Patent ID: 6797217
Filing Date: 2004-09-28
Classification: A61F,A61L,B29C,B29K,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for making an encapsulated stent-graft, the stent-graft comprising a self-expanding stent having an essentially tubular configuration with a central longitudinal lumen and having a first diameter and a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter, comprising the steps of:placing a first tube of biocompatible material over a mandrel; manipulating said stent from said first diameter to said second diameter; concentrically engaging said stent about first tube at said second diameter; concentrically engaging a second tube of biocompatible material about said stent and said first tube, forming a stent-graft assembly; applying pressure to said assembly by winding a layer of tape over said second tube to compress said assembly against said mandrel; and heating said assembly, wherein said first tube is joined to said second tube through openings in the wall of said stent, forming a monolithic layer of biocompatible material that applies a constraining force on said stent, preventing said stent from expanding to said first diameter, the monolithic layer of biocompatible material being radially deformable to release said constraining force on said stent.