Abstract: The invention is to methods of deploying polymeric biodegradable or non biodegradable stents by use of stepwise creases in the pressure placed upon the inner diameter of the stent to slowly increase the stent diameter. In one embodiment, the pressure on the interior stent diameter is slowly increased. The stent is allowed to acclimate to this diameter for a set period of time, and then the pressure is again increased. This series of steps continues until the stent reaches its final diameter and a final period of acclimatization is maintained prior to the removal of the deployment/delivery device.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a polymer-based stent assembly comprising an inflatable balloon catheter and a polymer-based stent resistant to relaxation-related negative recoil are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for fabricating a stent using a chemical treatment to smooth, polish or strengthen the stent. One such treatment involves exposing the stent to acetone or a similar solvent. In certain embodiments, the additional step comprises placing the stent in a bath containing acetone, or a similar solvent, where the bath also contains the polymer the stent is composed of. The acetone bath step may be conducted at a temperature that is below the glass transition temperature. The present invention also provides for methods of fabricating a stent using an acetone bath that comprises poly (lactic) acid. Other embodiments provide for methods of fabricating a stent using an acetone bath that comprises poly (lactic) acid and polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: The invention is to methods of deploying polymeric biodegradable or non biodegradable stents by use of stepwise creases in the pressure placed upon the inner diameter of the stent to slowly increase the stent diameter. In one embodiment, the pressure on the interior stent diameter is slowly increased. The stent is allowed to acclimate to this diameter for a set period of time, and then the pressure is again increased. This series of steps continues until the stent reaches its final diameter and a final period of acclimatization is maintained prior to the removal of the deployment/delivery device.

Abstract: The invention is to methods of deploying polymeric biodegradable or non biodegradable stents by use of stepwise creases in the pressure placed upon the inner diameter of the stent to slowly increase the stent diameter. In one embodiment, the pressure on the interior stent diameter is slowly increased. The stent is allowed to acclimate to this diameter for a set period of time, and then the pressure is again increased. This series of steps continues until the stent reaches its final diameter and a final period of acclimatization is maintained prior to the removal of the deployment/delivery device.

Abstract: It has been determined that gamma sterilization of biodegradable polymer stents does not cause significant polymer cross-linking and collapse. Using sufficient spacing can lead to stents that display little if any detrimental effects from the procedure. In certain embodiments, using structures in the general region of about 100 micron spacing between the struts leads to highly functional stents that do not fuse. Further, the resulting stent has radially homogenous mechanical properties. Therefore, the stent has a uniform expansion within the lumen.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a polymer-based stent assembly comprising an inflatable balloon catheter and a polymer-based stent resistant to relaxation-related negative recoil are provided.

Abstract: Methods of crimping polymeric stents that simultaneously apply a radial force to the stent to reduce the diameter of the stent and a longitudinal force to elongate of the stent. According to one such method, a stent is inserted into an elastic tube having an inner surface that defines a passage. The tube is pulled to cause stretching of the tube. When the tube is stretched, the inner surface of the tube engages an outer surface of the stent and applies simultaneous longitudinal and radial forces to the outer surface of the stent. The simultaneously applied longitudinal and radial forces simultaneously reduce a radial extent of the stent and increase a longitudinal extent of the stent.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a polymer-based stent assembly comprising an inflatable balloon catheter and a polymer-based stent resistant to relaxation-related negative recoil are provided.

Abstract: A novel method of manufacturing stents by use of molds (1101) made of a biocompatible, flexible material, preferably silicone. Some embodiments use silicone polymers; a two-dimensional, waffle mold; injection molds whereby the core of the injection mold is silicone polymer. In some embodiments, the stent polymer or particles of stent polymers are injected into the mold, around a cylinder of silicone, to form a three-dimensional stent. In some embodiments, particles of silicone polymer are mechanically forced into the negative spaces and then fused together to form the finished product. In other embodiments, metal stents or metal molds are used to manufacture a reverse mold. The reverse mold (901) is then used to create positive silicone molds. The silicone molds can subsequently be used by any means to make polymer stents, lending themselves to automation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for fabricating a stent using a preheating stage. The inventors have found a fabrication methods that result in the same and/or better product quality stent using a single step process performed at a temperature of below 65° C., more preferably below 60° C., most preferably below 55° C. Stent fabrication under such reduced temperature conditions reduces the exposure of the stent to adverse temperature conditions, thereby enabling the greater retention of the polymer's memory. Further, upon expansion, the stent does not contract to a smaller diameter but instead remains at a constant diameter or increases to a larger diameter.

Abstract: The invention is to methods of deploying polymeric biodegradable or non biodegradable stents by use of stepwise creases in the pressure placed upon the inner diameter of the stent to slowly increase the stent diameter. In one embodiment, the pressure on the interior stent diameter is slowly increased. The stent is allowed to acclimate to this diameter for a set period of time, and then the pressure is again increased. This series of steps continues until the stent reaches its final diameter and a final period of acclimatization is maintained prior to the removal of the deployment/delivery device.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for fabricating a stent using a chemical treatment to smooth, polish or strengthen the stent. One such treatment involves exposing the stent to acetone or a similar solvent. In certain embodiments, the additional step comprises placing the stent in a bath containing acetone, or a similar solvent, where the bath also contains the polymer the stent is composed of. The acetone bath step may be conducted at a temperature that is below the glass transition temperature. The present invention also provides for methods of fabricating a stent using an acetone bath that comprises poly (lactic) acid. Other embodiments provide for methods of fabricating a stent using an acetone bath that comprises poly (lactic) acid and polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a polymer stent with one or more markers such that when the stent is placed within a lumen, the markers can be detected external to the body. The markers can also be used to monitor the stent position after placement and absorption of bioabsorbable stents. Further, the stent may comprise two markers used to determine the diameter of the stent in real time. It is also contemplated that the stent may comprise at least three markers. The use of at least three markers enables the three dimensional orientation of the stent to be determined at any time. The stent may also comprise markers such that the markers are located in regions with different in vivo lifetimes. It is also contemplated that the pattern and material type of markers on the stent may be used to determine the type of stent within a lumen or box.

Abstract: It has been determined that gamma sterilization of biodegradable polymer stents does not cause significant polymer cross-linking and collapse. Using sufficient spacing can lead to stents that display little if any detrimental effects from the procedure. In certain embodiments, using structures in the general region of about 100 micron spacing between the struts leads to highly functional stents that do not fuse. Further, the resulting stent has radially homogenous mechanical properties. Therefore, the stent has a uniform expansion within the lumen.

Abstract: Methods of crimping polymeric stents that simultaneously apply a radial force to the stent to reduce the diameter of the stent and a longitudinal force to elongate of the stent. According to one such method, a stent is inserted into an elastic tube having an inner surface that defines a passage. The tube is pulled to cause stretching of the tube. When the tube is stretched, the inner surface of the tube engages an outer surface of the stent and applies simultaneous longitudinal and radial forces to the outer surface of the stent. The simultaneously applied longitudinal and radial forces simultaneously reduce a radial extent of the stent and increase a longitudinal extent of the stent.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a polymer-based stent assembly comprising an inflatable balloon catheter and a polymer-based stent resistant to relaxation-related negative recoil are provided.