Abstract: The present invention provides active agent delivery systems for use in medical devices, wherein the active agent delivery systems include an active agent and a miscible polymer blend that includes a hydrophobic cellulose derivative and a polyvinyl homopolymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of a polyvinyl alkylate homopolymer or copolymer, a polyvinyl alkyl ether homopolymer or copolymer, a polyvinyl acetal homopolymer or copolymer, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides active agent delivery systems for use in medical devices, wherein the active agent delivery systems include an active agent and a miscible polymer blend.

Abstract: Compounds that include silicon-containing groups, and optionally urethane groups, urea groups, or combinations thereof (i.e., polyurethanes, polyureas, or polyurethane-ureas), as well as materials and methods for making such compounds.

Abstract: Polymers that include silane-containing groups in soft segments, and optionally urethane groups, as well as medical devices and methods for making such compounds.

Abstract: Compounds that include diorgano groups having quaternary carbons, silicon-containing groups, and optionally urethane groups, urea groups, or combinations thereof (i.e., polyurethanes, polyureas, or polyurethane-ureas), as well as materials and methods for making such compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides active agent delivery systems for use in medical devices, wherein the active agent delivery systems include an active agent and a miscible polymer blend that includes a poly(ethylene-co-(meth)acrylate) and a second polymer not including poly(ethylene vinyl acetate).

Abstract: Polymer-coated medical devices having improved structural integrity and drug elution profile, and related methods. Treatment of a polymeric undercoat layer to reflow the undercoat polymer results in a substrate/coating interface with improved adhesion.

Abstract: The present invention provides active agent delivery systems for use in medical devices, wherein the active agent delivery systems include an active agent and a miscible polymer blend that includes a polyurethane and a second polymer, preferably one that has at least one Tg equal to or higher than all Tg's of the polyurethane.

Abstract: Compounds that include diorgano groups having quaternary carbons and optionally urethane groups, urea groups, or combinations thereof (i.e., polyurethanes, polyureas, or polyurethane-ureas), as well as materials and methods for making such compounds.

Abstract: A guide catheter has properties that promote enhanced visibility of the guide catheter using fluoroscopic or ultrasonic imaging techniques. The tip of the guide catheter may incorporate a material that is both fluoro and echo visible. The first material also may be provided in various amounts along the length of the guide catheter. In addition, the guide catheter may incorporate a reinforcing braid that includes one or more strands of a second material that is radio-opaque. As a result, the result guide catheter achieves improved radio-opacity and echogenicity.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a defibrillator is described. The device includes an hermetically sealed housing containing a flat electrolytic capacitor and an energy source such as a battery. The battery is connected to the capacitor and provides charge thereto. The capacitor stores the charge at a relatively high voltage. The charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through a defibrillation lead to a site on or in the heart when fibrillation of the heart is detected by the implantable medical device. Methods of making and using the implantable medical device, the capacitor, and their various components are disclosed.

Abstract: Articles having a graft polymer with a net ionic charge bonded to a polymeric substrate surface provide an improved method for administering a bioactive agent having a net ionic charge. The [articles are] method is especially useful [as] for thromboresistant and/or antimicrobial medical devices.

Abstract: Articles comprised of bioactive agents coupled to or repelled by a graft polymer (made, for example, from monomers such as N-(3-aminopropyl) methacrylamide hydrochloride (APMA), 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylamide (AAm), and acrylic acid (AA)) which is in turn bonded to a polymeric substrate surface. The articles are useful as thromboresistant and/or antimicrobial medical devices.

Abstract: Articles comprised of bioactive agents coupled to or repelled by a graft polymer (made, for example, from monomers such as N-(3-aminopropyl) methacrylamide hydrochloride (APMA), 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylamide (AAm)m and acrylic acid (AA)) which is in turn bonded to a polymeric substrate surface. The articles are useful as thromboresistant and/or antimicrobial medical devices.

Abstract: Biocompatible heparin-like material and surfaces thereof are made by co-polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and attaching the copolymer to a suitable substrate or blending the copolymer into a suitable substrate. The material produced also possesses surface slip-properties and some decreased bacterial and platelet adherence.

Abstract: By reacting polyamines with cyclic carbonates, di-poly-(hydroxyalkyl urethanes) are produced. These diols and polyols are particularly useful for the synthesis of polyurethanes by reaction with diisocyanates or polyisocyanates.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing lead or other stimulation lead carrying a steroid compounded within a polymer matrix. The steroid is dispersed in thermoplastic or thermoset polyurethane or polyurea forming monomers or prepolymers. The mixture is then chain extended by addition of the appropriate difunctional or multifunctional isocyanate, hydroxyl or amine curing agent to form a solid polymer. The resulting formulation is molded or cast into a desired shape, and incorporated in the distal end of a medical electrical lead, adjacent to or within the electrode. In a preferred embodiment, the medical lead employs an extendable helix which is screwed into body tissue, and the polymer containing the drug takes the form of a generally dimensionally stable annular member mounted to the lead, encircling the helix.

Abstract: By reacting polyamines with ethylene carbonate, hydroxyethyl urethane diols and polyols are produced. These diols and polyols are particularly useful for the synthesis of polyurethanes by reaction with diisocyanates or polyisocyanates.

Abstract: Highly stable, segmented, aliphatic polyurethanes prepared by particular processes are disclosed. The segmented polyurethanes of this invention are substantially free of ester and ether linkages and are found to be particularly hydrolytically and oxidatively stable. The polyurethanes of this invention are prepared by a particular two stage process involving the formation of a prepolymer and subsequent reaction with simultaneously or sequentially added diisocyanate and diol monomers.