Abstract: A solid embolic material that is capable of filling irregularly shaped and asymmetrical vascular defects in a controlled and predictable manner, without the difficulties associated with delivery of the embolic material through a microcatheter and containment of the embolic material in a defect. A detachable embolic balloon with optional check valve for maintaining liquid in the balloon prior to curing and optional multi-leaflet covering to prevent the balloon from expanding into the native vascular lumen.

Abstract: A solid embolic material that is capable of filling irregularly shaped and asymmetrical vascular defects in a controlled and predictable manner, without the difficulties associated with delivery of the embolic material through a microcatheter and containment of the embolic material in a defect. A detachable embolic balloon with optional check valve for maintaining liquid in the balloon prior to curing and optional multi-leaflet covering to prevent the balloon from expanding into the native vascular lumen.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is used to deliver a dosage of radiation to a localized site within a patient. The device is coated with a chelator selected for its bonding affinity with a specific radioisotope. A base layer and optionally a spacer layer is first applied to the device to provide a proper foundation for the chelator. Just prior to implantation, the device is immersed in a solution of the radioisotope which enables a preselected amount of such radioisotope to be adsorbed.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is used to deliver a dosage of radiation to a localized site within a patient. The device is coated with a chelator selected for its bonding affinity with a specific radioisotope. A base layer and optionally a spacer layer is first applied to the device to provide a proper foundation for the chelator. Just prior to implantation, the device is immersed in a solution of the radioisotope which enables a preselected amount of such radioisotope to be adsorbed.

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: 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: The biodegradable mesh and film stent for use in blood vessels is formed of a sheet of a composite mesh material formed of biodegradable high strength polymer fibers bonded together with a second biodegradable adhesive polymer, and laminated on at least one side with a thin film of a third biodegradable polymer. The biodegradable mesh and film material is formed as a sheet and cut in a shape that can be used as a stent, such as a "belt-buckle" type shape, the ends of which can be joined in a contractible, expandable loop. In the method of making the biodegradable composite mesh and film stent, the composite mesh is preferably formed from a weave formed of high strength biodegradable polymeric fibers, and a plurality of low temperature melting biodegradable polymeric fibers. In an alternate embodiment, the high strength fibers are commingled with the low temperature melting fibers. In another alternate embodiment, the high strength fibers are coated with the low temperature melting polymer.

Abstract: The drug loaded polymeric material containing a therapeutic drug can be applied to a structure of an intravascular stent. A therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic drug is incorporated into such a layer of polymeric material, without significantly increasing the thickness of the stent, to avoid interfering with the function of the stent. The drug loaded polymer coating of the stent can formed to include pores, can be multi-layered to permit the combination of a plurality of different drug containing materials in a single stent, and can include a rate controlling membrane to allow for controlled retention and delivery of selected drugs within the affected blood vessel upon implantation. The layer of polymeric material is manufactured by combining the selected polymeric material with a relatively high loading of the therapeutic drug in a thermal process, such as coextrusion of the therapeutic drug with the polymeric material.

Abstract: A stent of multilayered laminated construction wherein one layer addresses the structural requirements of the stent and additional layers release drugs at predictable rates. Both the structural layer as well as the drug releasing layers are eventually completely resorbed by the body.

Abstract: An anticoagulant releasably associated with a cell membrane mimicking substance is incorporated in a biomedical polymer or polymer coating and serves to both prevent the blood from recognizing the polymer as a foreign substance as well as actively interfere in any coagulation process that may occur.

Abstract: A composition for the controlled release of an active substance comprises a polymeric particle matrix, where each particle defines a network of internal pores. The active substance is entrapped within the pore network together with a blocking agent having physical and chemical characteristics selected to modify the release rate of the active substance from the internal pore network. In an exemplary embodiment, drugs may be selectively delivered to the intestines using an enteric material as the blocking agent. The enteric material remains intact in the stomach but will degrade under the pH conditions of the intestines. In another exemplary embodiment, the sustained release formulation employs a blocking agent which remains stable under the expected conditions of the environment to which the active substance is to be released.