Abstract: The invention provides a method for preventing adverse effects associated with the use of a medical device in a patient by introducing into the patient a device of which at least a portion includes a prophylactic or therapeutic amount of a nitric oxide adduct. The nitric oxide adduct can be present in a matrix coating on a surface of the medical device; coated per se on a surface of the medical device; directly or indirectly bound to reactive sites on a surface of the medical device; or at least a portion of the medical device can be formed of a material, such as a polymer, which includes the nitric oxide adduct. Also disclosed is a method for preventing adverse effects associated with the use of a medical device in a patient by locally administering a nitric oxide adduct to the site of contact of said device with any internal tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extracts of polyphenolic-containing stems and/or vines. There are provided methods for extracting polyphenols from polyphenolic-containing stems and vines as well as extracts produced by these methods. In other aspects, the invention provides dietary supplements, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical compositions containing the stem and/or vine extracts and methods of using the extracts to prevent or treat coronary artery disease and other diseases.