Method of processing open-celled microcellular polymeric foams with controlled porosity for use as vascular grafts and stent covers

摘要

Porous vascular grafts and stent covers are formed of open-celled microcellular polymeric foams having a porosity that can be modified to be adapted for carrying and delivering different types of therapeutic drugs. A stent cover is formed of a tubular member including at least one layer of a porous, microcellular foam formed from a polymeric material capable of absorbing and releasing therapeutic drugs at predictable rates for delivery of the therapeutic drugs in localized drug therapy in a blood vessel. A composite metal and polymer vascular graft is formed of an interior structural stent member, and an outer layer or coating of the porous, microcellular foam. The method of making the composite metal and polymer vascular graft involves providing an interior structural stent member with an outer layer or coating of the porous, microcellular foam, and can further comprise the step of loading a therapeutic drug into the outer layer of the porous, microcellular foam for delivery of the therapeutic drugs in localized drug therapy in a blood vessel.