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: A radially expandable stent can comprise a proximal section tapering inward to a proximal end of the stent and a distal section tapering inward to a distal end of the stent. The tapered sections can be adapted to improve the attachment of the stent to the delivery system and to facilitate the delivery of the mounted stent into and through a bodily lumen.

Abstract: A stent coating apparatus for coating a stent includes a brush assembly, a stent support, and a dispensing mechanism. The brush assembly includes a plurality of fibers, and the stent support carries a stent at a position in which the stent is in contact with the fibers. The dispensing mechanism dispenses a coating composition to the plurality of fibers.

Abstract: Implantable devices, such as stents, having a surface modified with TiNxCy are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for making coatings on an implantable device such as a drug-eluting stent comprising a polymer and nano or microparticles of a drug in slow-dissolving polymorph, implantable devices produced by the methods and methods of using the coatings are provided.

Abstract: A polymer coating for medical devices based on a polyolefin derivative. A variety of polymers are described to make coatings for medical devices, particularly, for drug delivery stents. The polymers include homo-, co-, and terpolymers having at least one olefin-derived unit and at least one unit derived from vinyl alcohol, allyl alcohol and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Methods for making coatings on an implantable device such as a drug-eluting stent comprising a polymer and nano or microparticles of a drug in slow-dissolving polymorph, implantable devices produced by the methods and methods of using the coatings are provided.

Abstract: A polymer coating for medical devices based on a polyolefin derivative. A variety of polymers are described to make coatings for medical devices, particularly, for drug delivery stents. The polymers include homo-, co-, and terpolymers having at least one olefin-derived unit and at least one unit derived from vinyl alcohol, allyl alcohol and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Methods for making coatings on an implantable device such as a drug-eluting stent comprising a polymer and nano or microparticles of a drug in slow-dissolving polymorph, implantable devices produced by the methods and methods of using the coatings are provided.

Abstract: Coatings for an implantable medical device and a method of fabricating thereof are disclosed, the coatings include block-polymers comprising at least one poly(hydroxyacid) or poly(hydroxy-alkanoate) block, at least one block of a biologically compatible polymer and at least one type of linking moiety.

Abstract: Coatings for an implantable medical device and a method of fabricating thereof are disclosed, the coatings including block-polymers comprising at least one poly(hydroxyacid) or poly(hydroxy-alkanoate) block, at least one block of a biologically compatible polymer and at least one type of linking moiety.

Abstract: An expandable stent is implanted in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen for treating an area of vulnerable plaque. The invention provides for a an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by undulating links. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen. A central section is positioned between distal and proximal sections and is aligned with the area of vulnerable plaque to enhance growth of endothelial cells over the fibrous cap of the vulnerable plaque to reinforce the area and reduce the likelihood of rupture.

Abstract: A method for making a device includes providing a tubular member which will be formed into the device, masking at least a portion of the inner surface of the tubular member with a removable sacrificial material, selectively removing a portion of the tubular member and sacrificial material using a laser device, and mechanically removing the sacrificial material from the inner surface of the tubular member. Ultrasonic energy could be applied to a workpiece which is being laser cut to prevent any generated slag from welding itself to an exposed surface of the workpiece. A compressed fluid or gas, such as air, could be used to clean the surface of the laser-cut workpiece to remove slag formation which adheres to the surface of the cut workpiece.

Abstract: A method of coating a stent comprises contacting a first axial portion of a stent with a support element, such that a second axial portion does not contact the support element or any other support element, applying a coating material to the second axial portion, and inhibiting or preventing application of the coating material on the first axial portion. A shuttle sheath can be used to push the stent off the support element.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reduced temperature radiation sterilization of stents are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices relating to polymer-bioceramic composite implantable medical devices are disclosed.

Abstract: Stent designs for use in vessels, such as the carotid and coronary arteries, are disclosed. The stents consist of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common longitudinal stent axis and interconnected by one or more interconnecting members placed so that the stent is flexible in a longitudinal direction. The cylindrical elements form a generally serpentine wave pattern transverse to the longitudinal axis between alternating valley portions and peak portions. The interconnecting members are attached to the double-curved portions to connect a cylindrical element to an adjacent cylindrical element and interconnecting members are attached to the inverted double-curved portions to connect the cylindrical element to the other adjacent cylindrical element. The stent designs include both a six crown and an eight crown stent which exhibit flexibility and sufficient radial strength to support the vessel.

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugates or crosslinked HAs compositions for coating an implantable device are provided. The implantable device can be used for treating a disorder such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, restenosis, high cholesterol, 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, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugates or crosslinked HAs compositions for coating an implantable device are provided. The implantable device can be used for treating a disorder such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, restenosis, high cholesterol, 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, and combinations thereof.