Abstract: The invention is directed to methods involving rewetting of expandable polymers with a wettable liquid to allow for enhanced expansion at or below room temperature without breakage, and in some cases, allows one to achieve a greater expansion ratio than that allowed at elevated temperatures using known methods. The wettable liquid can be formed of a drug and/or an agent, such that the resulting polymer contains and emits the drug upon positioning at a target location of a patient body. The present invention also allows one to achieve material with unique properties and handling characteristics. These properties included decreased material thickness, increased density, an altered node/fibril morphology, and a more consistent web in the case of flat material.

Abstract: A medical device is loaded with a number of therapeutic agents using a corresponding method to apply a medicated ink mark. The resulting medical device can include surface activation of an immobilizing medication, controlled medication release, and the ability to use dyes or pigments to delineate different active ingredients by location and dosage. The active medicinal compounds can be placed on selective areas of the medical device. The medical device having the medicated ink mark can provide a detectable and dosemetric controllable delivery to a specific targeted and localized location to provide the maximum therapeutic benefit. The medicated ink may be applied to the medical device by a number of different methods, by a manufacturer or by the user at the time of medical device use. Dimensions of the markings printed onto the medical device can further serve to control and identify to the user the dosage amount of the medical agent available on the marked medical device.

Abstract: A medical ink is loaded with a number of therapeutic agents. The ink is then applied directly to the tissue of a patient, either internally or externally, resulting in a therapeutic ink marking. The therapeutic ink marking can include surface activation of an immobilizing medication, controlled medication release, and/or the ability to use dyes or pigments to delineate different active ingredients by location and dosage. The active medicinal compounds can be placed on selective areas of the tissue as applied in the marking. The marking can provide a detectable and dosemetric controllable delivery to a specific targeted and localized location to provide the maximum therapeutic benefit. The medicated ink may be applied to a number of different methods. Dimensions of the markings can further serve to control and identify to the user the dosage amount of the medical agent applied to the tissue. Multiple types of medical agents with multiple application methods can be used.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery system includes an irrigating shaped form, such as a non-perforated irrigating shaped form, fluidly coupled with a container storing a first agent. The irrigating shaped form is sized and dimensioned for positioning within a patient's body. A second agent is disposed at the irrigating shaped form. The second agent can either be supplied separately to the irrigating shaped form, pre-exist within the irrigating shaped form, exist as a coating or other residual element on the irrigating shaped form, or the like. The irrigating shaped form is expanded to maximum predetermined diameter and pressed against a targeted location within a patient's body. In a corresponding method, upon delivery of a first agent from the first agent container through the irrigating shaped form, the first agent reacts with the second agent forming a therapeutic agent, which can be pressurized. The therapeutic agent emits from a portion of the irrigating shaped form at the targeted location.

Abstract: A system for forming a polymeric body includes a non-perforated irrigating shaped form, such as a catheter balloon, fluidly coupled with a container storing a first component. The irrigating shaped form is sized and dimensioned for positioning within a patient's body. A second component is disposed at the irrigating shaped form. The second component can either be supplied separately to the irrigating shaped form, pre-exist within the irrigating shaped form, exist as a coating or other residual element on the irrigating shaped form, or the like. In a corresponding method, a first component reacts with the second component upon delivery of the first component from the first component container through the irrigating shaped form. The reaction of the components forms a compound emitted from the irrigating shaped form to a targeted location within the patient's body. The compound cures to form the polymeric body.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods involving rewetting of expandable polymers with a wettable liquid to allow for enhanced expansion at or below room temperature without breakage, and in some cases, allows one to achieve a greater expansion ratio than that allowed at elevated temperatures using known methods. The wettable liquid can be formed of a drug and/or an agent, such that the resulting polymer contains and emits the drug upon positioning at a target location of a patient body. The expandable polymer can also have the drug or agent added to its structure at a polymer resin preparation stage, through use of an aqueous solution mixed with one or more fluoropolymers, or in a mixing stage. The present invention also allows one to achieve material with unique properties and handling characteristics. These properties included decreased material thickness, increased density, an altered node/fibril morphology, and a more consistent web in the case of flat material.

Abstract: A therapeutic delivery device includes a non-perforated insufflating shaped form, such as a catheter irrigating shaped form, coupled to a first gas source. The insufflating shaped form is sized and dimensioned for positioning within a patient body. A second gas is stored within the insufflating shaped form. The second gas can be stored within an inner chamber of the insufflating shaped form, within the walls of the insufflating shaped form, or the like. In a corresponding method, a first gas reacts with the second gas upon delivery of the first gas from the first gas source through the insufflating shaped form. The reaction forms a gas mixture, which emits from the insufflating shaped form to a targeted location within the patient body. The insufflating shaped form serves to maintain a predetermined concentration of the gas mixture at the targeted location for a desired dwell time.

Abstract: A method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a targeted location within a patient efficiently delivers the agent with a reduced systemic effect. The method includes providing a non-perforated delivery device having at least one wall through which a fluid at first fluid pressure can pass through. The non-perforated delivery device is positioned to provide a radial fluid force against the targeted location. The fluid, including at least one therapeutic agent, is supplied to the therapeutic agent delivery device at the first fluid pressure. The fluid passes through the at least one wall of the delivery device to create a semi-confined space external to the delivery device at a second fluid pressure. The delivery device applies the radial fluid force against the semi-confined space and the fluid disposed therein while simultaneously facilitating the fluid passing through the delivery device to maintain the second fluid pressure in the semi-confined space at the targeted location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to a biocompatible soft tissue implant is disclosed. The implant, in the form of a prosthesis, is constructed of a knitted pile mesh material arranged into either a 3-dimensional structure or a planar shape or structure. The material or fabric includes a plurality of filament extensions projecting outwardly therefrom. The filament extensions can be radially projecting looping filaments from one or more rows of the knitted pile mesh material. The combination of the filament extensions with the 3-dimensional structure results in the biocompatible implant having a structural resistance to hinder anticipated crushing forces applied to the implant, and also provide a suitable 3-dimensional structure for promoting rapid tissue in-growth to anchor such implant without migration and strengthen the repaired tissue area.

Abstract: An implantable medical device having a removable polymeric drug delivery panel electrostatically coupled to a surface of a radially expandable structure is provided. The removable polymeric drug delivery panel provides a microporous structure suitable for embedding one or more bioactive agents to allow for kinetic release of the agent or agents at a desired location within a hollow fluid body organ. The removable polymeric drug delivery panel is characterized as having a relatively large and flat surface area to allow for extended or high volumes of kinetic release potential at the site.

Abstract: A tunneling device, which is implantable in a body, includes a flexible covering to protect a medical from contamination during the handling and implantation of the device in the body. The tunneling device of the present invention may optionally include a rigid tunneler tip that allows for attachment of the tunneling device to a tunneler instrument prior to the implantation process.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishing a re-usable, recurring, mechanical connection to an organ within a patient is provided. A body fluid cartridge exchange platform device includes a hollow cartridge platform housing with a first end having an opening. The platform housing can additionally have a second end with a second opening. The first opening and the second opening facilitate insertion of an exchange cartridge insert that sealably engages the housing. The first opening and the second opening additionally facilitate removal of the exchange cartridge insert. The exchange cartridge insert can facilitate a flow path between a first leg and a second leg of the platform housing, and can facilitate a flow path between the platform housing and an external location for medical procedure or drug delivery purposes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods involving rewetting of expandable polymers with a wettable liquid to allow for enhanced expansion at or below room temperature without breakage, and in some cases, allows one to achieve a greater expansion ratio than that allowed at elevated temperatures using known methods. The wettable liquid can be formed of a drug and/or an agent, such that the resulting polymer contains and emits the drug upon positioning at a target location of a patient body. The present invention also allows one to achieve material with unique properties and handling characteristics. These properties included decreased material thickness, increased density, an altered node/fibril morphology, and a more consistent web in the case of flat material.

Abstract: A radially expandable device having a body constructed of a generally inelastic, expanded fluoropolymer material is described. The body is deployable upon application of a radial expansion force from a reduced diameter, collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a pre-defined and fixed increased diameter. The body has a singular, unitary construction of generally homogenous material that is characterized by a seamless construction of expanded fluoropolymer material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and is preferably constructed through an extrusion and expansion process. The body is further characterized by a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils in which substantially all the nodes of the body are oriented generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A tunneling device, which is implantable in a body, includes a flexible covering to protect a medical from contamination during the handling and implantation of the device in the body. The tunneling device of the present invention may optionally include a rigid tunneler tip that allows for attachment of the tunneling device to a tunneler instrument prior to the implantation process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to a biocompatible soft tissue implant is disclosed. The implant, in the form of a prosthesis, is constructed of a knitted pile mesh material arranged into either a 3-dimensional structure or a planar shape or structure. The material or fabric includes a plurality of filament extensions projecting outwardly therefrom. The filament extensions can be radially projecting looping filaments from one or more rows of the knitted pile mesh material. The combination of the filament extensions with the 3-dimensional structure results in the biocompatible implant having a structural resistance to hinder anticipated crushing forces applied to the implant, and also provide a suitable 3-dimensional structure for promoting rapid tissue in-growth to anchor such implant without migration and strengthen the repaired tissue area.

Abstract: A vascular endoprosthesis is formed of a tubular liner preform with a continuous surface and having a diameter smaller than that of an intended vessel. The liner is inserted to a treatment site, and its sheet material undergoes a radially-directed expansion to a final size that fits the vessel. Insertion and in situ expansion are achieved using a catheter assembly in which either an internal stent, such as a stiff-filament helically woven tube, or an inflatable balloon urge the liner preform outwardly against the inner wall of the vessel. The stent, or one or more simple internal snap-rings anchor the expanded liner in place. The expanded liner is porous, or becomes more porous during expansion, and one or more aspects of its porosity are tailored to the intended treatment goal of immobilizing treatment material, isolating cells, or permitting controlled permeation of selected materials.

Abstract: A porous tube suitable for use as a vascular graft prosthesis and a method of making it is disclosed. It has a structure of porous polytetrafluoroethylene having a fibrous structure of nodes and fibers connecting the nodes together and an integrated intrawall circumferential support adjacent to areas of variable porosity. This invention provides a polytetrafluoroethylene polymer in a porous form useful as artificial internal organs for, for example vascular bypass, vascular access, and endovascular prosthesis. PTFE walls are found with radial zones of differing porosity are described.

Abstract: A method of making a radially expandable device having a body constructed of a generally inelastic, expanded fluoropolymer material. The body is deployable upon application of a radial expansion force from a reduced diameter, collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a pre-defined and fixed increased diameter. The body has a singular, unitary construction of generally homogenous material that is characterized by a seamless construction of expanded fluoropolymer material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and is preferably constructed through an extrusion and expansion process. The body is further characterized by a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils in which substantially all the nodes of the body are oriented generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid recovery systems for collecting fluid from a patient. A fluid recovery system according to the teachings of the invention includes a housing having a collection chamber for collecting fluid from a patient, and further includes a plurality of components and/or structures that are integrally formed with the housing. Such integrally molded components can include valves for controlling fluid flow within the fluid recovery system and a tamper resistant disposal system.