Abstract: A medical device provided with at least a partial surface coating of a thermoplastic copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkylvinylether that is free of cross-linking monomers and curing agents. The fluoropolymer coating is preferably an amorphous thermoplastic, is highly inert and biocompatible, has elastomeric characteristics that provide desirable mechanical properties such as good flexibility and durability. These characteristics allow the coating to be considered “functionally transparent” because it withstands mechanical deformations required for the assembly, deployment, expansion, and placement of medical devices, without any adverse effect on the mechanical and biological functionality of the coated device. Further, its inertness, derived from the perfluorocarbon structure, contributes to its functionally transparent nature.

Abstract: A medical device provided with at least a partial surface coating of a thermoplastic copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkylvinylether that is free of cross-linking monomers and curing agents. The fluoropolymer coating is preferably an amorphous thermoplastic, is highly inert and biocompatible, has elastomeric characteristics that provide desirable mechanical properties such as good flexibility and durability. These characteristics allow the coating to be considered “functionally transparent” because it withstands mechanical deformations required for the assembly, deployment, expansion, and placement of medical devices, without any adverse effect on the mechanical and biological functionality of the coated device. Further, its inertness, derived from the perfluorocarbon structure, contributes to its functionally transparent nature.

Abstract: A medical device provided with at least a partial surface coating of a thermoplastic copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkylvinylether that is free of cross-linking monomers and curing agents. The fluoropolymer coating is preferably an amorphous thermoplastic, is highly inert and biocompatible, has elastomeric characteristics that provide desirable mechanical properties such as good flexibility and durability. These characteristics allow the coating to be considered “functionally transparent” because it withstands mechanical deformations required for the assembly, deployment, expansion, and placement of medical devices, without any adverse effect on the mechanical and biological functionality of the coated device. Further, its inertness, derived from the perfluorocarbon structure, contributes to its functionally transparent nature.

Abstract: A medical device provided with at least a partial surface coating of a thermoplastic copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkylvinylether that is free of cross-linking monomers and curing agents. The fluoropolymer coating is preferably an amorphous thermoplastic, is highly inert and biocompatible, has elastomeric characteristics that provide desirable mechanical properties such as good flexibility and durability. These characteristics allow the coating to be considered “functionally transparent” because it withstands mechanical deformations required for the assembly, deployment, expansion, and placement of medical devices, without any adverse effect on the mechanical and biological functionality of the coated device. Further, its inertness, derived from the perfluorocarbon structure, contributes to its functionally transparent nature.

Abstract: Devices and methods for locking a suture to an anchor are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a suture anchor includes a first body configured to be driven into a bone, and a second body also configured to engage the bone and coupled to the first body. At a selected embedded depth of the anchor, the second body moves towards the trailing end of the first body to facilitate a suture-lock configuration as the anchor is driven in deeper. A suture retainer such as a ring, and a flared portion at or near the trailing end of the first body, facilitate locking of a suture between the ring and either or both of the second body and the flared portion as the second body pushes on the ring that in turn pushes against the flared end. In certain embodiments, such suture-lock can be achieved substantially simultaneously as the suture anchor is driven into its final embedded depth.

Abstract: Devices and methods for locking a suture to an anchor are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a suture anchor includes a first body configured to be driven into a bone, and a second body also configured to engage the bone and coupled to the first body. At a selected embedded depth of the anchor, the second body moves towards the trailing end of the first body to facilitate a suture-lock configuration as the anchor is driven in deeper. A suture retainer such as a ring, and a flared portion at or near the trailing end of the first body, facilitate locking of a suture between the ring and either or both of the second body and the flared portion as the second body pushes on the ring that in turn pushes against the flared end. In certain embodiments, such suture-lock can be achieved substantially simultaneously as the suture anchor is driven into its final embedded depth.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods relating to a suture passer that passes suture efficiently via motion of fluid in and out of the suture passer. In certain embodiments, the suture passer includes a syringe-like barrel and a plunger for drawing and expelling fluid from the barrel. A suture can be disposed within the barrel, and one end of the suture can be releasably secured to a portion of the plunger. In certain embodiments, the suture end can be releasably secured to a tip portion of the plunger. Various examples of suture releasing mechanisms and actuations of such mechanisms are disclosed. Also disclosed are examples of how such releasably secured sutures can be assembled and packaged into pre-loaded suture passer devices. Also disclosed are examples of suturing operations that can be achieved easier and quicker by use of such suture passer devices.

Abstract: An improved elastomeric material is described comprising an essentially noncross-linkable amorphous copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and perfluoromethyl vinyl ether (PMVE) which is both a thermoplastic and exhibits exceptional mechanical properties. This material is particularly suitable for use in ultra-clean environments, and particularly for use in an implantable device, since it does not contain contaminants that previous thermoset TFE/PMVE copolymers have required. Among the improved properties of the present invention are excellent biocompatibility, high matrix tensile strength, high clarity, high abrasion resistance, high purity, adequate elasticity, and ease of processing due to the thermoplastic, and noncross-linkable structure of the copolymer. The material of the present invention is also a high strength bonding agent particularly suited for bonding porous PTFE to itself or to other porous substances at room or elevated temperatures.

Abstract: An improved elastomeric material is described comprising an essentially noncross-linkable amorphous copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and perfluoromethyl vinyl ether (PMVE) which is both a thermoplastic and exhibits exceptional mechanical properties. This material is particularly suitable for use in ultra-clean environments, and particularly for use in an implantable device, since it does not contain contaminants that previous thermoset TFE/PMVE copolymers have required. Among the improved properties of the present invention are excellent biocompatibility, high matrix tensile strength, high clarity, high abrasion resistance, high purity, adequate elasticity, and ease of processing due to the thermoplastic, and noncross-linkable structure of the copolymer. The material of the present invention is also a high strength bonding agent particularly suited for bonding porous PTFE to itself or to other porous substances at room or elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A medical device provided with at least a partial surface coating of a thermoplastic copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkylvinylether that is free of cross-linking monomers and curing agents. The fluoropolymer coating is preferably an amorphous thermoplastic, is highly inert and biocompatible, has elastomeric characteristics that provide desirable mechanical properties such as good flexibility and durability. These characteristics allow the coating to be considered “functionally transparent” because it withstands mechanical deformations required for the assembly, deployment, expansion, and placement of medical devices, without any adverse effect on the mechanical and biological functionality of the coated device. Further, its inertness, derived from the perfluorocarbon structure, contributes to its functionally transparent nature.