Abstract: A barrier adapted to be positioned between a first surface provided in the form of a polymeric, bioactive agent-containing coating upon a medical device, and a second surface provided by another material positioned in apposition, and preferably moveable apposition, to the first surface. The barrier, as provided by block copolymers or photoderivatized polymers, provides protection to the polymeric composition from mechanical damage and/or delamination during fabrication, storage, delivery or deployment, and/or residence of the device within the body. A combination that includes a medical device, such as a stent, and another device, such as a surrounding sheath or internal expandable balloon, between which is positioned a barrier of the type described.

Abstract: The invention provides an insertion instrument and methods for rotatably inserting an insertable medical device into a target region of the body. In particular, the instrument can be used in a method for rotatably inserting a medical device having a helical shape into a portion of the eye. The instrument includes a distal portion with a securing member that can hold a portion of the device during the rotational insertion process, and an actuating member that can be triggered to gently release the device upon insertion of the device into the target site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, articles, coatings, and methods for controlled active agent release and/or for providing a hemocompatible surface. More specifically, the present invention relates to copolymer compositions and devices, articles, and methods regarding the same for controlled active agent release. In an embodiment, the present invention includes a copolymer composition. The copolymer composition can include a copolymer and an active agent. In an embodiment, the copolymer includes an effective portion of a monomeric unit including a polar moiety. The active agent can be polar. The active agent can be charged. The active agent can be non-polar. In an embodiment, the copolymer composition includes a random copolymer. In an embodiment, the random copolymer includes butyl methacrylate-co-acrylamido-methyl-propane sulfonate copolymer, which can provide reduced platelet adhesion.

Abstract: A coating composition for use in coating implantable medical devices to improve their ability to release bioactive agents in vivo. The coating composition is particularly adapted for use with devices that undergo significant flexion and/or expansion in the course of their delivery and/or use, such as stents and catheters. The composition includes the bioactive agent in combination with a mixture of a first polymer component such as poly(butyl methacrylate) and a second polymer component such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate).

Abstract: A coating composition for use in coating implantable medical devices to improve their ability to release bioactive agents in vivo. The coating composition is particularly adapted for use with devices that undergo significant flexion and/or expansion in the course of their delivery and/or use, such as stents and catheters. The composition includes the bioactive agent in combination with a mixture of a first polymer component such as poly(butyl methacrylate) and a second polymer component such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate).