Method of increasing the plasticity and/or elasticity of polymers via supercritical fluid extraction and medical devices fabricated therefrom

摘要

A method of treating a polymer involves contacting the polymer with a supercritical fluid under conditions of temperature and pressure to incorporate the supercritical fluid in the polymer and thereby effectuate an increase in plasticity and/or elasticity of the polymer. In a particular embodiment, the treated polymer is a biocompatible polymer which is fabricated into a medical device or part thereof.