Evaluation of poly(L-lactic acid) as a material for intravascular polymeric stents

Poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) monofilaments were evaluated for use as intravascular polymeric stents. The PLLA monofilaments were extruded and drawn to different draw ratios. They were then subjected to different thermal treatments and their mechanical properties characterized. Stents constructed with similar monofilaments were tested under hydrostatic pressure, and the results correlated with the properties of the monofilaments. Stent collapse pressure was a decreasing function of stent diameter and filament draw ratio.