Abstract: Medical implants exhibiting optimized mechanical properties, and methods of making such implants, are disclosed. That is, the implants are fabricated of a porous metal substrate and include coating integrated over various areas so as to provide some added or desirable property or functionality to the implant. In one embodiment, the implant is an acetabular implant with a coating applied to an internal, concave wear surface which is sized and configured to receive a head of a femur. Typically, the coating is a ceramic incorporated onto the desired area of the implant via electrophoretic deposition.

Abstract: Articles-of-manufacturing comprising an object having a surface and a therapeutically active agent being deposited onto at least a portion of the surface, while at least a portion of said therapeutically active agent being in a crystalline form thereof are disclosed. Methods utilizing such articles-of-manufacturing for treating medical conditions are also disclosed. Processes of preparing the articles-of-manufacturing by contacting a surface of the object with a solution containing the therapeutically active agent; and cooling the surface to a temperature below a temperature of the solution, and apparatus for performing these processes, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A covalently crosslinked hydrogel comprises a) three or more divalent poly(alkylene oxide) chains P? covalently linked at respective first end units to a branched first core group C?, b) three or more divalent poly(alkylene oxide) chains P? covalently linked at respective first end units to a branched second core group C?, the chains P? comprising respective second end units which are covalently linked to between 0% and 100% of respective second end units of chains P? by divalent linking groups L?, and c) at least one pendant cationic block copolymer chain A?-B?. A?-B? comprises i) a divalent block A? comprising a poly(alkylene oxide) backbone chain having an end unit covalently linked to a second end unit of one of the chains P? by a divalent linking group L?, and ii) a monovalent block B? comprising a first repeat unit, the first repeat unit comprising a backbone carbonate group and a cationic side chain group.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for controlling the morphology and the release-rate of active agent from a coating layer for medical devices comprising a polymer matrix and one or more active agents. The methods comprise exposing a wet or dry coating to a freeze-thaw cycle. The coating layer can be used for controlled delivery of an active agent or a combination of active agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical device having a polymerized base coat layer for the immobilization of an anti-thrombogenic material, such as heparin, thereon. The binding coat layer is comprised of various chemically functional groups which are stable and allow for the immobilization of the anti-thrombogenic material thereto. Methods for immobilizing the anti-thrombogenic material within the base coat layer posited on a surface of the medical device are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to medical implants that are configured to controllably release therapeutic agent to a target site of a patient and methods of making these implants. Embodiments of the present invention may include a method comprising the steps of providing a tube having a wall with inner and outer surfaces and defining a passageway, forming an opening through the wall of the tube, applying a porous coating layer to at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of the tube, and loading a therapeutic agent solution into the passageway so that therapeutic agent passes through the opening and into the porous coating layer. The method may also include removing portions of the tube to form the implantable medical device, which may be a stent.

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided.

Abstract: A mechanism for preventing or inhibiting bubbles of dissolved gasses from outgassing due to phase change phenomenon of the pressure differential inside a liquid-filled incompressible line can be provided. This mechanism may be useful in a variety of applications, such as coating of stents and scaffolds.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sturdy and pliable fibrous hemostatic dressing by making fibers that maximally expose surface area per unit weight of active ingredients as a means for aiding in the clot forming process and as a means of minimizing waste of active ingredients. The method uses a rotating object to spin off a liquid biocompatible fiber precursor, which is added at its center. Fibers formed then deposit on a collector located at a distance from the rotating object creating a fiber layer on the collector. An electrical potential difference is maintained between the rotating disk and the collector. Then, a liquid procoagulation species is introduced at the center of the rotating disk such that it spins off the rotating disk and coats the fibers.

Abstract: A surface modification method includes a step of applying, onto a material, an application fluid containing a polymer having a functional group capable of producing a silanol group through hydrolysis thereof and an alkoxysilane and a step of applying, onto the material on which the application fluid is applied, an application fluid containing a hydrophilizing agent having a functional group capable of producing a silanol group through hydrolysis thereof or a silanol group.

Abstract: Methods and devices for coating a medical device, such as a stent, including the steps of coating the medical device with a photoresist polymeric coating, irradiating a portion of the medical device, optionally applying a post-exposure bake step, and removing all or a portion of the coating from the irradiated portion of the medical device, if a positive photoresist coating material is used, or from a portion of the medical device not exposed to the radiation, if a negative photoresist coating material is used. The photoresist polymeric coating may optionally include a drug.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices adapted to erodibly release delivery media for local and regional treatment are disclosed.

Abstract: A substrate (for example an implantable medical device) is provided with a lubricious surface by grafting onto the surface monomers containing acrylamide groups and then hydrolyzing said groups under alkaline conditions, the grafting step being carried out in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for controlling the morphology and the release-rate of active agent from a coating layer for medical devices comprising a polymer matrix and one or more active agents. The methods comprise exposing a wet or dry coating to a freeze-thaw cycle. The coating layer can be used for controlled delivery of an active agent or a combination of active agents.

Abstract: A dip coating apparatus and method of dip coating. The apparatus includes a guide surface, a bendable tube, a carriage, and a support assembly. The bendable tube redirectionally engages the guide surface intermediate the first and second longitudinal ends of the tube. The carriage is vertically repositionable and cooperatively engages the tube proximate the first longitudinal end of the tube, whereby vertical repositioning of the carriage effects a change in the vertical distance between the first and second longitudinal ends of the tube. The support assembly releasably suspends an elongate workpiece for introduction of at least a portion of the workpiece into the tube through the first longitudinal end of the coating tube as the carriage is vertically repositioned upwards towards the support assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for quality control of surface coated objects used independently or in conjunction with product authentication; methods for assuring proper product handling; methods for assuring that product contents' match product's label, comprising the use of microparticulate taggants having different detectable physical properties, wherein each combination of properties is used as an encoding bit to create codes.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved formulations of 6-mercaptopurine that exhibit better bioavailability and faster dissolution than previous formulations.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to an implantable medical device comprising a surface coated with a polyelectrolyte multilayer, wherein said surface is glass, metal, plastic, polymer, or fiberglass. Another aspect of the present invention involves a method of preparing a PEM-coated implantable medical device, comprising the step of applying a film to a surface of an implantable medical device, wherein said film comprises a polyelectrolyte multilayer and said surface is glass, metal, plastic, polymer, or fiberglass.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the delivery of bioactive compounds to a cell, tissue, or physiological site. The compositions comprise delivery system complexes comprising liposomes encapsulating a biodegradable ionic precipitate having incorporated therein a bioactive compound and delivery system complexes comprising a biodegradable ionic precipitate ionically bound to a surrounding lipid bilayer, wherein the biodegradable ionic precipitate comprises a bioactive compound. Also provided herein are methods for the treatment of a disease or an unwanted condition in a subject, wherein the methods comprise administering the delivery system complexes comprising bioactive compounds that have therapeutic activity against the disease or unwanted condition to the subject.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a medical product comprising a hollow body (2), wherein at least part of a wall of the hollow body (2) is coated at least on the inside with a layer comprising a polymer; at least the part of at least the inside of the wall of the medical product is brought into contact with a mixture (6) of the polymer and the polymer is deposited from the mixture (6) on at least the part of the inside of the wall. And a medical product comprising a hollow body (2) with a wall consisting of one or more structural elements (16), at least a section of the wall being coated with a layer (15) comprising native chitosan, wherein both on the inside and the outside of the hollow body (2) at least some of the one or more structural elements (16) of the wall of the hollow body (2) are at least partly coated with the native chitosan layer (15). And a method for electrodepositing a polymer on an electrode from an acidic mixture of the polymer, wherein the mixture (6) comprises a multibasic acid.

Abstract: Ultra-thin porous films are deposited on a substrate in a process that includes laying down an organic polymer, inorganic material or inorganic-organic material via an atomic layer deposition or molecular layer deposition technique, and then treating the resulting film to introduce pores. The films are characterized in having extremely small thicknesses of pores that are typically well less than 50 nm in size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to implantable devices, which are coated or coatable with liposomes. The present invention further relates to liposomes encapsulating nucleic acids termed lipoplexes, to methods for the manufacture and coating of such implantable devices, and to the use of such implantable devices to improve treatment of patients with coronary artery disease or other vascular diseases and cancers.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition (which optionally can coat plastic substrates) the composition comprising a block copolymer and a polymer P; where the block copolymer comprises at least blocks [A]x[B]y; where at least block [A] is obtained by a controlled radical polymerisation of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer via a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) mechanism (optionally in solution in the presence of a control agent and a source of free radicals); and wherein block [A] comprises 20 to 100 mol % of ethylenically unsaturated monomer units bearing water-dispersing functional groups; wherein block [B] comprises 20 to 100 mol % of ethylenically unsaturated monomer units bearing plastic adhesion promoting functional groups; and wherein polymer P is prepared in the presence of blocks [A]x[B]y. The compositions may be used to coat plastic substrates, foam; surfaces having low surface energy, hydrophobic substrates and/or polyolefins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel photoelectrical device for efficient transmission of electrical signals to a neuron. This photoelectrical device comprises one or more charging units for coupling to and stimulating one or more neurons by charge, the charging unit comprising: a nanostructure-based electrode having a surface, which has a predetermined developed surface area for coupling to a neuron and which carries a plurality of photosensitive regions (e.g. quantum dots) interfacing with a biocompatible macromolecule for tuning the relative energy levels between the photosensitive regions and the electrode, as well as for directing the spatial polarity of charge separation the surface being thereby electrically chargeable and dischargeable in response to light excitation of the photosensitive regions, the charges stimulating the neuron when coupled to the surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coated medical device, such as a medical guide wire, including at least applying a first colored coating to at least a first portion of an outer surface of a medical guide wire, securing a first end of the medical guide wire, and for each a designated quantity of turns, turn a second end of the medical guide wire upon a longitudinal axis of the medical guide wire. The method of manufacturing also includes securing the second end of the medical guide wire, blocking at least a first portion of the coated surface of the medical guide wire, applying a second contrasting colored coating to at least a second, unblocked portion of the outer surface of the medical guide wire and releasing the first end and the second end of the medical guide wire to display at least one spiral marking formed along a length of the medical guide wire.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a medical wire, which includes a coating applied to the surface of the medical wire. The coating includes a base layer bonded to the surface of the medical wire and an at least partially transparent low-friction top coat applied to the base layer. The base layer includes heat activated pigments that change color when heated above a color shifting temperature. In one embodiment, the color of the pigment in one area contrasts with the color of the pigment in an adjacent area without otherwise affecting the low-friction surface of the coating. The areas of different color created in locations along the length of the low-friction coated medical wire form markings which, as an example, enable a surgeon to determine the length of the medical wire inserted into a body by observing the markings on the portion of the marked medical wire located exterior to the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of applying a drug-polymer coating on a stent. A stent framework is dipped into a first polymeric solution including a first polymer, a first therapeutic agent, and a first solvent. The polymeric solution is dried and the first polymer is cured to form a thin drug-polymer layer on the stent framework. The steps of dipping the stent framework into the first polymeric solution, drying the first polymeric solution, and curing the first polymer are repeated until a target drug-polymer coating thickness is disposed on the stent framework. A drug-polymer coated stent including a stent framework and a laminated drug-polymer coated stent, a system for treating a vascular condition, and a method of treating a vascular condition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of enhancing the antimicrobial and biofilm-resistant efficacy of surfaces that have cationic polyelectrolytes nonleachably bound thereto in order to impart antimicrobial activity to the surface. The system for enhancing antimicrobial efficacy involves brushing, dipping, wiping, spraying, or storing the surface in a solution containing citrate ion. The method involves treatment of the surface with a solution which enhances the antimicrobial and biofilm-resistant efficacy of the surface, and which prevents a loss of the antimicrobial properties of the surface which may occur over time. Preferably, the enhancement agent is citrate ion and the cationic polyelectrolyte is poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), also known as polyDADMAC. The system is particularly beneficial for surfaces of articles such as contact lenses.

Abstract: A process for depositing nanoparticles on a surface. The process includes the steps of: providing a sol including a volatile non-aqueous liquid and nanoparticles suspended in the non-aqueous liquid; processing the sol to form a plurality of droplets; depositing the plurality of droplets on a surface; and evaporating the non-aqueous liquid from the surface leaving a residue of nanoparticles. The liquid can be selected from heptane, chloroform toluene, and hexane and mixtures thereof and the nanoparticles are desirably silver nanoparticles. The plurality of droplets may be formed by a spray process. The surface may be selected from a particular area, region, portion, or dimension of a medical device, device material, packaging material or combinations thereof. The residue of nanoparticles desirably provides antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: A method of preparing an implant for bone in-growth comprising: providing a metal implant body, the metal implant body having a metal load bearing layer on an outer surface, the metal load bearing layer having a plurality of pores therein, the pores configured to promote bone in-growth into the load bearing layer; providing calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate; providing a diluent; mixing the calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate and the diluent to form a calcium sulfate paste; applying the calcium sulfate paste to the load bearing layer such that the calcium paste substantially impregnates at least a portion of the pores and forms an excess layer of the calcium sulfate paste on an outer surface of the load bearing layer; and wiping the calcium sulfate paste to remove the excess layer and thereby expose the outer surface of the load bearing layer while leaving the calcium sulfate paste impregnated in the pores.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a stent having a coating, comprising providing a tubular stent having a lumenal side and an ablumenal side; applying a coating composition to the stents such that the coating composition contacts the lumenal and ablumenal sides of the stent; and modifying the diameter of the stent from a first diameter to a second diameter during the process of applying the coating composition.

Abstract: Devices, coatings, and methods therefore comprise a medical device for delivering nanoparticles of an active agent to a treatment site. A coating on the medical device comprises active agent nanoparticles, which delivers coating to the treatment site and releases active agent nanoparticles into the treatment site over at least one day. A coating may comprise a polymer, a surfactant, and the nanoparticles. The coating may be prepared by forming a nanoemulsion. A coating may comprise encapsulated active agent nanoparticles which comprise active agent nanoparticles encapsulated in a polymer. The coating may have a positive surface charge. The coating may deliver active agent nanoparticles into the treatment site over at least about one day. The coating may be formed of a surfactant and nanoparticles mixture. The active agent nanoparticles may be deposited on the medical device using electrostatic capture.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally a manufacturing process which results in a completely hydrogel polymer device that maintains lumen patency which allows for numerous applications. Catheters and stents are particular examples, and their composition, mechanical characteristics, and the significantly unique ability to conduct and allow fluids to pass from one end to the other without physiological rejection, inflammation, or manifestation of complications due to implant or otherwise undesirable outcomes when used for ambulatory and or therapeutic interventions is the purpose of the invention.

Abstract: A device and process that creates active molecular iodine on a swab. The device has two chambers sealed from one-another. One of the chambers contains a swab. Each chamber contains a different reagent such that when the device is broken or crushed to activate it, the contents of both chambers mix on the swab. The reagents are such that, when mixed, they produce molecular iodine on the swab which acts as a topical antiseptic. The reagents can be an iodide in one chamber and an iodate in the second chamber with a buffer. Alternatively one of the chambers can contain dry molecular iodine in contact with the swab. Finally, one of the chambers can contain molecular iodine in a solution of ethanol, while the other can contain a aqueous solution of a buffer to maintain a proper pH.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making an intraocular lens insertion device comprising a lubricious insertion tip assembly and to the device itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous biomaterials surface activation method by coating with a layer of apatitic nanocrystals in order to increase their surface reactivity. The method according to the invention is characterized by the following steps: a) preparing a nanocrystalline apatitic calcium phosphate analogous to bone mineral by mixing a calcium salt solution with a phosphate salt solution in a Ca/P ratio ranging between 1.3 and 2 at a temperature ranging between 0 and 60 ° C., b) slurrying the mixture obtained in step a) in an aqueous solution so as to obtain a fluid, homogeneous paste containing 80 to 98% of water, c) bringing a porous biomaterial into contact with the suspension obtained in step b), d) drying the porous biomaterial at a temperature below 100 ° C.

Abstract: A cardiac valve prosthesis having a frame and two or more leaflets (preferably three) attached to the frame. The leaflets are attached to the frame between posts, with a free edge which can seal the leaflets together when the valve is closed under back pressure. The leaflets are created in a mathematically defined shape allowing good wash-out of the whole leaflet orifice, including the area close to the frame posts, thereby relieving the problem of thrombus deposition under clinical implant conditions.

Abstract: A method of coating a medical prosthesis includes identifying coating points on the surface of the medical prosthesis and determining a coating pathway along which an applicator travels while coating the medical prosthesis. In some embodiments, the coating pathway minimizes the rotational movement of the medical prosthesis during the coating process. In other embodiments, the coating pathway minimizes the amount of time needed for the coating process.

Abstract: An implantable biocompatible device, that may be either a sensor or stimulator, having electronic circuitry and electrodes formed on a substrate, is uniformly covered with a coating approximately one-micron thick of ultra-nanocrystalline diamond, hermetically sealing the electronic circuitry. Selected electrodes are either left uncovered during coating or uncovered by conventional patterning techniques, allowing the electrodes to be exposed to living tissue and fluids. The ultra-nanocrystalline diamond coating may be doped to create electrically conductive electrodes. These approaches eliminate the need for a hermetically sealed lid or cover to protect hybrid electronic circuitry, and thus allow the device to be thinner than otherwise possible. The conformal ultra-nanocrystalline diamond coating uniformly covers the device, providing relief from sharp edges and producing a strong, uniformly thick hermetic coating around sharp edges and on high aspect-ratio parts.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying a coating to an implantable device are disclosed. A method for applying a coating to an implantable device is disclosed. The method includes positioning an implantable device relative to a material delivery apparatus. A spray pattern of an application material is produced using the material delivery apparatus. At least a portion of the spray pattern is deflected using a focusing assembly.

Abstract: Method of modifying the coating of a surface of a medical device by applying a coating to the surface of the medical device, exposing the medical device to an environmental condition that alters the coating morphology, and drying the coating on the medical device. The disclosed subject matter also provides a coated medical device whose one or more surfaces have been modified by this method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ocular implant, particularly a glaucoma stent. It is the object of the present invention to devise an ocular implant which allows the ocular eye pressure to be regulated, i.e., to be maintained at a desired level, while preventing the flow resistance from increasing over time, for example due to fibrosis. In order to achieve this object, the ocular implant according to the invention comprises a small tube (5), the wall surface (3) of which encloses a hollow duct that is open on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the hollow duct, wherein a first opening (1) allowing ocular humor to flow in and a second opening (2) allowing the ocular humor to be discharged is provided, and wherein the wall surface (3) is formed by a liquid-tight material, and wherein at least one pressure-controlled valve (4) is disposed in the area of the wall surface (3).

Abstract: A coating and devices using the coating are provided. The coating is applied in liquid form and dried or otherwise cured to form a durable adherent coating resistant to high temperatures and having optional hydrophobic properties. The coating formulation contains an aqueous formulation of silica, one or more fillers, and sufficient base, (e.g., potassium hydroxide), to have a pH exceeding about 10.5 during at least part of the formulation process. The formulation may contain a compound(s) that affects surface free energy, energy to make the cured coating hydrophobic. Such compounds include silanes containing halogens (e.g., fluorine or chlorine) and in particular silanes containing one or more hydrolyzable groups attached to at least one silicon atom and a group containing one or more halogens (e.g., chlorine or fluorine). A medical instrument (e.g., electrosurgical instrument) may be at least partially covered by a coating using the formulation.

Abstract: A method of using a biocompatible polymer is used. Biocompatible polymers are manufactured to include an ammo acid mimetic monomer and one or more hydrophobic acrylate monomers. The amino acid mimetic monomers are selected to mimic the side chain of the amino acids asparagine or glutamine. The amino acid mimetic monomer can be a methacryloyl or acryloyl derivative of 2-hydroxyacetamide, 3-hydroxypropionamide, alaninamide, lactamide, or glycinamide. These amide functional groups offer the advantage of moderate hydrophilicity with little chemical reactivity. The amino acid mimetic monomer can be copolymerized with one or more hydrophobic acrylate monomers to obtain desired coating properties.

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided. A method supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for preventing the fouling of a liquid dispensing nozzle. The end of the dispensing nozzle is placed in a hollow interior of a band carrying the same solvents that are dispensed by the nozzle. The solvent on the band evaporates into a gap between the ring and dispensing nozzle, thus providing a vapor sheath or environment that helps to prevent the fouling of the dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device is disclosed that is a polymerization product of a monomeric mixture comprising (a) a major amount of a non-silicone-containing hydrophilic monomer; (b) a hydrophobic monomer; and (c) a crosslinking agent, wherein the ophthalmic device has an equilibrium water content of at least about 70 weight percent and further wherein the ophthalmic device has an evaporative dehydration barrier layer on the surface thereof. A method for the mitigation of evaporative corneal dehydration employing the high water content ophthalmic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A substrate having thereon a marking or layer comprising a cured chiral liquid crystal precursor composition which comprises at least one salt that changes the position of a selective reflection band exhibited by the cured composition compared to the position of a selective reflection band exhibited by a cured composition that does not contain the at least one salt. A modifying resin made from one or more polymerizable monomers is disposed between the substrate and the marking or layer and changes the position of the selective reflection band exhibited by the cured precursor composition comprising the at least one salt on the substrate in the one or more areas. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Massive parallel printing of structures and nanostructures, including lipids, at high speed with high resolution and high quality using two dimensional arrays comprising cantilevers and tip-based transfer of material to a surface. The invention provides a nanolithographic method comprising (1) providing a two-dimensional array of a plurality of cantilevers, wherein the array comprises a plurality of base rows, each base row comprising a plurality of cantilevers extending from the base row, wherein each of the cantilevers comprising tips at the cantilever end away from the base row; wherein the two dimensional array has a support; (2) providing a patterning composition, wherein the composition comprises one or more lipids; (3) providing a substrate; (4) coating the tips of the cantilevers with the patterning composition; and (5) depositing at least some of the patterning composition from the tips to the substrate surface.

Abstract: A coating for implantable devices, such as stents, and a method of making the same is disclosed. Moreover, an apparatus for depositing the coating is disclosed.