Abstract: A fixation mechanism coupled to an implantable device body extends from a proximal portion of the body to a distal portion of the body and includes a fixation element and a push tube segment. A push tube segment of the mechanism extends proximally from the fixation mechanism to the proximal portion of the body and is adapted to deploy the mechanism.

Abstract: A fixation mechanism coupled to an implantable device body extends from a proximal portion of the body to a distal portion of the body and includes a fixation element and a push tube segment. A push tube segment of the mechanism extends proximally from the fixation mechanism to the proximal portion of the body and is adapted to deploy the mechanism.

Abstract: A fixation mechanism coupled to an implantable device body extends from a proximal portion of the body to a distal portion of the body and includes a fixation element and a push tube segment. A push tube segment of the mechanism extends proximally from the fixation mechanism to the proximal portion of the body and is adapted to deploy the mechanism.

Abstract: Cell delivery compositions including shear thinning polymers and their use in cell delivery are described. The cell delivery compositions include shear thinning polymers that confer higher viscosity when at rest and decreased viscosity when subject to shear stress when dissolved or suspended in a carrier liquid. These shear thinning properties can facilitate cell delivery. Shear thinning polymer solutions may be used to deliver cells to particular tissue sites in a subject.

Abstract: A method involves selecting a type of cell for implantation into a mammal and identifying the specific gravity or density of the cell type. Then, a carrier liquid is selected which has a specific gravity or density within a range of specific gravities or densities which approximately matches the specific gravity or density of the selected cell type. A liquid for delivery of growth cells into tissue of a mammal is also provided in which the density of a carrier fluid component is matched to the density of the cells being consistently delivered by the carrier fluid.

Abstract: A fixation mechanism coupled to an implantable device body extends from a proximal portion of the body to a distal portion of the body and includes a fixation element and a push tube segment. A push tube segment of the mechanism extends proximally from the fixation mechanism to the proximal portion of the body and is adapted to deploy the mechanism.

Abstract: A method involves selecting a type of cell for implantation into a mammal and identifying the specific gravity or density of the cell type. Then, a carrier liquid is selected which has a specific gravity or density within a range of specific gravities or densities which approximately matches the specific gravity or density of the selected cell type. A liquid for delivery of growth cells into tissue of a mammal is also provided in which the density of a carrier fluid component is matched to the density of the cells being consistently delivered by the carrier fluid.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for continuously administering an analgesic to the neuraxis of an organism. The device comprises a polymeric matrix body loaded with the analgesic. The body is implanted in the neuraxis where the analgesic diffuses into the neuraxis.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for continuously administering an analgesic to the neuraxis of an organism. The device comprises a polymeric matrix body loaded with the analgesic. The body is implanted in the neuraxis where the analgesic diffuses into the neuraxis.

Abstract: Intraluminal stents and methods of manufacturing intraluminal stents are disclosed in which the stents have a plurality of recesses in the body of the stent, at least some of the recesses preferably providing a plurality of passageways between the inner and outer surfaces of the stent. The preferred stents are constructed of films on support structures having spaced apart elements, with the films having a thickness of between about 25 micrometers and about 400 micrometers. The stent can also be treated with an antithrombotic or a thrombolytic substance and, in some cases, the stents can incorporate therapeutic agents for delivery. The methods of manufacturing stents include forming the films using a solid particulate material that can be substantially removed after the film is formed, thereby forming the recesses and corresponding passageways described above. In preferred methods, the solid particulate material is soluble in a solvent in which the film is substantially insolvent.

Abstract: Articles having a graft polymer with a net ionic charge bonded to a polymeric substrate surface provide an improved method for administering a bioactive agent having a net ionic charge. The [articles are] method is especially useful [as] for thromboresistant and/or antimicrobial medical devices.

Abstract: Articles comprised of bioactive agents coupled to or repelled by a graft polymer (made, for example, from monomers such as N-(3-aminopropyl) methacrylamide hydrochloride (APMA), 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylamide (AAm), and acrylic acid (AA)) which is in turn bonded to a polymeric substrate surface. The articles are useful as thromboresistant and/or antimicrobial medical devices.

Abstract: An occlusive, pressure-reducing wound dressing with a multi-layer laminate construction providing one easy-to-apply dressing. The occlusive pressure-reducing dressing includes an occlusive, wound-contacting layer made of a biologically compatible polymer. A pressure-reducing layer is joined at a bottom surface to the occlusive layer. The pressure-reducing layer is comprised of a soft, air-containing material such as a foam or an air-entrapping film which has a top surface shaped to provide a progressive rate of resistance to compressive force applied to the pressure-reducing layer and which allows the pressure-reducing layer to conform to curved body surfaces. The occlusive portion of the dressing therefore provides a moist environment and a barrier against infection while the pressure-reducing portion or component minimizes interaction between the wound and any supporing surface in contact therewith.

Abstract: Articles comprised of bioactive agents coupled to or repelled by a graft polymer (made, for example, from monomers such as N-(3-aminopropyl) methacrylamide hydrochloride (APMA), 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylamide (AAm)m and acrylic acid (AA)) which is in turn bonded to a polymeric substrate surface. The articles are useful as thromboresistant and/or antimicrobial medical devices.