Abstract: The present invention pertains to implantable or insertable medical devices which comprise a substrate and one or more therapeutic-agent-containing regions contain one or more therapeutic agents. In various aspects of the invention, one or more characteristics of such therapeutic-agent-containing regions are controlled. Further aspects of the invention relate to methods of forming such devices and to methods of using such devices.

Abstract: An implantable or insertable medical device is provided which includes as components: (a) a substrate component comprising a depression that is at least partially filled with a therapeutic agent-containing material that comprises a first therapeutic agent, and (b) a pre-formed filter insert disposed in the depression such that it regulates transport of chemical species between the depression and the exterior of the device upon implantation or insertion of the device in vivo.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, medical devices are provided, which include a nanoparticle-derived inorganic layer disposed over a least a portion of structure that includes a substrate, and optionally, a therapeutic-agent-containing layer disposed over at least a portion of the substrate. In some embodiments, the inorganic layer is a nanoporous inorganic layer. Other aspects of the invention comprise methods for forming such medical device.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to implantable or insertable medical devices which comprise a substrate and one or more therapeutic-agent-containing regions contain one or more therapeutic agents. In various aspects of the invention, one or more characteristics of such therapeutic-agent-containing regions are controlled. Further aspects of the invention relate to methods of forming such devices and to methods of using such devices.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention a method is provided which a porous medical article is contacted with a solution that contains a therapeutic agent and a solvent in order to load the pores of the medical article, after which the solvent is sublimated.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, medical devices are provided that comprise a substrate, at least one therapeutic agent disposed over or in the substrate, and at least one inorganic layer disposed over the therapeutic agent and the substrate, wherein the inorganic layer is either a porous inorganic layer or is a non-porous layer that becomes a porous inorganic layer in vivo. Other aspects of the invention comprise methods for forming medical devices.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, medical devices are provided, which include a nanoparticle-derived inorganic layer disposed over a least a portion of structure that includes a substrate, and optionally, a therapeutic-agent-containing layer disposed over at least a portion of the substrate. In some embodiments, the inorganic layer is a nanoporous inorganic layer. Other aspects of the invention comprise methods for forming such medical device.

Abstract: An implantable or insertable medical device is provided which includes as components: (a) a substrate component comprising a depression that is at least partially filled with a therapeutic agent-containing material that comprises a first therapeutic agent, and (b) a particulate composition disposed in the depression such that it regulates transport of chemical species between the depression and the exterior of the device upon implantation or insertion of the device into a subject.

Abstract: An implantable or insertable medical device is provided which includes as components: (a) a substrate component comprising a depression that is at least partially filled with a therapeutic agent-containing material that comprises a first therapeutic agent, and (b) a pre-formed filter insert disposed in the depression such that it regulates transport of chemical species between the depression and the exterior of the device upon implantation or insertion of the device in vivo.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention a method is provided which a porous medical article is contacted with a solution that contains a therapeutic agent and a solvent in order to load the pores of the medical article, after which the solvent is sublimated.

Abstract: A medical device that inhibits distortion of medical resonance images taken of the device. In particular, various structures are utilized to allow visibility proximate, and inside of, a tubular member, such as a stent. In one embodiment, the stent is constructed such that any closed path encircling at least a circumference of the stent will pass through at least two materials to reduce or eliminate electrical loops formed in the stent.

Abstract: A removable and replaceable cover assembly for use on an anvil roll in a rotary die cutter in combination with a die roll equipped with non-serrated cutting blades consists essentially of inner and outer tubular layers of elastomeric material of different degrees of hardness, the outer layer being substantially harder than the inner layer. Since this tubular cover must be mounted on an anvil roll by relative endwise movement, the cover is disclosed in combination with a rotary die cutter having special provision for temporary removal, recovering and remounting of the anvil roll.

Abstract: A replaceable cover for the cylindrical anvil of a rotary die cutter includes a blanket body of elastically deformable material, a sheet metal liner for the blanket body, and a latch assembly for securing the ends of the cover together in a lengthwise slot in the face of the anvil roll. This cover is particularly designed for use with a prior art anvil roll wherein the slot in the face of the roll has opposed parallel sides which extend at right angles to the bottom of the slot, and each of which is provided with a groove along its lower edge that forms an extension of the slot bottom. The latch assembly includes a channel member having one side secured to one end of the blanket liner so that the open side of the channel faces the other end of the blanket body for interlocking cooperation with a latch member integrally formed on the other end of the blanket body.

Abstract: A replaceable cover for the cylindrical anvil of a rotary die cutter includes a blanket body of elastically deformable material, a sheet metal liner for the blanket body, and a latch assembly for securing the ends of the cover together in a slot in the face of the anvil roll. This latch assembly includes a channel bar having one side welded to one end of the blanket liner so that the open side of the channel faces the other end of the assembly for interlocking cooperation with a latch member integrally formed on the blanket body. The interior of the channel is filled with the material of the blanket body, and special provision is also made to provide a metal-reinforced supporting surface for the circumferentially interfitting parts of the latch assembly.

Abstract: A rotary die cutter system minimizes the amount of scrap between successive blanks cut from web material by holding the web against backward movement at a position spaced upstream from the nip defined by the die and anvil cylinders, retracting the cut leading end of the web through a predetermined distance by means of a fluid pressure cylinder in response to release of the web by the cut-off knife at the trailing edge of the die on the die cylinder such that on the next cycle, the leading edge of the die will engage the web at a position spaced so close to the retracted leading end of the web that contiguous portions of a single blank can be cut from the web during successive revolutions of the die cylinder.

Abstract: A rotary die cutter system the amount of scrap between successive blanks cut from web material by holding the web against backward movement at a position spaced upstream from the nip defined by the die and anvil cylinders, retracting the cut leading end of the web through a predetermined distance in response to release of the web by the cut-off knife at the trailing edge of the die on the die cylinder such that on the next cycle, the leading edge of the die will engage the web at a position spaced close to the leading end of the web.