Side-chain crystallizable polymers for medical applications

Abstract

Side-chain crystallizable (SCC) polymers are useful in various medical applications. In certain applications, heavy atom containing side-chain crystallizable polymers (HACSCCP's) are particularly useful. An example of a HACSCCP is a polymer that comprises a main chain, a plurality of crystallizable side chains, and a plurality of heavy atoms attached to the polymer. In certain configurations, the heavy atoms are present in an amount that is effective to render the polymer radiopaque. A polymeric material that includes an HACSCCP may be fabricated into a medical device useful for at least partially occluding a body cavity. For example, such a medical device may be an embolotherapy product. A polymeric material that includes a SCC polymer may also be fabricated into other medical devices, such as stents.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treatment comprising:
 introducing a medical device into a body cavity of a mammal in an amount that is effective to at least partially occlude the body cavity, and   forming a channel through the medical device;   wherein the medical device comprises a polymeric material; and   wherein the polymeric material comprises an inherently radiopaque, side chain crystallizable polymer.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric material is introduced into the body cavity in the presence of a mold. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein forming the channel comprises removing the mold from the body cavity. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the side chain crystallizable polymer comprises heavy atoms. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the side chain crystallizable polymer is biocompatible.