Abstract: An article having a low friction surface containing an oligofluorinated additive admixed with a base polymer is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention features surfaces formed from a base polymer admixed with an additive of the invention. The surfaces can be resistant to bacterial adhesion. The surfaces of the invention can be applied to: (a) any medical device or material that is implanted in or juxtaposed to a human or animal tissue or body fluid, in vivo or ex vivo, permanently or for a short period, and (b) any useful article, material or device, medical or not, which is to maintain a human or animal health-safe unfouled state of cleanliness over a period of time. In these medical and non-medical applications it is known that undesirable fouling phenomenon can take place which might harm a patient, user or consumer of the compromised device, equipment or material processed by, transported or stored in contamination prone articles, equipment or environments. Such fouling phenomena include biofilm development and bacterial colony development.

Abstract: The invention relates to ester-linked surface-modifying macromolecules and admixtures thereof as shown below by the representative compounds. The admixtures can be used in industrial and medical applications where enhanced surface properties are desirable (e.g., surface properties reducing or preventing biofouling, immobilization of biomolecules, or denaturation of certain biomolecules).

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable heart valves having a surface modified to reduce the risk of thrombi formation post implantation into a subject. The prosthetic valve can include one or more leaflets comprising a base polymer admixed with an oligofluorinated additive.

Abstract: The invention relates to surface modifying macromolecules (SMMs) having high degradation temperatures and their use in the manufacture of articles made from base polymers which require high temperature processing. The surface modifier is admixed with the base polymer to impart alcohol and water repellency properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are vascular grafts having a surface modified to reduce the risk of thrombi formation post implantation into a subject. The vascular graft can include a tubular structure comprising a base polymer admixed with an oligofluorinated additive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyvinvyl chloride (PVC) admixtures with plasticizers and surface modifying macromolecules. In accordance with embodiments, articles formed from the compositions disclosed herein may reduce leaching of plasticizers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyvinvyl chloride (PVC) admixtures with plasticizers and surface modifying macromolecules. In accordance with embodiments, articles formed from the compositions disclosed herein may reduce leaching of plasticizers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyvinvyl chloride (PVC) admixtures with plasticizers and surface modifying macromolecules. In accordance with embodiments, articles formed from the compositions disclosed herein may reduce leaching of plasticizers.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable glucose sensors having a biostable surface. The implantable glucose sensor includes a glucose detector and an enclosure defining a boundary between an internal space and an external space. The enclosure includes a semipermeable biointerface film containing a base polymer and a biostabilizing additive. The semipermeable biointerface film has a biostable surface and is permeable to glucose. The working electrode is disposed inside the internal space, and the biostable surface faces the external space or faces both the internal and the external spaces. Also disclosed are methods of preparation of the semipermeable biointerface films adapted for use in the implantable glucose sensors. Further, disclosed are methods of monitoring glucose levels in a subject through the use of an implantable glucose sensor. The implantable glucose sensor may be an implantable electrochemical glucose sensor, in which the glucose detector is a working electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to surface modifying macromolecules (SMMs) having high degradation temperatures and their use in the manufacture of articles made from base polymers which require high temperature processing. The surface modifier is admixed with the base polymer to impart alcohol and water repellency properties.

Abstract: A vascular access catheter is disclosed that has a catheter shaft with a distal end portion with a distal tip having a sloped face that is positioned at an acute angle from the distal tip relative to a longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft. A first, second, and third lumen extend longitudinally through the catheter shaft. The third lumen is configured for receiving a guidewire and may extend a partial length of the catheter or substantially the entire length of the catheter. The first lumen has an aperture located in the angled edge distal end portion of the catheter next to the distal tip and communicates with the first lumen. The second lumen has an aperture that is positioned in the outer surface of the catheter shaft that is in communication with the second lumen, and is spaced proximally from the first lumen aperture. The catheter includes a fluoropolymer additive with specific compositions and/or purity levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to ester-linked surface-modifying macromolecules and admixtures thereof as shown below by the representative compounds. The admixtures can be used in industrial and medical applications where enhanced surface properties are desirable (e.g., surface properties reducing or preventing biofouling, immobilization of biomolecules, or denaturation of certain biomolecules).

Abstract: A venous access catheter shaft and method of using and manufacturing such a catheter is provided. In one aspect of the invention, a catheter is provided comprising a base polymer having a Shore A durometer of 85A or lower, with 2.0% percent by weight of surface modifier, and a radiopaque filler comprising between 20-40 percentage by weight. In another aspect of the invention, a method reducing thrombus accumulation on a venous access catheter is provided wherein the catheter surface's resistance to thrombus formation is enhanced during indwell time by lowering the durometer rating of the base polymer of the catheter without increasing the amount of surface modifier additive. In another aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing a catheter shaft is provided, wherein the shaft is formed comprising a base polymer having a Shore A durometer of 85A or lower, with 2.0% percent by weight of surface modifier, and a radiopaque filler comprising 30% by weight barium sulfate, and optionally a colorant of 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to surface modifying macromolecules (SMMs) having high degradation temperatures and their use in the manufacture of articles made from base polymers which require high temperature processing. The surface modifier is admixed with the base polymer to impart alcohol and water repellency properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to admixtures of thermoplastic polyurethane base polymers that resist surface dulling and fluorinated additives and their use in the manufacture of articles, such as medical devices. For example, the admixtures of the invention are useful in the manufacture of blood dwelling medical devices, such as catheters.

Abstract: The present invention provides catheter compositions that provide anti-thrombogenic properties while not adversely impacting mechanical properties. All embodiments of the present invention comprise a catheter that comprises a fluoropolymer additive with specific compositions and/or purity levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to admixtures of thermoplastic polyurethane base polymers that resist surface dulling and fluorinated additives and their use in the manufacture of articles, such as medical devices. For example, the admixtures of the invention are useful in the manufacture of blood dwelling medical devices, such as catheters.

Abstract: A vascular access catheter is disclosed that has a catheter shaft with a distal end portion with a distal tip having a sloped face that is positioned at an acute angle from the distal tip relative to a longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft. A first, second, and third lumen extend longitudinally through the catheter shaft. The third lumen is configured for receiving a guidewire and may extend a partial length of the catheter or substantially the entire length of the catheter. The first lumen has an aperture located in the angled edge distal end portion of the catheter next to the distal tip and communicates with the first lumen. The second lumen has an aperture that is positioned in the outer surface of the catheter shaft that is in communication with the second lumen, and is spaced proximally from the first lumen aperture. The catheter includes a fluoropolymer additive with specific compositions and/or purity levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to admixtures of thermoplastic polyurethane base polymers that resist surface dulling and fluorinated additives and their use in the manufacture of articles, such as medical devices. For example, the admixtures of the invention are useful in the manufacture of blood dwelling medical devices, such as catheters.