Abstract: A renal denervation device can include an elongated catheter body extending along a longitudinal axis, and an assembly connected to the catheter body. The assembly includes a plurality of heating elements connected to the catheter body. Each heating element has a conductor and a layer of an RF dissipating material such as a polymer overlying the conductor. During operation of the device, the layer of RF dissipating material is disposed between the conductor and body tissues of a subject. The layer of RF dissipating material is substantially thicker than the Debye length within the material in order to reduce the electric field reaching the tissue and to eliminate direct contact of the electrode with the body tissue.

Abstract: A closure device operable to seal a vessel puncture and including a delivery member and a sealant material applicator. The delivery member is insertable through a tissue tract to the vessel puncture. The sealant material applicator is configured to supply a volume of sealant material to the delivery member and includes a housing, a plunger assembly, and at least one container. The housing includes at least first and second chambers, wherein the first chamber carries a first sealant component and the second chamber carries a second sealant component. The container is insertable into the first or second chamber and carries a third sealant component of the sealant material. The sealant material applicator creates flow communication between the container and at least one of the first and second chambers to mix the third sealant component with the first and second sealant components.

Abstract: A sealant delivery device includes a delivery tube, a bioadhesive container, and an adapter. The delivery tube includes proximal and distal ends. The bioadhesive container holds a sealant activator and a sealant precursor separated from each other. The adapter is interposed between the delivery tube and the bioadhesive container. The adapter includes a first channel member that couples a first lumen of the delivery tube to the sealant activator, and a second channel member that couples the first lumen to the sealant precursor. The adapter provides separation of the sealant activator and the sealant precursor until a position distal of the bioadhesive container.

Abstract: Endoprostheses include an endoprosthesis wall that includes a surface layer that includes a metallic material and that defines a plurality of discrete pores. A porous material is disposed in one or more pores of the surface layer. The endoprostheses can, for example, deliver a therapeutic agent, such as a drug, in a controlled manner over an extended period of time.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are described. In some embodiments, a medical device includes a body of interconnected bands and connectors forming an elongated tubular structure having an inner luminal wall surface and an outer abluminal wall surface and defining a central lumen or passageway. The inner luminal wall surface and side wall surface of the bands and connectors forming transverse passageways through the elongated tubular structure can bear a coating of hydrophilic material and the outer abluminal wall surface of the tubular structure can bear a coating of hydrophobic material.

Abstract: A catheter, for example, a balloon catheter has a first and second section and a transition between the sections. The sections and the transition are arranged to enhance catheter deliverability.

Abstract: A method for increasing the adhesion of a first layer comprising a fluoropolymer substantially free of interpolymerized units derived from vinylidene fluoride to a second layer comprising a curable elastomer is described. The method comprises adding a dehydrofluorinating composition to the curable elastomer, contacting the layers and curing the layered article so formed. The resulting multilayer compositions and articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter, for example, a balloon catheter has a first and second section and a transition between the sections. The sections and the transition are arranged to enhance catheter deliverability.

Abstract: A multi-layer article featuring a fluoroplastic layer bonded to a non-fluorinated polymer layer in which the fluoroplastic has a melting point of at least 200° C. and contains interpolymerized units of at least TFE and VDF, the amount of VDF being at least 0.1% by weight, but less than than 20% by weight. Also useful are fluoroplastics containing at least TFE and VDF in which the amount of VDF units is between 0.1 and 15% by weight. Such polymers may optionally have melting points greater than 200° C.

Abstract: A method for increasing the adhesion of a first layer comprising a fluoropolymer substantially free of interpolymerized units derived from vinylidene fluoride to a second layer comprising a curable elastomer is described. The method comprises adding a dehydrofluorinating composition to the curable elastomer, contacting the layers and curing the layered article so formed. The resulting multilayer compositions and articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite article is provided which includes a blend component having first and second surfaces and a substantially non-fluorinated polymer component adhered to the first surface of the blend component, wherein the substantially non-fluorinated polymer component has an exposed surface. The blend component includes a first hydrogen containing fluoropolymer, and a substantially non-fluorinated polymer having one or more pendant primary or secondary amine groups. Increased adhesion is observed by a peel strength value between the blend component and the substantially non-fluorinated polymer component when compared to a peel strength value between a component consisting of a fluoropolymer and a component consisting of a substantially non-fluorinated polymer having pendant primary or secondary amine groups.

Abstract: A composite article is provided which includes a fluoropolymer intimately bonded to a component including a substantially non-fluorinated thermoplastic having pendant phenolic groups in combination with a base. Increased adhesion is observed by a greater peel strength value between the fluoropolymer component and a non-fluorinated thermoplastic having pendant phenolic groups.

Abstract: A method for increasing the adhesion of a first layer comprising a vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer to a second layer comprising a curable elastomer is described. The method comprises adding a dehydrofluorinating composition to the curable elastomer, contacting the layers and curing the layered article so formed. The resulting multilayer compositions and articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of bonding substantially non-fluorinated polymeric material to a fluoropolymer utilizing a bonding composition comprising primary or secondary di- or poly-amine and a melt-processable, substantantially non-fluorinated component. Multi-layer articles and composite constructions, including retroreflective sheeting and fuel line hoses, made of a fluoropolymer layer and a substantially non-fluorinated layer are also provided.

Abstract: A composite article is provided which includes a blend component comprising a vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer and a substantially non-vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer, and a component including a substantially non-fluorinated polymer having pendant amine groups intimately bonded to the blend component. Increased adhesion is observed by a greater peel strength value between the blend component and a substantially non-vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer when compared to a peel strength value between a substantially non-vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer and the substantially non-fluorinated polymer having pendant amine groups.

Abstract: A composite article is provided which includes a blend component having first and second surfaces and a substantially non-fluorinated polymer component adhered to the first surface of the blend component, wherein the substantially non-fluorinated polymer component has an exposed surface. The blend component includes a first hydrogen containing fluoropolymer; and a substantially non-fluorinated polymer having one or more pendant primary or secondary amine groups. Increased adhesion is observed by a peel strength value between the blend component and the substantially non-fluorinated polymer component when compared to a peel strength value between a component consisting of a fluoropolymer and a component consisting of a substantially non-fluorinated polymer having pendant primary or secondary amine groups.

Abstract: An exposure indicating apparatus and indicating method includes a sensor having a property responsive to a concentration of a target species. A processing device generates a concentration signal as a function of the property and an indicator is activated as a function of the concentration signal. The indicator is activated at a signaling rate indicative of an exposure indicating apparatus operating within predefined design parameters and at an exposure signaling rate indicative of the concentration attaining a predetermined threshold concentration. The indicator may also be activated at a signaling rate indicative of an exposure indicating apparatus operating outside of the predefined design parameters, and after the predetermined threshold concentration is attained, the indicator may be activated at an exposure signaling rate which varies as a function of the concentration signal.

Abstract: An exposure indicating apparatus for monitoring air flowing along a flow-through path extending from the external environment through an air purifying respirator cartridge and into a face mask. A processor housing is releasably attached to the flow-through path so that it can be removed allowing ambient air to enter the flow-through path at the attachment location. A reversible sensor with at least one property responsive to a concentration of a target species within an environment is in fluid communication with the flow-through path. A processing device in the processor housing generates a concentration signal as a function of the at least one property of the reversible sensor. An indicator provides an active indication in response to the concentration signal. A flow-through housing may form a portion of the flow-through path. The flow-through housing may be interposed between the air purifying cartridge and the face mask.

Abstract: A nanostructured composite film comprising a plurality of nanostructured elements, wherein the nanostructured elements are either two-component sub-microscopic structures comprised of whiskers conformally coated with a conducting, preferentially catalytically active material or one component sub-microscopic structures comprised of a conducting preferentially catalytically active material, such that the nanostructured elements are embedded in an encapsulant, wherein the encapsulant can be a solid electrolyte. The composite film can be used as an electrode membrane in an electrochemical cell or sensor.

Abstract: A composite article is provided which includes a blend component comprising a vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer and a substantially non-vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer, and a component including a substantially non-fluorinated polymer having pendant amine groups intimately bonded to the blend component. Increased adhesion is observed by a greater peel strength value between the blend component and a substantially non-vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer when compared to a peel strength value between a substantially non-vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer and the substantially non-fluorinated polymer having pendant amine groups.