Improved cardiovascular patch materials and method for producing same

摘要

The present invention is a cardiovascular patch and graft material which is resistant to fluid loss through suture seam holes or similar openings and method for forming and using such material. The patch of the present invention employs a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane and elastomeric biocompatible material which is injected under a pressure differential to impregnate interior pores of the membrane. The amount of elastomer on the surfaces of the PTFE membrane is minimalized so as to avoid limitations and complications which have been inherent in previous attempts to create bleed-resistant vascular patches and grafts.