Abstract: A coating with antimicrobial agents for use with medical devices. In one approach, a related method involves coating high temperature vulcanized silicone material with a room temperature vulcanized dispersion.

Abstract: Materials and methods related to crosslinking hyaluronan and chitosan are described herein. Also described are products of the described methods.

Abstract: A method for forming a randomly textured surface on an implantable device such as soft tissue prosthesis. The textured surface has numerous cavities, interstices and passageways or tunnels and is thus referred to as a microporous surface texture. The surface is formed by two or more applications of polymeric particles and a polymeric dispersion.

Abstract: A flow delivery system including a syringe that includes an outer plastic shell, a leur and a plunger; and a needle and/or a catheter that embodies a hub and a cannula which delivers a solution of a material. Various structures are included to provide locking engagements, torque sensitive connections, sufficient interfacing between components and visual conformation of connectors. The syringe assembly can also include an approach to a filter. Moreover, an approach to sterilization is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives, in particular multiple, e.g. double cross-linked hyaluronic acid derivatives. The invention also provides novel cross-linked HA derivatives, products containing them and their uses in medical and pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for joining flexible polymer workpieces using light energy. These methods, referred to as laser welding, can be used to join thermoplastic or thermoset polymers. The laser welding method of the invention is applicable to the creation or repair of any article requiring the bonding of two flexible polymer components or a flexible polymer component and an inflexible polymer component.

Abstract: Urine collection bags are provided that include features that facilitate easy insertion of a urinary catheter into a patient's bladder. In some implementations, the urine collection bag is formed of a soft, flexible material that is comfortable when it contacts the user's skin, easy to manipulate, and relatively noiseless during use.

Abstract: The invention provides magazines for radioactive brachytherapy seeds. The seed magazines provided herein include housing, seed holder, and pusher components, and optionally have a slidable shield to protect a user from radiation.

Abstract: Urine collection bags are provided that include features that facilitate easy insertion of a urinary catheter into a patient's bladder. In some implementations, the urine collection bag is formed of a soft, flexible material that is comfortable when it contacts the user's skin, easy to manipulate, and relatively noiseless during use.

Abstract: An automated implantation system assists the implantation of low dose radioisotope seeds in a patient as part of a brachytherapy procedure. A Z-axis automated motion control system and an X-Y axis automated motion control system control a needle assembly. The X-Y axis automated motion control system positions an insertion axis of the needle assembly relative to the patient. The Z-axis automated motion control system selectively moves the needle assembly along the insertion axis to implant at least one radioisotope seed. This process is repeated for a plurality of locations on a base plane perpendicular to the insertion axis. Preferably, the radioisotope seeds are contained in a replaceable cartridge and the needle assembly is also replaceable.

Abstract: The invention provides mandrels for producing elastomeric components such as mammary implants. Specifically, the invention provides mandrels that include a mold, a shaft attached to the mold, and a drip retainer attached to the shaft. The drip retainers disclosed herein are configured to catch and contain fluids (e.g., elastomeric compounds dispersed in solvents) that run and/or drip off the mold and shaft, and to retain such fluids when the dipping mandrel is inverted. The invention also provides drip retainers that can catch and contain fluids (e.g., elastomeric compounds dispersed in solvents) when attached to a dipping mandrel, and can retain the fluids upon inversion of the dipping mandrel.

Abstract: The invention provides male external catheters having kink-resistant drainage stems as well as methods for making male external catheters having kink-resistant drainage stems. Specifically, the invention provides male external catheters having a drainage stem designed to reduce or prevent kinking that can occur during use when a drainage hose fitting and drainage hose are attached to the catheter. The invention also provides male external catheters having skin-friendly compounds and methods for making male external catheters having skin-friendly compounds. Specifically, the invention provides male external catheters designed to have skin-friendly compounds that contact the user's skin when the catheter is being used.

Abstract: The invention provides mandrels for producing elastomeric components such as mammary implants. Specifically, the invention provides mandrels that include a mold, a shaft attached to the mold, and a drip retainer attached to the shaft. The drip retainers disclosed herein are configured to catch and contain fluids (e.g., elastomeric compounds dispersed in solvents) that run and/or drip off the mold and shaft, and to retain such fluids when the dipping mandrel is inverted. The invention also provides drip retainers that can catch and contain fluids (e.g., elastomeric compounds dispersed in solvents) when attached to a dipping mandrel, and can retain the fluids upon inversion of the dipping mandrel.

Abstract: The mammary prostheses of the invention have a self-sealing area in the upper pole region of the anterior face. The self-sealing area is greater than that of a traditional filling port, and reduces the severity of the consequences of an inadvertent puncture by a hypodermic needle during the filling process. Also, this self-sealing area is thicker than the material in the other areas of the prosthesis, causing fluid introduced to the prosthesis to stay in the lower pole region of the prosthesis, making the shape of the prosthesis appear more like that of a natural breast.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that efficiently resupplies radioactive seeds to a brachytherapy applicator. A seed-holding system includes a holder and a transfer device. The holder, which may be disposable, stores the radioactive seeds and the transfer device, which may be reusable, helps shield and dispense the seeds. The holder is coupled to the transfer device, and the apparatus is mated to an applicator. After seeds have been dispensed, the apparatus may be disconnected from the applicator and the empty holder may be ejected from the transfer device, and replaced with a full holder.

Abstract: The invention features brachytherapy applicators for delivering radioactive seeds to a patient. Specifically, the invention provides brachytherapy applicators in which a seed magazine is removably held within a chuck by a magazine retaining structure. The magazine retaining structures described herein are designed such that a seed magazine can be readily inserted into or removed from a brachytherapy applicator. In addition, magazine retaining structures are designed such that they will not become jammed, even when blood cells or other particles enter the applicator during a brachytherapy procedure and become lodged near the seed magazine and the magazine retaining structure.