Abstract: An implantable medical device loading method is used to deposit layers into a plurality of holes in the implantable device in a stepwise manner to achieve extended and controllable delivery of drugs from the holes in the device. Each layer is deposited in a liquid form and is then solidified. The depositing and solidifying steps are repeated with the same or different solutions to achieve a controlled drug delivery matrix within the holes. To achieve increased uniformity of the initial layers improved wetting characteristics are desired. The selection and control of the surface energies of one or more of the surfaces within the holes and the surface tension of the filling solution allow the system to achieve the desired wetting characteristics.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering a bioresorbable intravascular stent includes a delivery system or catheter having an expandable balloon. A guidewire lumen having a distal guidewire port and a proximal guidewire port spaced a relatively short distance from the distal end allows rapid exchange of the stent delivery system over a guidewire.

Abstract: Systems and methods introduce a closure material to seal a vessel puncture site. The system and methods provide a catheter adapted for passage through a tissue puncture and sized to occupy substantially all the tissue puncture. The catheter includes a lumen in fluid communication with a fluid delivery port adjacent the catheter distal end. One or more dispensers are in fluid communication with the catheter lumen for dispensing first and second fluid compositions in the catheter lumen. An actuator causes the first and second fluid compositions to be dispensed from the dispensers and mixed by flowing the first and second fluid compositions through a static mixer. The first and second fluid compositions are dispensed from the fluid delivery port as a fluid mixture that reacts in situ to form a nonfluent closure composition adjacent the vessel puncture site.

Abstract: A multi solvent drug delivery matrix formation method is used to place layers into a reservoir in a stent in a stepwise manner to achieve extended delivery of water soluble, sensitive, or difficult to deliver drugs. The multi solvent matrix formation method allows the formation of a drug reservoir with a layered morphology in which the mixing between layers is limited to allow the different layers to perform different functions in controlling drug delivery. A stent having a drug delivery matrix includes a first beneficial agent layer affixed to the stent by depositing a first solution of a first polymer and a first solvent, and a second beneficial agent layer affixed to the first beneficial agent layer by depositing a second solution of a second polymer and a second solvent. The second solvent is selected so that the first polymer is substantially insoluble in the second solvent to prevent degradation of the first polymer during deposition of the second polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to implantable medical devices for the localized delivery of therapeutic agents, such as drugs, to a patient. More particularly, the invention relates to a device having a gradient of water soluble therapeutic agents within a therapeutic agent layer and a mixing layer that allows for controlled release of the therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure The implantable medical devices are configured to release at least one therapeutic agent from a matrix affixed to the implantable body with a release profile which is programable to the agent and treatment. The matrix is formed such that the concentration of the therapeutic agent in the matrix varies as a gradient relative to a surface of the implantable body. The change in the concentration gradient of the agent in the matrix directly controls the rate of elution of the agent from the matrix. The therapeutic agent matrix can be disposed in the stent or on surfaces of the stent in various configurations, including within volumes defined by the stent, such as openings, holes, or concave surfaces, as a reservoir of agent, and alternatively as a coating on all or a portion of the surfaces of the stent structure.

Abstract: An improved nozzle modulator, an improved nozzle modulator assembly, and an improved coating method comprises a nozzle having a housing. A fluid reservoir communicates with the housing. The nozzle has a nozzle outlet about which a meniscus is formed. A high voltage source is connected to the nozzle. The fluid is dispensed as one or more charged fluid paths from the nozzle upon the actuation of the high voltage source. A plurality of repulsive and attractive electric fields are positioned to surround the fluid path. An electrical biasing means is connected to the electrical fields for biasing the fields and modulating the fluid path to form a homogeneous fog comprising uniformly disbursed droplets moving in a wide variety of directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing wire subject to displacement, comprising first means including a first Geneva mechanism for rotatably displacing the wire to alter its endwise orientation; second means including a second Geneva mechanism for displacing the wire endwise; and drive means for driving the two mechanisms in such relation that the wire is displaced endwise by a carrier part of the second means during a dwell period of the first mechanism.