Abstract: An apparatus includes a base and a coating disposed on the base. A therapeutic agent is disposed on at least one of the base or the coating. A vibration device is coupled to the base. The vibration device is configured to cause movement of the base such that at least a portion of the therapeutic agent is released from the base or the coating. A method includes inserting a stent into a body lumen of a patient. The stent has a base, a coating disposed on at least a portion of the base, and a therapeutic agent carried by at least one of the base or the coating. The stent is vibrated such that at least a portion of the therapeutic agent is released from the stent.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, medical devices are provided, which are adapted for implantation or insertion into a subject and which include at least one multilayer region that contains multiple charged layers of alternating charge. The multiple charged layers, in turn, include the following: (i) at least one charged block copolymer (e.g., a charged block copolymer that contains one or more polyelectrolyte blocks) and (ii) at least one charged therapeutic agent (e.g., a charged therapeutic agent that contains one or more polyelectrolyte blocks).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for field-injection electrostatic spray deposition of medical devices like stents. The apparatus includes a medical device holder, which applies a first electrical potential to the medical device, and an electrically insulative electrostatic spray dispensing device having an electrically conductive electrode, which applies a second electrical potential, creating an electrical potential difference sufficient to attract charged coating material particles emitted from an orifice of the dispensing device toward the medical device. The electrode may be sharpened to create a localized, high-strength electric field to improve the charge injection into the coating material or coating solution.

Abstract: A system for protecting a stent includes an electroactive polymer (EAP) sleeve, a stent, a balloon catheter, and a voltage source. A voltage is applied to the EAP sleeve, whereupon the EAP sleeve expands. The stent, disposed about the balloon catheter is inserted into the region defined by the inner surface of the EAP sleeve. The voltage is removed, whereupon the EAP sleeve contracts.

Abstract: The stent placement dilation balloon assembly comprises a catheter having a distal end, a distal end portion, and a proximal end, a balloon mounted to, about, and around the distal end portion of the catheter. The assembly further includes an elastic sheath positioned about and around the balloon. The outer surface of the sheath includes a profile which encourages stent securement. A stent is mounted on the sleeve for placement in a vessel in a human body.

Abstract: Medical devices, for example, those that have balloons, and methods of making the devices are described. For example, in some embodiments, a medical device includes an elongated shaft, and an inflatable balloon carried by the shaft. The balloon includes a first recessed channel, a second recessed channel, a third recessed channel, and a fourth recessed channel, wherein the first recessed channel is spaced from the second recessed channel by a first distance, the third recessed channel is spaced from the fourth recessed channel by the first distance, and the second recessed channel is spaced from the third recessed channel by a second distance different than the first distance.

Abstract: Medical devices, for example, those that have balloons, and methods of making the devices are described. In some embodiments, a method includes providing a medical balloon having a first cone portion and a body portion, and removing material from an outer surface the body portion of the balloon such that the balloon includes a first region and a second region, the first region being recessed relative to the second region.