Abstract: Systems for nerve modulation and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example system for nerve modulation may include a first elongate element having a distal end and a proximal end and having a helical guide having a proximal end and a distal end. The system may also include a second elongate element having a distal end and a proximal end and having a nerve modulation element proximate the distal end. A sheath may be disposed about both the first and second elongate elements. Pulling proximally on the proximal end of the first elongate element may cause simultaneous radial and longitudinal displacement of the nerve modulation element.

Abstract: An implantable or insertable medical device is provided which includes as components: (a) a substrate component comprising a depression that is at least partially filled with a therapeutic agent-containing material that comprises a first therapeutic agent, and (b) a pre-formed filter insert disposed in the depression such that it regulates transport of chemical species between the depression and the exterior of the device upon implantation or insertion of the device in vivo.

Abstract: A series of devices that allow for embedding of an image as a background while also affording the user the ability to write and print on the surface, with erasable capabilities, thus providing a multifunctional product for use in numerous industries. The devices are manufactured from predominately corrugated plastic. In one embodiment a one piece, removably attachable, cabinet system and graphic display system. In an additional embodiment, a writable board, or peg board comprising a front panel and a rear panel wherein the panels are interconnected by parallel rows, or corrugations, these panels include a writable and erasable surface. The present invention relates to assemblies of corrugated systems to better serve personal, business, and educational needs.

Abstract: In one aspect, a medical device has a first configuration and a second configuration, a reservoir containing a therapeutic agent, and a barrier layer disposed over the reservoir, wherein the barrier layer comprises an inorganic material. In another aspect, a medical device has a reservoir containing a therapeutic agent, a barrier layer disposed over the reservoir, wherein the barrier layer comprises an inorganic material, and a swellable material disposed between the barrier layer and a surface of the medical device, wherein the swellable material is a material that swells upon exposure to an aqueous environment. In yet another aspect, a medical device has a multi-layered coating having alternating reservoir layers and barrier layers, and a plurality of excavated regions penetrating through at least a partial thickness of the multi-layered coating.

Abstract: A method for holistic project management may include presenting a graphical user interface for a user to enter project information for a project. The method may also include determining a priority for the project based on an impact of the project to each of a plurality of predetermined drivers.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, medical devices are provided, which include a nanoparticle-derived inorganic layer disposed over a least a portion of structure that includes a substrate, and optionally, a therapeutic-agent-containing layer disposed over at least a portion of the substrate. In some embodiments, the inorganic layer is a nanoporous inorganic layer. Other aspects of the invention comprise methods for forming such medical device.

Abstract: A series of devices that allow for embedding of an image as a background while also affording the user the ability to write and print on the surface, with erasable capabilities, thus providing a multifunctional product for use in numerous industries. The devices are manufactured from predominately corrugated plastic. In one embodiment, a writable board, or peg board comprising a front panel and a rear panel wherein the panels are interconnected by parallel rows, or corrugations, these panels include a writable and erasable surface. The present invention relates to novel assemblies of conventional corrugated plastic sheets to better serve personal, business, and educational needs.

Abstract: Systems for nerve modulation and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example system for nerve modulation may include a first elongate element having a distal end and a proximal end and having a helical guide having a proximal end and a distal end. The system may also include a second elongate element having a distal end and a proximal end and having a nerve modulation element proximate the distal end. A sheath may be disposed about both the first and second elongate elements. Pulling proximally on the proximal end of the first elongate element may cause simultaneous radial and longitudinal displacement of the nerve modulation element.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to an implantable medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent to the body tissue of a patient, and a method for making such a medical device. In particular, the invention pertains to an implantable stent, such as an intravascular stent, having a coating comprising an inorganic or ceramic oxide, metal or inert carbon and a plurality of reservoirs in such material that contain a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A medical balloon assembly including an inflatable balloon and at least one cutting element extending from the balloon is disclosed. The inflatable balloon includes an outer wall facing outward and an inner wall facing outward. The cutting element comprises a plurality of openings therein including a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is closed off by a portion of the outer wall. The cutting element further includes a passageway extending from the first opening to the second opening. The passageway is defined by the cutting element and the portion of the outer wall which closes off the passageway. The passageway may contain a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Methods for making medical devices having porous coatings. Methods may comprise providing a tubing section having inner and outer surfaces and positioning a nozzle proximate to a target surface of the parent tubing section. A powder form of the porous coating may be delivered toward the tubing section, and a laser may be directed at the powder to melt the powder to form a melt pool. The melt pool can solidify to form the porous coating on the target surface. Portions of the parent tubing section may then be cut away to form the support structure of the medical device, such as a stent.

Abstract: A medical balloon having an inner surface and an outer surface comprising a first coating composition comprising at least one therapeutic agent, the first coating composition disposed on the balloon outer surface and forming an interface between the balloon outer surface and the first coating composition and a second coating composition comprising a bioadhesive, the second coating composition disposed on the first coating composition so as to not affect the interface between the balloon outer surface and the first coating composition, the bioadhesive selected so as to adhere to body tissue, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to implantable medical devices for delivering therapeutic agents to the body tissue of a patient and methods for making such medical devices. In particular, the present invention is directed to implantable medical devices, such as intravascular stents, having a surface that includes a plurality of cavities and a plurality of pores and a composition disposed in the pores and/or cavities, as well as, implantable medical devices, such as intravascular stents, having a surface that has a coating composition disposed on the surface, wherein the coating composition includes a plurality of cavities and a plurality of pores and another coating composition disposed in the pores and/or cavities.

Abstract: A method and device for coating a medical device, such as a stent, including rolling the stent against a ribbon or gravure roll impregnated with coating material. The ribbon and gravure roll may include a recessed pattern matching a strut pattern of the stent. The stent may also be rolled against a plate or cylinder while coating material is forced onto the stent through a pattern of holes or openings in the plate or cylinder matching a strut pattern of the stent.

Abstract: Endoprostheses (e.g., stents) containing adjustable surfaces are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to implantable or insertable medical devices which comprise a substrate and one or more therapeutic-agent-containing regions contain one or more therapeutic agents. In various aspects of the invention, one or more characteristics of such therapeutic-agent-containing regions are controlled. Further aspects of the invention relate to methods of forming such devices and to methods of using such devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating assembly and methods that employ the coating assembly to control the thickness of therapeutic or other coatings delivered to a medical device during a coating process. In one embodiment the coating assembly may include a coating plate having a coating transfer surface and a shoulder having a first height, a mandrel moveable over the coating transfer surface, and a coating dispenser positioned in fluid communication with the coating transfer surface. The invention also includes a method of coating a medical device. This method may include placing a medical device on a mandrel, dispensing coating onto a coating transfer surface of a coating plate, moving the mandrel and the medical device over the coating transfer surface of the coating plate so that coating resident on the coating transfer surface transfers to an exposed surface of the medical device, and removing the medical device from the mandrel.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention a method is provided which a porous medical article is contacted with a solution that contains a therapeutic agent and a solvent in order to load the pores of the medical article, after which the solvent is sublimated.

Abstract: An implantable stent comprising a first strut having an abluminal surface, and subluminal surface, and at least one side surface; a first depression formed in the abluminal surface; and a first support element at least partially disposed in the first depression; wherein at least a portion of the first support element extends beyond the abluminal surface of the first strut.

Abstract: A drug-eluting endoprosthesis that includes a bioerodible metal portion and a therapeutic agent. In some aspects, the endoprosthesis includes a plurality of discrete deposits and a plurality of overlying layers each overlying one of the plurality of discrete deposits. Each discrete deposit includes one or more therapeutic agents and each overlying layer includes one or more bioerodible metals. In other aspects, the bioerodible metal portion includes at least two bioerodible metal regions having different electronegativities. The at least two bioerodible metal regions being in electrical contact with each other. The bioerodible metal erodes in a physiological environment to release the therapeutic agent.