Abstract: Implantable medical devices having anti-restenotic coatings are disclosed. Specifically, implantable medical devices having coatings of certain anti-inflammatory agents, are disclosed. The anti-inflammatory agents are selected from the group consisting of Sanglifehrin A, Sanglifehrin B, Sanglifehrin C, Sanglifehrin D, and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof. The anti-restenotic medical devices include stents, catheters, micro-particles, probes and vascular grafts. Intravascular stents are preferred medical devices. The medical devices can be coated using any method known in the art including compounding the anti-inflammatory agent with a biocompatible polymer prior to applying the coating. Moreover, medical devices composed entirely of biocompatible polymer-anti-inflammatory agent blends are disclosed. Additionally, medical devices having a coating comprising at least one anti-inflammatory agent in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for delivering a diagnostic or therapeutic treatment, substance or device to a target area located within the body of a human or animal subject. A tissue penetrating catheter is positioned within a body lumen near the target area. A hollow penetrator is then advanced from the tissue penetrating catheter and penetrated from the body lumen in which the penetrating catheter is positioned into tissue in the direction of the target area. Thereafter, an elongate optical device (e.g., an optically equipped guidewire or catheter) is advanced through the hollow penetrator and continues to advance through tissue, in the direction of the target area. The elongate optical device is connected to an optical processing device (e.g., a spectrometer) which provides optically determined data (e.g., spectral reflectance, pH, oxygen concentration, temperature) indicating when the elongate optical device has entered the target area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device, and methods of preparing and using a medical device. The medical device has a surface including a biologically active agent therein. The methods are particularly useful for preparing, for example, coated stents having a biologically active agent within the coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device, and methods of preparing and using a medical device. The medical device has a surface including a biologically active agent therein. The methods are particularly useful for preparing, for example, coated stents having a biologically active agent within the coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device, and methods of preparing and using a medical device. The medical device has a surface including a biologically active agent therein. The methods are particularly useful for preparing, for example, coated stents having a biologically active agent within the coating.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for delivering a diagnostic or therapeutic treatment, substance or device to a target area located within the body of a human or animal subject. A tissue penetrating catheter is positioned within a body lumen near the target area. A hollow penetrator is then advanced from the tissue penetrating catheter and penetrated from the body lumen in which the penetrating catheter is positioned into tissue in the direction of the target area. Thereafter, an elongate optical device (e.g., an optically equipped guidewire or catheter) is advanced through the hollow penetrator and continues to advance through tissue, in the direction of the target area. The elongate optical device is connected to an optical processing device (e.g., a spectrometer) which provides optically determined data (e.g., spectral reflectance, pH, oxygen concentration, temperature) indicating when the elongate optical device has entered the target area.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting or suppressing cellular proliferation are disclosed that include delivering at least one antiproliferative agent into or proximate a cell. In certain embodiments, the antiproliferative agent(s) are hydrolysis products of a biodegradable polymer (e.g., a polyketal polymer).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, kits, and compositions for safe and efficient delivery of a bioagent to a targeted area of an organ. The method comprises preparing a suspension comprising the bioagent, a contrast agent, and a vehicle, wherein said suspension has an osmolarity from about 270 mOsm to about 440 mOsm; and dispensing at least a portion of said suspension into the targeted area. The invention further provides a kit for delivering a bioagent into a targeted area of an organ comprising: a delivery device; a contrast agent; and a vehicle.

Abstract: A catheter body includes an exit port over which a pressure responsive sleeve is formed that allows material to exit a lumen of the catheter body at a given pressure. In one embodiment, a surface of the sleeve is approximately flush with a surface of the catheter body.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices having anti-restenotic coatings are disclosed. Specifically, implantable medical devices having coatings of certain anti-inflammatory agents, are disclosed. The anti-inflammatory agents are selected from the group consisting of Sanglifehrin A, Sanglifehrin B, Sanglifehrin C, Sanglifehrin D, and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof. The anti-restenotic medical devices include stents, catheters, micro-particles, probes and vascular grafts. Intravascular stents are preferred medical devices. The medical devices can be coated using any method known in the art including compounding the anti-inflammatory agent with a biocompatible polymer prior to applying the coating. Moreover, medical devices composed entirely of biocompatible polymer-anti-inflammatory agent blends are disclosed. Additionally, medical devices having a coating comprising at least one anti-inflammatory agent in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent are also disclosed.

Abstract: Medical devices and related methods for making and using same suitable for treating or inhibiting restenosis are proved. Specifically, compositions and methods for I kappa B alpha (IkB?)nuclear factor k? (NFk?) complex breakdown inhibition are provided. One embodiment includes a CRM-1 protein binding composition such as leptomycin B. Another embodiment includes a combination of a CRM-1 protein binding composition and a nucleic acid encoding for mammalian IkB?. Medical devices disclosed include catheters and vascular stents.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to apparatus and techniques that deliver an active agent, such as an antibiotic age nt or loosening agent to a patient by diffusion. An element of the medical device deployed proximate to the cells or host tissue includes a diffusible material, which comprises a lumen. An agent introduced into the lumen diffuses through the diffusible material to the cells or host tissue or tissues. The invention can be applied to medical devices that are placed partially inside a patient, as well as those that are fully implanted. Some embodiments support moving the internal element of a medical device proximate to targeted cells, such as a tumor, and administering an active agent to the targeted cells by diffusion. The disclosure also encompasses a testing system that helps test and develop apparatus and techniques for delivering an agent by diffusion.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to apparatus and techniques that deliver an antibiotic or loosening agent to a patient by diffusion. An element of the medical device deployed proximate to the living cells includes a diffusible material, which comprises a lumen. An agent introduced into the lumen diffuses through the diffusible material to the living cells or tissues. The invention can be applied to medical devices that are placed partially inside a patient, as well as those that are fully implanted. Some embodiments support moving the internal element of a medical device proximate to targeted cells, such as a tumor, and administering an antibiotic agent to the targeted cells by diffusion. The disclosure also encompasses a testing system that helps test and develop apparatus and techniques for delivering an agent by diffusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device, and methods of preparing and using a medical device. The medical device has a surface including a biologically active agent therein. The methods are particularly useful for preparing, for example, coated stents having a biologically active agent within the coating.

Abstract: Delivery of genetic material to a stimulation site causes transgene expression by tissue at the stimulation site. In some embodiments, the delivered genetic material causes increased expression of proteins, such as connexins, gap junctions, and ion channels, to increase the conductivity of the tissue at the stimulation site. In some embodiments, the delivered genetic material causes expression of a metalloproteinase, an anti-inflammatory agent, or an immunosuppressant agent. Genetic material is delivered to the stimulation site via a stimulation lead. A stimulation lead for delivering genetic material to a stimulation site includes a chamber that contains a polymeric matrix. The matrix absorbs the genetic material and elutes the genetic material to the stimulation site.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to techniques for delivering macromolecules to a tissue site via electroporation. Particularly, a catheter detects contact between a distal end of the catheter and a target tissue site via a sensing electrode at the distal end of the catheter. The catheter delivers a fluid containing macromolecules to the tissue site upon detecting contact between the tissue site and the catheter. Concurrently or soon after delivery of the fluid, an electrical stimulus is applied to the tissue site. The electrical stimulus can be applied by the catheter or directly from a power supply, such as an implanted pulse generator. The electrical stimulus causes membranes of cells within the tissue site to destabilize, in turn, forming pores through which the macromolecules migrate into the cells of the tissue site.