Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, medical devices are provided which comprise a metallic region and a coating on all or part of the metallic region that comprises a multivalent acid.

Abstract: Stents fabricated from hydrolytically degradable polymers with accelerated degradation rates and methods of fabricating stents with accelerated degradation rates are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical implant includes a bioerodible portion that includes a bioerodible polymer and a bioerodible metal. The bioerodible polymer matrix degrades under physiological conditions to form acidic degradation products. The bioerodible metal degrades under physiological conditions to form basic degradation products. The acidic degradation products and the basic degradation products buffer at least a portion of the medical implant. In one aspect, the bioerodible portion includes a bioerodible polymer matrix and a bioerodible metal within the bioerodible polymer matrix. In another aspect, the medical implant can include a body, a plurality of discrete deposits of the bioerodible polymer on the body, and a plurality of discrete deposits of the bioerodible metal on the body.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices are fabricated from polymer blends with star-block copolymers. The polymer blends include a biodegradable matrix polymer blended with a biodegradable star-block copolymer. The copolymer has at least three arms and the arms include inner segments and outer segments. The inner segments form a discrete phase within a continuous phase, the continuous phase including the matrix polymer and the outer segments. The segments can include units having acidic degradation products that enhance the degradation rate of the blend.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices adapted to erodibly release delivery media for local and regional treatment are disclosed.

Abstract: Absorbable/disintegratable endourological stents, specifically endoureteral stents, and applicators for their introduction into the biological site, are formed from fiber-reinforced elastomeric films configured to prevent their migration from the application site.

Abstract: The use of nucleating agents to manufacture polymeric stents is disclosed. The resulting stents may have increased crystallinity, decreased crystal size, increased mechanical properties, and faster degradation times.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to medical devices for implantation in a body vessel, and methods of using and making the same. A medical device can include a frame with one or more projections each having at least one edge extending from the surface of the frame, and a biocompatible, water-soluble removable material coated over at least a portion of the at least one edge. The projections can be barbs positioned to engage the interior wall of a body vessel or to attach a material, such as a valve leaflet or graft, to the frame. The removable material can be dissolved within a body vessel upon implantation, thereby exposing the at least one edge. Methods of making an implantable medical device and methods of treating a subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biocompatible and biodegradable polymers which are useful in tissue engineering; wound healing, coatings, and drug delivery, said polymers comprising one or more ECM-mimetic peptides and one or more biodegradable moieties, wherein the moieties do not comprise an amino acid or residue thereof. Further disclosed herein are methods for making and using the disclosed biocompatible polymers.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis can include a body including an underlying portion and a surface portion overlying the underlying portion. The underlying portion can include a bioerodible metal in the form of a matrix and corrosion enhancing deposits within the matrix. The surface portion including the bioerodible metal of the matrix. The surface portion having a first erosion rate when exposed to a physiological environment and the underlying portion having a second erosion rate when exposed to a physiological environment that is greater than the first erosion rate.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a nerve guide that allows the axons to develop fairly freely during regeneration. For this purpose, the nerve guide is produced based on a shaped body from a cross-linked, resorbable, gelatin-based material. The shaped body is a tubular hollow body having a wall with an exterior surface and an interior surface, which wall defines a lumen. The nerve guide comprises a semipermeable layer surrounding the lumen.

Abstract: The present invention provides remodelable materials for retracting the interior walls of a body vessel via remodeling processes. Also provided are methods, kits and devices for the same.

Abstract: A method to reduce or minimize the reduction in molecular weight of a stent during processing is disclosed. The stent has a scaffolding including a polymer formulation comprising PLLA and polymandelide. The polymandelide reduces the molecular weight drop during processing, particularly during sterilization. The stent scaffolding can further include one or more additional stabilizing agents that additionally reduce the molecular weight drop during processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and structure of deformable alloys on the basis of magnesium with an optimum combination of mechanical properties (strength, plasticity) and a resistance to corrosion, including in vivo. Alloys of the new group possess an excellent formability at room temperature, high corrosion stability in sodium chloride solution, excellent heat resistance and can be used in various technical applications, particularly in vivo as a structural material for stents.

Abstract: A stent having a stent body made from a crosslinked bioabsorbable polymer is disclosed. A method of making the stent including exposing a tube formed from a bioabsorbable polymer to radiation to crosslink the bioabsorbable polymer and forming a stent body from the exposed tube is disclosed. The tube can include a crosslinking agent which induces crosslinking upon radiation exposure. Additionally or alternatively, the bioabsorbable polymer can be a copolymer that crosslinks upon exposure to radiation in the absence of a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: An implant having a coating or a cavity filling comprising a PLGA polymer and taxane embedded therein, the release rate of the taxane after day two after implantation being ?400 ng/day for a period of more than 10 consecutive days, characterized in that the PLGA polymer has a ratio of monomer units to each other of 60-99% lactic acid units to 40-1% glycolic acid units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent having a longitudinally-extending passage defined by a plurality of seamless strut elements with spacing between them. Each of these strut elements are in the form of lines defining the passage. The strut elements have a thickness in the range of 30 microns to 150 microns and are formed as at least one written layer. Also disclosed are methods of making the stent.

Abstract: A stent is fabricated utilizing a polymer that is selected for its tendency to degrade from the surface inwardly rather than undergo bulk erosion so as to substantially reduce the risk of large particles becoming detached and being swept downstream. Such polymer is hydrophobic yet has water-labile linkages interconnecting the monomers. Ester or imide bonds are incorporated in the polymer to render the surface degrading materials suitable for use in stent applications. The stent may be coated with such polymer or may be wholly formed therefrom.

Abstract: A device and a method of manufacturing an implantable medical device, such as a stent, are described herein. The device includes a metallic region composed of a bioerodable metal and a polymer region composed of a biodegradable polymer contacting the metallic region. The metallic region may erode at a different rate when exposed to bodily fluids than the polymer region when exposed to bodily fluids. In certain embodiments, the polymer region is an outer layer and the metallic region is an inner layer of the device. A further aspect of the invention includes device and a method of manufacturing the device that includes a mixture of a biodegradable polymer and bioerodable metallic particles. The mixture may be used to fabricate an implantable medical device or to coat an implantable medical device. In some embodiments, the metallic particles are metallic nanoparticles.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable stent and method of forming the same including a stent scaffolding formed from polymer layers with different degradation rates is disclosed. The polymer layers include an abluminal layer, a luminal layer, and optionally one or more middle layers. A degradation rate of the layers increases from the luminal layer to the abluminal layer.

Abstract: Improved polymeric endoprostheses having reinforcement elements and methods of making the endoprostheses are disclosed. The devices disclosed exhibit improved overall compliance, selective regional compliance, and selective radial strength without varying the geometries of selected regions. Numerous other physical characteristics of the endoprostheses described may be selectively varied during manufacture. Some embodiments may include an erodible polymer and magnesium. Some embodiments may have one or more therapeutics incorporated into the endoprosthesis via a solvent in a supercritical state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-expanding medical implant for placement within a lumen of a patient. The implant comprises a woven or non-woven structure having a substantially tubular configuration, and is designed to be low-profile such that it is deliverable with a small diameter catheter. The implant has a high recoverability and desired mechanical properties.

Abstract: A bioerodible endoprosthesis erodes by galvanic erosion that can provide, e.g., improved endothelialization and therapeutic effects.

Abstract: A bioerodible endoprosthesis erodes to a desirable geometry that can provide, e.g., improved mechanical properties or degradation characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to implantable medical devices comprising a L-lactide-constitutional unit-containing copolymer having a wt % percent crystallinity of 40% or less.

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: Provided herein is a medical device that includes RGD attached to the device via a spacer compound.

Abstract: Pharmaceutically acceptable hydrogel polymers of natural, recombinant or synthetic origin, or hybrids thereof, are introduced in a dry, less hydrated, or substantially deswollen state and rehydrate in a physiological environment to undergo a volumetric expansion and to affect sealing, plugging, or augmentation of tissue, defects in tissue, or of organs. The hydrogel polymers may deliver therapeutic entities by controlled release at the site. Methods to form useful devices from such polymers, and to implant the devices are provided.

Abstract: This invention deals with an absorbable/disintegratable endo-urological stent and applicators for introduction into biological conduits, including such as urethras and ureters, with said stent comprising a fiber-reinforced, multicomponent tube made of polyesters having a range of physicochemical properties.

Abstract: A radiation and radiochemically sterilized, multi-component, fiber-reinforced composite, absorbable/disintegratable urinogenital stent, such as an endoureteral stent, with radiomodulated residence time in the biological site of 1 to 10 weeks depending on the high energy radiation dose used for sterilization.

Abstract: A method including combining a cellular component with a viability enhancer material wherein the combination will inhibit an interaction between the cellular component and a delivery device; and delivering the cellular component through the delivery device. An apparatus including a delivery cannula having dimensions suitable for percutaneous delivery and a lumen therethrough, wherein a portion of a luminal surface of the cannula includes a coating that is amenable to a cellular component delivered through the delivery cannula. A method including percutaneously introducing a delivery cannula into a blood vessel; advancing a distal portion of the delivery cannula to a treatment site; and delivering a cellular component through a lumen of the delivery cannula, wherein a portion of a luminal surface of the cannula includes a coating that is amenable to a cellular component delivered through the delivery cannula.

Abstract: A bioerodible endoprosthesis erodes by galvanic erosion that can provide, e.g., improved endothelialization and therapeutic effects.

Abstract: A bioerodible endoprosthesis includes a bioerodible body and a bioerodible electrochemical cell. The bioerodible body includes a bioerodible metal. The bioerodible electrochemical cell includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte between the cathode and the anode. The cathode is adapted to be in electrical contact with at least a first portion of the bioerodible body when the electrochemical cell is activated to accelerate the bioerosion of the first portion of the bioerodible body when the endoprosthesis is implanted within a physiological environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical implant made of a metallic material. After fulfilling its temporary support function, the implant is degraded by corrosion at a predetermined rate. Negative long-term effects are thus avoided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of using a bioabsorbable medical device that includes RGD attached to the device via a spacer compound. The method comprises implanting in a human being a bioaborbable device, e.g., a bioabsorbable stent, including a chemo-attractant for endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs).

Abstract: The invention relates to a stent-graft with a bioabsorbable structure and a permanent graft for luminal support and treatment of arterial fistulas, occlusive disease, and aneurysms. The bioabsorbable structure is formed from braided filaments of materials such as PLA, PLLA, PDLA, and PGA and the graft is formed from materials such as PET, ePTFE, PCU or PU.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable stent including a stent scaffolding formed from polymer layers with different degradation rates is disclosed. The polymer layers include an abluminal layer, a luminal layer, and optionally one or more middle layers. A degradation rate of the layers increases from the luminal layer to the abluminal layer.

Abstract: A bioerodible endoprosthesis erodes to a desirable geometry that can provide, e.g., improved mechanical properties or degradation characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a medical device having a support structure made from alternating layers. One or more layers may be made by direct metal laser sintering. One or more layers may be made by introducing nitrogen into a previously formed layer via excimer laser nitriding.

Abstract: In embodiments a stent includes a stent body and a wire-form carrying a drug located along the stent body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical implant made of a metallic material. After fulfilling its temporary support function, the implant is degraded by corrosion at a predetermined rate. Negative long-term effects are thus avoided.

Abstract: As a novel biodegradable metallic material the degradation speed of which in vivo can be controlled over a broad scope while achieving desired mechanical properties such as strength, work hardening and ductility without restricting the shape of an implant device, it is intended to provide a magnesium-based biodegradable metallic material which comprises Mg containing Mg as the major composition and having a concentration of inevitable impurities equal to or less than 0.05 atomic %, is free from precipitates or intermetallic compounds, and has an average grain size being regulated to equal to or less than ¼ of the minimum part of the material.

Abstract: Described are methods, devices, and systems for occluding or ablating vascular vessels. Noninvasive procedures can be used to occlude and obliterate the greater saphenous vein, for example in the treatment of varicose vein condition caused by venous valve insufficiency. Further described is the cooperative use of an angiogenic remodelable material with one or more sclerosing agents to cause closure of a targeted bodily vessel.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods of fabricating such medical devices, such as stents, formed at least in part from a metal matrix composite including bioceramic particles dispersed within an erodible metal are disclosed.

Abstract: Nitric Oxide (NO)-releasing polymers useful as implantable medical devices and coatings therefore are provided. Specifically the implantable medical devices and/or coatings comprise NO-releasing biodegradable polymers derived from [1,4] oxazepan-7-one and its derivatives. The medical devices and coatings of the present invention can also be used for in situ controlled release delivery of additional bioactive agents and are useful for treating or preventing medical conditions such as restenosis, aneurysms and vulnerable plaque.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly controlled method of preparation of a microporous biodegradable polymeric article. Firstly, at least one biodegradable polymer A, one polymer B, biodegradable or not, partially or totally immiscible with A, and a compatibilizer C for A and B are selected. Secondly, the selected polymers are melt-blended, thereby preparing a polymer blend, wherein said polymers A and B have an essentially continuous morphology. Thirdly, after cooling, polymer B and compatibilizer C are selectively extracted from the polymer blend by dissolution in a solvent that is a non-solvent of polymer A. The resulting polymeric article has an essentially continuous porosity with a void volume between 10 and 90% and a unimodal diameter distribution set to a predefined unimodal peak location. It can be used in tissue engineering, for controlled release applications or as an implantable medical device.

Abstract: Endoprostheses such as stents are disclosed that are, or that include portions that are, bioerodible.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imprinting a pattern on a medical device to provide a surface with greater surface area and improved adhesion properties.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes a plurality of struts defining a flow passage. At least one strut includes (a) a body comprising a bioerodible material and having a thickness and (b) a coating overlying the body. The coating includes a plurality of regions that allow physiological fluids to contact a plurality of corresponding areas of the underlying body when the endoprosthesis is implanted in a physiological environment. The plurality of regions are sized and arranged so that the contacted areas of the body erode substantially through the body in the thickness direction while the coating remains on the body when the endoprosthesis is implanted in the physiological environment.

Abstract: A method of crimping a stent to a support element is disclosed, the method comprising: positioning a polymeric stent around a support element; heating the stent, wherein the heated stent is above ambient temperature; and allowing the heated stent to radially contract onto the support element, wherein the heated stent radially contracts at least partially due to heating the stent.