Abstract: An improved barrier or drug delivery system which is highly adherent to the surface to which it is applied is disclosed, along with methods for making the barrier. The barrier can be prepared by staining tissue with a photoinitiator, applying a solution containing a polymerizable barrier material solution and a photoinitiator to the tissue, and polymerizing the polymer solution on exposure to light. The resulting polymer adheres strongly to the tissue surface, and also forms a gel in the rest of the applied volume. The polymerizable barrier materials are highly useful for sealing tissue surfaces and junctions against leaks of fluids. The method can be used to adhere preformed barriers to tissue or other surfaces, or to adhere tissue surfaces to each other. Tissue surfaces can be adhered to each other to repair wounds. In addition to photochemical initiators, non-photochemical initiators and combinations of chemical initiators and photochemical initiators can be used.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent for implantation within a body lumen having a generally cylindrical body with open proximal and distal ends, the cylindrical body comprising a plurality of metal elements joined to allow flexing of the cylindrical body along the longitudinal axis of the body whereby the stent can conform to a curved body lumen and a polymeric film extending between the metal elements of the stent. The stent provides a biocompatible polymeric surface to contact and support a body lumen and also a flexible structure to allow the stent to conform closely to bends in a body lumen. The stent is especially useful for repairing an injury to blood vessels caused during angioplasty procedures.

Abstract: SOD and other active oxygen inhibitors are directly applied in combination with a barrier material at local sites of tissue injury to prevent or decrease formation of adhesions and undesirable proliferation of cells. Preferred barrier materials are polymeric hydrogels providing controlled release of AOI which are directly applied to the afflicted tissue. Examples demonstrate the effects of SOD on pelvic adhesions in the rat when administered by intraperitoneal (I.P.) bolus and by localized sustained release from a topically applied hydrogel system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding polymeric structures in vivo is disclosed. The structures comprise polymers that may be heated to their molding temperature by absorption of visible or near-visible wavelengths of light. By providing a light source that produces radiation of the wavelength absorbed by the polymeric material, the material may be selectively heated and shaped in vivo without a corresponding heating of adjacent tissues or fluids to unacceptable levels. The apparatus comprises a catheter having a shaping element positioned near its distal end. An emitter provided with light from at least one optical fiber is positioned within the shaping element. The emitter serves to provide a moldable polymeric article positioned on the shaping element with a substantially uniform light field, thereby allowing the article to be heated and molded at a desired treatment site in a body lumen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding polymeric structures in vivo is disclosed. The structures comprise polymers that may be heated to their molding temperature by absorption of visible or near-visible wavelengths of light. By providing a light source that produces radiation of the wavelength absorbed by the polymeric material, the material may be selectively heated and shaped in vivo without a corresponding heating of adjacent tissues or fluids to unacceptable levels. The apparatus comprises a catheter having a shaping element positioned near its distal end. An emitter provided with light from at least one optical fiber is positioned within the shaping element. The emitter serves to provide a moldable polymeric article positioned on the shaping element with a substantially uniform light field, thereby allowing the article to be heated and molded at a desired treatment site in a body lumen.

Abstract: A method for making a radially expandable stent for implantation within a body lumen having a generally cylindrical body with open proximal and distal ends, the cylindrical body comprising a plurality of metal elements joined to allow flexing of the cylindrical body along the longitudinal axis of the body whereby the stent can conform to a curved body lumen and a polymeric film applied to the cylindrical body such that it extends between the metal elements of the stent. Therapeutic substances may be incorporated within the applied film. The stent provides a biocompatible polymeric surface to contact and support a body lumen and also a flexible structure to allow the stent to conform closely to bends in a body lumen. The stent is especially useful for repairing an injury to blood vessels caused during angioplasty procedures.

Abstract: A method for alleviating the symptoms of a cosmetic or dermatologic skin condition is described. An effective amount of a poly(hydroxy acid)/polymer conjugate in a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable vehicle is provided. Topical compositions of the conjugates with another cosmetic or dermatological agent, and compounds of the conjugates having attached physiologically active functional groups, are also provided.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent for implantation within a body lumen having a generally cylindrical body with open proximal and distal ends, the cylindrical body comprising a plurality of metal elements joined to allow flexing of the cylindrical body along the longitudinal axis of the body whereby the stent can conform to a curved body lumen and a polymeric film extending between the metal elements of the stent. The stent provides a biocompatible polymeric surface to contact and support a body lumen and also a flexible structure to allow the stent to conform closely to bends in a body lumen. The stent is especially useful for repairing an injury to blood vessels caused during angioplasty procedures.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent for implantation within a body lumen having a generally cylindrical body with open proximal and distal ends, the cylindrical body comprising a plurality of metal elements joined to allow flexing of the cylindrical body along the longitudinal axis of the body whereby the stent can conform to a curved body lumen and a polymeric film extending between the metal elements of the stent. The stent provides a biocompatible polymeric surface to contact and support a body lumen and also a flexible structure to allow the stent to conform closely to bends in a body lumen. The stent is especially useful for repairing an injury to blood vessels caused during angioplasty procedures.

Abstract: Biocompatible heparin-like material and surfaces thereof are made by co-polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and attaching the copolymer to a suitable substrate or blending the copolymer into a suitable substrate. The material produced also possesses surface slip-properties and some decreased bacterial and platelet adherence.

Abstract: An improved biomedical appliance having disposed on a skin-contacting, operant portion thereof, a film or layer of a skin compatible, tacky, pressure sensitive polymeric adhesive, the reaction product consisting of at least one fatty acid dimer based or derived component and a suitable co-reactant. Electrodes, surgical tapes, TENS devices and iontophoresis devices employing the adhesive are disclosed.

Abstract: Improved electrical leads provided by the surface treatment of silicone rubber tubing covering on implantable pulse generator, or IPG leads and the like by exposure of the silicone rubber to radio frequency glow discharge in a polymer forming or non-polymer forming gas at reduced pressure whereby improved slip properties are provided and binding between two or more of the leads in contact with each other is minimized.

Abstract: By reacting polyamines with cyclic carbonates, di-poly-(hydroxyalkyl urethanes) are produced. These diols and polyols are particularly useful for the synthesis of polyurethanes by reaction with diisocyanates or polyisocyanates.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing lead or other stimulation lead carrying a steroid compounded within a polymer matrix. The steroid is dispersed in thermoplastic or thermoset polyurethane or polyurea forming monomers or prepolymers. The mixture is then chain extended by addition of the appropriate difunctional or multifunctional isocyanate, hydroxyl or amine curing agent to form a solid polymer. The resulting formulation is molded or cast into a desired shape, and incorporated in the distal end of a medical electrical lead, adjacent to or within the electrode. In a preferred embodiment, the medical lead employs an extendable helix which is screwed into body tissue, and the polymer containing the drug takes the form of a generally dimensionally stable annular member mounted to the lead, encircling the helix.

Abstract: By reacting polyamines with ethylene carbonate, hydroxyethyl urethane diols and polyols are produced. These diols and polyols are particularly useful for the synthesis of polyurethanes by reaction with diisocyanates or polyisocyanates.

Abstract: Highly stable, segmented, aliphatic polyurethanes prepared by particular processes are disclosed. The segmented polyurethanes of this invention are substantially free of ester and ether linkages and are found to be particularly hydrolytically and oxidatively stable. The polyurethanes of this invention are prepared by a particular two stage process involving the formation of a prepolymer and subsequent reaction with simultaneously or sequentially added diisocyanate and diol monomers.

Abstract: Preparation of an absorbent quantitative test device in the form of a flat patch. When placed on the skin of a subject, the device collects a fixed volume of sweat. It is particularly intended to be used in screen testing for cystic fibrosis by measuring the chloride level in sweat and providing a visual indication when the level is in excess of a predetermined concentration. A fill tab indicator undergoes a color change when the fixed volume of sweat has been collected signifying completion of the test. The device includes two concentric circular reaction areas of chemically treated absorbent paper or the like. The sweat sample is introduced into the device at the center of the first or inner circular reaction area which contains a chemical composition capable of reacting with all chloride in the sweat sample below a predetermined concentration value to screen out that amount of chloride.

Abstract: An improved hydrogel adhesive, particularly adapted for adhesion and contact to tissue. It is especially useful in attaching electrical leads to tissue, for example in attaching pacemaker leads to the heart, interiorly or exteriorly.

Abstract: Reaction grade 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid is refined by mildly heating a slurry-like suspension formed of the acid and a liquid monohydric alcohol, recovering the acid from the alcohol and subsequently drying it.

Abstract: A method of preparing an improved medical electrode particularly adaptable to tape-like configurations for use in sensing and stimulation applications in which the electrode is applied to the skin. An essential electrode component comprises a mixture of a polymerized form of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid or one of its salts with water and/or an alcohol. The mixture possesses electrically conductive properties, flexible properties and adhesive properties particularly lending itself to skin contact and adhesion.