Elastomerically impregnated ePTFE to enhance stretch and recovery properties for vascular grafts and coverings

摘要

This invention relates to an elastomerically recoverable PTFE material that includes a longitudinally compressed fibrils of ePTFE material penetrated by elastomeric material within the pores defining the elastomeric matrix. The elastomeric matrix and the compressed fibrils cooperatively expand and recover without plastic deformation of the ePTFE material. This invention was used for various prosthesis, such as a vascular prosthesis like a patch, a graft and an implantable tubular stents. Furthermore, this invention discloses a method of producing the elastomerically recoverable PTFE material which include the steps of: providing the specified ePTFE, defined by the nodes and fibrils, to meet the desired end use; longitudinally compressing the fibrils of the ePTFE, the pore size sufficiently enough to permit penetration of the elastomeric material; applying the elastomeric material within the pores to provide a structurally integral elastomerically recoverable PTFE material defining an elastomeric matrix. The elastomeric material is applied to the ePTFE by dip, brush or spray coating techniques. The compression step and the application steps are interchangeable to produce the desired properties for the end use material. Finally, the elastomeric material is dried within the pores of the longitudinally compressed ePTFE to solidify the elastomeric matrix.