Abstract: Devices for local delivery of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof are provided, wherein the devices comprise a polymeric matrix containing tacrolimus or a derivative thereof that provides for delayed and extended release of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof. The devices can locally deliver tacrolimus or a derivative thereof to injured nervous system tissue upon implantation in a subject. Thus, techniques for local delivery of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof and methods of treatment using such devices are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to endovascular medical implant devices and materials of composition for forming these devices to provide improved mechanical properties and biodegradability. The devices include a combination or integration of superelastic material, biodegradable metal and, thin film nitinol and/or biodegradable polymer. A structural frame is formed of individual elongated pieces composed of biodegradable metal. These pieces are joined together by connector pieces composed of superelastic material. At least a portion of the structural frame has deposited thereon the thin film nitinol and/or biodegradable polymer. The structural frame of the device is collapsible for insertion in a delivery tube and, recoverable for deployment and placement in a vascular location of a patient body.

Abstract: The invention relates to endovascular medical implant devices and materials of composition for forming these devices to provide improved mechanical properties and biodegradability. The devices include a combination or integration of superelastic material, biodegradable metal and, thin film nitinol and/or biodegradable polymer. A structural frame is formed of individual elongated pieces composed of biodegradable metal. These pieces are joined together by connector pieces composed of superelastic material. At least a portion of the structural frame has deposited thereon the thin film nitinol and/or biodegradable polymer. The structural frame of the device is collapsible for insertion in a delivery tube and, recoverable for deployment and placement in a vascular location of a patient body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in-utero ventriculoamniotic shunting device that includes a shunt tube (26) composed of polymer composite and having metallic wire embedded therein, one or more anchors (30) composed of superelastic wire, e.g., thermal shape-set nitinol structures, that are mechanically attached to an exterior surface of the shunt tube (26), and a one-way passive valve (32) composed of a thin polymer membrane. The anchors (30) are effective to prevent migration and dislodgement of the shunting device following its deployment, and the valve (32) is effective to prevent the backflow of amniotic fluid (23).

Abstract: A waterborne shape memory polymer coating that gives textiles and fibers good shape memory performance. An amphiphilic, crosslinkable grafted polysaccharide polymer was synthesized and provided in a water dispersion that can be applied to a flexible fibrous material and then crosslinked to yield good shape memory properties. The polymer coating showed good binding to human hair, which could be styled into a permanent shape (e.g., straight) during the crosslinked step. Next, this permanent shape can be styled to a temporary shape (e.g. curly) by heating and styling, and cooling. Finally, the permanent style can be regained by activation with water, heat, or both.

Abstract: Devices for local delivery of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof are provided, wherein the devices comprise a polymeric matrix containing tacrolimus or a derivative thereof that provides for delayed and extended release of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof. The devices can locally deliver tacrolimus or a derivative thereof to injured nervous system tissue upon implantation in a subject. Thus, techniques for local delivery of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof and methods of treatment using such devices are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in-utero ventriculoamniotic shunting device that includes a shunt tube (26) composed of polymer composite and having metallic wire embedded therein, one or more anchors (30) composed of superelastic wire, e.g., thermal shape-set nitinol structures, that are mechanically attached to an exterior surface of the shunt tube (26), and a one-way passive valve (32) composed of a thin polymer membrane. The anchors (30) are effective to prevent migration and dislodgement of the shunting device following its deployment, and the valve (32) is effective to prevent the backflow of amniotic fluid (23).

Abstract: The invention relates to endovascular medical implant devices and materials of composition for forming these devices to provide improved mechanical properties and biodegradability. The devices include a combination or integration of superelastic material, biodegradable metal and, thin film nitinol and/or biodegradable polymer. A structural frame is formed of individual elongated pieces composed of biodegradable metal. These pieces are joined together by connector pieces composed of superelastic material. At least a portion of the structural frame has deposited thereon the thin film nitinol and/or biodegradable polymer. The structural frame of the device is collapsible for insertion in a delivery tube and, recoverable for deployment and placement in a vascular location of a patient body.

Abstract: A waterborne shape memory polymer coating that gives textiles and fibers good shape memory performance. An amphiphilic, crosslinkable grafted polysaccharide polymer was synthesized and provided in a water dispersion that can be applied to a flexible fibrous material and then crosslinked to yield good shape memory properties. The polymer coating showed good binding to human hair, which could be styled into a permanent shape (e.g., straight) during the crosslinked step. Next, this permanent shape can be styled to a temporary shape (e.g. curly) by heating and styling, and cooling. Finally, the permanent style can be regained by activation with water, heat, or both.

Abstract: A multi-block thermoplastic polyurethanes system which incorporates polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane into conventional biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethanes built up by poly(?-caproactone) and polyethylene glycol blocks, resulting in biostability. The multi-block thermoplastic polyurethanes are synthesized from lysine-diisocyanate with poly(?-caprolactone)-diol, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-diol, and poly(ethylene glycol) using a one-step synthesis process.

Abstract: A multi-block thermoplastic polyurethanes system which incorporates polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane into conventional biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethanes built up by poly(?-caproactone) and polyethylene glycol blocks, resulting in biostability. The multi-block thermoplastic polyurethanes are synthesized from lysine-diisocyanate with poly(?-caprolactone)-diol, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-diol, and poly(ethylene glycol) using a one-step synthesis process.