The present invention provides an apparatus and method for manufacturing
polymeric thin-walled tubular members, which are well-suited for use as
vascular grafts. The apparatus of the present invention enables extrusion
of a tubular member having an extremely thin wall thickness so as to
facilitate passage through tortuous vascular passageways. The apparatus
achieves uniform wall thickness in a tubular member by establishing and
maintaining axial alignment of a ram having a concentrically disposed
guide rod therein with a die supported in concentric relation to the
guide rod.