Prosthetic device including electrostatically spun fibrous layer and method for making the same

Abstract

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a process of forming a prosthetic device is provided. The process includes forming a dispersion of polymeric nanofibers, a fiberizing polymer, and a solvent, the dispersion having a viscosity of at least about 50,000 cPs. A tubular frame is positioned over a tubular polymeric structure. Nanofibers from the dispersion are electrospun onto the tubular frame to form a prosthetic device. The prosthetic device is heated.

1 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A deposited fiber mat comprising a portion of a medical device, the fiber mat comprising:
 deposited fibers having diameters of 10 nm to 2000 nm.   
     
     
         30 . The deposited fiber mat of  claim 29 , wherein the fiber mat comprises pores with diameters from about 0.05 to about 50 μm. 
     
     
         31 . A method of manufacturing a polymeric material comprising: obtaining a sheet comprising a mat of polymeric fibers; sintering the sheet; and expanding the sheet in a first direction after the fibers are deposited. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein obtaining the sheet comprises: mixing a PTFE-water dispersion comprising from 10% to 85% PTFE solids by weight with PEO to create a mixture having about 1 to 10 wt % PEO/mL of total mixture or more; spinning the mixture; collecting spun fibers on a rotating tube assembly; and wherein the sintering is at a temperature of 35° C. to 485° C.