Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include wound packing devices and methods of making and using the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a wound packing device including a plurality of spacing elements capable of absorbing exudate, wherein the surface of the spacing elements resist colonization by microorganisms. The wound packing device can also include a connector connecting the plurality of spacing elements to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A biocompatible polymeric controlled release matrix barrier structure for delivery of one or more bioactive agents from an implantable medical device is described. In an embodiment, a biocompatible polymeric controlled release matrix barrier structure is included. The biocompatible polymeric controlled release matrix can include a body structure formed of a compliant material comprising one or more compliant biocompatible polymers and one or more bioactive agents. The body structure can define a central aperture through which a subcutaneous element of an implantable medical device passes. Other embodiments are included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include wound packing devices and methods of making and using the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a wound packing device including a plurality of spacing elements capable of absorbing exudate, wherein the surface of the spacing elements resist colonization by microorganisms. The wound packing device can also include a connector connecting the plurality of spacing elements to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include wound packing devices and methods of making and using the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a wound packing device including a plurality of spacing elements capable of absorbing exudate, wherein the surface of the spacing elements resist colonization by microorganisms. The wound packing device can also include a connector connecting the plurality of spacing elements to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A biocompatible polymeric controlled release matrix barrier structure for delivery of one or more bioactive agents from an implantable medical device is described. In an embodiment, a biocompatible polymeric controlled release matrix barrier structure is included. The biocompatible polymeric controlled release matrix can include a body structure formed of a compliant material comprising one or more compliant biocompatible polymers and one or more bioactive agents. The body structure can define a central aperture through which a subcutaneous element of an implantable medical device passes. Other embodiments are included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include wound packing devices and methods of making and using the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a wound packing device including a plurality of spacing elements capable of absorbing exudate, wherein the surface of the spacing elements resist colonization by microorganisms. The wound packing device can also include a connector connecting the plurality of spacing elements to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Described herein is an implantable medical device that has one or more surfaces that include one or more shallow recesses configured to receive a drug delivery composition comprising a polymeric matrix and one or more biologically active agents. In one embodiment, one or more surfaces comprise a frictional surface. In a more particular embodiment, the implantable medical device comprises a stem configured for insertion into a bone of a patient, wherein the stem comprises one or more surfaces that include one or more shallow recesses configured to receive a drug delivery composition comprising a matrix and one or more biologically active agents. The drug delivery composition can be a durable drug delivery matrix, a biodegradable drug delivery matrix, or a combination thereof. Methods of making such an implant are also provided.

Abstract: A biocompatible polymeric controlled release matrix for delivery of one or more bioactive agents from an implantable medical device is described. In one embodiment, the polymeric controlled release matrix is a complaint film that includes one or more compliant biocompatible polymers and one or more bioactive agents. In another embodiment, the polymeric controlled release matrix is an elastomeric collar that includes one or more elastomeric biocompatible polymers and one or more bioactive agents.

Abstract: Medical implants formed of hydrophobic derivatives of natural biodegradable polysaccharides and that include bioactive agent are described. The implants demonstrate desirable bioactive agent release profiles and can be prepared to have high drug loading. The implants can be used to treat medical conditions, such as those requiring prolonged administration of the bioactive agent at a target location in the body.

Abstract: An electrically conductive coating composition that includes a polymeric mixture, an electrically conductive material dispersed within the polymeric mixture and, optionally, one or more bioactive agents is described.

Abstract: Implantable medical articles having a coating formed of hydrophobic derivatives of natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The coatings can include a bioactive agent, and demonstrate desirable bioactive agent release profiles and can be prepared to have high drug loading. The coated implantable medical articles can be used to treat medical conditions, such as those requiring prolonged administration of the bioactive agent at a target location in the body.

Abstract: Described are methods of making electrodes for electrochemical systems, especially cathodes for lithium polymer batteries, and products prepared from the methods; the methods involve the use of a co-rotating, fully intermeshing twin screw extruder, the extrusion of essentially solvent-free systems, or both.

Abstract: Described are methods of making electrodes for electrochemical systems, especially cathodes for lithium polymer batteries, and products prepared from the methods; the methods involve the use of a co-rotating, fully intermeshing twin screw extruder, the extrusion of essentially solvent-free systems, or both.

Abstract: Described are methods of making electrodes for electrochemical systems, especially cathodes for lithium polymer batteries, and products prepared from the methods; the methods involve the use of a reciprocating extruder, the extrusion of essentially solvent-free systems, or both.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provides for rotatably cutting and/or laminating layered structures or sheet material supported by webs. A rotary converting apparatus and method of the present invention converts a web comprising a cathode layered structure and a web comprising an anode layered structure into a series of layered electrochemical cell structures supported by a release liner. Employment of a rotary converting process of the present invention provides, among other benefits, for the creation of a product having a finished size, without need for downstream or subsequent cutting.

Abstract: A product stacking apparatus and method employs one or more stations, each including a stationary stacking platform or a conveyor upon which spaced-apart pucks are coupled for travel thereon. A product delivery apparatus drives one or more movable webs to which segmented product sheets are removably affixed. The product delivery apparatus includes one or more rotatable lamination interfaces associated with each of the stations for transferring product sheets from the webs to the pucks on a repetitive basis to produce a stack of product sheets on the respective pucks. Each of the segmented product sheets may define all or a portion of an electrochemical cell, all or a portion of a pad including layers of film or sheet material, wherein a portion of each of the layers is provided with a bonding feature, or all or a portion of a pack comprising layers of medical dressing. A puck need not be in motion during the transfer of the product sheet from the lamination roll to the puck.

Abstract: Described are methods of making electrodes for electrochemical systems, especially cathodes for lithium polymer batteries, and products prepared from the methods; the methods involve the use of a reciprocating extruder, the extrusion of essentially solvent-free systems, or both.