Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include coatings comprising an oligomerized polyphenol layer. The oligomerized polyphenol layer can be used as an intermediate coated layer on a medical device that hydrogen bonds to a synthetic or natural polymer, which in turn can be used as a top coat or further associated with another coated layer. The multilayered coatings can provide properties such as hemocompatibility or lubricity. In other embodiments, the oligomerized polyphenol layer is used on a medical device as a hemostatic layer configured to contact blood and promote coagulation. The oligomerized polyphenol layer can also be used on the inner surface (e.g., inner diameter) of a medical device to prevent bacterial adherence. The oligomerized polyphenol layer can also be used on the surface of a in vitro diagnostic article, or a cell culture device to, promote adsorption of a biological molecule.

Abstract: Described herein are bioprinters comprising: one or more printer heads, wherein a printer head comprises a means for receiving and holding at least one cartridge, and wherein said cartridge comprises contents selected from one or more of: bio-ink, and support material; a UV light module for optionally exposing the contents of at least one cartridge to UV light; a means for calibrating the position of at least one cartridge; and a means for dispensing the contents of at least one cartridge. Also described herein are methods of using and bioprinting cartridges for such bioprinters.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a metal-containing apparatus including a substrate member constructed of a metal that is highly resistant to pitting corrosion and wear in aggressive media. An exemplary metal-containing apparatus is a plate heat exchanger. The metal includes an oxidation layer on the surface thereof and a thin metal oxide nanoporous film on top of the oxidation layer. The nanoporous film is highly compliant and is comprised of oxygen and aluminum, titanium, silicon, zirconium and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of forming a biocompatible or biologically inert article for use in an application in which the article will make contact with at least one tissue, organ, or fluid within a human or animal body is provided. The method generally comprises providing an article having an external surface; selecting chemical precursors; using a means to direct one or more chemical precursors towards or to apply such chemical precursors to the external surface; activating the chemical precursors by exposing said precursors to atmospheric pressure plasma; and grafting and/or cross-linking the chemical precursors to form a solid coating adjacent to the external surface of the article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic for repairing an opening or a defect in a soft tissue, to its preparation and use. The prosthetic of the invention comprises a substrate viscerally-coated with stabilized and non-completely dry fibrin. The prosthetic displays reduced postoperative complications following its implantation.

Abstract: The invention provides a sustained release intraocular drug delivery device comprising: (a) a polymeric matrix core into which at least one therapeutic agent is mixed, and; (b) a polymeric coating completely surrounding said polymeric matrix material; wherein said polymeric matrix core and polymeric coating are insoluble and inert in ocular fluids, and wherein said sustained release intraocular drug delivery device has a compliant annular segment shape and is to be inserted into the sulcus of the intact and/or pseudophakic eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides N-alkylthio ?-lactams and disulfide compounds (e.g., alkyl-coenzyme A asymmetric disulfides or aryl-alkyl disulfides), compositions containing such compounds, and methods of their use as anti-bacterial agents.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of immobilizing an active agent to a substrate surface, including the steps of, depositing a primer compound on a substrate, thereby forming a primed substrate, contacting the primed substrate with a solution of a compound including a trihydroxyphenyl group, thereby forming a trihydroxyphenyl-treated primed substrate, and contacting the trihydroxyphenyl-treated primed substrate with a solution of an active agent, thereby immobilizing the active agent on the substrate. Further provided are methods of immobilizing an active agent on a substrate, including the steps of providing a substrate, combining a solution of a compound including a trihydroxyphenyl group with a solution of an active agent, thereby forming a solution of an active agent-trihydroxyphenyl conjugate, and contacting the primed substrate with the solution of the active agent-trihydroxyphenyl conjugate, thereby immobilizing the active agent on the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches methods of controlling the release rate of agents from a polymeric matrix. The methods relate to the application of pressure, and optionally, in combination with heat, to a polymeric coating.

Abstract: The disclosure provides polymers having antimicrobial activity and articles with the polymers coated thereon. The polymers include a first pendant group comprising a first cationic component, a second pendant group comprising a nonpolar component, and a third pendant group comprising an organosilane component. The disclosure also includes methods of coating medical device articles and body fluid-receiving substrates with the antimicrobial polymers. The methods further include the use of adhesion-promoting components.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for coating medical devices such as an intravascular stent, are disclosed in the method, a 2-D image of a stent is processed to determine (1) paths along the stent skeletal elements by which a stent secured to a rotating support element can be traversed by a dispenser head whose relative motion with respect to the support element is along the support-element axis, such that some or all of the stent skeletal elements will be traversed (2) the relative speeds of the dispenser head and support element as the dispenser head travels along the paths, and (3), and positions of the dispenser head with respect to a centerline of the stent elements as the dispenser head travels along such paths The rotational speed of the support and relative linear speed of the dispenser are controlled to achieve the desired coating thickness and coating coverage on the upper surfaces, and optionally, the side surfaces, of the stent elements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for coating a medical device are provided. In one embodiment, the method for preparing a substantially uniform coated medical device includes (1) preparing a coating solution comprising a solvent, a therapeutic agent, and an additive; (2) loading a metering dispenser with the coating solution; (3) rotating the medical device about the longitudinal axis of the device and/or moving the medical device along the longitudinal or transverse axis of the device; (4) dispensing the coating solution from the metering dispenser onto a surface of the medical device and flowing the coating solution on the surface of the medical device while the medical device is rotating and/or linearly moving; and (5) evaporating the solvent, forming a substantially uniform coating layer on the medical device.

Abstract: Medical devices possessing coatings are provided. The coatings include at least one polyelectrolyte, capable of changing the surface charge of the device to which they are applied. The polyelectrolytes permit attachment of charged bioactive agents thereto. Multiple polyelectrolytes, possessing opposite charges, may be sequentially applied to produce a medical device having multiple layers. Methods for forming such devices are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to stents, a type of implantable medical device, with an antiproliferative coating and a prohealing luminal coating and methods of fabricating stents with an antiproliferative coating and a prohealing luminal coating.

Abstract: Stent scaffolds comprising branched biocompatible polymers are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of modifying the surfaces of a plurality of three-dimensional objects at the same time to provide good sliding properties, good durability after repeated sliding, good sealing properties, and the like, and also provides gaskets for syringes obtained by such methods. The present invention relates to a method for modifying the surfaces of a plurality of three-dimensional objects including: a step 1 of immersing a plurality of three-dimensional objects in a photopolymerizable monomer-containing liquid; and a step 2 of polymerizing the photopolymerizable monomer by photoirradiation while rotating a vessel containing the plurality of three-dimensional objects and the photopolymerizable monomer-containing liquid, to grow polymer chains on the surfaces of the plurality of three-dimensional objects.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods and compounds for treating proliferative disorders, viral infections, or both. In some embodiments, the invention provides an anticancer or antiviral compound including a substituted nitro phenoxy phenyl, a sulfonylurea, and an alkyl group. In some embodiments, the invention provides a method of treating a proliferative disorder or a viral infection including administering an anticancer or antiviral compound that binds to a thromboxane receptor, has preferential binding for either TPalpha (TP?) or TPbeta (TP?) receptor subtype.

Abstract: A method for loading a hydroxyapatite coated implant with a therapeutic agent including the steps of providing an implant and applying a hydroxyapatite coating on a surface of the implant. The hydroxyapatite coated implant is contacted with a solution including the therapeutic agent. The hydroxyapatite coated implant and solution is heated to temperature of about 60° C. to about 100° C. Pressure is applied to the hydroxyapatite coated implant and solution from about 2 bar to about 10 bar, to load the hydroxyapatite coated implant with the therapeutic agent. An implant made according to the method has sustained therapeutic agent delivery and includes a base and a biomimetic hydroxyapatite coating disposed on a surface thereof.

Abstract: The implantable electrode system of the preferred embodiments includes a conductor, an interconnect coupled to the conductor, an insulator that insulates the interconnect, and an anchor that overlaps a peripheral edge of the electrode layer. The anchor is mechanically interlocked with the insulator. This structure is particularly useful with the electrode layer being a neural interface that is configured to provide either a recording and stimulating function.

Abstract: The present document is directed to a titanium dioxide scaffold comprising a hydrogel coating comprising a biologically active substance. Also disclosed is a method for producing a thin hydrogel coating on a titanium dioxide scaffold and uses of the hydrogel coated scaffolds as medical implants.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass methods of forming coatings, particularly coatings for medical devices, and more particularly, for braided or woven medical devices. Embodiments of the present invention encompass the coatings and the coated devices. The coatings may include a polymer and optionally a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A coating device for coating a medical device with a drug-eluting material uses an in-process drying station between coats to improve a drug release profile. The drying station includes a heat nozzle configured for applying a uniform drying gas.

Abstract: A coating apparatus for coating the balloon portion of a balloon catheter is described. The coating apparatus includes a rotatable member in which the catheter portion of the balloon catheter is mounted and fixed, and which causes rotation of the balloon catheter. The apparatus also includes a support member in which the distal tip of the catheter is inserted and free to rotate; and a spray nozzle directing sprayed material on the balloon surface. The inventive configuration of the coating apparatus allows the balloon catheter to be rotated along its axis with insubstantial or no wobble, which significantly improves the quality of the coating applied to the surface of the balloon.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention provide compositions and implantable devices including a water-insoluble therapeutic agent solubilized in a matrix of a gallate-containing compound.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for filling a therapeutic substance or drug within a hollow wire that forms a stent. The stent is placed within a chamber housing a fluid drug formulation. During filling, the chamber is maintained at or near the vapor-liquid equilibrium of the solvent of the fluid drug formulation. To fill the stent, a portion of the stent is placed into contact with the fluid drug formulation until a lumenal space defined by the hollow wire is filled with the fluid drug formulation via capillary action. After filling is complete, the stent is retracted such that the stent is no longer in contact with the fluid drug formulation. The solvent vapor pressure within the chamber is reduced to evaporate a solvent of the fluid drug formulation. A wicking means may control transfer of the fluid drug formulation into the stent.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices include a substrate having applied thereto a coating including a polymeric material possessing a core and at least one functional group known to have click reactivity.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses initiating systems for the radical polymerization of alkenes, and especially fluorine substituted alkenes. The polymerization is catalyzed by a metal carbonyl, preferably manganese carbonyl. The polymerization is initiated directly from alkyl halides at room temperature under visible white light. The polymers also allow the synthesis of block copolymers. The process comprises polymerizing at least one alkene monomer in the presence of a halide radical initiator, carbonyl catalyst and a solvent, under reaction conditions and for a time sufficient to polymerize the at least one alkene monomer to form a polymer. The present disclosure provides a method for living polymerization of alkene monomers which provides a high level of macromolecular control over the polymerization process and which leads to uniform and controllable polymeric products.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a high ductility Ti-, Ti-alloy or NiTi-foam, meaning a compression strain higher than 10%, includes: preparing a powder suspension of a Ti-, NiTi- or Ti-alloy powder, bringing the said powder suspension into a desired form by gelcasting to form a green artifact. The method also includes a calcination step wherein the green artifact is calcined, and sintering the artifact. The calcination step includes a slow heating step wherein said green artifact is heated at a rate lower or equal to 20° C./hour to a temperature between 400° C. and 600° C. and the Ti-, NiTi- or Ti-alloy powder has a particle size less than 100 ?m. A high ductility Ti-, Ti-alloy or NiTi foam, with a compression higher than 10%, with a theoretical density less than 30%, pore size (cell size) between 50 to 1000 ?m can be obtained with such a method.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, compositions, systems and associated methods to occlude structures and malformations of the vasculature with radiopaque hydrogel filaments with delayed controlled rates of expansion. Further described is a device for implantation in an animal comprising a difunctional, low molecular weight ethylenically unsaturated shapeable macromer; an ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and a radiopaque element, wherein said device contains no support members. Methods of forming such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Thin conductive metal coatings suitable for flexible nonmetal fine wires and leads are described. Polymer clad silica fiber cores are produced by plasma coating with single or dual layers of metals such as silver, gold or titanium to provide micro thin leads such as those used for pacemakers and fracture resistant aircraft wires that are both conductive and resistant to flexing breakage. The metal surfaces can be used to transmit analog signals while the nonmetal cores can be designed to transmit digital signals. Select deposition conditions can produce nanorough metal coating surfaces which promote cell adhesion so that tissue scarring in vivo is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A systems and method for reducing coating defects on a stent may involve a support apparatus comprising wire cage for carrying a stent. The support apparatus may have no structure that extends inside the stent. A support apparatus may include a plurality of wires that pass through the stent but do not pass through the midplane of the stent. A support apparatus may contact only the proximal ends of the stent. The method may involve keeping the stent in motion during a spray coating process to prevent the stent from having a point remain in continuous contact with a support apparatus.

Abstract: A silicone prosthesis including a silicone shell, which has superior texture and comfort when implanted in the body, minimizes stress concentration that may arise when wearing for a long time by eliminating the difference in physical characteristics and stress in all parts of the shell, due to the silicone prosthesis having a uniform thickness, increases resistance to fatigue fracture so as to maximize the safety and lifespan of the silicone prosthesis, and which controls the flow of the silicone in various angles, thereby providing a round or an anatomical type silicone prosthesis having a shell with enhanced durability and a uniform thickness.

Abstract: A method for loading a medical appliance with a medicament and/or a polymer is disclosed, the medical appliance comprising one or more grooves or holes loaded with the medicament and/or polymer. The method comprising the steps of: 1) capturing an image of the grooves or holes of the medical appliance, wherein the image contains at least one complete pattern of the grooves or holes; 2) performing digital image processing on the captured image to obtain the pattern of the grooves or holes; 3) calculating a central position of the pattern of the grooves or holes, and determining an actual central position of the grooves or holes based on the central position; 4) adjusting a relative position of a loading device to the medical appliance to align an outlet of the loading device with the actual central position of the grooves or holes; and 5) opening the outlet of the loading device to load the grooves or holes. A device for loading a medical appliance with a medicament and/or a polymer is further disclosed.

Abstract: A soft prosthetic implant shell, such as a silicone breast implant shell, that has discrete fixation surfaces thereon for tissue adhesion. The fixation surfaces may be provided on the posterior face of the shell, as well as either on the periphery or at discrete areas on the anterior face. Band-shaped fixation surfaces may be provided on the anterior face of the shell to generally match the angle of pectoralis major or pectoralis minor muscle groups. The fixation surfaces may be roughened areas of the shell, or may be separate elements adhered to the shell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a material based on metal element(s) oxide(s) on a substrate, comprising the following successive steps: a) depositing, by liquid means, on at least one face of this substrate, at least one layer of a sol-gel precursor solution of the constituent metal element(s) oxide(s) of said material; b) depositing, by liquid means, on said layer deposited in a), at least one layer of a dispersion comprising a powder of metal element(s) oxide(s) and a sol-gel solution identical to or different from that used in step a), said solution being a precursor of the constituent metal element(s) oxide(s) of said material and the powder consisting of constituent metal element(s) oxide(s) of said material; c) heat treating said layers deposited in a) and b) in order to transform them into said material.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a vascular treatment includes an intraluminal member that is controllingly moved during the vascular treatment. The intraluminal member of the vascular treatment device can be connected to a motor. The rotation direction of the intraluminal member can be reversed to reduce the incidence and duration of vein entanglement during a vascular ablation procedure. Reversal of direction could occur automatically, or in response to a sensor such as a load sensor provided as part of the motorized drive system.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques for pre-association discovery. In some aspects a frame having information useful to identify a service provided by a wireless device is received, the service provided by the wireless device is identified based on the information of the frame and known service identification information, and the identified service is associated with the wireless device effective to enable use of the identified service.

Abstract: A drug coating apparatus (100) for coating an implant (206) with a drug is described. The drug coating apparatus (100) includes a holding unit (102) having a top collet (202-1) for holding the implant (206) from a top end of the implant (206), and a bottom collet (202-2) to hold the implant (206) from a bottom end of the implant (206). The drug coating apparatus (100) includes at least one rotary drive (115) coupled to the holding unit (102) for rotating the top collet (202-1), the bottom collet (202-2) and the implant (206), and includes a spraying unit (104) to spray-coat the drug on the implant (206).

Abstract: The implantable electrode system of the preferred embodiments includes a conductor, an interconnect coupled to the conductor, an insulator that insulates the interconnect, and an anchor that is connected to both the conductor and the insulating element. The anchor is mechanically interlocked with at least one of the conductor and the insulator.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading material into a stent strut can comprise a chamber capable of maintaining an internal pressure below pressure external to the chamber. The chamber carries within it the stent and the material to be loaded into a lumen within the stent strut. Pressure within the chamber is decreased. The decreased pressure can draw the material into lumen. The decreased pressure can draw air out of the lumen so that, after a subsequent increase in pressure in the chamber, the material is drawn into the lumen.

Abstract: Described are methods for modifying a substrate by exposing the substrate to a densified fluid. The substrate may be a polymer or a metal alloy, and the densified fluid may be carbon dioxide. Uses of such substrate modification include impregnation of the substrate with one or more drugs, impregnation of microcellular particles, and formation of microcellular compositions.

Abstract: A method and a device for loading a medical appliance with a medicament and/or polymer includes capturing images of a plurality of grooves or holes of the medical appliance using an image capturing device; performing digital image processing on the image of each of the grooves or holes to obtain a pattern of each of the grooves or holes; calculating a central position of the pattern of each of the grooves or holes, and determining a loading position of each of the grooves or holes based on the central position; and adjusting a relative position between a loading device and the medical appliance to align an outlet of the loading device with the loading position of the medical appliance, and loading each of the grooves or holes with the medicament and/or polymer. The method and device can load the medical appliance with the medicament and/or polymer fast and efficiently.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for coating a medical device are provided. In one embodiment, the method for preparing a substantially uniform coated medical device includes (1) preparing a coating solution comprising a solvent, a therapeutic agent, and an additive; (2) loading a metering dispenser with the coating solution; (3) rotating the medical device about the longitudinal axis of the device and/or moving the medical device along the longitudinal or transverse axis of the device; (4) dispensing the coating solution from the metering dispenser onto a surface of the medical device and flowing the coating solution on the surface of the medical device while the medical device is rotating and/or linearly moving; and (5) evaporating the solvent, forming a substantially uniform coating layer on the medical device.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention provide compositions and implantable devices including a water-insoluble therapeutic agent solubilized in a matrix of a gallate-containing compound. Other aspects provide methods of manufacturing and using such compositions and devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hydrophilizing surfaces of polymer workpieces. The method has a step (a) of pretreating the workpiece surfaces in a high-frequency gas plasma which is produced on the basis of an inert gas in order to clean and activate the workpiece surfaces; a step (b) of precoating the pretreated workpiece surfaces with polyacrylic acid using a high-frequency gas plasma made of a gas mixture, said gas mixture being composed of an inert gas and a first gas made of biocompatible, polymerizable carboxy group-containing monomers; and a step (c) of subsequently coating the precoated workpiece surfaces using a second gas substantially containing acrylic acid monomers.

Abstract: The present specification discloses porous materials, methods of forming such porous materials, biocompatible implantable devices comprising such porous materials, and methods of making such biocompatible implantable devices.

Abstract: A method of texturing a soft prosthetic implant shell, such as a silicone breast implant shell. A soft prosthetic implant with a textured external surface layer of silicone elastomer and having an open-cell structure is made by adhering and then dissolving round salt crystals. The resulting roughened surface has enhanced physical properties relative to surfaces formed with angular salt crystals. An implant having such a textured external surface layer is expected to help prevent capsular contraction, to help prevent scar formation, and to help in anchoring the implant within the body.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are configured to coat a medical device, such as a stent, with a beneficial medicinal agent using one or more liquid feeds and one or more micromist nozzles. In one implementation, an agent coating rig includes a vertical adjustment means, a rotation means, and a traverse adjustment means for moving a medical device along virtually any point on an x or y axis. In additional or alternative implementations, the agent coating rig can further include a secondary horizontal adjustment means that allows adjustment along virtually any point on a z axis. Furthermore, methods and apparatus are provided for distributing the beneficial agent on the medical device, including delivering the beneficial agent efficiently over time.

Abstract: A method of modifying a fluorinated polymer surface comprising the steps of depositing a first layer on at least a portion of the fluorinated polymer surface, the first layer comprising a first polymer, the first polymer being a substantially perfluorinated aromatic polymer; and depositing a second layer on at least a portion of the first layer, the second layer comprising a second polymer, the second polymer being an aromatic polymer having a lower degree of fluorination than said first polymer, whereby the second layer provides a surface on to which a substance having a lower degree of fluorination than the first polymer, e.g. a non-fluorinated substance is depositable.

Abstract: A stent able to minimize occurrences of strain and stress concentration in a drug coat layer upon expansive deformation of the stent in a radial direction to avoid the possibility of the drug separating from the stent, includes a stent body and a drug coating layer coated on the outside surface of the stent body so that the thickness of the drug coating layer gradually decreases toward a bent portion of the stent.