Abstract: The present invention refers to medical devices comprising a modified Co-Polymer and the modified Co-Polymer itself having high flexibility and high stress resistance, especially tensile strength or tear resistance, in addition to the good physical characteristics of the known Block-Co-Polymers of a polyamide and a polyether, either polyether diol or polyether diamine.

Abstract: The invention includes a catheter having an elongate main body having a proximal section and a distal section. The elongate main body further includes a plurality of stiffening members disposed along the length of the elongate main body. The plurality of stiffening members includes a first stiffening member and a second stiffening member. The catheter can also include a balloon formed from a tubular member having a recess defined in a portion of its surface. A tapered or thinned balloon is formed from a process by which material is removed from a tubular member prior to formation of the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of thermal treatment of thermally responsive material wherein areas in or on the material to be thermally treated are defined and thermal energy is inputted on or into the defined areas in order to change/influence the material characteristics. The present invention further relates to medical devices or parts thereof manufactured at least in part from thermally responsive material by a process comprising at least one step of thermal treatment of this thermally responsive material.

Abstract: The invention includes a catheter having an elongate main body having a proximal section and a distal section. The elongate main body further includes a plurality of stiffening members disposed along the length of the elongate main body. The plurality of stiffening members includes a first stiffening member and a second stiffening member. The catheter can also include a balloon formed from a tubular member having a recess defined in a portion of its surface. A tapered or thinned balloon is formed from a process by which material is removed from a tubular member prior to formation of the balloon.

Abstract: Implants and methods of making same are provided for treatment or prophylaxis of coronary or peripheral vascular constrictions or vascular occlusions, and particularly, stenoses or restenoses, that comprise FK506 in chemically covalently bound, non-covalently bound or physically immobilized form.

Abstract: The invention relates to problematic waste water with highly concentrated impurities, for example seepage water from a refuse dump, which is anaerobically degraded in an anaerobic treatment zone (digester) and the digested sludge arising therefrom is mechanically de-watered. Simultaneously, communal waste water is purified in a purification plant containing an aerobic treatment zone, wherein advanced nitrification/denitrification and/or phosphorous elimination can be activated/started by recycling oxygen and nitrate rich water and sludge back into the inlet area. In the aerobic purification zone, the excess digested sludge, in which a large part of the AOX load of the communal waste is incorporated, is mechanically de-watered and is discharged into the anaerobic purification zone (digester), in order to degrade the AOX load by decomposition. The degree of dewatering of the excess sludge is controlled according to the amount of problematic waste water to be processed.

Abstract: A conveying system for transporting wafers in clean rooms, the conveying system is configured as a transporting store and connects a plurality of processing centers for processing the wafers. Secondary conveying systems branch off from the conveying system and form supply buffers. In each case one secondary conveying system leads to at least one processing center from which a predetermined number of wafers can be removed, and fed to the processing center, optionally by use of at least one handling unit.

Abstract: A method for making antimicrobial, blood-compatible surfaces is provided, articles having surfaces made by this method, and the use of these articles in fields where controlling the spread of microbes and blood-compatibility are important. Such fields include the medical field, where it is critical to eliminate infection causing microbes and reduce the number of dangerous blood clots in patients.

Abstract: A hydrophilic coating on a polymeric substrate is prepared by subjecting at least one hydrophilic vinyl monomer to radiation-induced graft polymerization on an activated substrate surface.