Abstract: A method of non-delaminably bonding a non-porous thermoplastic elastomer to a substrate by heating a bilayer of the elastomer and the substrate for a predetermined time and a product obtained by the method. Methods for producing non-delaminable conduits and non-delaminable kink-resistant conduits constructed of biocompatible elastomers and substrates, and products produced by these methods are taught. Methods, products, and articles of manufacture relating to non-delaminable monofilament supported kink-resistive conduits that may be used as inflow conduits in left ventricular assist devices for treatment of heart failure are also provided.

Abstract: A method of non-delaminably bonding a non-porous thermoplastic elastomer to a substrate by heating a bilayer of the elastomer and the substrate for a predetermined time and a product obtained by the method. Methods for producing non-delaminable conduits and non-delaminable kink-resistant conduits constructed of biocompatible elastomers and substrates, and products produced by these methods are taught. Methods, products, and articles of manufacture relating to non-delaminable monofilament supported kink-resistive conduits that may be used as inflow conduits in left ventricular assist devices for treatment of heart failure are also provided.

Abstract: A polymer coated stent is disclosed. The stent may be a self-expanding stent or a balloon-expandable stent. The metal surface of the stent is coated with a polymer for enhanced biocompatibility. Amongst the various polymers that can comprise the coating of the stent are fluorine-containing polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Methods are also disclosed for depositing the coating on the surface of the stent.

Abstract: Stented tubular grafts of expanded, sintered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The stented PTFE grafts of the present invention include an integrally stented embodiment, an externally stented embodiment, and an internally stented embodiment. In each embodiment, the stent may be either self-expanding or pressure-expandable. Also, in each embodiment, the stent may be coated or covered with a plastic material capable of being affixed (e.g., heat fused) to PTFE. Manufacturing methods are also disclosed by the individual components of the stented grafts are preassembled on a mandrel and are subsequently heated to facilitate attachment of the PTFE layer(s) to one another and/or to the stent. Optionally, the stented graft may be post-flexed and post-expanded following it's removal from the mandrel to ensure that the stented graft will be freely radially expandable and/or radially contractible over it's full intended range of diameters.

Abstract: Stented tubular grafts of expanded, sintered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The stented PTFE grafts of the present invention include an integrally stented embodiment, an externally stented embodiment, and an internally stented embodiment. In each embodiment, the stent may be either self-expanding or pressure-expandable. Also, in each embodiment, the stent may be coated or covered with a plastic material capable of being affixed (e.g., heat fused) to PTFE. Manufacturing methods are also disclosed by the individual components of the stented grafts are preassembled on a mandrel and are subsequently heated to facilitate attachment of the PTFE layer(s) to one another and/or to the stent Optionally, the stented graft may be post-flexed and post-expanded following it's removal from the mandrel to ensure that the stented graft will be freely radially expandable and/or radially contractible over it's full intended range of diameters.

Abstract: A method of non-delaminably bonding a non-porous thermoplastic elastomer to a substrate by heating a bilayer of the elastomer and the substrate for a predetermined time and a product obtained by the method. Methods for producing non-delaminable conduits and non-delaminable kink-resistant conduits constructed of biocompatible elastomers and substrates, and products produced by these methods are taught. Methods, products, and articles of manufacture relating to non-delaminable monofilament supported kink-resistive conduits that may be used as inflow conduits in left ventricular assist devices for treatment of heart failure are also provided.

Abstract: Stented tubular grafts of expanded, sintered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The stented PTFE grafts of the present invention include an integrally stented embodiment, an externally stented embodiment, and an internally stented embodiment. In each embodiment, the stent may be either self-expanding or pressure-expandable. Also, in each embodiment, the stent may be coated or covered with a plastic material capable of being affixed (e.g., heat fused) to PTFE. Manufacturing methods are also disclosed by the individual components of the stented grafts are preassembled on a mandrel and are subsequently heated to facilitate attachment of the PTFE layer(s) to one another and/or to the stent. Optionally, the stented graft may be post-flexed and post-expanded following it's removal from the mandrel to ensure that the stented graft will be freely radially expandable and/or radially contractible over it's full intended range of diameters.

Abstract: A vascular access graft that is radially supported and self-sealing upon puncture with, for example, a dialysis needle. The graft has at least one access segment that is formed by an inner layer, an intermediate layer, and outer layer. The intermediate layer has, in longitudinal cross-section, regions of different densities. Radial support members within the intermediate layer prevent collapse of vascular access graft and may be formed of a material that has a lower melting temperature than the other components of the graft. A porous or low-density material is provided between the radial support members to permit blood seepage therein, and the graft is formed by heating to cause the radial support members to melt slightly into the interstitial spaces of the low-density material. The radial support members may be individual turns of a helical coil of FEP, and the low-density material may be compressed PTFE “cotton”. The inner and outer layers may also be formed of PTFE.

Abstract: Stented tubular grafts of expanded, sintered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The stented PTFE grafts of the present invention include an integrally stented embodiment, an externally stented embodiment, and an internally stented embodiment. In each embodiment, the stent may be either self-expanding or pressure-expandable. Also, in each embodiment, the stent may be coated or covered with a plastic material capable of being affixed (e.g., heat fused) to PTFE. Manufacturing methods are also disclosed by the individual components of the stented grafts are preassembled on a mandrel and are subsequently heated to facilitate attachment of the PTFE layer(s) to one another and/or to the stent. Optionally, the stented graft may be post-flexed and post-expanded following it's removal from the mandrel to ensure that the stented graft will be freely radially expandable and/or radially contractible over it's full intended range of diameters.