Patent ID: 8206635
Filing Date: 2012-06-26
Classification: A61F,A61L,B29C,B29K,B29L

Abstract:
1. A method of dip-coating a polymeric substrate, comprising: immersing a mandrel into at least a first polymeric solution having an inherent viscosity of about 4.3 to about 8.4 dl/g such that at least a first layer of a biocompatible polymer substrate is formed upon the mandrel and has a first diameter defined by the mandrel; curing the substrate; subjecting the substrate to a first elevated temperature at or above a glass transition temperature of the substrate; cooling the substrate in a controlled manner to a second temperature lower than the glass transition temperature such that the substrate transitions to a glass state and imparts a shape memory effect; forming an expandable stent scaffold having the first diameter from the substrate; and reducing the first diameter of the stent to a second smaller diameter, wherein the stent retains one or more mechanical properties of the polymer resin such that the stent exhibits ductility upon application of a load.