Abstract: A method includes: providing a tubular substrate in a chamber, the tubular substrate having a lumen, an a luminal surface and a luminal surface; providing a target in the lumen; depositing a first coating onto the abluminal surface and a second coating onto the luminal surface while keeping the tubular substrate in the chamber. An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, including a first coating on at least one portion of its abluminal surface and a second coating on at least one portion of its luminal surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making an intraocular lens insertion device comprising a lubricious insertion tip assembly and to the device itself.

Abstract: A method of coating a medical prosthesis includes identifying coating points on the surface of the medical prosthesis and determining a coating pathway along which an applicator travels while coating the medical prosthesis. In some embodiments, the coating pathway minimizes the rotational movement of the medical prosthesis during the coating process. In other embodiments, the coating pathway minimizes the amount of time needed for the coating process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for producing a coated substrate, including dissolving at least one biomolecule to form a solution; nebulizing the solution to form a liquid aerosol; combining the liquid aerosol and a plasma to form a coating; and depositing, in the absence of reactive monomers, the coating onto a substrate surface. In an aspect, the substrate can be an implantable medical device.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying a coating to an implantable device are disclosed. A method for applying a coating to an implantable device is disclosed. The method includes positioning an implantable device relative to a material delivery apparatus. A spray pattern of an application material is produced using the material delivery apparatus. At least a portion of the spray pattern is deflected using a focusing assembly.

Abstract: Method of modifying the coating of a surface of a medical device by applying a coating to the surface of the medical device, exposing the medical device to an environmental condition that alters the coating morphology, and drying the coating on the medical device. The disclosed subject matter also provides a coated medical device whose one or more surfaces have been modified by this method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ocular implant, particularly a glaucoma stent. It is the object of the present invention to devise an ocular implant which allows the ocular eye pressure to be regulated, i.e., to be maintained at a desired level, while preventing the flow resistance from increasing over time, for example due to fibrosis. In order to achieve this object, the ocular implant according to the invention comprises a small tube (5), the wall surface (3) of which encloses a hollow duct that is open on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the hollow duct, wherein a first opening (1) allowing ocular humor to flow in and a second opening (2) allowing the ocular humor to be discharged is provided, and wherein the wall surface (3) is formed by a liquid-tight material, and wherein at least one pressure-controlled valve (4) is disposed in the area of the wall surface (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant (10), and particularly to an intraluminal endoprosthesis, comprising a body and at least one abluminal layer (3) disposed on the body, the abluminal layer preferably containing at least one pharmaceutically active substance. In order to protect the abluminal layer (3) from delamination or shearing, the abluminal layer (3) is additionally fastened to the implant body at least in a transition region (7) by way of at least one anchoring layer (5) disposed on the abluminal layer (3). In addition, methods for producing such an implant are described.

Abstract: Medical devices such as endoprostheses (e.g., stents) containing one or more biostable layers (e.g., biostable inorganic layers) and a biodegradable underlying structure are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for dispensing a beneficial agent into an expandable medical device. The method includes the step of placing an expandable medical device on a support and dispensing a beneficial agent into a plurality of openings in the medical device with a shield gas for controlling a local environment surrounding the dispenser.

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided. A method supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is also provided.

Abstract: An electrospinning apparatus may include a first spinneret and a second spinneret, each including a reservoir and an orifice. The first and second spinnerets may have first and second electrical charges, respectively. The first spinneret orifice may be located substantially opposite the second spinneret orifice. The first and second spinnerets may be used to prepare a medical device defining a lumen with a proximal end, a distal end, a luminal surface and an abluminal surface. The first spinneret orifice distal end may be configured to be located outside of the medical device lumen and between about 0.1 inches and about 6.0 inches from the medical device abluminal surface. The second spinneret orifice distal end may be configured to be located in the medical device lumen and between about 0.1 inches and about 6.0 inches from the medical device luminal surface.

Abstract: A coating for implantable devices, such as stents, and a method of making the same is disclosed. Moreover, an apparatus for depositing the coating is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for loading a medical appliance with a medicament and/or a polymer is disclosed, the medical appliance comprising one or more grooves or holes loaded with the medicament and/or polymer. The method comprising the steps of: 1) capturing an image of the grooves or holes of the medical appliance, wherein the image contains at least one complete pattern of the grooves or holes; 2) performing digital image processing on the captured image to obtain the pattern of the grooves or holes; 3) calculating a central position of the pattern of the grooves or holes, and determining an actual central position of the grooves or holes based on the central position; 4) adjusting a relative position of a loading device to the medical appliance to align an outlet of the loading device with the actual central position of the grooves or holes; and 5) opening the outlet of the loading device to load the grooves or holes. A device for loading a medical appliance with a medicament and/or a polymer is further disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of forming medical device that includes RGD attached to the device via a spacer compound. The method comprises providing a spacer compound comprising a hydrophobic moiety and a hydrophilic moiety, grafting or embedding the spacer compound to the surface layer of the polymer to cause the hydrophobic moiety to be grafted to or embedded within the surface layer of polymer, and attaching a chemo-attractant to the hydrophilic moiety.

Abstract: A method of controlling the drug release rate of a drug coated endovascular stent by depositing a drug material layer on the stent and then modifying the drug material using gas cluster ion beam irradiation to create a carbon matrix with interstices containing the original drug. The rate at which the drug elutes through the interstices can be controlled by processing parameters. Multiple layers may be employed to create time varying release rates.

Abstract: A support assembly for a stent and a method of using the same to coat a stent are provided. The support assembly provides for minimum contact between the stent and the support assembly so as to reduce or eliminate coating defects.

Abstract: A tubular implant that replaces natural blood vessels includes a prefabricated vascular prosthesis with an internal surface, an external surface and a wall, wherein the internal and/or external surface of the prefabricated vascular prosthesis has a polyurethane coating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, processes, and systems for delivering therapeutic agent to a medical device. Under some methods, processes, and systems of the invention, particles including a magnetic material and a therapeutic agent may be directed towards a medical device via magnetic attraction. In another embodiment particles including a magnetic material may force a therapeutic agent/solvent solution into porous matrix by using a magnetic attraction. In still another embodiment, a medical device having at least a portion thereof including a magnetic material is used to attract and adhere particles comprising magnetic material and therapeutic agent to a target surface of the medical device, wherein the particles are fused to the target surface.

Abstract: At least some embodiments of the invention relates to an implant having a coating that contains or is composed of a functionalized RGD peptidomimetic RGD-P1 having the formula (1) and/or a functionalized RGD peptidomimetic RGD-P2 having the formula (2), and an associated manufacturing method.

Abstract: At least some embodiments of the invention relates to an implant having a coating that contains or is composed of a functionalized RGD peptidomimetic RGD-P1 having the formula (1) and/or a functionalized RGD peptidomimetic RGD-P2 having the formula (2), and an associated manufacturing method.

Abstract: Provided is a means for fixing calcium phosphate onto the surface of a metal by a treatment method which uses no acid and produces less residue. A method of producing a calcium phosphate composite in which calcium phosphate is bonded to the surface of a base material, the method including a surface treatment step of bringing the surface of the base material into contact with a surface treating agent, and then into contact with a silane coupling agent, to surface treat the base material; a polymerization step of initiating, after the surface treatment step, polymerization of the silane coupling agent by means of a polymerization initiator; and a bonding step of bonding the silane coupling agent at the surface of the base material after the polymerization step, with calcium phosphate; wherein the base material is a metal, and the surface treating agent is ozone water.

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: A method of coating an implantable medical device may include providing an implantable medical device, applying a polymer base to the medical device, and directing a first solution including therapeutic agent and solvent through the nozzle onto a target zone of the polymer base coating to penetrate the polymer base coating. The solution may be directed at the target zone until a predetermined concentration of the therapeutic agent can be integrated within the polymer base coating.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for coating catheters or balloon catheters the catheter or balloon catheter is radially surrounded completely or almost completely at a constant distance by a device that applies a coating solution so that the coating solution completely fills the space between the catheter or balloon catheter and the device and thus completely surrounds the catheter or balloon catheter, relative motion is effected between the device and the catheter or balloon catheter in the axial direction across the surface of the catheter or balloon catheter multiple times, and partial drying of the applied coating solution occurs between the individual coating stages.

Abstract: A valve stent includes a plurality of crown elements arranged coaxially one behind the other, each formed by several u-shaped bends with at least one base and two ends. The bases of one crown element are connected to the ends of another crown element via connection bars. To produce this valve stent, 3D droplet dosing technology is used to form a thin-walled sandwich structure. A device, suitable for application of a stent is provided with positioning wires having clamps at their ends which can be connected to the fixing hooks at the ends of the crown elements in force-locking manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable or insertable medical device comprising (a) a substrate and (b) a hydrogel polymer coating at a least a portion of the surface of the substrate, wherein the hydrogel polymer is adapted to render the medical device visible under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) upon insertion or implantation of the medical device into a patient. Also disclosed is the use of such a hydrogel coated implantable or insertable medical device in a medical procedure, wherein during or after insertion or implantation of the medical device in a patient, the position of the medical device is viewed under MRI. The use of a hydrogel polymer for coating a medical device wherein the hydrogel polymer is adapted to render a medical device coated with the hydrogel polymer visible under MRI and a hydrogel polymer adapted to render a medical device coated therewith visible under MRI are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical implant includes a metallic base, a tie layer, and at least a first layer overlying an outer surface of the tie layer. The tie layer is bonded to at least a portion of a surface of the metallic base. The tie layer includes magnesium or a magnesium-based alloy. The tie layer can have an outer surface comprising dendritic grains. The tie layer can have a rough outer surface defined by pores, projecting grain structures, and/or projecting particles. A method of producing a tie layer on a medical device includes applying magnesium or a magnesium-based alloy to the medical device and cooling the magnesium or the magnesium-based alloy to produce a rough outer surface.

Abstract: The methods of the present disclosure in a broad aspect provide for dry diazeniumdiolation procedures for producing nitric oxide releasing medical devices. These medical devices may alternatively have cap coats applied prior to dry diazeniumdiolation to produce nitric oxide releasing medical devices with cap coats.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical devices and related methods. In some embodiments, the methods include applying a material to the balloon and then removing the material from one or more regions of the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for aligning and coating a medical device during a single coating cycle. A first section of an applicator may apply a contact force to surfaces of the medical device. The contact force may align and remove surface irregularities from the medical device prior to coating the medical device with coating. The coating may be resident on a second section of the applicator.

Abstract: A drug coating is formed by vaporizing a drug in a deposition chamber having an implantable medical device such as a stent loaded therein. A vacuum is utilized to lower the pressure within the deposition chamber, thereby reducing the temperature necessary to vaporize the drug. The drug is then deposited onto the implantable medical device while in a vapor phase to form the drug coating.

Abstract: A vascular or endoluminal stent is adapted to be implanted in a vessel, duct or tract of a human body to maintain an open lumen. The stent includes a base layer of a biologically compatible metal. An intermediate metal particle layer of substantial greater radiopacity overlies the base layer, with particles bonded to the base layer and to each other to leave interstices therebetween as a repository for retaining and dispensing drugs or other agents for time release therefrom. The particles are composed primarily of a noble metal—. Exposed surfaces of the particle layer are coated with ceramic-like iridium oxide or titanium nitrate, as a biocompatible material to inhibit irritation of tissue at the inner lining of the vessel when the stent is implanted.

Abstract: A one step method for drug coating an interventional device is disclosed by mixing a drug with a phosphorylcholine-linked methacrylate polymer in a liquid and applying the mixture to an interventional device, such as a stent, in a single step.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for loading a therapeutic substance or drug within a lumenal space of a hollow wire having a plurality of side openings along a length thereof that forms a hollow drug-eluting stent with a plurality of side drug delivery openings. Loading a drug within the lumenal space of the hollow stent includes a drug filling step, in which the drug is mixed with a solvent or dispersion medium. The lumenal space may be filled with the drug solution or suspension in a reverse fill process and/or a forward fill process. After the drug filling step, a solvent or dispersion medium extracting step is performed to extract the solvent or dispersion medium from within the lumenal space such that only the drug remains within the hollow stent. A stent cleaning step may be performed to an exterior surface of the hollow stent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for loading a therapeutic substance or drug within a lumenal space of a hollow wire having a plurality of side openings along a length thereof that forms a hollow drug-eluting stent with a plurality of side drug delivery openings. Loading a drug within the lumenal space of the hollow stent includes a drug filling step, in which the drug is mixed with a solvent or dispersion medium. The lumenal space may be filled with the drug solution or suspension in a reverse fill process and/or a forward fill process. After the drug filling step, a solvent or dispersion medium extracting step is performed to extract the solvent or dispersion medium from within the lumenal space such that only the drug remains within the hollow stent. A stent cleaning step may be performed to an exterior surface of the hollow stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanofibrous coatings on medical devices such a surgical mesh or stent, wherein the coating is mechanically attached to the device. The principal mechanism for attaching the coating is through causing the fibers to permeate and entangle with the substrate.

Abstract: A prosthetic implantable device that offers a reduction in fluid loss when the device is punctured, such as by a dialysis needle or suture needle, and the needle is subsequently removed. The device may be made to be thin and flexible, and with longitudinal stretch, in order that it also offers good handling and kink resistance to a surgeon. While the device is preferably of tubular form, flat sheets or other forms may also be made. The device includes inner and outer layers of a porous material having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by bent fibrils, and having void spaces between adjacent bent fibrils. The inner and outer layers are joined by an elastomeric adhesive that may interpenetrate the void spaces of the adjacent surfaces of the inner and outer layers, that is, the inner surface of the outer layer and the outer surface of the inner layer.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to coated substrates comprising a substrate having a surface, a cationic polymer layer adjacent the surface of the substrate, an anionic polymer layer adjacent the cationic polymer layer and methods for producing and using same. In one aspect, the cationic polymer layer comprises at least one residue of a first compound having the structure: In a further aspect, the anionic polymer layer comprises at least one residue of a compound having the structure: In a yet further aspect, at least one nanoparticle or microparticle is positioned within one or both of the anionic polymer layer and the cationic polymer layer. In a still further aspect, the outermost polymer layer has a surface having fractal characteristics. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating coatings for implantable medical devices are disclosed. The method comprises forming a coating on an implantable device comprising an interpenetrating network or semi-interpenetrating network. The interpenetrating network or semi-interpenetrating network comprises poly(ethylene glycol) and an aliphatic polyester copolymer. It is also provided an implantable device and a method of using the implantable device.

Abstract: An implant and method for producing an implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, with a body, wherein the body contains iron or an iron alloy, comprising the following steps: a) providing the implant body (1), b) applying a metallic coating comprising as main constituent at least one element of the group containing tantalum, niobium, zirconium, aluminum, magnesium, vanadium, molybdenum, hafnium, and wolfram onto at least a portion of the body surface, and c) plasmachemical treatment of the portion of the body surface provided with the coating in an aqueous solution for producing a plasmachemically generated layer (3, 5, 7) by means of applying a plasma-generating pulsating voltage to the body of the implant, wherein the pulsating voltage has sufficient energy that the metallic coating (3, 5, 7) is temporarily and sectionally ionized up to the underlying implant body (1) in such a manner that the generated layer has pores (5) which extend at least partially up to the implant body.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices with therapy eluting components and methods for making same. More specifically, the invention relates to implantable medical devices having at least one porous layer, and methods for making such devices, and loading such devices with therapeutic agents. A mixture or alloy is placed on the surface of a medical device, then one component of the mixture or alloy is generally removed without generally removing the other components of the mixture or alloy. In some embodiments, a porous layer is adapted for bonding non-metallic coating, including drug eluting polymeric coatings. A porous layer may have a random pore structure or an oriented or directional grain porous structure. One embodiment of the invention relates to medical devices, including vascular stents, having at least one porous layer adapted to resist stenosis or cellular proliferation without requiring elution of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating an article surface. The method comprises removing a metal oxide surface from the metal substrate to expose a metal surface; and delivering particles comprising a dopant from at least one fluid jet to the metal surface to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant. The method also comprises delivering substantially simultaneously a first set of particles comprising a dopant and a second set of particles comprising an abrasive from at least one fluid jet to a surface of an article to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant.

Abstract: A stent of variable surface area as determined by stent struts. The stent can have a variable surface area per unit length which accommodates a therapeutic agent. A patterned distribution of therapeutic agent can be provided throughout the stent. The stent can have an increased level of therapeutic agent near an end of the stent. A decreased level of therapeutic agent can be provided near an end of one embodiment of a stent. Indentations can be provided at the surface of the stent with therapeutic agent disposed therein. The stent can be cut with struts of variable thickness to provide the variable stent surface area.

Abstract: A method of applying a coating material to a stent includes the steps of providing a generally tubular stent having an inside surface and an outside surface and applying a coating material to the inside surface of the stent without applying that coating material to the outside surface of the stent. The method may comprise providing a mandrel having a diameter less than an interior diameter of the stent, providing the coating material around the mandrel, placing the stent around the mandrel and crimping the stent so that the inside surface of the stent contacts the coating material. Alternatively, the method may comprise providing an expandable device, providing the expandable device with the coating material such that the coating material is deliverable from the expandable device, placing the stent around the expandable device and expanding the expandable device such that the expandable device contacts the inside surface of the stent.

Abstract: A coating for a stent and methods for coating a stent are provided. The coating may be used for the sustained delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.

Abstract: The use of at least one diazonium salt bearing an initiator function, for forming an undercoat obtained by grafting a graft derived from the diazonium salt and bearing an initiator function at the surface of a conductive or semiconductive material on the undercoat, and for forming on the undercoat a polymeric layer obtained by polymerization, in particular free radical polymerization, in situ of at least one monomer, initiated from the initiator function.

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the electrostatic application of a coating substance is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, processes, and systems for coating portions of a workpiece as well as to workpieces that have themselves been coated in accord with the invention. Under these methods and processes of the invention, a means to repel may be positioned on a mandrel prior to applying a coating to the workpiece. The means to repel may prevent the coating of a target surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for coating stents are described herein.