Bioabsorbable Polymer, Non-Bioabsorbable Metal Composite Stents
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.