Medical device formed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin
US6602224B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/139
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Medical devices having at least a component, such as a catheter balloon, stent cover and vascular graft, formed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, such as ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The device component is formed from ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene that has been processed so that it is microporous and has an oriented node and fibril structure. The device component expands compliantly at low strains and are substantially less compliant at higher strains. The invention also comprises methods for making such medical devices, 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.