Abstract: The invention provides an inflatable insertion device capable of being percutaneously introduced into a patient's body. The insertion device comprises an inflatable element having a distal end and a proximal end and which is operable between a collapsed condition and an inflated condition by introducing an inflating fluid therein. An elongate member extends internally of the inflatable element from its distal end. The internal member is capable of being withdrawn towards the proximal end of the inflatable element to result in the distal end of the element being withdrawn towards the proximal end internally of the element. The invention further provides a locating device comprising a catheter having a catheter tube fitted with one or more inflatable insertion devices at a distal end thereof.

Abstract: Partially crosslinked polyurethane polymers comprising diisocyanates and aliphatic hydrocarbon soft segments with a short-chain diol chain extender and a multifunctional amine and/or alcohol crosslinker to provide a polyurethane polymer with useful properties for the production of medical implant devices such as heart valves, are described. The polymers have an unexpected linear elastic region in a range from 5-100% and preferably between 10-35%. In some embodiments the polyurethanes are a thermally convertible gel formulation which may be converted to a liquid formulation by extended heating to render the polymer suitable for solvent processing techniques such as casting, spraying, spinning, etc. The invention also provides for living hinge polyurethane polymers which are thermally modifiable from a gel to a liquid and reaction injection moulded (RIM) polyurethanes with an enhanced flex life.

Abstract: The invention provides an inflatable insertion device capable of being percutaneously introduced into a patient's body. The insertion device comprises an inflatable element having a distal end and a proximal end and which is operable between a collapsed condition and an inflated condition by introducing an inflating fluid therein. An elongate member extends internally of the inflatable element from its distal end. The internal member is capable of being withdrawn towards the proximal end of the inflatable element to result in the distal end of the element being withdrawn towards the proximal end internally of the element. The invention further provides a locating device comprising a catheter having a catheter tube fitted with one or more inflatable insertion devices at a distal end thereof.

Abstract: Partially crosslinked polyurethane polymers comprising diisocyanates and aliphatic hydrocarbon soft segments with a short-chain diol chain extender and a multifunctional amine and/or alcohol crosslinker to provide a polyurethane polymer with useful properties for the production of medical implant devices such as heart valves, are described. The polymers have an unexpected linear elastic region in a range from 5-100% and preferably between 10-35%. In some embodiments the polyurethanes are a thermally convertible gel formulation which may be converted to a liquid formulation by extended heating to render the polymer suitable for solvent processing techniques such as casting, spraying, spinning, etc. The invention also provides for living hinge polyurethane polymers which are thermally modifiable from a gel to a liquid and reaction injection moulded (RIM) polyurethanes with an enhanced flex life.