A method of forming a composite textile and ePTFE implantable device
includes the steps of (a) providing an ePTFE layer having opposed
surfaces comprising a microporous structure of nodes interconnected by
fibrils; (b) providing a textile layer having opposed surfaces; (c)
applying a coating of an elastomeric bonding agent to one of the opposed
surfaces of the ePTFE layer or the textile layer; (d) providing a hollow
member having an open end and an opposed closed end defining a fluid
passageway therebetween and having a wall portion with at least one hole
extending therethrough, the hole being in fluid communication with the
fluid passageway; (e) concentrically placing the ePTFE layer and the
textile layer onto the hollow member and over the at least one hole of
the hollow member to provide an interior composite layer and an exterior
composite layer, thereby defining a composite assembly, wherein the
interior composite layer is one of the ePTFE layer or the textile layer
and the exterior composite layer is the other of the ePTFE layer or the
textile layer; (f) placing the hollow member with the composite assembly
within a pressure chamber; (g) applying a pressure differential so that
the pressure within the chamber is greater than a pressure within the
fluid passageway of the hollow member; and (h) applying heat to the
bonding agent to adhesively bond the textile layer and the ePTFE layer to
provide a laminated composite assembly.