Abstract: A method of treating vascular disease in a patient is disclosed that comprises deploying a bioabsorbable polymer scaffold composed of a plurality of struts at a stenotic segment of an artery of a patient, wherein after the scaffold supports the segment at an increased diameter for a period of time the polymer degrades and is progressively replaced by de novo formation of malleable provisional matrix comprising proteoglycan, wherein as the scaffold becomes more malleable and becomes disconnected as it degrades, wherein following coverage of the struts by a neointima layer and loss of mechanical support provided by the scaffold, the scaffold is pulled outward by positive remodeling of the vessel wall of the scaffolded segment.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a polymer scaffold with increased radial strength including steps of elongation or strain of a biaxially oriented tube and annealing or thermal processing of the strained tube at a constant strain are disclosed. The steps of elongation and thermal processing increase axial direction chain orientation and lamellar crystal growth, increase radial strength, and decrease the thickness of the tube. The method allows fabrication of a scaffold with thinner struts which provide sufficient radial strength.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbable coating for an implantable device and the methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches methods of controlling the release rate of agents from a polymeric matrix that include designing and creating a predetermined initial morphology (IM) profile in a polymeric matrix. The teachings indicate, inter alia, that control over the release rate of agents can provide for an improved control over the administration of agents as well as have an effect upon the mechanical integrity and absorption rate of the polymeric matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbable coating for an implantable device and the methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches methods of controlling the release rate of agents from a polymeric matrix. The methods relate to the application of pressure, and optionally, in combination with heat, to a polymeric coating.

Abstract: Stents fabricated from polymer composites toughened by a dispersed phase are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods of treating, preventing, and/or ameliorating a vascular disease and/or disorder in a diabetic or pre-diabetic patient. The methods include implanting a stent in a vascular region in a diabetic or pre-diabetic patient, and prior to and/or during the implantation procedure, delivering a lubricant formulation to the vascular region. The stent may be a bare metal stent, or a drug eluting stent, such as a metal stent with a coating including a drug, such as everolimus or sirolimus.

Abstract: Methods of treating a diseased blood vessel exhibiting stenosis with a bioabsorable stent are disclosed. The implanted stent supports the section of the vessel at an increased diameter for a period of time to allow the vessel to heal. The stent loses radial strength sufficient to support the section of the vessel in less than 6 months after implantation, loses mechanical integrity, and then erodes away from the section. The biodegradable stent results in changes in properties of plaque with time as the stent degrades. The time-dependent properties include the luminal area of the plaque and plaque geometric morphology parameters.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable device having a coating including a slow dissolving polymer or material and the methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass methods of forming coatings, particularly coatings for medical devices, and more particularly, for braided or woven medical devices. Embodiments of the present invention encompass the coatings and the coated devices. The coatings may include a polymer and optionally a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Methods of making polymeric devices, such as stents, with one or more modifications such as addition of plasticizers, to improve processing, and the devices made by these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating comprising a reservoir layer comprising a semi-crystalline polymer and a primer layer comprising an amorphous polymer on an implantable device and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a polymer scaffold with increased radial strength including steps of elongation or strain of a biaxially oriented tube and annealing or thermal processing of the strained tube at a constant strain are disclosed. The steps of elongation and thermal processing increase axial direction chain orientation and lamellar crystal growth, increase radial strength, and decrease the thickness of the tube. The method allows fabrication of a scaffold with thinner struts which provide sufficient radial strength.

Abstract: Methods of treating a diseased blood vessel exhibiting stenosis with a bioabsorable stent are disclosed. The implanted stent supports the section of the vessel at an increased diameter for a period of time to allow the vessel to heal. The stent loses radial strength sufficient to support the section of the vessel in less than 6 months after implantation, loses mechanical integrity, and then erodes away from the section. The biodegradable stent results in changes in properties of plaque with time as the stent degrades. The time-dependent properties include the luminal area of the plaque and plaque geometric morphology parameters.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is disclosed having a helical construct including a set of spiral coils for local in vivo application of a therapeutic substance in a biological lumen. The helical construct is configured to apply less than 0.75 Bar of pressure to the biological lumen wall. The helical construct can have at least two sets of spiral coils having opposing helical directions. The device can be used for the treatment of vascular disorders such as restenosis and vulnerable plaque.

Abstract: A method and coating for reducing the release rate of an active agent from an implantable device, such as a stent, is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of making polymeric devices, such as stents, with one or more modifications such as addition of plasticizers, to improve processing, and the devices made by these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbable coating for an implantable device and the methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable device having a coating including a slow dissolving polymer or material and the methods of making and using the same.