Patent ID: 7448122
Filing Date: 2008-11-11
Classification: A61F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of making a polymeric tubular layer of an expandable medical device or component, comprising: a) placing a polymeric tubular layer having a length in a lumen of a tube, with the polymeric tubular layer in the lumen of the tube being disposed on a mandrel, and the tube and polymeric tubular layer being in a housing; b) longitudinally stretching the tube to a stretched configuration and restraining the tube in the stretched configuration; c) attaching the tube in the stretched configuration to the polymeric tubular layer by exposing the tube with the polymeric tubular member therein to a pressurized fluid introduced into the housing, to thereby apply a radially inward force to the tube; d) unrestraining the tube to release the tube from the stretched configuration so that the length of the tube decreases and thereby longitudinally compresses the polymeric tubular layer; e) detaching the tube from the compressed polymeric tubular layer; and f) removing the compressed polymeric tubular layer from the lumen of the tube and from the mandrel, to form the polymeric tubular layer of the expandable medical device.