Patent ID: 7285287
Filing Date: 2007-10-23
Classification: A61L

Abstract:
1. A method of producing a biocompatible stent for in vivo use, comprising: providing a stent having a portion thereof formed from polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid-polyethylene glycol block copolymer, poly(ethyleneoxide)-poly(butylenetetraphthalate), poly(lactic acid-co-lysine), a poly(L-lactic acid) copolymer and a poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymer, wherein the polymeric material contains one or more toxic materials; immersing the polymeric material in a densified carbon dioxide composition such that the toxic materials are absorbed by the densified carbon dioxide composition, wherein pressure and/or temperature of the densified carbon dioxide composition is adjusted to selectively absorb toxic materials from the polymeric material; removing the densified carbon dioxide composition containing the toxic materials from the polymeric material; lowering the density of the removed densified carbon dioxide composition such that the toxic materials entrained therein become separated therefrom; and removing the separated toxic materials, such that the stent is suitable for in vivo use.