Porous membranes for medical implants and methods of manufacture

US7815763B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises Limited · IE

Inventors

• Joost J. Fierens · Dworp, BE
• Erhard Huesler · Amriswil, CH
• Arik Zucker · Bellinzona, CH
• Eric Marcoux · Laval, CA
• Philippe Nicaise · Uccle - Ukkel, BE
• Sébastien Dubois · La Louvière, BE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 19, 2005
• Grant date: Oct 19, 2010
• Expiry date: May 30, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/24306
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The present invention involves porous polymer membranes, suitable for use in medical implants, having controlled pore sizes, pore densities and mechanical properties. Methods of manufacturing such porous membranes are described in which a continuous fiber of polymer is extruded through a reciprocating extrusion head and deposited onto a substrate in a predetermined pattern. When cured, the polymeric material forms a stable, porous membrane suitable for a variety of applications, including reducing emboli release during and after stent delivery, and providing a source for release of bioactive substances to a vessel or organ and surrounding tissue.