Patent ID: 6436135
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: A61F,A61L

Abstract:
A prosthetic vascular structure of expanded polytetrafluorethylene having:(i) a macroscopically tubular configuration with proximal and distal ends, and (ii) a microscopic superstructure of irregularly spaced nodes of various sizes and shapes interconnected by fibrils; said vascular structure further comprising: a. an average wall thickness in the range between 0.2 and 0.8 millimeters; b. a substantially uniform distribution of nodes throughout said tubular configuration; c. an average density in the range between 0.2 and 0.5 grams per milliliter; and d. an average distance between said nodes small enough to prevent transmural blood flow and thrombosis but no less than the maximum dimension of an average red cell; whereby said structure may provide for the smooth flow of blood between at least two points in a living organism while controlling cellular ingrowth through the wall of the tubular configuration to promote and nourish a thin, viable neointima over the inner surface thereof and to firmly attach said prosthetic vascular structure to adjacent tissue of said living organism.