Abstract: A shaped medical article of a polymeric substrate is extrusion coated with a composition which includes a bioactive agent dispersed in a matrix polymer. Preferred bioactive agents are temperature sensitive agents which undergo thermal decomposition at a temperature above the processing temperature of the matrix polymer. Preferred matrix polymers have a melting point of about 100.degree. C. or lower.

Abstract: An article which becomes lubricious when wet includes a base polymer and a coating composition thereon. The composition includes a lubricating polymer and a matrix polymer which adheres to the base polymer and serves as a carrier for the lubricating polymer. The composition may also include a homogenizing polymer to enhance the compatibility of the matrix and lubricating polymer. The invention includes a method to make the article of the invention by coextruding the base polymer and the coating composition.

Abstract: An article has a blood-contacting hemocompatible surface layer of a urethane-siloxane copolymer on a thermoplastic polymeric base material. The copolymer has siloxane segments prepared from hydroxyalkyl terminated polysiloxane glycols. The article is prepared by coextrusion of the base material and the copolymer.

Abstract: Apparatus designed to coat the internal surfaces of tubular structures, and particularly for coating small diameter tubular structures having porous walls with a controlled coating material which may be a polymer, for example. The arrangement includes structure for rotating the tube to be coated simultaneously with structure for moving a coating applicator apparatus longitudinally through the tube for imparting an evenly dispersed coating throughout the longitudinally extent thereof. The arrangement is such that the apparatus may, selectively, impart a water or other solvent spray against, the already formed coating for extraction of a solvent from the coating. The coating characteristics (i.e., uniformity, thickness and pattern) are controlled by the use of a sintered metal and/or porous applicator, together with a controlled pressurized source of coating material.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a splittable introducer catheter by co-extruding two different polymers of differing solubilities, so that v-shaped strips are formed on each side of the catheter wall which may be easily stripped from the main catheter tube. This leaves an introducer catheter which is easily split along the narrowed v-shaped grooves on diametrically opposite walls of the catheter.

Abstract: An article has a blood-contacting hemocompatible surface layer of a urethane-siloxane copolymer on a thermoplastic polymeric base material. The copolymer has siloxane segments prepared from hydroxyalkyl terminated polysiloxane glycols. The article is prepared by coextrusion of the base material and the copolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for preparing a catheter tube which has a longitudinal line of weakness extending axially there along as a place of preferential splitting. The method includes co-extruding two materials into the tubular cross-sectional shape, one of the materials forms a surface line along the other which extends radially to a level wherein the thickness of the tubing cross-section there at is less. When the co-extruded extra material is moved a groove is in the surface of the tube which groove permits easy tearing there along. The product formed by this method is also disclosed and includes the co-extruded polymers configured into a hollow tube of uniform radial cross-section and thickness before the co-extruded portion is removed.

Abstract: A flexible, winged, over-the-needle catheter assembly and a needle assembly are releasably locked together at their distal ends to prevent relative axial movement therebetween during insertion into a vein. After insertion, the needle assembly can be easily unlocked and then retracted from the catheter assembly. Relative rotation between the catheter and the needle assemblies is prevented by interfitting surfaces thereon, and the direction that the needle bevel faces is indicated by indicia on the catheter wings.