Abstract: An implantable prosthesis, for example a stent, is provided having one or more micropatterned microdepots formed in the stent. Depots are formed in the prosthesis via chemical etching and laser fabrication methods, including combinations thereof. They are formed at preselected locations on the body of the prosthesis and have a preselected depth, size, and shape. The depots can have various shapes including a cylindrical, a conical or an inverted-conical shape. Substances such as therapeutic substances, polymeric materials, polymeric materials containing therapeutic substances, radioactive isotopes, and radiopaque materials can be deposited into the depots.

Abstract: An image forming method, comprising the steps of: jetting at least one of a plurality of different color inks for each pixel onto an image forming sheet by a plurality of ink-jet heads to form an image on the image forming sheet, the jetting step including a step of regulating a total amount of the plurality of different color inks for each pixel to form a mixed color image to be at most 250% of a predetermined maximum amount of one of the plurality of different color inks for a pixel to form a mono-color image; and transferring the image from the image forming sheet onto an image receptive medium, wherein each of different color inks contains water in a range of 40 to 95 weight % thereof, and wherein the image forming sheet comprises a support having an ink receiving layer containing a hydrophilic resin and a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for applying a coating to an implantable device. The implantable device can include depots formed in the outer surface thereof to receive the coating. The coating can include a polymer and a solvent applicable to the surface of the implantable device including the depots. The application of the composition is performed under a pressure, which can reduce the surface tension and/or molecular adhesion force of the composition. The reduced surface tension and/or adhesion force allows gas bubbles within the depots to be removed while the composition is being driven into the depots.

Abstract: Brief periods of occlusion of blood flow in an otherwise open target vessel adjacent to vessels supplying blood to an ischemic region are caused by periodic administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a vasoconstrictor. It is anticipated these brief periods of occlusion will induce the enlargement of collateral vessels, causing increased blood flow to the ischemic region.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis, for example a stent, is provided that is capable of being loaded with substances. In one example, the prosthesis is a cylindrical-shaped body having depots or pores formed thereon. The depots can be formed at preselected locations on the body of the prosthesis and can have a preselected depth, size, and shape. The depots can have various shapes including a cylindrical or a conical shape. Substances such as therapeutic substances, polymeric materials, polymeric materials containing therapeutic substances, radioactive isotopes, and radiopaque materials can be deposited into the depots.

Abstract: A chamber is provided that allows a user to medicate an implantable prosthesis such as a stent. The implantable prosthesis is capable of securing a therapeutic substance and subsequently delivering the therapeutic substance to local tissues. The chamber allows a user to medicate the prosthesis subsequent to the sterilization process and immediately prior to the implantation procedure. The chamber includes a hollow body defining a chamber cavity that encapsulates the prosthesis crimped on a balloon of a catheter assembly. The chamber is removably mounted on the catheter assembly. A user can supply therapeutic substances into the chamber and allow the therapeutic substances to be secured by the prosthesis. After allowing the prosthesis to be soaked by the therapeutic substances for a predetermined amount of time, the chamber is removed and the prosthesis is ready for the implantation procedure.