Abstract: A polymer composition for use in forming a stent is described. The composition includes a monomer of an aliphatic ester of acrylic acid which has a glass transition temperature less than 25° C. and a second monomer that copolymerizes with the first monomer and which has a glass transition temperature greater than 25° C. The components in the composition are mixed in amounts suitable to give a copolymer having a glass transition temperature less than 25° C., or in case of block copolymers, having at least one glass transition temperature less than 25° C. A stent including polymer members formed from the described composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer composition for use in forming a stent is described. The composition includes a monomer of an aliphatic ester of acrylic acid which has a glass transition temperature less than 25° C. and a second monomer that copolymerizes with the first monomer and which has a glass transition temperature greater than 25° C. The components in the composition are mixed in amounts suitable to give a copolymer having a glass transition temperature less than 25° C., or in case of block copolymers, having at least one glass transition temperature less than 25° C. A stent including polymer members formed from the described composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer composition for use in forming a stent is described. The composition includes a monomer of an aliphatic ester of acrylic acid which has a glass transition temperature less than 25° C. and a second monomer that copolymerizes with the first monomer and which has a glass transition temperature greater than 25° C. The components in the composition are mixed in amounts suitable to give a copolymer having a glass transition temperature less than 25° C., or in case of block copolymers, having at least one glass transition temperature less than 25° C. A stent including polymer members formed from the described composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions for attracting specific cells to an in vivo site and for stimulating the attracted cells and local resident cells to achieve a desired therapy are described. In one embodiment, a composition for initiating and promoting repair and regeneration of tissue is described. In another embodiment, a composition for inducing a cytotoxic response to tumor cells is described. The compositions are comprised of drug reservoirs containing one or more therapeutic agents effective (1) to attract one or more desired cells to the tissue site; (2) to stimulate activity, e.g., proliferation, differentiation, and/or release of biological factors that promote a desired activity, in the attracted cells; and (3) to prolong survival of the attracted cells and, if desired, local resident cells. A device for administering the composition at a desired site is also described.

Abstract: A polymer composition for use in forming a stent is described. The composition includes a monomer of an aliphatic ester of acrylic acid which has a glass transition temperature less than 25° C. and a second monomer that copolymerizes with the first monomer and which has a glass transition temperature greater than 25° C. The components in the composition are mixed in amounts suitable to give a copolymer having a glass transition temperature less than 25° C., or in case of block copolymers, having at least one glass transition temperature less than 25° C. A stent including polymer members formed from the described composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer composition for use in forming a stent is described. The composition includes a monomer of an aliphatic ester of acrylic acid which has a glass transition temperature less than 25° C. and a second monomer that copolymerizes with the first monomer and which has a glass transition temperature greater than 25° C. The components in the composition are mixed in amounts suitable to give a copolymer having a glass transition temperature less than 25° C., or in case of block copolymers, having at least one glass transition temperature less than 25° C. A stent including polymer members formed from the described composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer composition for use in forming a stent is described. The composition includes a monomer of an aliphatic ester of acrylic acid which has a glass transition temperature less than 25° C. and a second monomer that copolymerizes with the first monomer and which has a glass transition temperature greater than 25° C. The components in the composition are mixed in amounts suitable to give a copolymer having a glass transition temperature less than 25° C., or in case of block copolymers, having at least one glass transition temperature less than 25° C. A stent including polymer members formed from the described composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stent for insertion into a lumen, having rigid regions and flexible regions along its length, and one or more polymer members coaxially disposed about the outer surface of the stent The polymer members are positioned over the rigid regions of the support stent, while the flexible regions are uncovered and free of polymer members, wherein the polymer members are radially expandable with the support stent.

Abstract: A method of inhibitng cellular proliferation associated with a hyperproliferative condition, such as restenosis, is described. The method includes administering a topoisomerase inhibitor. A stent for local administration of the topoisomerase inhibitor is also described.

Abstract: A stent for use in a lumen defined by a wall of a vessel of a patient having a body. The vessel is comprised of a hollow substantially cylindrical member formed of a biocompatible composition. The composition incorporates at least one medical agent in a weight up to 90% of the total weight of the stent so that at least one medical agent is released from the composition of the stent into the vessel at a controlled rate extending over a period of time after the stent is inserted into the vessel.

Abstract: A composition for the sequestration and sustained delivery of an active ingredient in the form of porous particles, the composition comprising the product of the controlled dehydration of particles formed by the reaction of a polymeric anionic material with a polyvalent cation. The composition may be loaded with an active ingredient by soaking the particles in a solution of the active ingredient; and may then be dehydrated. They may then be soaked in a solution of a polymeric cationic material, to form particles providing the controlled release of the active ingredient.

Abstract: A radially-expandable stent for insertion into a lumen is described. The stent is composed of a radially-expandable support stent and a polymer tubular member co-axially disposed over the support stent. Tubular end sleeves are disposed around the first and second ends of the polymer-surrounded support stent to secure the tubular member and to provide other improvements.

Abstract: A composition for the sequestration and sustained delivery of an active ingredient in the form of porous particles, the composition comprising the product of the controlled dehydration of particles formed by the reaction of a polymeric anionic material with a polyvalent cation. The composition may be loaded with an active ingredient by soaking the particles in a solution of the active ingredient; and may then be dehydrated. They may then be soaked in a solution of a polymeric cationic material, to form particles providing the controlled release of the active ingredient.

Abstract: A unit cell for use in a medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed along with a description of a stent formed from a plurality of unit cells and for use in the treatment of restenosis or other vascular narrowing. The unit cell is designed and configured for uniform radial expansion with minimal axial shortening and recoil, and is selectively variable in flexibility and expendability.

Abstract: A stent designed to be carried on the balloon of a balloon catheter to a target site is described. The stent is formed of a series of expandable, strip-like segments, each formed of a memory polymer and adapted for movement between a closed, high-curvature condition and an expanded, low-curvature condition upon exposure to a selected stimulus.

Abstract: Ionic compositions comprise an active ingredient absorbed within a network of internal pores defined by a plurality of polymeric particles. The particles are preferably crosslinked polymeric beads having a diameter in the range from about 5 to 100 microns and a surface charge density from about 0.1 to 10 meq/qm hydrogen ion capacity. The active ingredients are released from the ionic polymer beads over time when orally administered, applied to a keratinic material, typically human skin or hair or otherwise delivered to a target environment. The use of a cationic charge promotes adhesion of the beads to the keratinic material.

Abstract: Retinoids for topical skin application are formulated as impregnants in porous microspheres. Thus formulated, the retinoids display a surprisingly high level of stability and low degree of skin irritation.

Abstract: Ionic compositions comprise an active ingredient absorbed within a network of internal pores defined by a plurality of polymeric particles. The particles are preferably crosslinked polymeric beads having a diameter in the range from about 5 to 100 microns and a surface charge density from about 0.1 to 10 meq/qm hydrogen ion capacity. The active ingredients are released from the ionic polymer beads over time when orally administered, applied to a keratinic material, typically human skin or hair or otherwise delivered to a target environment. The use of a cationic charge promotes adhesion of the beads to the keratinic material.

Abstract: An endoprosthetic device for insertion at a vascular site is described. The device is composed of a structural member carrying a polymer member having an embedded therapeutic compound. The polymer member is formed of a shape-memory polymer for expansion upon exposed to a selected stimulus. The structural member is designed for coexpansion with the polymer member when the device is exposed to the stimulus.

Abstract: A unit cell for use in a medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed along with a description of a stent formed from a plurality of unit cells and for use in the treatment of restenosis or other vascular narrowing. The unit cell is designed and configured for uniform radial expansion with minimal axial shortening and recoil, and is selectively variable in flexibility and expendability.