| abstract |
A novel method of manufacturing stents by use of molds ( 1101 ) made of a biocompatible, flexible material, preferably silicone. Some embodiments use silicone polymers; a two-dimensional, waffle mold; injection molds whereby the core of the injection mold is silicone polymer. In some embodiments, the stent polymer or particles of stent polymers are injected into the mold, around a cylinder of silicone, to form a three-dimensional stent. In some embodiments, particles of silicone polymer are mechanically forced into the negative spaces and then fused together to form the finished product. In other embodiments, metal stents or metal molds are used to manufacture a reverse mold. The reverse mold ( 901 ) is then used to create positive silicone molds. The silicone molds can subsequently be used by any means to make polymer stents, lending themselves to automation. |