Abstract: Medical devices for implantation into the body are coated with anti-infective and or anti-inflammatory agents. The medical devices can be, for example, endotracheal/tracheostomy tubes and catheters. The devices have a polymer coating containing an anti-infective agent and/or an anti-inflammatory agent. The preferred anti-infective agent is iodine and the preferred anti-inflammatory agent is steroidal.

Abstract: An anti-infective coating for a sharp-edged metal instrument. The coating is insoluble in a biological medium and is bound to the metal instrument such as needles and scalpel blades. The coating is a biocompatible, non-hydrogel polymer. One embodiment is a coating on the metal which is complexed with an iodine solution to provide a programmed rapid release of iodine. A second embodiment is a solution of the biocompatible hydrogel polymer in which the iodine is dissolved and the solution containing iodine is coated in the sharp-edged metal instrument to provide a matrix having programmed sustained release of iodine. A coating with complexed iodine may be deposited over a coating with matrixed iodine to provide an anti-infective coating on a sharp-edged metal instrument with a rapid release and a sustained release of iodine over a period of weeks.

Abstract: An anti-infective coating for a catheter or other medical device. The coating is insoluble in a biological medium and is bound to the surfaces of the catheter. The coating is a biocompatible, non-hydrogel polymer. One embodiment is a coating on the catheter which is complexed with an iodine solution to provide a programmed rapid release of iodine. A second embodiment is a solution of the biocompatible hydrogel polymer in which the iodine is dissolved and the solution containing iodine is coated in the catheter to provide a matrix having programmed sustained release of iodine. A coating with complexed iodine may be deposited over a coating with matrixed iodine to provide an anti-infective coating on a catheter with a rapid release and a sustained release of iodine over a period of weeks. A non-iodized polymer coating may be deposited on the complexed coating, the matrixed coating or the combined coating to provide protection to the sub coating and to further control the rate of release of iodine.

Abstract: An implantable ventilation tube for insertion in bodily tissues is disclosed. A suggested use for such a tube is as a middle meatal antrostomy ventilation tube for use following endoscopic surgery. It consists of a pair of flanges and a central tubular vent section extending therebetween, having the flanges positioned perpendicular to the lumen of the central tubular vent section. The tube is preferably made of elastomeric material and may include grooves etched in the distal surface of the distal flange to assist in insertion by permitting materials of a higher durometer rating than silastic.RTM. to be folded then grasped during insertion. It is suggested that the proximal flange be generally rectangular shaped, while the distal flange be generally triangular shaped, to ease insertion yet enhance anchoring capabilities. Once properly positioned through an opening prepared in a body cavity or duct, the ventilation tube permits the unhindered flow of fluids, such as air, through the lumen.