Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices; in particular and without limitation, to unique electrodes and/or electrical lead assemblies for stimulating cardiac tissue, muscle tissue, neurological tissue, brain tissue and/or organ tissue; to electrophysiology mapping and ablation catheters for monitoring and selectively altering physiologic conduction pathways; and, wherein said electrodes, lead assemblies and catheters optionally include fluid irrigation conduit(s) for providing therapeutic and/or performance enhancing materials to adjacent biological tissue, and wherein each said device is coupled to or incorporates nanostructure or materials therein. The present invention also provides methods for fabricating, deploying, and operating such medical devices.

Abstract: A medical electrical electrode includes an elongated conductive coil located over a lead body, and a conductive polymer material in contact with the lead body and located between individual coils of the elongated conductive coil. In certain embodiments, the conductive polymer is a polymer (e.g., silicone) implanted with a conductive filler (e.g., carbon black). In certain embodiments, the conductive polymer material is generally isodiametric with an outer diameter of the individual coils of the elongated conductive coil. A medical electrical electrode is fabricated by sliding an elongated conductive coil over a length of a lead body, dispersing a conductive polymer on the helical coil, inserting a tubing over the elongated conductive coil, distributing the polymer material between individual turns of the elongated conductive coil, heating the tubing so the tubing shrinks around the elongated conductive coil, and removing the tubing.

Abstract: A medical electrical electrode includes an elongated conductive coil located over a lead body, and a conductive polymer material in contact with the lead body and located between individual coils of the elongated conductive coil. In certain embodiments, the conductive polymer is a polymer (e.g., silicone) implanted with a conductive filler (e.g., carbon black). In certain embodiments, the conductive polymer material is generally isodiametric with an outer diameter of the individual coils of the elongated conductive coil. A medical electrical electrode is fabricated by sliding an elongated conductive coil over a length of a lead body, dispersing a conductive polymer on the helical coil, inserting a tubing over the elongated conductive coil, distributing the polymer material between individual turns of the elongated conductive coil, heating the tubing so the tubing shrinks around the elongated conductive coil, and removing the tubing.

Abstract: A process for making an implantable material comprising a composite of a biocompatible polymer and a bioactive agent. The composite combines desirable mechanical properties of polymers and the bioactivity of tissue or one or more component of tissue. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to methods for the manufacture of implantable materials, devices and components via a powder molding process.

Abstract: Polymer-coated medical devices having improved structural integrity and drug elution profile, and related methods. Treatment of a polymeric undercoat layer to reflow the undercoat polymer results in a substrate/coating interface with improved adhesion.

Abstract: Methods of modifying polyurethanes using surface treated clay are disclosed herein. Such methods can be useful for controlling the surface concentration of one or more additives in the polyurethane, which can be useful for fabricating medical devices therefrom.

Abstract: Cell delivery compositions including shear thinning polymers and their use in cell delivery are described. The cell delivery compositions include shear thinning polymers that confer higher viscosity when at rest and decreased viscosity when subject to shear stress when dissolved or suspended in a carrier liquid. These shear thinning properties can facilitate cell delivery. Shear thinning polymer solutions may be used to deliver cells to particular tissue sites in a subject.

Abstract: A medical electrical electrode includes an elongated conductive coil located over a lead body, and a conductive polymer material in contact with the lead body and located between individual coils of the elongated conductive coil. In certain embodiments, the conductive polymer is a polymer (e.g., silicone) implanted with a conductive filler (e.g., carbon black). In certain embodiments, the conductive polymer material is generally isodiametric with an outer diameter of the individual coils of the elongated conductive coil. A medical electrical electrode is fabricated by sliding an elongated conductive coil over a length of a lead body, dispersing a conductive polymer on the helical coil, inserting a tubing over the elongated conductive coil, distributing the polymer material between individual turns of the elongated conductive coil, heating the tubing so the tubing shrinks around the elongated conductive coil, and removing the tubing.

Abstract: An improved osteoimplant device and method for producing it. Bone particles are mixed with a polymer and a solvent. The mixture is formed into the shape of an osteoimplant and substantially all of the solvent is removed. The osteoimplant may be osteoinductive, osteoconductive, and load-bearing.

Abstract: A connector terminal of a medical electrical lead or adapter includes a strut member supporting at least one electrical contact element and at least one seal zone element, which is positioned adjacent to the contact element.

Abstract: AnB block copolymers, wherein n is at least two, that include A blocks with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) units and B blocks with urethane groups, urea groups, imide groups, amide groups, ether groups, ester groups, or combinations thereof, as well as medical devices and methods.

Abstract: A connector terminal of a medical electrical lead or adapter includes a strut member supporting at least one electrical contact element and at least one seal zone element, which is positioned adjacent to the contact element.

Abstract: An active agent delivery system that includes two or more active agents and two or more layers of polymers; wherein at least one layer includes miscible polymer blend comprising two or more miscible polymers; and further wherein delivery of at least one active agent occurs predominantly under permeation control.

Abstract: An active agent delivery system that includes two or more active agents in a layer of a miscible polymer blend having at least two miscible polymers; wherein delivery of at least one of the active agents occurs predominantly under permeation control; and further wherein the permeability of the active agent that is to be released faster is greater than the permeability of the other one or more active agents.

Abstract: AnB block copolymers, wherein n is at least two, that include A blocks with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) units and B blocks with urethane groups, urea groups, imide groups, amide groups, ether groups, ester groups, or combinations thereof, as well as medical devices and methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides active agent delivery systems for use in medical devices, wherein the active agent delivery systems include an active agent and a hydrophilic miscible polymer blend that includes an active agent and a miscible polymer blend comprising a hydrophilic polymer (preferably, a polyurethane) and a second polymer having a different swellability in water at 37° C.

Abstract: AnB block copolymers, wherein n is at least two, that include A blocks with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) units and B blocks with urethane groups, urea groups, imide groups, amide groups, ether groups, ester groups, or combinations thereof, as well as medical devices and methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides active agent delivery systems for use in medical devices, wherein the active agent delivery systems include an active agent and a miscible polymer blend that includes a hydrophobic cellulose derivative and a polyvinyl homopolymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of a polyvinyl alkylate homopolymer or copolymer, a polyvinyl alkyl ether homopolymer or copolymer, a polyvinyl acetal homopolymer or copolymer, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides active agent delivery systems for use in medical devices, wherein the active agent delivery systems include an active agent and a miscible polymer blend.

Abstract: The present invention provides active agent delivery systems for use in medical devices, wherein the active agent delivery systems include an active agent and a miscible polymer blend that includes a poly(ethylene-co-(meth)acrylate) and a second polymer not including poly(ethylene vinyl acetate).