Abstract: The present disclosure teaches methods of controlling the release rate of agents from a polymeric matrix that include designing and creating a predetermined initial morphology (IM) profile in a polymeric matrix. The teachings indicate, inter alia, that control over the release rate of agents can provide for an improved control over the administration of agents as well as have an effect upon the mechanical integrity and absorption rate of the polymeric matrix.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for conditioning a polymeric stent after sterilization, and/or after crimping and before packaging, such that the properties of the polymeric stent fall within a narrower range of values. The stent is exposed to a controlled temperature at or above ambient for a period of time after radiation sterilization and/or after crimping and before sterilization. As a result, the polymeric stent properties, particularly radial strength and number-average molecular weight of the polymer of the polymeric stent, fall within a narrower range.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable medical device coating that has improved stability, a medical device coated with such coating, and a method of increasing the stability of an implantable medical device coating, wherein the coating comprises a stereocomplex f poly(D-lactic acid) and poly(L-lactice acid).

Abstract: A stent mounting device and a method of coating a stent using the device are provided. The mandrel is made from or is coated with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic material, depending on the type of coating composition that is employed.

Abstract: Methods for modulating the release rate of a drug coated stent are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of stabilizing the molecular weight of polymer stents scaffolds after E-beam sterilization are disclosed. The molecular weight of the polymer of the irradiated scaffolds is stabilized through exposure to gas containing oxygen.

Abstract: Methods for modulating the release rate of a drug coated stent are disclosed.

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for chemically stabilizing a polymer stent after sterilization. The stent is exposed to a temperature above ambient for a period of time after radiation sterilization. The exposure reduces the concentration of free radicals generated by the radiation.

Abstract: A stent of variable surface area as determined by stent struts. The stent can have a variable surface area per unit length which accommodates a therapeutic agent. A patterned distribution of therapeutic agent can be provided throughout the stent. The stent can have an increased level of therapeutic agent near an end of the stent. A decreased level of therapeutic agent can be provided near an end of one embodiment of a stent. Indentations can be provided at the surface of the stent with therapeutic agent disposed therein. The stent can be cut with struts of variable thickness to provide the variable stent surface area.

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the electrostatic application of a coating substance is provided.

Abstract: A coating and a method of coating an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed. The method includes subjecting the coating to a thermal condition such as a temperature above the glass transition temperature of a polymer included in the coating.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for conditioning a polymeric stent after sterilization, and/or after crimping and before packaging, such that the properties of the polymeric stent fall within a narrower range of values. The stent is exposed to a controlled temperature at or above ambient for a period of time after radiation sterilization and/or after crimping and before sterilization. As a result, the polymeric stent properties, particularly radial strength and number-average molecular weight of the polymer of the polymeric stent, fall within a narrower range.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for improving the storage performance of polymeric stents that reduce or eliminate the effects of long term aging on the properties of the stents. A polymeric stent or a polymeric tube from which a stent is made is heated to a temperature between ambient and the glass transition temperature of the polymer for a period of time. The heating causes densification or an increase in density of the polymer which stabilizes the properties of the polymer in later processing steps and storage. The stent can be made from a polymeric tube that is expanded at a temperature above the glass transition temperature and cooled to maintain an expanded diameter.

Abstract: A composite stent and a method for making the same are provided.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a polymeric implantable device, such as a stent, with improved fracture toughness through annealing a polymer construct below the glass transition temperature of the polymer of the construct prior to a deformation step are disclosed herein. The deformation of the construct induces crystallization in the polymer construct through strain-induced crystallization. The annealing of the polymer construct accelerates the crystallization induced during the deformation and results in an increase in crystallite density with smaller crystallites as compared to deformation of a tube that has not been annealed. A stent scaffolding is then made from the deformed tube.

Abstract: The present invention generally encompasses methods of coating which control of the release rate of agents from a polymeric matrix. This control over the release rate of agents provides for control over, inter alia, the therapeutic, prophylactic, diagnostic, and ameliorative effects that are realized by a patient in need of such treatment. In addition, the control of the release rate of agents also has an effect upon the mechanical integrity of the polymeric matrix, as well as a relationship to a subject's absorption rate of the absorbable polymers.

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided.

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided.

Abstract: Methods of modifying properties such as degradation rate and drug release rate of polymer stents with radiation are disclosed.