
16Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/139
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Medical devices such as catheter balloons, stent covers and vascular grafts formed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The devices are formed from polyethylene that has been processed so that it is microporous and has an oriented node and fibril structure. The balloons expand compliantly at low strains and are substantially less compliant at higher strains. The invention also comprises methods for making such balloons, including the steps of compacting a polyethylene powder and deforming it to impart the oriented structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.