Abstract: Methods and systems for coating particles are disclosed.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a medical article is provided which comprises a latex antimicrobial region. The latex antimicrobial region can constitute the entirety of the medical article, or it can constitute only a portion of the medical article. The latex antimicrobial region comprises release-modulating microparticles, which are dispersed within a latex polymer. The release-modulating microparticles further comprise an antimicrobial agent, and the microparticles are adapted to release the antimicrobial agent. Examples of medical articles that can be produced in accordance with the present invention are gloves, finger cots, supply and drainage tubes, catheters, condoms, and contraceptive diaphragms. Also described are methods for forming such articles.

Abstract: A catheter includes a wall surrounding a lumen. The wall has an inner portion forming an outer surface of the lumen and an outer portion surrounding at least a portion of an outer surface of the inner portion. A first diffusion rate of materials from the lumen through the inner portion is different from a second diffusion rate through the outer portion. A durometer hardness of the inner portion is lower than a durometer hardness of the outer portion.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a medical article is provided which comprises a latex antimicrobial region. The latex antimicrobial region can constitute the entirety of the medical article, or it can constitute only a portion of the medical article. The latex antimicrobial region comprises release-modulating microparticles, which are dispersed within a latex polymer. The release-modulating microparticles further comprise an antimicrobial agent, and the microparticles are adapted to release the antimicrobial agent. Examples of medical articles that can be produced in accordance with the present invention are gloves, finger cots, supply and drainage tubes, catheters, condoms, and contraceptive diaphragms. Also described are methods for forming such articles.

Abstract: A catheter extending from a distal end which, when in an operative position is inserted within a body of a patient, to a proximal end, the catheter comprising a charge holding cavity to which a therapeutic compound is to be supplied and a wall including inner and outer portions, an inner surface of the inner portion surrounding the charge holding cavity with an outer portion surrounding at least a portion of an outer surface of the inner portion, wherein the inner portion is formed so that a first diffusion rate of the therapeutic compound therethrough is different from a second diffusion rate through the outer portion.

Abstract: A medical device with anti-microbial properties to prevent infections. This medical device, such as an in-dwelling catheter, has a portion that is insertable into the body of a patient and accessible from outside the body once the portion is inserted. The portion has an outer wall, a first active lumen within the outer wall, and a false lumen within the outer wall in which the false lumen has a distal portion and a proximal portion. The false lumen contains an anti-microbial agent that provides the outer wall with anti-microbial properties. The distal portion of the false lumen is sealed. The false lumen may be adjacent to the first active lumen. The medical device may also contain a second active lumen, wherein the first active lumen is an inlet lumen and the second active lumen is an outlet lumen. Alternatively, the false lumen may surround the first active lumen.

Abstract: Methods of making polymer particles, as well as related particles, compositions, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating medical devices. The treatment includes introducing liquid antimicrobial agents into medical devices.

Abstract: Freeze thaw methods for making polymer particles, as well as related particles, compositions and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided including a vascular access device and a coating on at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the vascular access device. The coating includes: (a) a polymeric component including at least one of a light reactive moiety and a sound reactive moiety; and (b) at least one therapeutic agent releasably associated with the polymeric component, wherein a rate of release of the therapeutic agent is controlled by in situ exposure of the medical device to at least one of a light energy source and an ultrasound energy source.

Abstract: Polymer particles including a covalently bonded chemical species, as well as related compositions and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter extending from a distal end which, when in an operative position is inserted within a body of a patient, to a proximal end, the catheter comprising a charge holding cavity to which a therapeutic compound is to be supplied and a wall including inner and outer portions, an inner surface of the inner portion surrounding the charge holding cavity with an outer portion surrounding at least a portion of an outer surface of the inner portion, wherein the inner portion is formed so that a first diffusion rate of the therapeutic compound therethrough is different from a second diffusion rate through the outer portion.

Abstract: A system for providing medical device with anti-microbial properties to prevent infections. The system includes a medical device having a portion for insertion into the body of a patient, a lumen, and a substrate comprising an anti-microbial agent to be inserted into the lumen of the medical device. To protect the substrate from anti-microbial agents during insertion into the lumen, the system further includes a collapsible cover connected to the substrate. A connector can be used for attaching the substrate to the cover. The substrate may be an iodine-based rod. A guidewire may be attached to the connector to further facilitate insertion of the substrate into the lumen.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating medical devices. The treatment includes introducing liquid antimicrobial agents into medical devices.

Abstract: A catheter extending from a distal end which, when in an operative position is inserted within a body of a patient, to a proximal end, the catheter comprising a charge holding cavity to which a therapeutic compound is to be supplied and a wall including inner and outer portions, an inner surface of the inner portion surrounding the charge holding cavity with an outer portion surrounding at least a portion of an outer surface of the inner portion, wherein the inner portion is formed so that a first diffusion rate of the therapeutic compound therethrough is different from a second diffusion rate through the outer portion.

Abstract: A system for providing medical device with anti-microbial properties to prevent infections. The system includes a medical device having a portion for insertion into the body of a patient, a lumen, and a substrate comprising an anti-microbial agent to be inserted into the lumen of the medical device. To protect the substrate from anti-microbial agents during insertion into the lumen, the system further includes a collapsible cover connected to the substrate. A connector can be used for attaching the substrate to the cover. The substrate may be an iodine-based rod. A guidewire may be attached to the connector to further facilitate insertion of the substrate into the lumen.

Abstract: Powder-free natural rubber and synthetic elastomeric articles, in particular, gloves, having an inner coating of a nitrile rubber with an intermediate layer of a rubber blend comprised of natural or synthetic rubber and nitrile rubber interposed between the nitrile coating and the base glove and their method of manufacture are described. The intermediate layer of the rubber blend interposed between the coating and the glove imparts a unique surface texture to the glove which aids donning and eliminates self-sticking of the inner glove surfaces, especially after the glove has been sterilized by radiation. Additionally the gloves of the invention exhibit good grippability, good donnability, superior tensile strength, elongation to break and stress at 500% elongation.