Patent ID: 7674416
Filing Date: 2010-03-09
Classification: A61F,A61L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of making a hybrid stent having alternating rings and links formed of a biocompatible polymer material for use in a body lumen, the method comprising: providing a plurality of metallic cylindrical rings being expandable in a radial direction, each of the rings having a first delivery diameter, and a second implanted diameter, aligned on a common longitudinal axis; providing a mandrel assembly having cylindrical ring-patterned grooves and connector channels encased within a plurality of outer mold covers; positioning the plurality of metallic cylindrical rings into the ring-patterned grooves of the mandrel in an alternating configuration so that every other ring-pattern groove is empty; injecting a polymer into the mandrel assembly thereby filling the empty ring-pattern grooves with the polymer to form polymer cylindrical rings; and removing the hybrid stent from the mandrel assembly.