Abstract: A device for sealing a puncture opening may include a base frame having a delivery configuration wherein the base frame is retracted to have a relatively smaller overall profile, and a deployed configuration wherein the base frame is extended to have a relatively larger overall profile. The base frame is sized to engage an interior surface of the blood vessel wall in the deployed configuration. A sealing section is coupled to the base frame, the sealing section having an initial configuration wherein the sealing section permits fluid flow, and a barrier configuration wherein the sealing section prevents fluid flow. The sealing section in the barrier configuration is sized to block fluid flow through the puncture opening when the base frame is in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: Medical balloons are provided that have enhanced properties, such as enhanced puncture and scratch resistance.

Abstract: A device for sealing a puncture opening may include a base frame having a delivery configuration wherein the base frame is retracted to have a relatively smaller overall profile, and a deployed configuration wherein the base frame is extended to have a relatively larger overall profile. The base frame is sized to engage an interior surface of the blood vessel wall in the deployed configuration. A sealing section is coupled to the base frame, the sealing section having an initial configuration wherein the sealing section permits fluid flow, and a barrier configuration wherein the sealing section prevents fluid flow. The sealing section in the barrier configuration is sized to block fluid flow through the puncture opening when the base frame is in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to controllably bioabsorbable devices, particularly anchors for vascular closure plugs and to methods of use thereof.

Abstract: An implantable device includes at least one electrode comprising a conductive base and polyoxometalate anions disposed on or within the conductive base; and at least one conductor attached to the at least one electrode for conducting electrical energy to the at least one electrode.

Abstract: In embodiments, a stent includes a copolymer having a modulus of about 10 MPa or less and exhibiting hydrolytic degradation substantially by surface erosion. For example, the copolymer can include elastic segments formed of trimethyl carbonate polymer or copolymer, and rigid segments formed of a lactide, glycolide, ?-caprolactone polymer or copolymer.

Abstract: Implantable or insertable medical devices that have one or more composite regions. These composite regions include polymer and sol-gel derived ceramic. The polymer and sol-gel ceramic may form bi-continuous phases or separate polymeric and sol-gel derived ceramic phases.

Abstract: A medical device is provided with a porous region including a reservoir zone including a polymer and a protective zone between adjacent tissue and the reservoir zone that restricts the tissue from direct contact with the polymer.

Abstract: Endoprostheses and methods of making endoprostheses are disclosed. For example, endoprostheses are described that include an endoprosthesis body, a biodegradable metallic tie layer, and a polymer coating about the endoprosthesis body. The biodegradable tie layer and the polymer coating can have a high peel strength from the body.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, medical devices are provided, which are adapted for implantation or insertion into a subject and which include at least one multilayer region that contains multiple charged layers of alternating charge. The multiple charged layers, in turn, include the following: (i) at least one charged block copolymer (e.g., a charged block copolymer that contains one or more polyelectrolyte blocks) and (ii) at least one charged therapeutic agent (e.g., a charged therapeutic agent that contains one or more polyelectrolyte blocks).

Abstract: Among other things, a bio-erodible implantable endoprosthesis comprises a member that includes (a) a core having a surface, and (b) a bio-erodible metal on a least a portion of the surface of the core, wherein the bio-erodible metal erodes more slowly than the core and includes openings through which physiological fluids can access the core upon implantation.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides composite coatings for implantable or insertable medical devices. These composite coatings comprise (a) an inorganic portion and (b) a polymeric portion that comprises a poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) block.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided that comprise (a) a substrate and (b) a porous layer comprising close packed spherical pores disposed over the substrate. The porous layer may also comprise a therapeutic agent. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of forming implantable or insertable medical devices. These methods comprise forming a predecessor structure that comprises (i) a substrate over which is disposed (ii) an assembly of microspheres. This assembly of microspheres is then used as a template for the formation of a porous layer, which may be subsequently loaded with a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Bioerodible endoprostheses and methods of making the endoprostheses are disclosed. In some embodiments, an endoprosthesis includes a member including a bioerodible material, and an antioxidant carried by the member. Examples of antioxidants include phenols.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are described. In some embodiments, a medical device includes a body of interconnected bands and connectors forming an elongated tubular structure having an inner luminal wall surface and an outer abluminal wall surface and defining a central lumen or passageway. The inner luminal wall surface and side wall surface of the bands and connectors forming transverse passageways through the elongated tubular structure can bear a coating of hydrophilic material and the outer abluminal wall surface of the tubular structure can bear a coating of hydrophobic material.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides composite coatings for implantable or insertable medical devices. These composite coatings comprise (a) an inorganic portion and (b) a polymeric portion that comprises a poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) block.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery device and method for eluting a therapeutic agent to a target location are disclosed. The therapeutic agent delivery device may comprise a first conductive element, a second conductive element, and an electrochemical layer including a neurotoxin located between the first conductive element and the second conductive element. The first conductive element and the second conductive element are adapted to be connected to a voltage source. When the first conductive element and the second conductive element are connected to the voltage source, an electrochemical reaction occurs causing the neurotoxin to release from the electroactive layer and elute to a target location.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to biosorbable batteries, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a biosorbable battery assembly including an anode, a cathode, and a biosorbable separation element. The anode can include an anode material, wherein electrochemical oxidation of the anode material results in the formation of reaction products that are substantially non-toxic. The cathode can include a cathode material, wherein electrochemical reduction of the cathode material results in the formation of reaction products that are substantially non-toxic, the cathode material having a larger standard reduction potential than the material of the anode. The biosorbable separation element can be disposed between the anode and the cathode and can be configured to provide electrical insulation between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: A bioerodible conductive tissue scaffold that can provide, e.g., improved tissue growth.

Abstract: A bioerodible conductive tissue scaffold that can provide, e.g., improved tissue growth.