Bioabsorbable Polymer, Non-Bioabsorbable Metal Composite Stents

Abstract

Biocompatible materials may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including intraluminal stents. The biocompatible material may comprise metallic and non-metallic materials in hybrid structures. In one such structure, a device may be fabricated with one or more elements having an inner metallic core that is not degradable with an outer shell formed from a polymeric material that is biodegradable. Additionally, therapeutic agents may be incorporated into the microstructure or the bulk material.

1 . A substantially tubular intraluminal scaffold comprising:
 a plurality of hoop components configured as the primary radial load bearing elements of the intraluminal scaffold; and   one or more connector elements interconnecting the plurality of hoop components, wherein at least one of the plurality of hoop components and the one or more connector elements comprises a composite structure formed from a non-bioabsorbable metallic material and a bioabsorbable polymeric material.   
   
   
       2 . The substantially tubular intraluminal scaffold according to  claim 1 , further comprising one or more therapeutic agents affixed to the non-bioabsorbable metallic material. 
   
   
       3 . The substantially tubular intraluminal scaffold according to  claim 1 , further comprising one or more therapeutic agents affixed to the bioabsorbable polymeric material. 
   
   
       4 . The substantially tubular intraluminal scaffold according to  claim 3 , wherein the one or more therapeutic agents are affixed to a surface of the bioabsorbable polymeric material. 
   
   
       5 . The substantially tubular intraluminal scaffold according to  claim 3 , wherein the one or more therapeutic agents are distributed throughout the bioabsorbable polymeric material. 
   
   
       6 . The substantially tubular intraluminal scaffold according to  claim 3 , wherein the one or more therapeutic agents is distributed within portions of the bioabsorbable polymeric material. 
   
   
       7 . A substantially tubular intraluminal scaffold comprising:
 a plurality of hoop components configured as the primary radial load bearing elements of the intraluminal scaffold; and   one or more connector elements interconnecting the plurality of hoop components, wherein at least one of the plurality of hoop components and the one or more connector elements comprises a composite structure formed from a metallic material and a bioabsorbable polymeric material.