Abstract: Porous, distensible, gel-like membranes which in tubular form are suitable as implants, e.g., vascular prostheses and a process for the preparation thereof is described. The membranes are formed by a spraying, phase-inversion technique which employs thermodynamically unstable polymer solutions and is accomplished by separately spraying the unstable solution and a nonsolvent onto a rotating surface. Prostheses from the highly porous tubular membranes have shown a high degree of patency and completeness of the healing process and are useful for direct implantation in the body or for extracorporeal vascular accesses.

Abstract: A balloon catheter with an inner elongated member having an inner layer of a soft elastomeric polyurethane material and an outer layer of a hard plastic nylon material, which is formed by forming the outer layer onto the inner layer by coextrusion.

Abstract: Porous, distensible, gel-like membranes which in tubular form are suitable as implants, e.g., vascular prostheses and a process for the preparation thereof. The membranes are formed by a spraying, phase-inversion technique which employs thermodynamically unstable polymer solutions and is accomplished by separately spraying the unstable solution and a nonsolvent onto a rotating surface. Prostheses from the highly porous tubular membranes have shown a high degree of patency and completeness of the healing process and are useful for direct implantation in the body or for extracorporeal vascular accesses.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon assembly which includes an hemostasis device slidably mounted to a balloon catheter, and method for percutaneous insertion of such assembly. The hemostasis device provides a distal constant diameter segment dimensioned to minimize initial resistance to the insertion of the hemostasis device, integrated with a second proximal segment of larger constant diameter via a transition segment. The second constant diameter segment is proportioned to fill the opening in the patient's skin created by the insertion of the intra-aortic balloon and thereby stop any bleeding from the femoral artery at the insertion site.