Abstract: A method of fabricating an implantable medical device that includes deforming and heating setting a polymer construct, for use in fabricating the device, in a temperature range in which the crystal nucleation rate is greater than the crystal growth rate is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for fabricating an implantable medical device to increase biocompatibility of the device, the method comprising: heat setting a polymer construct, wherein the polymer construct is at a temperature range of from about Tg to about 0.6(Tm?Tg)+Tg such that the set polymer construct comprises a crystalline structure having crystals at a size less than about 2 microns; and fabricating an implantable medical device from the heat set polymer construct.

Abstract: The invention provides for a stent for implanting in a bodily lumen comprising a degradable structural element including: an abluminal layer comprising an active agent; and a luminal layer, wherein the abluminal layer has a faster degradation rate than the luminal layer.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable medical device comprising: a structural element, wherein the structural element includes: a continuous phase comprising a first polymer; a discrete phase within the continuous phase, wherein the discrete phase has a second polymer including discrete phase segments; and anchor segments that have substantially the same chemical make up as the first polymer of the continuous phase; wherein at least some of the anchor segments have partially or completely phase-separated from the discrete phase into the continuous phase.

Abstract: Medical implants containing a temporary plasticizer, methods of producing such implants, and methods of using the implants in treating a disease, or ameliorating one or more symptoms thereof, in a subject are provided.

Abstract: Methods of making dough pieces that can be baked to form baked bread articles having a reduced number of voids in the crumb are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing an implantable medical device, the method comprising: (a) disposing a polymer fluid comprising a solvent and a matrix polymer into a forming apparatus for forming a polymeric part; (b) cooling the formed polymeric part upon removal from the apparatus, the cooled polymeric part comprises the polymer and a substantial portion of the solvent from the polymer fluid; and (c) fabricating an implantable medical device from the cooled polymeric part.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for laser machining a substrate in the fabrication of an implantable medical device are disclosed.

Abstract: Vessel wound closure systems and method for sealing a puncture wound in a target vessel, such as those puncture wounds that occur from prior interventional procedures. A sealing member is deployed intravascularly into the target vessel, and an anchor member is deployed extravascularly of the target vessel. The sealing member and the anchor member are connected by a suture that may be drawn to tighten the sealing member and the anchor member relative to one another in order to effect the seal of the puncture wound. After tightening, the suture is secured to maintain the sealing member and the anchor member relative to one another in order to maintain the seal. Preferably, the anchor member, the suture and the sealing member are comprised of biocompatible, bioresorbable materials that are absorbed into the body after the sealing of the puncture wound has been achieved.

Abstract: Vessel wound closure systems and method for sealing a puncture wound in a target vessel, such as those puncture wounds that occur from interventional procedures. The vessel wound closure system comprises at least a biocompatible, viscoelastic, self-sealing septum material injected onto the adventitia of the target vessel prior to performance of an interventional procedure. The prior injected septum material remains and seals the puncture wound of the target vessel even after various components associated with accessing the target vessel and the performance of the interventional procedure are removed from the target vessel and the puncture wound.

Abstract: A wagering game, method of play, and game board used with cards and dice, is described. The easy to play game provides for one or more players to bet and win on one or more possible outcomes and may be suitable for children's play. The game provides players the option of playing against the house or against one another. Bets are made on desired potential winning hands printed on the board surface. Players dealt cards that match the bet on hand win that pot. If desired, potential winning hands identities may be changed during play also providing for the basic game board to be used to play a variety of games. The game board is available in various shapes, sizes, and materials and may be folded. Dice may be used to decide winning hands and accessory bet identifiers may be used to establish minimum bets per hand.

Abstract: A credential production system and methods for securely processing a credential substrate and tracking quantities of consumable material using a credentials production system and secured consumable supplies. The system includes a consumable supply and a memory that contains a state identifier that defines a state of the supply. A supply manager is configured to access the memory and set the state identifier to one of a production disabled state and a production enabled state. The system also includes a credential production device that is configured to receive the state of the supply. The credential production device is authorized to process a credential substrate using the consumable supply when the state identifier is set to the production enabled state, and the credential production device is prevented form processing the credential substrate using the supply when the state identifier is set to the production disabled state.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices for treating bodily disorders local and distally to a region of implantation are disclosed.

Abstract: A credential production system includes at least one credential production device, at least one computing device in communication with the at least one credential production device and a central administrator device configured to enable an authentication feature on the at least one credential production device. The at least one computing device is configured to access the at least one credential production device for providing processing instructions for processing a credential substrate. The at least one computing device is authenticated by the at least one credential production device prior to providing the processing instructions to the at least one credential production device.

Abstract: A credential production system includes a credential production device and a computing device in communication with the credential production device. The computing device receives a credential production event from the credential production device. The computing device applies a pre-defined set of rules to the credential production event to determine if the credential production event violates any of the pre-defined set of rules. The computing device performs an action if the credential production event violates at least one of the pre-defined set of rules.

Abstract: Polymeric composite stents reinforced with fibers for implantation into a bodily lumen are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of extending the shelf-life of constructs, in particular bioabsorbable stents, comprising semi-crystalline polymers by increasing the crystallinity of the polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to frozen, developed dough compositions, and related methods. Dough compositions of the present invention include a yeast ingredient, an enzyme that facilitates the production of hydrogen peroxide in the dough composition (preferably glucose oxidase), and optional acid and base chemical leavening agent. Dough compositions according to the present invention can be proofed via yeast leavening at a wide variety conditions, such as at ambient temperature or at retarder temperature.

Abstract: A polymeric tube is positioned on a polymeric mandrel and then laser cut to form an implantable medical device, such as a stent. The method reduces contamination of the inner surface of the stent, which would be caused if conventional glass or metal mandrels are used, while simultaneously reducing damage to the inner surface of the stent due to the shielding effect of the polymeric mandrel.

Abstract: A stent for treating a bodily lumen with a flexible section in a high strain region is disclosed. A flexible section may be selectively positioned to reduce an amount of strain in the high strain region when subjected to the applied stress during use to inhibit or prevent fracturing in the high strain region.