Abstract: Fluorescent biosensor molecules, fluorescent biosensors and systems, as well as methods of making and using these biosensor molecules and systems are described. Embodiments of these biosensor molecules exhibit fluorescence emission at wavelengths greater than about 650 nm. Typical biosensor molecules include a fluorophore that includes an iminium ion, a linker moiety that includes a group that is an anilinic type of relationship to the fluorophore and a boronate substrate recognition/binding moiety, which binds glucose. The fluorescence molecules modulated by the presence or absence of polyhydroxylated analytes such as glucose. This property of these molecules of the invention, as well as their ability to emit fluorescent light at greater than about 650 nm, renders these biosensor molecules particularly well-suited for detecting and measuring in-vivo glucose concentrations.

Abstract: Provided is an infusion cannula modified to incorporate one of more medicinal agents. The infusion cannula has a tube having an inner lumen and an external surface, and is made of a flexible, biologically compatible elastomeric material, with a coating adhered to the external surface of the tube. The coating contains a medicinal agent in a polymer matrix. Preferably, the polymer is capable of sustained release of the medicinal agent. The infusion cannula can be produced by coating a tube with a medicinal agent in a polymer matrix. In some embodiments, the coating involves dipping the tube into the polymer matrix, or spraying or painting the polymer matrix onto the tube. Additionally provided is a method for infusing a substance into a subject by inserting the cannula into subcutaneous tissue of the subject and delivering the substance into the cannula, thereby infusing the substance into the subject through the cannula.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biocompatible membrane comprising a hydrophilic polyurea composition. The hydrophilic polyutea composition comprises the product of a reaction mixture comprising (a) an amino terminated polysiloxane, (b) a hydrophilic polymer selected from the group consisting of a diamino terminated copolymer of polypropylene glycol and polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and diamino polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of from about 400 to about 2000, and (c) a diisocyanate selected from the group consisting of hexamethylene-1,6-diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane 4,4′-diisocyanate, and isophorone diisocyanate, and constituting about 50 mole % of the reaction mixture. In this mixture, (a) and (b) constitute a polymeric portion of the reaction mixture, and the hydrophilic polyurea composition has a ratio of its diffusion coefficient for oxygen to its diffusion coefficient for glucose of from about 2,000 to about 10,000.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for microelectrogravimetrically depositing an electroactive species onto an electrode or a plurality of electrodes. The method comprises dispensing a solution containing the electroactive species from a microdispenser so as to form a hanging drop of the solution. The method further comprises contacting the electrode with the hanging drop of the solution, wherein the electrode is electrically coupled with the microdispenser so as to form an electrochemical cell, and applying a potential to the electrochemical cell. The application of the potential effects deposition of the electroactive species onto the electrode. The method of the invention eliminates the need for immersion of the electrode in a bath, reduces the volume of solution required by a factor of at least 10-100, and avoids uneven depletion of various components of the solution over successive applications.

Abstract: An insertion set for insertion into a skin of a user. The insertion set includes an insertable substantially insoluble flexible portion and a soluble material. The insertable substantially insoluble flexible portion is capable of remaining in the skin after insertion. The soluble material is coupled to the insertable insoluble flexible portion and facilitates piercing the skin, and the soluble material dissolves in the skin of the user. Also, the soluble material holds the substantially insoluble flexible portion in a rigid state. Preferably, the insertion set is an infusion set or a sensor set. The sets may include a cannula as part of the insertable substantially insoluble portion. The cannula may be formed from a flexible material or a flexible metal tube. Preferably, the soluble material is formed from a at least one saccharide, such as a monosaccharide or a polysaccharide, a protein, a starch, other biocompatible materials, or the like.

Abstract: A passive fixation, body implantable lead assembly has a cylindrical tip electrode whose outer side surface is covered with a thin dielectric insulating layer so as to mask an active, disk-shaped electrode surface at the distal extremity of the tip electrode. The active electrode surface preferably has an area less than about 1 mm2. An MCRD, in the form of a collar, may be carried by a proximal portion of the tip electrode. Supplementing a set of main tines projecting from the distal end portion of an insulating sheath housing the lead assembly is a set of nubby auxiliary tines extending from the sheath immediately adjacent the distal extremity thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for microelectrogravimetrically depositing an electroactive species onto an electrode or a plurality of electrodes comprising dispensing a solution containing the electroactive species from a microdispenser to form a hanging drop of the solution and contacting the electrode with the hanging drop of the solution, wherein the electrode is electrically coupled with the microdispenser to form an electrochemical cell, and applying a potential to the electrochemical cell. The application of the potential effects deposition of the electroactive species onto the electrode. The method of the invention eliminates the need for immersion of the electrode in a bath, reduces the volume of solution required by a factor of at least 10-100, and avoids uneven depletion of various components of the solution over successive applications.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation lead comprises an elongated electrical conductor with an electrode configured to deliver a tiered level of drug therapy to a patient. An insulative electrical sheath covers the electrical conductor and an electrical connector is coupled to the proximal end of the electrical conductor, adapted for connection with the pulse generator. An electrically conductive electrode is located at a distal end of the electrical conductor whose proximal end is adapted for connection to an implantable stimulation device, the electrode having an interior cavity and an axial bore extending between an exterior surface and the interior cavity. A matrix member, preferably composed of silicon rubber, is received within the interior cavity and contains a therapeutic drug.

Abstract: An implantable lead includes a distal portion carrying a tissue-stimulating electrode having an outer surface and an inner surface, at least a portion of the outer surface of the electrode being adapted to stimulate cardiac tissue. At least one of the surfaces of the stimulating electrode includes an overlay of a sulfonated thermoplastic elastomer/rubber for minimizing adhesion and tissue ingrowth while passing sufficient electrical current to stimulate the tissue. The overlay may comprise a coating, film, tube, sleeve or other encapsulation. Sulfonated block copolymers of styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS), styrene-isoprene-styrene and styrene-isobutylene-styrene are effective to inhibit the formation of thrombus at the shocking electrode. In addition, when these copolymers absorb body fluids, they swell and infiltrate the interstices of the electrode coils thereby inhibiting tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: A pacing lead having a stylet introduced anti-inflammatory drug delivery element advanceable from the distal tip electrode. The element is preferably formed as a moldable biocompatible composite material. The element has a biocompatible matrix material which may be combined with drugs and therapeutic agents to deliver the drugs and agents by co-dissolution or diffusion to the point of either passive or active fixation. The drug delivery element may be rigid and serve to center an active fixation mechanism, preferably a helix, which penetrates the myocardium.

Abstract: A pacing lead having a stylet introduced anti-inflammatory drug delivery element advanceable from the distal tip electrode. The element is preferably formed as a moldable biocompatible composite material. The element has a biocompatible matrix material which may be combined with drugs and therapeutic agents to deliver the drugs and agents by co-dissolution or diffusion to the point of either passive or active fixation. The drug delivery element may be rigid and serve to center the means, preferably a helix, for active fixation of the lead in the myocardium.

Abstract: A pacing lead having a stylet introduced anti-inflammatory drug delivery element advanceable from the distal tip electrode. The element is preferably formed as a moldable biocompatible composite material. The element has a biocompatible matrix material which may be combined with drugs and therapeutic agents to deliver the drugs and agents by co-dissolution or diffusion to the point of either passive or active fixation. The drug delivery element may be rigid and serve to center the active fixation element, preferably a helix, for active fixation of the lead in the myocardium.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation lead having an anti-inflammatory coating on the exposed surface area of the distal tip electrode. The coating is a semi-viscous or gelatinous material having the ability to absorb physiological fluids to provide electrical conductivity through the coating. The coating preferably has a matrix having an innate hypo-inflammatory property which can be combined with drugs and therapeutic agents to deliver the drugs and agents by co-dissolution or diffusion, or alternatively the matrix material can be used as a coating to keep the electrode surface electrochemically clean prior to and during implant.

Abstract: A flexible epoxy adhesive composition comprising a mixture of a fatty acid modified epoxy resin and an oxypropylene epoxy resin in the ratio of about 1:3 to 1:1. The adhesive paste also includes a stoichiometric amount of a polyamine curing agent, 1 to 20 total liquid weight percent of a plasticizer and 1 to 5 weight percent of microfine silicon dioxide particles. Fillers, such as aluminum oxide and glass beads, are optionally added. This adhesive paste is particularly well suited for use as a flat pack adhesive to provide a releasable bond and is also well suited for use in space applications.