Abstract: Medical devices having a plurality of nanoparticles disposed over a surface of the medical device. The nanoparticles have a core comprising a therapeutic agent and a shell surrounding the core, wherein the shell comprises a metal. A barrier layer is disposed over the nanoparticles. The barrier layer is water-permeable and comprises a metal that may be different from the metal used in the nanoparticle shells. In certain embodiments, the metal in the barrier layer undergoes galvanic corrosion. Also disclosed are medical device having a reservoir containing a therapeutic agent, with nanoparticles and a barrier layer being disposed over the reservoir; and medical devices having multiple barrier layers and multiple reservoirs containing therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A drug-eluting endoprosthesis that includes a bioerodible metal portion and a therapeutic agent. In some aspects, the endoprosthesis includes a plurality of discrete deposits and a plurality of overlying layers each overlying one of the plurality of discrete deposits. Each discrete deposit includes one or more therapeutic agents and each overlying layer includes one or more bioerodible metals. In other aspects, the bioerodible metal portion includes at least two bioerodible metal regions having different electronegativities. The at least two bioerodible metal regions being in electrical contact with each other. The bioerodible metal erodes in a physiological environment to release the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: In one aspect, a medical device has a first configuration and a second configuration, a reservoir containing a therapeutic agent, and a barrier layer disposed over the reservoir, wherein the barrier layer comprises an inorganic material. In another aspect, a medical device has a reservoir containing a therapeutic agent, a barrier layer disposed over the reservoir, wherein the barrier layer comprises an inorganic material, and a swellable material disposed between the barrier layer and a surface of the medical device, wherein the swellable material is a material that swells upon exposure to an aqueous environment. In yet another aspect, a medical device has a multi-layered coating having alternating reservoir layers and barrier layers, and a plurality of excavated regions penetrating through at least a partial thickness of the multi-layered coating.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis including an alloy having a matrix comprising titanium, niobium, or a combination thereof and a plurality of boride intermetallic phases within the matrix.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for releasing therapeutic agent having a medical device body and a plurality of reservoir-defining structures disposed on a surface of the body. A reservoir can be defined by the reservoir-defining structures and therapeutic agent may be located in the reservoir. A cover may extend over the reservoir so that the therapeutic agent is released from the reservoir when the medical device implanted. Methods for making the medical device may also include providing a medical device body, positioning a plurality of reservoir-defining structures on a surface of the body to form a reservoir, loading therapeutic agent into the reservoir, and covering the reservoir so that the therapeutic agent may release when the medical device is implanted. Alternatively, the reservoir may be covered with a cover and an opening formed in the cover so that the therapeutic agent may release when the medical device is implanted.

Abstract: Medical devices, particularly stents, suitable for drug delivery and including a porous structure and/or colors are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for making an endoprosthesis comprising: (a) applying a powder that includes a metal hydride to a surface of a metal endoprosthesis, or precursor tubing thereof; and (b) exposing the powder to a heat source to melt the powder and liberate hydrogen gas, thereby forming a porous coating on the surface of the endoprosthesis, or precursor tubing thereof.

Abstract: Medical devices, particularly stents, suitable for drug delivery and including a porous structure and/or colors are disclosed.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis including an alloy having a matrix comprising titanium, niobium, or a combination thereof and a plurality of boride intermetallic phases within the matrix.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis comprises a member capable of supporting a body passageway. The member has a surface region overlying a bulk region, and comprises a shape memory alloy and boron. The concentration of boron in the surface region is greater than the concentration of boron in the bulk region.

Abstract: A bioerodible endoprosthesis erodes to a desirable geometry that can provide, e.g., improved mechanical properties or degradation characteristics.

Abstract: A medical device comprising radiopaque water-dispersible metallic nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are released from the medical device upon implantation of the device. The medical device of the present invention is sufficiently radiopaque for x-ray visualization during implantation, but loses its radiopacity after implantation to allow for subsequent visualization using more sensitive imaging modalities such as CT or MRI. The nanoparticles are formed of a metallic material and have surface modifications that impart water-dispersibility to the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may be any of the various types of radiopaque water-dispersible metallic nanoparticles that are known in the art. The nanoparticles may be adapted to facilitate clearance through renal filtration or biliary excretion. The nanoparticles may be adapted to reduce tissue accumulation and have reduced toxicity in the human body. The nanoparticles may be applied directly onto the medical device, e.g.

Abstract: A medical device including at least one reservoir, adapted to contain a material, such as a therapeutic agent, and sealed by a cover. The reservoir is openable, so as to release the material, for example, by (i) disintegration of the cover, (ii) movement of the cover to an open position, and/or (iii) a change of composition or properties of the cover allowing the material to pass therethrough. The power required to open the reservoir is provied by a current induced in a coil associated with the medical device by a change in magnetic flux in the area of the medical device.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to medical devices, such as stents, for providing a medical treatment to an area of a patient, such as a body lumen. More particularly, the invention is directed to a stent comprising a grooved surface. The invention is also directed to a method for manufacturing a medical device comprising a grooved surface.

Abstract: Methods and articles used to position a stent within a body are disclosed.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as stents, and methods of making the devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a medical device includes an alloy having tantalum, tungsten, zirconium and niobium. For example, the alloy can include from about 20% to about 40% by weight of tantalum, from about 0.5% to about 9% by weight of tungsten, and from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of zirconium.

Abstract: A stent having at least one strut comprising at least one pad or bulge is disclosed. The pads or bulges are of a height that are preferably slightly greater than the thickness of a coating that can be disposed on the strut. The coating is not disposed on the pads. When the stent is placed within a delivery member such as a sheath or a catheter, the pads or bulges contact the inner surface of the delivery member, preventing the coating from contacting the inner surface. Damage to the coating that may be caused by friction with or adhesion to the delivery member is thus prevented. Methods for forming such a stent are also discussed.

Abstract: A stent comprises a plurality of segments including a first balloon expandable segment which is not self-expanding, a second balloon expandable segment which is not self-expanding and a first self-expanding segment. The first self-expanding segment is disposed between the first and second balloon expandable segments. The segments are axially displaced from one another.

Abstract: An intraluminal prosthesis composed of a self-expandable stent and a biodegradable constraining element being capable of biodegrading in vivo over a predetermined period of time to permit radial expansion of the stent. The constraining elements are applied to the stent to produce a compressed configuration. Dissolution of the constraining elements in vivo allows for expansion of the stent to an expanded configuration.

Abstract: Medical devices, particularly stents, suitable for drug delivery and including a porous structure and/or colors are disclosed.