Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a bioerodible portion adapted to erode when exposed to a physiological environment. The bioerodible portion includes an alloy comprising at least 10 weight percent chromium and has an outer surface having a ratio of chromium oxide to chromium metal of less than 5. The bioerodible implantable medical device can be created by implanting metallic ions into an alloy including at least 10 weight percent chromium to define an outer surface of a medical implant, or precursor thereof.

Abstract: Endoprostheses include an endoprosthesis wall that includes a surface layer that includes a metallic material and that defines a plurality of discrete pores. A porous material is disposed in one or more pores of the surface layer. The endoprostheses can, for example, deliver a therapeutic agent, such as a drug, in a controlled manner over an extended period of time.

Abstract: Endoprostheses and methods of making endoprostheses are disclosed. For example, endoprostheses are described that include an endoprosthesis body, a biodegradable metallic tie layer, and a polymer coating about the endoprosthesis body. The biodegradable tie layer and the polymer coating can have a high peel strength from the body.

Abstract: A method includes sandblasting an electrode surface, applying a conductive oxide precursor solution to the electrode surface, and heating the electrode for at least 5 minutes at a temperature between 350 degrees C. and 550 degrees C. to convert the precursor solution into an oxide coating. One method includes applying a composite material including a conductive component and a non-conductive component to an electrode and curing the composite material to form a coating on the electrode. One method includes providing a metallic oxide coating on an electrode surface and applying a galvanostatic treatment to the electrode to increase the effective surface area of the metallic oxide coating.

Abstract: A method includes sandblasting an electrode surface, applying a conductive oxide precursor solution to the electrode surface, and heating the electrode for at least 5 minutes at a temperature between 350 degrees C. and 550 degrees C. to convert the precursor solution into an oxide coating. One method includes applying a composite material including a conductive component and a non-conductive component to an electrode and curing the composite material to form a coating on the electrode. One method includes providing a metallic oxide coating on an electrode surface and applying a galvanostatic treatment to the electrode to increase the effective surface area of the metallic oxide coating.

Abstract: Particulate materials useful as fillers, reinforcing agents, radioopacifiers, or impact modifiers. The particulate material has an average particle size range of about 10,000 nm or less and comprises an organic-inorganic hybrid material that has a ceramic material network having organic polymer segments distributed throughout the ceramic network. The ceramic network may be prepared by a sol-gel technique. The particulate material may be compounded in thermoplastic polymer compositions useful in a variety of applications such as preparation of medical device components.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes a body defining a flow passage therethrough. The body is capable of maintaining patency in a blood vessel and includes iron or an alloy thereof. The body has a nano-structured surface comprising iron oxide in which the individual nano-structures have a height to thickness aspect ratio of at least 5:1.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to an implantable medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent to the body tissue of a patient, and a method for making such a medical device. In particular, the invention pertains to an implantable medical device, such as an intravascular stem, having a coating comprising an inorganic or ceramic oxide, such as titanium oxide, and a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: An implantable device includes at least one electrode comprising a conductive base and polyoxometalate anions disposed on or within the conductive base; and at least one conductor attached to the at least one electrode for conducting electrical energy to the at least one electrode.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, e.g., a bioerodable stent, that is treated by plasma immersion ion implantation on the surface and optionally in the bulk. Releasable therapeutic agent, drug, or pharmaceutically active compound may be incorporated into the treated surface of the endoprosthesis to provide desired medical benefits.

Abstract: A biomimetic electrode material including a fibrous matrix including a conductive polymer and an ion conducting polymeric material is described. The biomimetic electrode material may be used in a number of body-implantable applications including cardiac and neuro-stimulation applications. The biomimetic electrode material can be formed using electrospinning and other related processes. The biomimetic electrode may facilitate efficient charge transport from ionically conductive tissue to the electronically conductive electrode, and may induce surrounding tissue to attach or interface directly to the implanted device, increasing the biocompatibility of the device.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead and body implantable electrode suitable for a variety of medical applications are disclosed. In general, the electrode includes a composite material having particles of pseudo-capacitive material, such as iridium oxide, dispersed within a polymer matrix including a polyelectrolyte. The polymer matrix can also include a conductive polymer doped with an excess of the polyelectrolyte. The composite may used to form the electrode itself or an electrode coating. The presence of a pseudo-capacitive material within the composite may increase the charge-storage capacity of the electrode and may allow for safe deliveries of charge densities within an electrochemical window suitable for pacing a patient's heart.

Abstract: A medical device having at least one composite region thereon formed of composite material comprising a polymer and a fluorinated sol-gel derived ceramic. The composite material is useful as a coating material for imparting a low coefficient of friction to a substrate.

Abstract: A biomimetic electrode material including a fibrous matrix including a conductive polymer and an ion conducting polymeric material is described. The biomimetic electrode material may be used in a number of body-implantable application including cardiac and neuro-stimulation applications. The biomimetic electrode material can be formed using electrospinning and other related processes. The biomimetic electrode may facilitate efficient charge transport from ionically conductive tissue to the electronically conductive electrode and may induce surrounding tissue to attach or interface directly to the implanted device, increasing the biocompatibility of the device.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead and body implantable electrode suitable for a variety of medical applications are disclosed. In general, the electrode includes a composite material having particles of pseudo-capacitive material, such as iridium oxide, dispersed within a polymer matrix including a polyelectrolyte. The polymer matrix can also include a conductive polymer doped with an excess of the polyelectrolyte. The composite may used to form the electrode itself or an electrode coating. The presence of a pseudo-capacitive material within the composite may increase the charge-storage capacity of the electrode and may allow for safe deliveries of charge densities within an electrochemical window suitable for pacing a patient's heart.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to internal (e.g., implantable, insertable, etc.) drug delivery devices which contain the following: (a) one or more sources of one or more therapeutic agents; (b) one or more first electrodes, (c) one or more second electrodes and (d) one or more power sources for applying voltages across the first and second electrodes. The power sources may be adapted, for example, to promote electrically assisted therapeutic agent delivery within a subject, including electroporation and/or iontophoresis. In one aspect of the invention, the first and second electrodes are adapted to have tissue of a subject positioned between them upon deployment of the medical device within the subject, such that an electric field may be generated, which is directed into the tissue. Furthermore, the therapeutic agent sources are adapted to introduce the therapeutic agents into the electric field.

Abstract: A medical implant includes a bioerodible portion adapted to degrade under physiological conditions. The bioerodible portion includes a bioerodible metal matrix and a salt or clay within the bioerodible metal matrix.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes an endoprosthesis wall that includes a ceramic coating and a polymer coating containing a therapeutic agent. A ceramic coating can be formed on the wall by electrochemical deposition. Cyclic voltammetry can be conducted to modify the density of the hydroxyl groups on the surface of the ceramic coating.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a biodegradable, self-powered medical device for preventing or reducing reperfusion injury, comprising a galvanic cell, the galvanic cell comprising: a first biodegradable electrode member; and a second biodegradable electrode member comprising a biodegradable conductive polymer and an electrode-releasable therapeutic agent, wherein the galvanic cell generates an electric force sufficient to cause the electrode-releasable therapeutic agent to be released from the biodegradable conductive polymer and elute to a target location. The device may further include a reservoir material containing a burst-release therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A biodegradable implant for iontophoretic therapeutic agent delivery is provided. The implant comprises a biodegradable battery and at least one biodegradable iontophoresis electrode assembly. The biodegradable battery comprises first and second biodegradable electrodes and a biodegradable polymer electrolyte layer between the first and second biodegradable electrodes. The biodegradable iontophoresis electrode assembly comprises a biodegradable iontophoresis electrode and a charged therapeutic agent. When the biodegradable battery is electrically connected to generate an electric current through the biodegradable iontophoresis electrode assembly, the charged therapeutic agent is delivered by iontophoresis to a target location. The charged therapeutic agent may be a scavenger for reactive oxygen species. The electrical connection of the biodegradable battery may be controlled remotely.