Abstract: A method for coating at least regions of a medical implant includes providing a medical implant having a surface to be coated, and immersing the surface of the medical implant into a liquid including at least one pharmaceutically active substance, whereby the liquid is transferred to the surface of the medical implant due to the immersing. The method also includes pulling the surface of the medical implant out of the liquid, whereby part of the liquid remains adhering to the surface of the medical implant.

Abstract: A coating and devices using the coating are provided. The coating is applied in liquid form and dried or otherwise cured to form a durable adherent coating resistant to high temperatures and having optional hydrophobic properties. The coating formulation contains an aqueous formulation of silica, one or more fillers, and sufficient base, (e.g., potassium hydroxide), to have a pH exceeding about 10.5 during at least part of the formulation process. The formulation may contain a compound(s) that affects surface free energy, energy to make the cured coating hydrophobic. Such compounds include silanes containing halogens (e.g., fluorine or chlorine) and in particular silanes containing one or more hydrolyzable groups attached to at least one silicon atom and a group containing one or more halogens (e.g., chlorine or fluorine). A medical instrument (e.g., electrosurgical instrument) may be at least partially covered by a coating using the formulation.

Abstract: A method of applying a patterned coating of a silicone adhesive to a substrate sheet, comprising the steps of pattern coating a silicone precursor composition onto the substrate, followed by thermally curing the precursor composition coated on the substrate. The precursor composition is a viscous fluid, and the pattern coating is performed by suitably modified block printing, intaglio printing or screen printing methods. Also provided are coated substrates obtainable by the methods of the invention, and wound dressings comprising such coated substrates.

Abstract: A tooth implant comprises a tooth body sized to correspond to a tooth to be replaced and a layer of microscopic protrusions on an outer surface thereof. A method for preparing a dental implant comprising obtaining an model of the tooth to be replaced forming a tooth body corresponding to the model. The method further comprises applying a plurality of particles to at least a root portion of the tooth body and exposing the at least a root portion of the tooth body to a liquid ceramic so as to deposit a layer of cured liquid ceramic material on the at least a root portion of the tooth body.

Abstract: A systems and method for reducing coating defects on a stent may involve a support apparatus comprising wire cage for carrying a stent. The support apparatus may have no structure that extends inside the stent. A support apparatus may include a plurality of wires that pass through the stent but do not pass through the midplane of the stent. A support apparatus may contact only the proximal ends of the stent. The method may involve keeping the stent in motion during a spray coating process to prevent the stent from having a point remain in continuous contact with a support apparatus.

Abstract: A new composition and medical implant made there from comprises a thick diffusion hardened zone, and layered ceramic surface. Orthopedic implants comprising the new composition, methods of making the new composition, and methods of making orthopedic implants comprising the new composition are disclosed.

Abstract: Nanoparticles can be embedded into a medical device by accelerating them to a speed of between 100 m/s and 1,000 m/s and embedding the particles into a polymer surface of a medical device or a precursor thereof. In some cases, the nanoparticles can be embedded until the nanoparticles accumulate in sufficient number to adhere together to form a coating over the polymer surface. The nanoparticles can provide a conductive pathway, an abrasion resistant surface, a pro-healing surface, and/or an anti-bacterial surface.

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: System and method for coating an expandable member of a medical device comprising a support structure to support the expandable member and an applicator positioned with at least one outlet proximate a surface of an expandable member. A drive assembly establishes relative movement between the at least one outlet and the surface of the expandable member to apply fluid on the surface of the expandable member along a coating path. A positioning device maintains a substantially fixed distance between the at least one outlet and the surface of the expandable member during relative movement therebetween by ejecting a pressurized medium against the surface of the expandable member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ion plasma deposition (IPD) method adapted to coat polymer surfaces with highly adherent antimicrobial films. A controlled ion plasma deposition (IPD) process is used to coat a metal or polymer with a selected metal/metal oxide. Exposing the coated surface to ultraviolet light significantly improves the antimicrobial properties of the deposited coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified polymeric material. The modified polymeric material includes a polymer having a modified surface, where the modified surface includes nano, micron, and/or submicron scale features. The present invention also relates to an implant comprising the modified polymeric material. The present invention further relates to processes for making the modified polymeric material and the implant.

Abstract: A process for preparing a ceramic body having a surface roughness, said process comprising the step of depositing particles of a ceramic material on the surface of a ceramic basic body. The process is characterized in that separate agglomerates comprising at least two particles and a binder binding the particles together are deposited on the surface of the basic body by projecting the agglomerates towards the basic body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of modifying the chemical structure of a surface by covalently attaching molecules containing desired functional groups on the surface using plasma energy. In these methods, chemical compounds containing the desired functional groups and having a vapor pressure lower than 0.001 bar are exposed in the plasma chamber together with the substrate. Surface area of the chemical compound is optimized to generate adequate evaporation rate. The modification of the substrate surface is achieved in a plasma state generated from the vapor of the chemical compounds; while the evaporation of the chemical compounds is accelerated by the plasma energy. Methods for producing non-fouling surface by covalently attaching ethylene glycol oligomers on the surface are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for applying coatings to devices. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus including a mandrel having a lengthwise axis and an exterior surface, the exterior surface of the mandrel defining a plurality of channels disposed parallel to the lengthwise axis, the mandrel configured to rotate around the lengthwise axis; and a spray head configured to direct a stream of material at the mandrel. In an embodiment the invention includes a method of applying a coating to a medical device. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A printing method according to the present invention includes an applying step of applying a curable resin-containing ink onto a transfer sheet (10), a heating and thickening step of heating the ink on the transfer sheet (10) to increase viscosity of the ink, a transfer step of transferring the ink on the transfer sheet (10) to a printing target (15), and a curing step of curing the ink on the printing target (15).

Abstract: Coated microneedle devices and methods of making such devices are provided. In one aspect, a method for coating includes providing a microstructure having at least one surface in need of coating; and applying a coating liquid, which includes at least one drug, to the at least one surface of the microstructure, wherein the surface energy of the coating liquid is less than the surface energy of the surface of the microstructure. The coating liquid may include a viscosity enhancer and surfactant. Microneedles having heterogeneous coatings, pockets, or both are also provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a reinforced tubular medical device in a continuous operation, and a medical device formed by the continuous method. An elongated core capable of movement about a line is provided. An elongated tubular member is formed around a moving length of the core by extruding a coating of a functionalized polymer around the moving core length, applying a reinforcing member to an outer surface of the functionalized polymer coating along the moving length, and extruding a polymeric outer jacket over the functionalized polymer and reinforcing member along the moving length, such that a bond is formed between the functionalized polymer and the polymeric outer jacket. The elongated tubular member is cut to desired length to form the tubular medical device, and the core is removed from the device.

Abstract: A device for passing a biopolymer molecule includes a nanochannel formed between a surface relief structure, a patterned layer forming sidewalls of the nanochannel and a sealing layer formed over the patterned layer to encapsulate the nanochannel. The surface relief structure includes a three-dimensionally rounded surface that reduces a channel dimension of the nanochannel at a portion of nanochannel and gradually increases the dimension along the nanochannel toward an opening position, which is configured to receive a biopolymer.

Abstract: A method for rust-proofing a mold, which is capable of reducing the time and the cost required for rust-proofing the mold. The method includes an iron hydroxide-forming step for forming iron hydroxide on a predetermined part of the surface of the mold, and a surface-treating step for forming a film covering the molding surface of the mold, and for changing the iron hydroxide formed on the mold into black rust, by heating the mold, under an oxygen-deficiency atmosphere, on which the iron hydroxide is formed in the iron hydroxide-forming step.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for coating prostheses via contact patterning with an applicator. Applicators can include rollers, tampons, and ribbons. Coating materials include a variety of substances including polymers and therapeutic agents.