Stents and stent-grafts having enhanced hoop strength and methods of making the same

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Stents are coated with a polymer such that the polymeric coating binds the crossover points of the wires or, in the case, of a zig-zag stent, binds adjacent zig-zags of wires without occluding the interstices of the stent lattice. Suitable polymers include polyurethane, polycarbonate urethane polyurethane urea, silicone rubber, polyisobutylene copolymer (with styrene etc.), polyolefin, polyester, glycolated polyester polyamide, amorphous, polyamide, combinations of the above and the like. Biodegradable polymers such as Polyisobutyrate, polyvalerate polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid and combinations of these are also suitable. The polymer can be reacted in place without a solvent such as …