Apparatus and Method for Making a Polymeric Structure

摘要

The apparatus and method for preparing a polymeric structure from which a number of medical devices may be constructed is described. The structures are preferably formed from bioabsorbable materials using low temperature fabrication processes, whereby drugs or other bio-active agents are incorporated into or onto the device and degradation of the drugs or other agents during processing is minimized. The method includes preparing a solution of at least one bioabsorbable polymer and a solvent. The solution is then deposited onto a stage and converted into a structure. The solvent is evaporated from the structure. The dried solution forms a structure that is removed from the stage and further dried before being stored in an inert environment. Thereafter, a medical device such as a stent may be constructed from the structure.