Abstract: A system for a passive optical network.

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: 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: 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: A bioerodible endoprosthesis erodes by galvanic erosion that can provide, e.g., improved endothelialization and therapeutic effects.

Abstract: A stent includes a MOF which adjusts pore size upon desorption or adsorption of organic molecules.

Abstract: The present invention pertains, among other things, to polymers having one or more lipophilic hydrocarbon segments and one or more biodegradable polymeric segments, to methods of making such polymers and to products formed using such polymers.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery device and method for eluting a therapeutic agent to a target location are disclosed. The device may comprise a first conductive element, a second conductive element, an electrochemical composition including an electrolyte and a therapeutic agent, and a permeable membrane covering the electrochemical composition. The first conductive element and the second conductive element are adapted to be connected to a voltage source. When the voltage source is connected to the first conductive element and the second conductive element, an electrochemical reaction occurs causing the therapeutic agent to pass through the permeable membrane and thereby to elute to a target location.

Abstract: Implantable or insertable medical devices are described, which include one or more polymeric regions and one or more therapeutic agents. The polymeric regions, which regulate the release of one or more therapeutic agent from the medical device, contain copolymer molecules, each of which includes one or more soft segments and one or more uniform hard segments (e.g., polyamide segments that do not vary in length from molecule to molecule, among others).

Abstract: Nanoparticle precursor structures, nanoparticle structures, and composite materials that include the nanoparticle structures in a polymer to form a composite material. The nanoparticle structures have chemical linkage moieties capable of forming non-covalent bonds with portions of a polymer for the composite material. Such composite materials are useful as biomaterials in medical devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compounds from which nanofibers can be produced, the resulting nanofibers produced from the compounds, and nanofiber reinforced polymers prepared using the nanofibers and a polymer. The compounds used in forming the nanofibers include chemical linkage moieties that are capable of forming non-covalent bonds with portions of the polymer so as to form the nanofiber reinforced polymers. The nanofiber reinforced polymers are useful as biomaterials in medical devices.

Abstract: A biomimetic electrode material including a fibrous matrix including a conductive polymer and an ion conducting polymeric material is described. The biomimetic electrode material may be used in a number of body-implantable applications including cardiac and neuro-stimulation applications. The biomimetic electrode material can be formed using electrospinning and other related processes. The biomimetic electrode may facilitate efficient charge transport from ionically conductive tissue to the electronically conductive electrode, and may induce surrounding tissue to attach or interface directly to the implanted device, increasing the biocompatibility of the device.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, medical devices are provided which comprise a metallic region and a coating on all or part of the metallic region that comprises a multivalent acid.

Abstract: Medical copolymers are provided which comprise (a) a polymer backbone comprising (i) a plurality of —C?C— groups within the polymer backbone, (ii) a plurality of —R9— groups within the polymer backbone, wherein R9 comprises a radical-substituted C2-C10 cyclic or heterocyclic group, or (iii) both a plurality of —C?C— groups and a plurality of —R9— groups within the polymer backbone, (b) a plurality of hydrocarbon-based pendant groups along the polymer backbone that comprise a saturated or unsaturated carbon chain of at least four carbons in length, and (c) a plurality of zwitterionic pendant groups along the polymer backbone that comprise a positively charged quaternary ammonium group and a negatively charged phosphate group. Methods of forming such copolymers, medical products that contain such copolymers, and methods of making such medical products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for sealing an opening in a vessel includes an anchor attached to a suture. The anchor is inserted through the opening into the vessel, and the suture pulls the anchor against the vessel wall, forming a seal. A plug is inserted over the suture and is axially compressed toward the anchor, locking the elements in place. The suture is braided or woven outside of the anchor so that it may be stored and handled easily, and is unbraided, unwoven and/or untangled at its distal end inside the anchor, so that individual filaments within the suture may extend laterally within the anchor. The laterally extending filaments subtend a larger footprint within the anchor than a comparable footprint if the suture were to remain braided or tied into a knot within the anchor, which may more effectively distribute the retaining forces within the anchor.

Abstract: A bioerodible endoprosthesis erodes by galvanic erosion that can provide, e.g., improved endothelialization and therapeutic effects.