Abstract: The present invention provides active agent delivery systems for use in medical devices, wherein the active agent delivery systems include an active agent and a miscible polymer blend that includes a poly(ethylene-co-(meth)acrylate) and a second polymer not including poly(ethylene vinyl acetate).

Abstract: Polymer-coated medical devices having improved structural integrity and drug elution profile, and related methods. Treatment of a polymeric undercoat layer to reflow the undercoat polymer results in a substrate/coating interface with improved adhesion.

Abstract: The present invention provides active agent delivery systems for use in medical devices, wherein the active agent delivery systems include an active agent and a miscible polymer blend that includes a polyurethane and a second polymer, preferably one that has at least one Tg equal to or higher than all Tg's of the polyurethane.

Abstract: Compounds that include diorgano groups having quaternary carbons and optionally urethane groups, urea groups, or combinations thereof (i.e., polyurethanes, polyureas, or polyurethane-ureas), as well as materials and methods for making such compounds.

Abstract: A high energy density capacitor comprising an organic polymeric dielectric material having a dielectric constant of at least about 7; wherein the organic polymeric dielectric material comprises polymerized alkyl (alpha-substituted)acrylate monomers having at least one dipole group; wherein when the monomers are polymerized, the dipole group is attached to the main polymeric chain through a heteroatom-containing linking group.

Abstract: A novel polymeric electrically insulating material that includes a linked voltage stabilizing agent. Also provided are methods of making the novel material and articles and devices that incorporate the novel material, particularly implantable medical devices.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a defibrillator is described. The device includes an hermetically sealed housing containing a flat electrolytic capacitor and an energy source such as a battery. The battery is connected to the capacitor and provides charge thereto. The capacitor stores the charge at a relatively high voltage. The charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through a defibrillation lead to a site on or in the heart when fibrillation of the heart is detected by the implantable medical device. Methods of making and using the implantable medical device, the capacitor, and their various components are disclosed.

Abstract: A high energy density capacitor comprising an organic polymeric dielectric material having a dielectric constant of at least about 7; wherein the organic polymeric dielectric material comprises polymerized alkyl (alpha-substituted)acrylate monomers having at least one dipole group; wherein when the monomers are polymerized, the dipole group is attached to the main polymeric chain through a heteroatom-containing linking group.

Abstract: A band-shaped annuloplasty device (e.g., C- or D-shaped ring) that is relatively rigid during handling and implantation and becomes relatively complaint after implantation. Preferably, the device includes a core material that softens after implantation.

Abstract: A bioerodible controlled release dosage form is disclosed comprising a polymer formed by condensing beneficial agents having a hydroxyl functionality of two or more with diketene acetals or divinyl ethers which delivers beneficial agents to a biological environment of use. A statistically significant portion of the beneficial agent is covalently bonded within the polymer matrix.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of bioerodible poly(ortho ester)s and polyacetals containing beneficial agents having a hydroxyl functionality of two or more and their fabrication into controlled release dosage forms having a reproducible delivery of the beneficial agent into the biological environment of use are disclosed.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a bioerodible poly(ortho ester) thermoplastic elastomer prepared from:(A) a diketene diacetal;(B) a long-chain non-polar, flexible diol containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms; and(C) a diol selected from the group consisting of:(i) diols containing at least one functional group which produces hydrogen bonding or other association, and(ii) rigid symmetrical diols.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a variable permeability liquid crystalline membrane, comprising a porous structure containing a polymeric liquid crystal which can undergo a phase change.The instant invention is also directed to a process for regulating the flow of solutes or permeants through a liquid crystalline membrane, comprising changing the phase of a polymeric liquid crystal supported by a porous structure.

Abstract: A chondroitin or a chondroitin sulfate covalently or ionically bonded to a drug substance of the group consisting of chloramphenicol, methotrexate, adriamycin, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, 6-mercaptopurine, 5-fluorouracil, the penicillin antibiotics, the cephalosporin antibiotics, and the 1-oxacephalosporin antibiotics to form a prodrug which, when injected into animal tissue, undergoes natural conversion in the physiological environment to provide controlled release of the drug or an active drug complex.