Abstract: A composition and a method for increasing the permeability of membrane junctions or cell membranes for delivery of a drug to target tissues are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and devices for local drug delivery.

Abstract: A coating for an implantable medical device is disclosed. The coating comprises a fluorinated polymer soluble in an organic solvent or a mixture of organic solvents. A method for improving barrier properties of coatings for implantable medical devices is also provided.

Abstract: A composition and a method for increasing the permeability of membrane junctions or cell membranes for delivery of a drug to target tissues are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and devices for local drug delivery.

Abstract: A tubular stent formed from a plurality of cylindrical rings and connecting links where selected connecting links are of comparatively high mass in relation to the other links. The high-mass links have sufficient mass to be visible during a fluoroscopy procedure when formed from a moderately radiopaque material such as stainless steel. The high-mass links being arranged in a spiral pattern along the length of the stent to ensure that the stent is fluoroscopically visible regardless of the stents orientation during the implantation procedure.

Abstract: A coating for a medical device, particularly for a drug eluting stent, is described. The coating comprises a layer of an organic polymer component containing a therapeutic substance and a layer of an inorganic component for controlling the rate of release of the substance. The inorganic component according to embodiments of the invention includes gold or diamond-like carbon.

Abstract: An osmotic beneficial agent delivery system includes an implantable osmotic delivery device and a catheter for delivery of the beneficial agent from the delivery device to a delivery location. The beneficial agent delivery system includes a catheter and a docking station which are implanted in the patient with a distal end of the catheter positioned at a delivery site. The catheter and docking station are left in place while an implant containing the beneficial agent is removably connected to the catheter at the docking station and can be replaced as needed. The docking station provides a connection between a catheter and the implant allowing the implant to be replaced periodically while the catheter and the docking station remain in place.

Abstract: Brief periods of occlusion of blood flow in an otherwise open target vessel adjacent to vessels supplying blood to an ischemic region are caused by periodic administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a vasoconstrictor. It is anticipated these brief periods of occlusion will induce the enlargement of collateral vessels, causing increased blood flow to the ischemic region.

Abstract: The invention provides bioactive compositions and methods of delivery for ameliorating a vascular diseased state, particularly for the management of stenosis or restenosis following a vascular trauma or disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coatings of heparin derivatives on blood-contacting surfaces of medical devices, in particular on the surfaces of endoluminal stents, wherein the coatings have improved adhesion in comparison with conventional coatings heparin derivatives. Multiple component coatings are described in which compounds having therapeutic benefit are coated jointly with substances promoting adhesion. Multiple layers of coating are described including adhesion-enhancing primer layers. Surface pre-treatments enhance adhesion in some embodiments, including surface roughening. Baking of heparin-containing compounds following coating also enhances adhesion in some embodiments.

Abstract: An osmotic beneficial agent delivery system includes an implantable osmotic delivery device and a catheter for delivery of the beneficial agent from the delivery device to a delivery location. The beneficial agent delivery system includes a catheter and a docking station which are implanted in the patient with a distal end of the catheter positioned at a delivery site. The catheter and docking station are left in place while an implant containing the beneficial agent is removably connected to the catheter at the docking station and can be replaced as needed. The docking station provides a connection between a catheter and the implant allowing the implant to be replaced periodically while the catheter and the docking station remain in place.

Abstract: A combination drug treatment for inhibiting stenosis or restenosis is disclosed. The combination treatment is an active component containing both an anti-inflammatory substance and an anti-thrombotic substance which, together, contribute to an inhibiting effect on the initial stages of stenosis or restenosis. The active component can be delivered to a site of treatment by being carried on a device, such as a stent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a directional drug delivery stent which includes an elongated or tubular member having a cavity containing a biologically active agent. In one embodiment, the active agent is diffused from the reservoir directly to the walls of a body lumen, such as a blood vessel, through directional delivery openings arranged on an outer surface of the elongated member. Another variation of the stent includes an osmotic engine assembly for controlling the delivery of the active agent from the reservoir. The drugs which may be applied by the directional delivery stent include, but are not limited to, steroids, anti-inflammatory agents, restenosis preventing drugs, anti-thrombotic drugs, and tissue growth regulating drugs. The invention also relates to a method of using the directional drug delivery stent.

Abstract: A sustained release delivery system for delivering a beneficial agent is provided. The system includes a reservoir comprising the beneficial agent and a capillary channel in communication with the reservoir and the exterior of the system for delivering the beneficial agent from the system. The capillary channel has a cross-sectional area and a length selected to deliver the beneficial agent at a predetermined rate. The system may further include an outer surface that is impermeable and non-porous during delivery of the beneficial agent. The beneficial agent may be formulated in a glassy sugar matrix.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a material which can be used to deliver a drug, such as an antibiotic, into a diseased tissue pocket, such as a periodontal pocket. The material is preferably a bioerodible oligomer or polymer. The oligomer or polymer containing the drug is heated and is then delivered, preferably by injection, into the tissue pocket at a physiologically compatible elevated temperature. Once the bioerodible material is injected into the pocket, the material cools to the body temperature of the pocket. As it cools, the material hardens and remains in place in the tissue pocket. The hardened material bioerodes in the pocket and releases the drug over a period of several days.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a material which can be used to deliver a drug, such as an antibiotic, into a diseased tissue pocket, such as a periodontal pocket. The material is preferably a bioerodible oligomer or polymer. The oligomer or polymer containing the drug is heated and is then delivered, preferably by injection, into the tissue pocket at a physiologically compatible elevated temperature. Once the bioerodible material is injected into the pocket, the material cools to the body temperature of the pocket. As it cools, the material hardens and remains in place in the tissue pocket. The hardened material bioerodes in the pocket and releases the drug over a period of several days.

Abstract: This invention resides in the field of bioerodible polymers for use as drug delivery vehicles. In particular, this invention addresses means for controlling the rate of biodegradation and degradation in general of such polymers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to erodible delivery devices and to the compositions comprising the devices. The devices comprise (a) a body formed of a bioerodible polymer or polymers together with a required excipient not generally considered to be a pore-former ("required excipient"), and (b) an active agent. The agent is released from the device at a controlled rate and in a therapeutically effective amount, with the rate being primarily independent of the erosion rate of the polymer. The rate of release of the active agent from the polymeric compositions of the present invention is significantly increased over the rate of release dependent on erosion of the polymer matrix. The invention makes possible the increased control over and improved reproducibility of the release profile of the agent from the polymer.

Abstract: Controlled-release particles containing biologically effective agents such as therapeutic drugs and local anesthetics are suspended in a liquid suspending vehicle which has an elevated viscosity, the viscosity being substantially higher than that of water. Preferred vehicles are non-aqueous liquids and aqueous media which contain a dissolved polymer to increase the viscosity of the vehicle. Regardless of the composition of the media, however, the increased viscosity permits the use of particles of a relatively large size without a loss of suspension stability or localized application. The large particles offer the advantage of a longer release profile, and thus more prolonged activity of the agent.