COMPOSITE PROSTHESIS WITH EXTERNAL POLYMERIC SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

摘要

A prosthesis including a support structure for enhancing kink and/or crush resistance. The support structure is connected to an outer surface of the prosthesis and includes at least two components, one of which has a lower melting point than the other. The component with the lower melting point is used to connect the support structure to the outer surface of the prosthesis.

主权项

1. A method of preparing an implantable prosthesis comprising:
(a) applying a support structure to an outer textile surface of a generally tubular body of the prosthesis, the support structure comprising a first component and a second component disposed about the first component, the second component being polymeric and having a lower melting temperature than that of the first component and the body; and (b) melting the second component, and not the first component or the body, so as to cause the second component to connect the first component to the body such that the connection between the second component and the outer textile surface withstands a predetermined pulling force of about 10 grams to 300 grams and such that integrity of the outer textile surface is preserved upon removal of the first component from the body.