Biodegradable Metal-Polymer Composite Constructs For Implantable Medical Devices
Embodiments of the invention include biodegradable composites and medical devices including the same. In an embodiment the invention includes a biodegradable implantable medical device. The implantable medical device can include a biodegradable composite member including a polymeric matrix and a reinforcing metal disposed within the polymeric matrix. The biodegradable composite member can be configured to erode in vivo. In an embodiment the invention includes a method of making a biodegradable implantable device including contacting a polymer mixture with a reinforcing metal, the polymer mixture comprising a polymer that degrades under in vivo conditions and the reinforcing metal comprising a metal that produces substantially non-toxic erosion products. Other embodiments are included herein.
1 . A biosorbable implantable medical device comprising:
a composite article comprising a polymeric matrix and a reinforcing metal disposed within the polymeric matrix, the composite article configured to erode in vivo.
2 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , wherein the metal is in elemental form.
3 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , wherein the metal is an alloy.
4 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , the metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium, zinc, selenium, and iron.
5 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , the metal comprising from about 5 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the composite article.
6 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , the metal comprising from about 10 wt. % to about 40 wt. % of the composite article.
7 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , the metal comprising fibers.
8 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , the metal comprising a woven structure.
9 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , the metal comprising a particulate.
10 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , wherein the polymeric matrix comprises a polymer that is hydrolytically labile and/or enzymatically labile.
11 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , wherein degradation of the polymer results in an acidic degradation product.
12 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , the polymeric matrix comprising a hydrophilic polymer.
13 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , the polymeric matrix comprising polylactic acid.
14 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , the polymeric matrix comprising polylactide-co-glycolide.
15 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , wherein the composite article exhibits stiffness greater than an otherwise identical article including only the polymeric matrix.
16 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , wherein the composite article exhibits fracture resistance greater than an otherwise identical article including only the polymeric matrix.
17 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , the composite article configured to erode in vivo at least about 90% in mass over a period of time no longer than two years.
18 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , the composite article comprising a tubular shape.
19 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , the biosorbable implantable device comprising a stent.
20 . The biosorbable implantable medical device of claim 1 , further comprising a bioactive agent disposed within the polymeric matrix.
21 . A method of making a biosorbable implantable device comprising contacting a polymer mixture with a reinforcing metal, the polymer mixture comprising a polymer that degrades under in vivo conditions and the reinforcing metal comprising a metal that produces substantially non-toxic erosion products.
22 . The method of claim 21 , wherein contacting a polymer mixture with a reinforcing metal comprising injection molding the polymer mixture into contact with the reinforcing metal.