Stent with a covering layer of elastic material and methods for applying the layer on the stent

Abstract

The stent comprises a cylindrical wall formed by meshed wires and a covering layer of elastic material extending on a portion of its length, with an outer surface, and totally embracing the wire mesh.

1 . A stent comprising a discontinuous expandable wall and a continuous covering layer of elastic material surrounding the discontinuous wall wherein the continuous covering layer of elastic material is adhered to the discontinuous wall so it is intimately united with said discontinuous wall.  
     
     
         2 . A stent according to  claim 1 , wherein the continuous covering layer of elastic material extends at least partly radially within the discontinuous wall of the stent.  
     
     
         3 . A stent according to  claim 2 , wherein the continuous covering layer of elastic material extends around and inside the discontinuous wall of the stent.  
     
     
         4 . A stent according to  claim 1 , wherein the continuous covering layer is adhered to the discontinuous wall by means of a binder.  
     
     
         5 . A stent according to  claim 1 , wherein the continuous covering layer is heat adhered to the discontinuous wall.  
     
     
         6 . A stent according to  claim 1 , wherein the continuous covering layer is chemically bonded to the discontinuous wall.  
     
     
         7 . A stent according to  claim 1 , wherein the continuous covering layer is adhered to the discontinuous wall by radial pressure of the discontinuous wall against the continuous covering layer.  
     
     
         8 . A stent according to  claim 1 , wherein the continuous covering layer has a structured surface towards the discontinuous wall, and wherein the continuous covering layer is adhered to the discontinuous wall as a result of said structured surface.  
     
     
         9 . A method for applying a covering layer to a stent comprising: 
 radially contracting the stent;    inserting at least a portion of the contracted stent into a tube the inner surface of which has been previously done over with a lifting medium;    allowing the stent to radially expand in the tube;    wetting the assembly tube plus stent with an elastomeric polymerisable composition dissolved in a sufficient amount of solvent to permit wet forming;    evaporating the solvent;    polymerizing the elastomeric composition in the tube; and    taking the layer covered portion of the stent out of the tube.    
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 9 , wherein the tube the inner surface of which has been done over with a lifting medium is first wetted alone with the elastomeric composition added with solvent, and wherein the solvent is evaporated before the step of insertion of the stent into the tube.  
     
     
         11 . A method for applying a covering layer to a stent comprising: 
 doing over a roll on surface with a lifting medium;    coating said roll on surface with an elastomeric polymerisable composition dissolved in a sufficient amount of solvent to permit contact forming;    rolling at least a portion of the stent in expanded condition on said coated roll on surface;    withdrawing the stent from the roll on surface;    evaporating the solvent; and    polymerizing the elastomeric composition adhered by contact on said portion of the stent.    
     
     
         12 . A method for applying a covering layer to a stent comprising: 
 forming a tube of predetermined length with an elastomeric polymerisable composition;    radially contracting the stent;    inserting into the tube a portion of the stent corresponding to said predetermined length of the tube; and    allowing the stent to radially expand in the tube, and welding the surfaces of contact between the stent and the tube.    
     
     
         13 . A method for applying a covering layer to a stent comprising: 
 forming a tube of predetermined length with an elastomeric polymerisable composition;    coating the inside of the tube with an adhesive medium;    radially contracting the stent;    inserting into the tube a portion of the stent corresponding to said predetermined length of the tube;    allowing the stent to radially expand in the tube; and    allowing the adhesive medium to cure.    
     
     
         14 . A method for applying a covering layer to a stent comprising: 
 forming a tube of predetermined length with an elastomeric polymerisable composition;    coating the inside of the tube with an elastomeric polymerisable composition dissolved in a sufficient amount of solvent to permit contact forming;    radially contracting the stent;    inserting into the tube a portion of the stent corresponding to said predetermined length of the tube;    allowing the stent to radially expand in the tube;    evaporating the solvent; and    polymerizing the elastomeric composition adhered by contact to the tube and to the stent.