BIOCOMPATIBLE HYDROPHOBIC LAMINATE WITH THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMER LAYER

摘要

This invention is a biocompatible hydrophobic laminate (11). The laminate structure (11) includes one layer (14, 16) of a rubber, such as silicone rubber, which is biocompatible with the inside of the body. The laminate structure (11) further includes a hydrophobic layer or membrane (15) formed of a thermoplastic elastomer such as a styrene block colopymer. The tri-block copolymer may contain styrene end-blocks with an elastomeric mid-block such as poly-isoprene, poly-butadiene, poly-iso-butylene, and poly(ethylene-co-butylene). The laminate structure (11) may be utilized for structures to be introduced into the body, such as for a breast prosthesis (10) shell or a coating for a catheter.