Single layer eptfe and discrete bioresorbable rings

Abstract

A stent-graft, including a generally tubular vascular graft of biocompatible material, and a plurality of bio-resorbable discrete annular members spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the vascular graft and attached thereto.

1 . A stent-graft, comprising:
 a generally tubular vascular graft of biocompatible material; and   a plurality of discrete bio-resorbable annular members spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the vascular graft and attached thereto.   
   
   
       2 . The stent-graft according to  claim 1 , wherein the vascular graft is comprised of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). 
   
   
       3 . The stent-graft according to  claim 2 , the annular members including a coating of polyurethane that covers at least a portion of the annular members in contact with ePTFE. 
   
   
       4 . The stent-graft according to  claim 3 , further comprising a layer of amorphous fluoropolymer including tetrafluoroethylene (TEF) and 4,5-difluoro-2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-dioxole, or a perfluoroelastomer, covering the annular members. 
   
   
       5 . The stent-graft according to  claim 4 , wherein the layer of amorphous fluoropolymer comprises powder that is sintered to the vascular graft. 
   
   
       6 . The stent-graft according to  claim 3 , further comprising a solvent layer disposed onto the surface of the vascular graft that contacts the polyurethane to bond the annular members to the vascular graft. 
   
   
       7 . The stent-graft according to  claim 6 , wherein the solvent comprises Tetrahydrofuran (THF). 
   
   
       8 . (canceled) 
   
   
       9 . (canceled) 
   
   
       10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . The stent-graft according to  claim 1 , wherein the annular members are woven into the tubular base and attached thereto with bio-resorbable sutures. 
   
   
       12 . The stent-graft according to  claim 1 , wherein the annular members are attached to an abluminal surface of the vascular graft. 
   
   
       13 . (canceled) 
   
   
       14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . (canceled) 
   
   
       16 . The stent-graft according to  claim 1 , wherein the bio-resorbable material is a balloon-expandable material. 
   
   
       17 . The stent-graft according to  claim 1 , further comprising a bio-resorbable adhesive disposed between the annular members and the vascular graft. 
   
   
       18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . (canceled) 
   
   
       20 . (canceled) 
   
   
       21 . (canceled) 
   
   
       22 . (canceled) 
   
   
       23 . (canceled) 
   
   
       24 . (canceled) 
   
   
       25 . (canceled) 
   
   
       26 . (canceled) 
   
   
       27 . (canceled) 
   
   
       28 . (canceled) 
   
   
       29 . (canceled) 
   
   
       30 . (canceled) 
   
   
       31 . (canceled) 
   
   
       32 . (canceled) 
   
   
       33 . (canceled) 
   
   
       34 . (canceled) 
   
   
       35 . (canceled) 
   
   
       36 . A method of making a stent-graft, comprising:
 providing a plurality of discrete radially expandable annular members including a bio-resorbable balloon-expandable material;   coating the annular members with a polyurethane material;   positioning the coated annular members over a generally tubular expanded polytetrafluoroethylene vascular graft along a longitudinal axis thereof in spaced apart relation; and   disposing a solvent between the coated annular members and the vascular graft.   
   
   
       37 . The method according to  claim 36 , wherein the disposing comprises spraying the vascular graft with THF. 
   
   
       38 . The method according to  claim 37 , wherein the spraying comprises spraying the inside surface of the vascular graft with THF. 
   
   
       39 . (canceled) 
   
   
       40 . (canceled) 
   
   
       41 . (canceled) 
   
   
       42 . The method according to  claim 36 , wherein a laser alignment fixture is utilized to space the annular members apart along the longitudinal axis of the vascular graft. 
   
   
       43 . (canceled) 
   
   
       44 . (canceled) 
   
   
       45 . (canceled) 
   
   
       46 . The method according to  claim 36 , wherein the positioning further comprises arranging the annular members in a manner to prevent interference between adjacent annular members upon radial compression of the stent-graft to a delivery configuration. 
   
   
       47 . The method according to  claim 36 , further comprising creating a plurality of micro-openings through a wall of the vascular graft. 
   
   
       48 . (canceled) 
   
   
       49 . A method of making a stent-graft, comprising:
 providing a plurality of discrete radially expandable bio-resorbable annular members;   positioning the annular members over a generally tubular vascular graft along a longitudinal axis thereof in spaced apart relation; and   weaving portions of the annular members into the base layer and attaching the annular members to the base layer with bio-resorbable sutures.   
   
   
       50 . The method according to  claim 49 , wherein a laser alignment fixture is utilized to space the annular members apart along the longitudinal axis of the vascular graft. 
   
   
       51 . (canceled) 
   
   
       52 . The method according to  claim 49 , wherein the weaving step comprises positioning a first set of apices of adjacent annular members on opposing surfaces of the vascular graft. 
   
   
       53 . (canceled) 
   
   
       54 . (canceled) 
   
   
       55 . (canceled) 
   
   
       56 . (canceled)