Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an improved process for making elastomeric polyisoprene articles. In particular, the process of the invention is a system which produces synthetic polyisoprene articles exhibiting tensile strength properties similar to that of solvent-based processes using natural rubber latex. The process comprises an accelerator composition at the pre-cure stage comprising a dithiocarbamate, a thiazole and a guanidine compound. In a preferred embodiment, the accelerator composition comprises zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC), zinc 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (ZMBT) and diphenyl guanidine (DPG), in conjunction with a stabilizer, such as sodium caseinate. The invention also includes an elastomeric polyisoprene product made by the process, such as a surgeon's glove.

Abstract: A face mask comprising a filter material being a fibrous substrate, especially non-woven polypropylene or polyester, having an acidic polymer, especially of the Carbopol or Gantres type, deposited on the fibres. The mask has an anti-viral activity against inhaled or exhaled air. A filter material suitable for such a mask, and a process for making it are also described.

Abstract: Extra coagulant is added to the cuff portion of the former by a spray nozzle located between the coagulant and latex dipping tanks. A former is placed into a coagulant. After removal from the coagulant, additional coagulant to the cuff portion of the former by any conventional means, such as a spray nozzle. The higher concentration of coagulant at the cuff portion results in a thicker latex thickness at the cuff portion and counteracts the reduced dwell time of the cuff in the latex dipping tank as compared to the fingertip portion of the former. The thickness of the cuff portion can be controlled by altering the concentration of the coagulant applied by the spray nozzle.

Abstract: Material in web form intended in particular for use in a diagnostic strip and composed of a carrier material coated on one or both sides with an ultrathin coating varnish comprising at least one anionic surfactant based on a sulphosuccinic ester salt, the ultrathin coating varnish having, after drying, a coating distribution of from 5 to 100 mg/m2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for masking the inner surface of a tubular medical device with a fluid in order to selectively coat the outer surface of the tubular medical device. The inner lumen of the tubular medical device is filled with the fluid prior to deposition of a coating to the outer surface.

Abstract: Described herein are coatings containing water-soluble oligodynamic metal salts that are formulated and applied from hydrophobic solvents. In particular, articles of manufacture comprising polymer coatings containing oligodynamic metal salts can include hydrophobic polymer coatings made from water-reactive monomers and hydrophilic polymers compounded in hydrophobic solvents which contain a small amount of water that aids in the solubilization and suspension of the oligodynamic metal salts. Methods of preparing these antimicrobial polymer coatings, and methods of coating a substrate to produce an article of manufacture having an antimicrobial polymer coating are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a powder-filled ceramic coating made from a precursor ceramic compound (for example, a sol-gel), said coating having an advantageous surface roughness and wherein active ingredients may be eluted from the matrix or filler under physiological conditions and to an implant which can be produced according to the claimed method.

Abstract: A filter for the removal of substance from blood or blood components, particularly for the removal of leukocytes and platelets, comprises a polymeric filter material having a polyurethane coating, wherein the polyurethane has a number average molecular weight not higher than 10,000 Da; the polyurethane is preferably obtained by the addition reaction of an aliphatic diisocyanate, polyethylene glycol and butandiol, by using an excess of the butandiol, whereby the addition reaction is stoichiometrically unbalanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of aliphatic compounds, alicyclic compounds and antioxidants for protecting a wetted hydrophilic coating which is sterilised by irridiation—in particular with ? radiation or E-beam radiation—in the presence of water, from loss of lubricity and/or loss of dry-out time as a result of a reaction between the coating and a radical and/or another reactive moiety formed by irriadiating the water.

Abstract: A medical device such as a catheter, stent or balloon, or a component thereof is formed by depositing an inorganic-organic hybrid composite material on an eliminatable shape form and removing the shape form, leaving the medical device or component thereof formed of the inorganic-organic hybrid composite material. Multiple layers of the inorganic-organic hybrid composite material can be used in the formation. A particular structure is an expandable balloon member for a catheter assembly.

Abstract: To provide a medical treatment device wherein the antithrombotic property and lubricity of a coating formed on the surface can be maintained in a stable state for a long period and also to provide a method for manufacturing the same. A mixture solution for coating wherein a copolymer of methyl vinyl ether with maleic acid anhydride, a quaternary ammonium salt and a polyether block amide dissolved in an organic solvent are applied upon the surface of a substrate comprising synthetic resin to form a coating and then urokinase and heparin are impregnated in the coating of the medical treatment device. The synthetic resin comprising the substrate is polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, nylon or nylon elastomer. The quaternary ammonium salt is tridodecylmethylammonium chloride. An alkaline treatment is applied to a predetermined part of a substrate upon which a coating has been formed by application of the mixture solution.

Abstract: An electrically conductive member (10) includes an elongate body (11) which has at least one electrically conductive region (20). The electrically conductive region (20) comprises a porous polymeric material coated with an electrically conductive material. A method of manufacturing the electrically conductive member (10) includes the steps of extruding an elongate body of polymeric material wherein at least one region of the elongate body is porous in nature; and coating said elongate body with an electrically conductive material such that the electrically conductive material substantially coats the pores of said at least one region.

Abstract: Processes for coating implantable medical devices that improve the stability of therapeutic agents contained within the coating.

Abstract: An evacuated container assembly suitable for use in connection with blood collection including: (a) a container member formed of a first polymeric material and having a sidewall and one or more openings; (b) a nanocomposite barrier coating disposed on the container member having a thickness of up to about 30 microns and being derived from an aqueous dispersion including (i) a dispersed barrier matrix polymer; and (ii) a substantially exfoliated silicate filler having an aspect ratio of more than 50; and (c) one or more sealing members disposed in the opening(s) operative to hermetically seal the cavity; wherein the cavity is evacuated and maintains a pressure below atmospheric pressure and exhibits a draw volume loss lower than that of a like assembly without a nanocomposite barrier film by a factor of at least 1.5.

Abstract: A synthetic polyisoprene latex emulsion has pre-vulcanization composition and post vulcanization composition. The pre-vulcanization composition comprises soluble sulfur with high S8 ring structure that is catalytically broken by a zinc dithiocarbamate. Surfactants present in the pre-vulcanization composition wets synthetic polyisoprene particles and permeates small sized sulfur and accelerator molecules into the interior of these particles thereby pre-vulcanizing the particles. The degree of pre-vulcanization is verified by isopropanol index test. The latex emulsion has post-vulcanization composition with accelerators that crosslink inter-particle region during post vulcanization cure cycle. The dipped synthetic polyisoprene article is substantially uniformly cured both in the inter-particle and intra-particle regions and reliably exhibits high cross link density, uniform distribution of double bonds in TEM and zinc segregation at the boundaries or original particles by electron microprobe analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a tanning agent in or on filters, in particular natural or synthetic fibrous fabric or foams, for the avoidance of infections, these filters in particular being part of respiratory protection masks or respiratory protection apparatuses.

Abstract: Described herein are implantable medical devices that can be coated with polymers and/or bioactive agents with the aid of supercritical fluids and methods for coating the devices. The medical devices described herein can have at least a portion of their surface made of or formed from a porous material. The supercritical fluids are used as a carrier for the bioactive agents described. Once the bioactive agents are carried to the medical device surface, they are sequestered there, preferably in the pores. The supercritical fluid is sprayed onto the medical devices achieving precipitation of the fluid. If appropriate conditions are used in the area of precipitation, bioactive agents can penetrate into the pores of the medical device before coming out of solution and expanding.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed, comprising a substrate and a hydrophilic surface coating arranged on said substrate. The substrate has, on its surface coated with said hydrophilic surface coating, a surface texture with an arithmetical mean deviation of the surface profile (Ra) of at least 3 ?m and/or a profile section height difference (Rdc (1-99%)) of at least 18 ?m. It has surprisingly been found that the increased surface roughness of the substrate provides significant improvements in e.g. water retention for the hydrophilic coating.

Abstract: A coating can be applied to an endolumenal wall of a medical device by positioning an optical fiber within the lumen, providing a photo-activated chemical to contact the endolumenal wall, supplying the optical fiber with radiation capable of activating the chemical within the lumen, and withdrawing the optical fiber from the lumen at a controlled rate while the radiation is being emitted from the optical fiber to activate the chemical in close proximity to the endolumenal wall.

Abstract: A surgical garment in the form of a surgical gown, a surgical glove or a surgical mask incorporates a shear thickening fluid as a layer on at least one of the inner and outer surface of the garment, the viscosity of which shear thickening fluid increases to inhibit penetration of the garment.

Abstract: A method of forming a surface layer that includes a hydroxyl polymer on a substrate coating on a medical device is provided.

Abstract: There is provided a medical catheter tube capable of exhibiting excellent flexibility, and provided a process for producing the same. In particular, there is provided a medical catheter tube having, arranged from a base edge side, a base part, a forefront part and a cutting edge part The medical catheter tube comprises an inner layer tube of resin pipe; a reinforcing material layer produced by knitting of a wire around the inner layer tube; a marker disposed by winding and covering of the inner layer tube at the forefront part with a roentgenopaque metal member; and an outer layer tube of resin pipe covering the reinforcing material layer and the marker. The inner layer tube, reinforcing material layer, marker and outer layer tube of the medical catheter tube are united together.

Abstract: A surgical or permeable mask are used to stop contaminants from entering the mouth and nose of patients and, people administering healthcare or working in other areas where there is a potential danger of airborne contaminants such as particulates, pollutants, bacteria, viruses, or other dangerous particles entering the oral and nasal passages. The Present Invention provides increased filtration efficiency of these masks by creating an electrostatic field that attracts and captures oppositely charged contaminants and repels similarly charged contaminants.

Abstract: Methods are provided for coating a first surface of a device while also preventing coating of a second surface of the device by forming a covering of solid carbon dioxide on the second surface. In one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for coating a luminal surface of a device while masking the abluminal surface with a covering of solid carbon dioxide. In another embodiment, a method is provided for coating the abluminal surface of the device while covering the luminal surface of the device with solid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Catheter devices having an expandable balloon for delivering a therapeutic agent to a body site. In one aspect, one or more sheaths are disposed around the balloon with the therapeutic agent being disposed within the sheath, being disposed over the sheath, being contained in the space between the sheath and the balloon, or being otherwise associated with the sheath. In another aspect, the balloon includes a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) for drug delivery.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composite support comprising a base support for the treatment of a biological fluid, in which: “the base support is essentially-constituted by a first polymer carrying anionic or anionizable groups;” at least a part of the surface of the base support is coated with a second polymer ionically bonded to the first polymer, the second polymer carrying the cationic or cationizable groups which are capable of forming an ionic bond with the anionic or anionizable groups of the first polymer; in which the second polymer is in the colloidal form and in mixture with a polyacid during application to the support, allowing the composite membrane to adsorb at least one entity containing anionic or anionizable groups by bonding with cationic or cationizable groups of the second polymer.

Abstract: A medical device includes a medial device body, and a diamond-like thin film covering the medical device body and containing silicon. The diamond-like thin film has a concentration of silicon which is lower in a surface thereof than in an interface thereof with the medical device body mentioned above, and continuously varies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are indwelling medical devices suitable for introduction into the body of a subject, wherein the indwelling medical devices comprise one or more surfaces on which a bacterial biofilm can form, and an effective amount of a bacteriophage composition carried by one or more of the surfaces, wherein the bacteriophage composition inhibits formation of the bacterial biofilm on the indwelling medical device. Also disclosed herein are methods of inhibiting the formation of bacterial biofilms on indwelling medical devices.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating coatings for implantable medical devices are disclosed. The coatings include hydrophilic and hydrophobic components. The methods provide for treatment of the coatings to cause enrichment a region close to, at or on the outer surface of the coating with the hydrophilic component.

Abstract: A method of bonding an antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte to the surface of a substrate is described, wherein the antimicrobial thus attached to the substrate provides the substrate with antimicrobial properties, and at least a portion of the bonded antimicrobial is substantially non-leachable during normal conditions of use and storage. A method of manufacturing an antimicrobial material is described which comprises exposure of the substrate to a solution of antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte, followed by drying the exposed substrate thoroughly to impart a non-leaching property to at least a portion of the antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrophilic coating formulation which when cured results in a hydrophilic coating, wherein the hydrophilic coating formulation comprises a copolymeric polyelectrolyte. The invention further relates to a hydrophilic coating, a lubricious coating, use of a copolymeric polyelectrolyte in a lubricious coating, an article, a medical device or component and a method of forming on a substrate a hydrophilic coating.

Abstract: A catheter shaft includes an inner layer of a first polymeric material, an intermediate layer of a second polymeric material, an outer layer of a third polymeric material, a first wire reinforcing layer encapsulated between the inner and intermediate layers, and a second wire reinforcing layer encapsulated between the outer and intermediate layers. Typically, the first wire reinforcing layer includes one or more metallic wires helically wound in one direction and the second wire reinforcing layer includes one or more metallic wires helically wound in the opposite direction. The intermediate layer is bonded to the inner and outer layers, as by extruding layers over one another or by thermal lamination or reflow bonding. Typically, the intermediate layer has a larger yield strain and/or a lower flexural modulus and/or a lower durometer than at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a medical wire, which includes a coating applied to the surface of the medical wire. The coating includes a base layer bonded to the surface of the medical wire and an at least partially transparent low-friction top coat applied to the base layer. The base layer includes heat activated pigments that change color when heated above a color shifting temperature. In one embodiment, the color of the pigment in one area contrasts with the color of the pigment in an adjacent area without otherwise affecting the low-friction surface of the coating. The areas of different color created in locations along the length of the low-friction coated medical wire form markings which enable a surgeon to determine the length of the medical wire inserted into a body by observing the markings on the portion of the marked medical wire located exterior to the body.

Abstract: Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The tube and barrier maintain stability of one or more analyte levels, including potassium and glucose, within 10% of their initial values before centrifugation for at least four days.

Abstract: Laser-induced phase-separation polymerization of a porous acrylate polymer is used for in-situ fabrication of dialysis membranes inside glass microchannels. A shaped 355 nm laser beam is used to produce a porous polymer membrane with a thickness of about 15 ?m, which bonds to the glass microchannel and forms a semi-permeable membrane. Differential permeation through a membrane formed with pentaerythritol triacrylate was observed and quantified by comparing the response of the membrane to fluorescein and fluorescently tagging 200 nm latex microspheres. Differential permeation was observed and quantified by comparing the response to rhodamine 560 and lactalbumin protein in a membrane formed with SPE-methylene bisacrylamide. The porous membranes illustrate the capability for the present technique to integrate sample cleanup into chip-based analysis systems.

Abstract: Condoms having an elastomeric layer and coating containing an anhydrous warming lubricant and at least one or more ingredients dispersed therein, the coating being disposed on one or both surfaces are provided. The ingredients disposed on the elastomeric layer can be solid particles or encapsulated ingredients that are insoluble in the anhydrous warming lubricant and soluble in water. Methods of producing and using these condoms are also provided.

Abstract: An implantable device (1) for injecting fluid and/or for tapping fluid, the device having a housing (3) provided with a puncture zone (4) able to be transpierced by a hollow needle (5) for injecting fluid into and/or tapping fluid from a chamber (3A) provided inside the housing (3). The implantable device has a puncture zone (4) made up of at least first and second superposed flexible membranes (6, 7) mounted to be free, at least locally, relative to each other, to allow the membranes, at least locally, to move along each other, so that, once the needle (5) has been removed, the orifice formed by the needle (5) is sliced into first and second sub-orifices (6A, 7A) substantially not coinciding so as to impart a substantially leaktight property to the puncture zone (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions which are suitable for selective filling or selective coating of folds of a folded balloon, and especially relates to compositions of a contrast agent and an active agent in a solvent for filling of folds of a folded catheter balloon as well as to methods for selective filling or selective coating of folds of a folded catheter balloon and to filled or coated folded catheter balloons which can be obtained according to one of these methods.

Abstract: A microdialysis catheter for partial implantation is used to supply a perfusion fluid and remove a dialysate, such as glucose, and comprises a carrier, at least one opening in the carrier, and a non-porous coating over the opening. The carrier contains at least one channel for supplying a perfusion fluid and for removing a dialysate and an area intended for implantation. The opening on the carrier has a connection with the channel for the passage of fluid. The non-porous coating is externally bonded to the carrier. The non-poroous coating is diffusion-permeable to an analyte and covers the area intended for implantation and the opening. A process for manufacturing the microdialysis catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device having a lubricious coating on at least a section of the medical device, and a method of coating a medical device, the lubricious coating being a network of a hydrophilic compound cross-linked to itself and interlocked with a network of a cross-linked polymerized multifunctional monomer or polymer. The coating can include one or more agents which provide enhanced adhesion of the coating on the device, or which provide faster hydration of the coating and/or improved lubricity. Additionally, the lubricious coating can be provided with one or more therapeutic or diagnostic agents, and in one embodiment the agent elutes relatively quickly in a concentrated release from the lubricious coating upon hydration of the coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid reservoir comprising a first wall portion formed from a needle-penetrable material, the first wall portion comprising a seal surface. The reservoir further comprises a seal member formed from a needle-penetratable self-sealing material, wherein the seal member has been applied on the seal surface in a liquid state. In this way a liquid reservoir having a self-sealing needle-penetrable access means which can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner is provided.

Abstract: A disposable glove and a method for making the disposable glove that reduces or eliminates glove cuff roll-down. The disposable glove includes a coating on the interior surface of the glove that extends from the hand area to a portion of the wrist-forearm area of the glove but does not include coating on the portion of the wrist-forearm area containing the beaded cuff and cuff portion. The uncoated portion of the interior surface of the disposable glove resists glove cuff roll-down when the glove is positioned on a user's hand and forearm.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a transdermal drug administration apparatus having microneedles, which is capable of piercing the skin by a simple procedure in the transdermal administration of a biologically active substance (drug) and allows rapid absorption of the biologically active substance. The present apparatus comprises a microneedle device (50) comprising a microneedle substrate (53) having a plurality of microneedles (51) capable of piercing the skin, an absorbent (11) disposed thereon, the absorbent (11) comprising a material capable of absorbing a liquid, and a dissolving solution reservoir (18) disposed on the absorbent (11), the dissolving solution reservoir (18) containing a dissolving solution (16) for dissolving a drug and being capable of disrupting a diaphragm (20) provided the dissolving solution reservoir (18) and the absorbent (11) by pressing. A coating containing a dry drug is disposed on the microneedles (51) and/or the microneedle substrate (53).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides substrates having a lubricious coating thereon. The substrate may be flexible and include, in embodiments, a medical device. The lubricious coating, in embodiments, is applied in a pattern so that the coating avoids delamination and/or fracturing which might otherwise occur as the substrate flexes and/or stretches.

Abstract: Disclosed are coated cloths and methods for manufacturing the same. The coated cloth can be used to manufacture medical gowns or drapes to prevent cross-infection between the patient and other people in an operation room.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrophilic coating formulation which when cured results in a hydrophilic coating, wherein the hydrophilic coating formulation comprises a polyelectrolyte and a non-ionic hydrophilic polymer. The invention further relates to a coating system, a hydrophilic coating, a lubricious coating, use of a polyelectrolyte and a non-ionic hydrophilic polymer in a lubricious coating, an article, a medical device or component and a method of forming on a substrate a hydrophilic coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bio-sheet material, and a method and an apparatus of manufacturing the bio-sheet, which has pliability or easiness of cutting by unifying a mixture of at least one of healthful natural minerals or plants such as ocher, jade, tourmalin, etc., using fiber material, paper, etc., as a medium, which can be maintained in an original shape at natural or heat drying without generating separation of the mixture, and which can shorten the manufacturing time.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of biocompatible membranes around biological materials using photopolymerization of water soluble molecules. The membranes can be used as a covering to encapsulate biological materials or biomedical devices, as a “glue” to cause more than one biological substance to adhere together, or as carriers for biologically active species. Several methods for forming these membranes are provided. Each of these methods utilizes a polymerization system containing water-soluble macromers, species, which are at once polymers and macromolecules capable of further polymerization. The macromers are polymerized using a photoinitiator (such as a dye), optionally a cocatalyst, optionally an accelerator, and radiation in the form of visible or long wavelength UV light. The reaction occurs either by suspension polymerization or by interfacial polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention has several plausible embodiments. In one embodiment an apparatus for coating a medical device is provided. This apparatus includes a coating chamber, a vibrating structure within the coating chamber the vibrating structure capable of suspending a medical device positioned in the coating chamber, and a coating source, the coating source positioned to introduce coating into the coating chamber. In another embodiment a method of coating a medical device is provided. This method includes moving a medical device into a predetermined coating area, vibrating a structure below the medical device, the vibration of the structure forcing the medical device away from the vibrating structure, and coating at least a portion of the medical device that has moved away from the vibrating structure.

Abstract: Medical devices, and particularly intracorporeal devices for therapeutic or diagnostic uses, having a component chemically modified by plasma polymerization. The medical device comprises a substrate with a plasma polymerized functionality bonded to a surface of at least a section thereof. The plasma polymerized film on a first component of the medical device allows for bonding an agent or a second component to the first component. In one embodiment, the plasma polymerized film facilitates fusion or adhesive bonding of a first component to a second component formed of a material which is dissimilar to, incompatible with, or otherwise not readily bondable to the substrate material of the first component. In another embodiment, a bioactive agent is bonded to the plasma polymerized film on the component, for presenting or delivering the bioactive agent within a body lumen of the patient.