Abstract: Engraftment of therapeutic cells and agents to a target site in an organism is enhanced by mechanical, chemical and biological methods and systems.

Abstract: Provided herein re a composition and a coating or a device (e.g., absorbable stent) that includes a PEGylated hyaluronic acid and a PEGylated non-hyaluronic acid biocompatible polymer and the methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein is a coating that includes cRGD for endothelial cells and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A method of making a therapeutic composition, as well as the therapeutic composition so made, is disclosed. The method comprises mixing a hydrophobic drug with an aqueous buffer solution and adding a surfactant to the aqueous buffer solution to form the therapeutic composition. A implantable medical device with the therapeutic composition and a method of making a coating for an implantable medical device containing the therapeutic composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Coatings for an implantable medical device and a method of fabricating thereof are disclosed, and the coatings comprise biologically absorbable poly(ester amides).

Abstract: An apparatus includes a piezoelectric print head capable of ejecting a droplet of a coating substance towards a stent strut, a sensor capable of sensing a parameter of the droplet, and a controller, communicatively coupled to the print head and the sensor, capable of determining if the parameter of the droplet meets a requirement. A method includes ejecting a droplet of a coating substance towards a stent strut with a piezoelectric print head, sensing a parameter of the droplet, and determining whether the parameter of the droplet meets a requirement.

Abstract: With abluminal side of a stent masked, the luminal side of the stent is selectively coated with a substance, such as an anti-coagulant, a platelet inhibitor and/or a pro-healing substance. The stent can be masked by inserting it into a rigid mandrel chamber or by compressing a masking sleeve onto the outer side of the stent. A spray nozzle inserted into the masked stent spray coats the substance onto the luminal side. The sprayed coating can be cured onto the stent such as by inserting an electrical-resistance heater bar into the stent.

Abstract: A process for crimping stents includes a multi-stage process producing a desired stent retention and crimped profile in a reduced amount of time. The process achieves results by utilizing particular combinations of heat and pressure during the crimping process, which was found to produce the desired results.

Abstract: A segmented polyurethane and an amphiphilic random or block copolymer are disclosed. The segmented polyurethane and the amphiphilic random or block copolymer can be used for fabricating a coating for an implantable medical device such as a stent.

Abstract: Stents and methods of manufacturing a stents with enhanced fracture toughness are disclosed.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery system formed of a specific type of poly(ester amide) (PEA), a therapeutic agent, and a water miscible solvent is described herein. A method of delivering the therapeutic agent delivery system by delivering the therapeutic agent delivery system formed of a PEA polymer, a therapeutic agent, and a water miscible solvent to a physiological environment and separating the phase of the therapeutic agent delivery system to form a membrane from the polymer to contain the therapeutic agent within the physiological environment is also described. Additionally disclosed is a kit including a syringe and a therapeutic agent delivery system within the syringe.

Abstract: Primer coatings for implantable devices or endoluminal prosthesis, such as stents, are provided, including a method of forming the coatings. The primer coatings can include a material with a high content of hydrogen bonding groups, such as some types of epoxy polymers and melamine formaldehydes. Coatings subsequently disposed over the primer coating can be used for the delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.

Abstract: High radiopacity is achieved in a polymeric marker by combining a polymeric resin, a powdered radiopaque agent having uniformly shaped particles of a specific particle size distribution and a wetting agent. The method to produce the marker calls for the blending and pelletization of these materials followed by extrusion onto support beading. The resulting supported tubing is subsequently cut to length with the beading still in place. After ejection of the beading remnant the marker is slipped into place on the device to be marked and attached by melt bonding. Marking of a guidewire allows lesions to be measured while the marking of balloon catheters allow the balloon to be properly positioned relative to a lesion.

Abstract: Methods of coating a stent are disclosed. In one example, the method includes positioning the stent on a support element configured to support the stent while rotating the stent. The support element has at least three elongate elements converging inwardly from a proximal end to a distal end of each element to form a conical or frusto-conical shape. The support element can be configured to be positioned within an end of the stent. The stent can be pinched between the support element and a second support element. A coating composition is applied to the stent. The method can further include pulsing the support element and/or the second support element to change a contact position of the stent with respect to the support element or the second support element; rotating the support element and the second support element at two different rates; or translating the support element from a first point of contact with the stent to a second point of contact with the stent.

Abstract: A medical device such as a stent having selected regions with different material properties than other regions is disclosed. Selection and modification of the regions may be based on facilitating a desired mechanical behavior and/or therapeutic prophylactic property of the device.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a method for crimping a stent with a polymer coating onto a catheter for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or other intraluminal interventions. The method comprises crimping the stent onto a catheter when the polymer coating is at a target temperature other than ambient temperature. The polymer coating can optionally comprise drug(s).

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating post-myocardial infarction damage are herein disclosed. In some embodiments, a carrier with a treatment agent may be fabricated. The carrier can be formulated from a bioerodable, sustained-release substance. The resultant loaded carrier may then be suspended in at least one component of a two-component matrix system for simultaneous delivery to a post-myocardial infarction treatment area.

Abstract: A method including positioning a delivery device at a location in a blood vessel; advancing the delivery device a distance into a wall of the blood vessel to a treatment site beyond an external elastic lamina of the blood vessel; and after advancing the delivery device, introducing a treatment agent including a cellular component through the delivery device. A composition including a treatment agent comprising a cellular component associated with a matrix material, wherein the composition is suitable for percutaneous delivery. Also an apparatus suitable for delivering a treatment agent. Also, a kit including a treatment agent.

Abstract: A derivatized poly(ester amide) (D-PEA) and coatings and medical devices formed therefrom are provided. The coatings and medical devices may optionally include a biobeneficial material and/or a biocompatible polymer and/or a bioactive agent. The medical devices can be implanted in a patient to treat, prevent, or ameliorate a disorder such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, restenosis, hemorrhage, vascular dissection or perforation, vascular aneurysm, vulnerable plaque, chronic total occlusion, claudication, anastomotic proliferation for vein and artificial grafts, bile duct obstruction, ureter obstruction, tumor obstruction, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A drug-loaded microparticle is applied to a medical device for subsequent application to biological tissues. A method of formulating a drug-loaded microparticle and applying it to the surface of a medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed. The drug-loaded microparticle is formulated by combining a drug with various chemical solutions. Specified sizes of the microparticles and amounts of drug(s) contained within the microparticles may be varied by altering the proportions of the chemicals/solutions. In addition to various drugs, therapeutic substances and radioactive isotopes may also be loaded into the microparticles. The drug-loaded microparticle are suspended in a polymer solution forming a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix may be applied to the entire surface or only selected portions of the medical device via dipping, spraying or combinations thereof.