IMPROVED METHODS OF POLYMERIC STENT SURFACE SMOOTHING AND RESURFACING TO REDUCE BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SITES

摘要

The present invention provides methods for fabricating a stent using a chemical treatment to smooth, polish or strengthen the stent. One such treatment involves exposing the stent to acetone or a similar solvent. In certain embodiments, the additional step comprises placing the stent in a bath containing acetone, or a similar solvent, where the bath also contains the polymer the stent is composed of. The acetone bath step may be conducted at a temperature that is below the glass transition temperature. The present invention also provides for methods of fabricating a stent using an acetone bath that comprises poly (lactic) acid. Other embodiments provide for methods of fabricating a stent using an acetone bath that comprises poly (lactic) acid and polyethylene glycol.