Abstract: This invention relates to an elastomeric article with improved lubricity and donnablity and reduced stickiness/tackiness. According to the methods of the invention, the internal surface of the elastomeric article is coated with a polyisoprene coating. The coating of the invention is formed from synthetic polyisoprene rubber that may or may not contain minor amounts of other components. The coating is preferably directly bonded to the underlying elastomeric article.

Abstract: This invention relates to an elastomeric article with improved lubricity and donnablity and reduced stickiness/tackiness. According to the methods of the invention, the internal surface of the elastomeric article is coated with a polyisoprene coating. The coating of the invention is formed from synthetic polyisoprene rubber that may or may not contain minor amounts of other components. The coating is preferably directly bonded to the underlying elastomeric article.

Abstract: A coating method and a coating apparatus are used to apply coating material to struts of a medical device (e.g., stent) which bound openings. The method involves optically scanning the medical device to produce position information identifying positions of the struts, using the position information to calculate a predetermined position, setting an applying manner to apply the coating material based on the predetermined position, setting an applying path accommodating the applying manner, and relatively moving the medical device and an applicator head along the applying route and path while dispensing the coating material from the applicator head and applying the coating material to the struts.

Abstract: Provided is an antimicrobial raw material having excellent antibacterial and corrosion-resistance properties, which can be directly formed as a film even on a plastic substrate with low heat-resistance or a substrate whereof the color or properties are likely to change due to heat, and this can be achieved at relatively low cost. The antimicrobial raw material is a laminated structure which comprises a substrate layer and a copper-tin alloy layer disposed on the substrate layer, and which has a thickness ranging from 5 nm to 200 nm. The substrate layer is made of resin, natural fiber, or paper, the resin having the deflection temperature under load being 115° C. or lower when measured in accordance with ASTM-D648-56 under a load of 1820 kPa. The copper-tin alloy layer contains over 60 at % but no more than 90 at % of copper and 10 at % or more but less than 40 at % of tin.

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: A method for perfusing a biocompatible material graft with a perfusion liquid includes the steps of: introducing the graft (100) in a perfusion chamber (2), arranging a transfer chamber (3) partly filled with the perfusion liquid (101), coupling in a tight manner the perfusion chamber (2) and the transfer chamber (3) for establishing a fluid communication between them, lowering the pressure in the transfer chamber (3) for transferring therein part of the air existing in the perfusion chamber (2), increasing the pressure within the transfer chamber (3) for injecting in the perfusion chamber (2) the perfusion liquid (101) existing in the transfer chamber (3).

Abstract: A method of making a stent, including preparing a solution containing a composition, the composition comprising a biodegradable polymer and a vascular intimal hyperplasia inhibitor of a kind, including argatroban, which does not inhibit proliferation of endothelial cells, the weight compositional ratio of the polymer to the vascular intimal hyperplasia inhibitor being within the range of 8:2 to 3:7, the composition dissolved in a solvent selected from the group consisting of a mixture of a lower alkyl ketone and methanol, a mixture of a lower alkyl ester and methanol or a mixture of a lower halogenated hydrocarbon and methanol; coating at least an outer surface of a stent body of a cylindrical configuration having outer and inner surfaces with a diamond-like thin film coated on the surfaces; and after the coating, removing the solvent to complete a first coated layer.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a joint prosthesis, bearing material and a production method thereof, which suppresses wear in a sliding section and suppresses the production of abrasive powder even during repeated daily operation. To achieve the object, there is provided a biomaterial comprising: a substrate made of metal, alloy or ceramic; and a biocompatible material layer laminated on the substrate, wherein hydroxyl groups are formed on the substrate by surface-treating, while the biocompatible material layer comprises a polymer containing phosphorylcholine groups, the substrate and the biocompatible material layer are bound via a binder layer which is combined with the hydroxyl groups of the substrate and with the biocompatible material layer.

Abstract: A method of applying a dental composition to tooth surfaces is provided. The dental composition, comprising polymerizable resin and fluorescing compound, is applied to a tooth surface and cured so that it hardens. The composition is preferably used as a dental sealant that provides a hard, glossy surface finish over a tooth. Upon irradiating the sealant with ultraviolet light, the sealant exhibits a bright fluorescent glow. The sealant reverts immediately to its natural color when it is no longer exposed to the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: Implantable prosthesis, components of prosthesis, and methods of making same are provided. The methods generally include the steps of providing an implant shell, applying a curable fluid composition to the shell to form a coating thereon and applying a particulate component to the composition. The composition is a mixture, for example, an emulsion, containing a silicone-based elastomer dispersion and droplets of a suspended leachable agent. After the elastomer is stabilized and cured, the particulate component and leachable agent are removed, resulting in an implantable member having a porous, open-cell surface texture designed to be effective in reducing incidence of capsular formation or contraction.

Abstract: A high-purity porous metal coating is formed over a substrate by thermal spraying a metal coating material over the desired portion of the substrate in an atmospheric air environment. The metal coating material may react with the atmosphere to cause impurities in the applied coating. The impurity-rich portion of the applied coating is subsequently removed to form the high-purity porous metal coating. Process steps are included that cause the impurity-rich portion of the applied coating to be a surface portion that is removable to arrive at the high-purity coating. A protective shroud may be used to limit the amount of impurity imparted to the applied coating and/or a getter material may be employed to continually bring impurities toward the surface of the coated substrate during coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface treatment method for an implant, comprising: providing an implant; and forming a ceramic layer on a surface of the implant by atomic layer deposition, wherein the ceramic layer has a thickness of 5-150 nm; a root mean square roughness increase in a range of 15 nm or less; and a friction coefficient of 0.1-0.5. The ceramic layer formed on the surface of the implant can fully encapsulate the surface of the implant with excellent uniformity to effectively block the free metal ions dissociated from the implant. Moreover, it has anti-oxidation and anti-corrosion effects, and greatly enhances the biocompatibility of the implant.

Abstract: A functionalized polymer system is described herein for preparing and/or modifying biological implants and prostheses. In one aspect, the polymer system once applied to the surface of a biological implant or prosthesis, or once used in preparing a biological implant or prosthesis comprises a surface that is more hydrophilic, more wettable, more comfortable, resists cell adhesion, resists protein deposition, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, a coated biological implant or prosthetic is described herein. The coated biological implant or prosthetic comprises a substrate forming the basic structure of the implant or prosthetic, and a coating comprising a polymer, where the coating is capable of resisting cell adhesion, protein deposition, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method for depositing a coating comprising a polymer and at least two pharmaceutical agents on a substrate, comprising the following steps: providing a stent framework; depositing on said stent framework a first layer comprising a first pharmaceutical agent; depositing a second layer comprising a second pharmaceutical agent; Wherein said first and second pharmaceutical agents are selected from two different classes of pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is disclosed. The medical device includes a substrate and a polymer composition including ascorbic acid, the polymer composition disposed on at least a portion of the substrate.

Abstract: A bone implantable medical device made from a biocompatible material, preferably comprising titania or zirconia, has at least a portion of its surface modified to facilitate improved integration with bone. The implantable device may incorporate a surface infused with osteoinductive agent and/or may incorporate holes loaded with a therapeutic agent. The infused surface and/or the holes may be patterned to determine the distribution of and amount of osteoinductive agent and/or therapeutic agent incorporated. The rate of release or elution profile of the therapeutic agent may be controlled. Methods for producing such a bone implantable medical device are also disclosed and employ the use of ion beam irradiation, preferably gas cluster ion beam irradiation for improving bone integration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocompatible ceramic material comprising Baghdadite (Ca3ZrSi2O9), and a method for its preparation. Preferably the Baghdadite is synthetically prepared. The present invention also relates to an implantable medical device comprising biocompatible Baghdadite, and a method for its production. The present invention further relates to a method for improving the long term stability of an implantable medical device and an implantable drug delivery device comprising Baghdadite. Further, the present invention relates to the use of comprising biocompatible Baghdadite in the regeneration or resurfacing of tissue.

Abstract: A vision restoration assist apparatus includes an insulating case including a biocompatible body portion and a biocompatible cover portion that are joined to each other to form a storage space in the case, an electrode disposed outside the case, an electronic circuit disposed in the storage space of the case, and a joint layer disposed between joint surfaces of the body portion and the cover portion of the case and formed of a sintered bulk of a predetermined metal powder having an average particle size of 1 ?m or less.

Abstract: Medical device coatings are provided that simultaneously release a therapeutic agent at different rates from different portions of the medical device coating. In a first embodiment, medical device coatings are provided that include particles comprising a therapeutic agent with two or more different particles sizes within a single layer on a surface of the implantable device. In a second embodiment, medical device coatings are provided having a higher concentration of the therapeutic agent in a first region of the coating than in a second region of the coating. In a third embodiment, medical device coatings are provided that are formed by certain coating processes wherein the droplet size of a spray coating solution is changed during the coating process. These coating processes preferably include applying a solution comprising a therapeutic agent and a suitable solvent to a surface of an implantable medical device.

Abstract: An orthopaedic prosthesis and a method for rapidly manufacturing the same are provided. The orthopaedic prosthesis includes a solid bearing layer, a porous bone-ingrowth layer, and an interdigitating layer therebetween. A laser sintering technique is performed to manufacture the orthopaedic prosthesis.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods for coating stents are described herein. Applying a composition including polymer component and solvent to a stent substrate followed by exposing the polymer component to a temperature equal to or greater than a Tg of the polymer component is disclosed. Repeating the applying and exposing one or more times to form a coating with the result that the solvent content of the coating after the final exposing step is at a level suitable for a finished stent is further disclosed.

Abstract: Implantable biomimetic ligaments suitable for use in ligament replacement, including, but not limited to, that of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are provided. The replacement implants consist of a biocompatible degradable polymeric scaffold seeded with mesenchymal stem cells (or a combination of different phenotypes). The use of materials such as polylactic acid, fibrin, and nanohydroxyapatite particles, area-dependent compositional modifications, surface topography, biochemical manipulations, and selective growth environments in vitro, allows the scaffold to be populated with the cells mimetic of the native tissue. The mechanical properties of the scaffold support the development of subchondral bone, mineralized fibrocartilage, non-mineralized fibrocartilage, and the ligament proper. The scaffold can be rolled up, transitioning the two-dimensional planar scaffold to a three-dimensional graft for implantation.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising a plurality of polymer layers for preventing or inhibiting microbial infections. Specifically, the invention provides a combination of a cationic polymer layer that resists adhesion of a microbe to its surface and an anionic polymer layer that releases a cationic anti-microbial agent in response to a change in pH or electrostatic balance.

Abstract: An implant having a preferably hollow cylindrical main structure comprising a large number of continuous openings and a coating which releases at least one pharmaceutically active substance. To attain a better distribution of the pharmaceutically active substance, at least 20% of the cross-sectional area, preferably at least 50% of the cross-sectional area, of at least a portion of the openings in a predetermined section of the main structure is covered with the coating which releases at least one pharmaceutically active substance. Furthermore, a system composed of a catheter and such an implant, a simple method for manufacturing such an implant or such a system is provided.

Abstract: According to some aspects, tissue scaffolds are provided that comprise one or more types of nanofibers. In some embodiments, one or more design features are incorporated into a tissue scaffold (e.g.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a brush polymer, including: a linear polymer main chain; and brush structural side chains, including: a hydrophobic molecular branch, and a hydrophilic molecular branch and/or an anti-biofilm/or an anti-microbial molecular branch, wherein the linear polymer main chain is conjugated to the side chains by covalent bonds formed between a hydroxyl group and a reactive functional group, wherein the reactive functional group includes: isocyanate, carboxyl, or epoxy. The present disclosure also provides a medical application of the brush polymer.

Abstract: Implantable biocompatible polymeric medical devices include a substrate with an acid or base-modified surface which is subsequently modified to include click reactive members.

Abstract: A method for attaching an implant to tissue is disclosed. In embodiments, a method includes applying a sprayable material to tissue, the sprayable material possessing functional groups capable of binding to tissue. The sprayable material also possesses functional groups capable of binding to an implant. In embodiments, the functional groups capable of binding to an implant include nucleotides. In such a case, the implant possesses complementary nucleotides capable of binding to the nucleotides on the sprayable material, thereby permitting hydrogen binding between the two. The implant may thus be affixed to tissue, and repositioned as necessary, prior to more permanent attachment utilizing means such as sutures, tacks, etc.

Abstract: Described is a process for producing pulverulent, antioxidant-comprising coating compositions, comprising providing an aqueous polymer dispersions comprising one or more antioxidants and a polymer obtained by radical polymerization of a) N,N-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, and b) at least one radically polymerizable compound selected from esters of ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated mono- and dicarboxylic acids with C1-C8-alkanols, wherein the antioxidants are incorporated into the aqueous polymer dispersion in the form of a solution or of a dispersion, and spray processing the aqueous polymer dispersion to provide a powder form.

Abstract: The invention is directed to medical device coatings, such as coated guidewires and catheters, containing a visualization moiety providing color to the coating in ambient or applied light. The coating allows for visual or machine inspection of coating properties such as uniformity of coverage. In some embodiments the coatings include the visualization moiety and an activated UV photogroup, which is used to provide covalent bonding in the coating. The visualization moiety can be in particulate form and entrained in the coating, or can be covalently bonded to the hydrophilic polymer backbone. In other embodiments the visualization moiety includes a stilbene chemical group. Exemplary coatings include a hydrophilic vinyl pyrrolidone polymer, which can provide lubricity to the device surface, along with the colored properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in chemical vapor infiltration processes and devices for depositing a biocompatible material onto a porous substrate to form an orthopedic implant. The substrate may be formed of reticulated vitreous foam and coated with tantalum, niobium, tungsten, or other biocompatible materials.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating multi-functional articles comprised of additively formed gradient materials are provided. The fabrication of multi-functional articles using the additive deposition of gradient alloys represents a paradigm shift from the traditional way that metal alloys and metal/metal alloy parts are fabricated. Since a gradient alloy that transitions from one metal to a different metal cannot be fabricated through any conventional metallurgy techniques, the technique presents many applications. Moreover, the embodiments described identify a broad range of properties and applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the treatment of glaucoma, though insertion of an implant into the lumen of the Schlemm's canal to realize proper drainage of the aqueous humor, which implant is brought into its position in the Schlemm's canal by means of a catheter having a distal and a proximate portion and provided with a number of pores through which a gaseous or fluid medium which comes from a pressure source can emerge during insertion of the catheter carrying the implant into the Schlemm's canal, and while the catheter is being inserted into the Schlemm's canal the gaseous or fluid medium is released under pressure thereby expanding the Schlemm's canal and the implant and upon releasing the implant at its determined location, the catheter can be withdrawn from the Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a functionally graded glass/ceramic/glass sandwich system especially useful in damage resistant, ceramic dental and orthopedic prosthesis. The functionally graded glass/substrate/glass composite structure comprises an outer (aesthetic) residual glass layer, a graded glass-ceramic layer, and a dense interior ceramic. The functionally graded glass/substrate/glass composite structure may further comprise a veneer on an exterior surface. The present invention also provides a method for preparing a functionally graded glass/ceramic/glass sandwich system. A powdered glass-ceramic composition or a glass tape is applied to the accessible surfaces of a dense alumina substrate to thereby substantially cover the substrate surfaces. The glass of the composition has a CTE similar to that of the substrate material. The glass-ceramic composition is infiltrated into the dense substrate by heating the assembly to temperatures 50-700° C. below the sintering temperature of the substrate.

Abstract: Implantable prosthesis, components of prosthesis, and methods of making same are provided. The methods generally include the steps of providing an implant shell, applying a curable fluid composition to the shell to form a coating thereon and applying a particulate component to the composition. The composition is a mixture, for example, an emulsion, containing a silicone-based elastomer dispersion and droplets of a suspended leachable agent. After the elastomer is stabilized and cured, the particulate component and leachable agent are removed, resulting in an implantable member having a porous, open-cell surface texture designed to be effective in reducing incidence of capsular formation or contraction.

Abstract: A biomimetic surfactant polymer modified with various crosslinking embodiments is described. The crosslinking embodiments provide a biomimetic surfactant coating that is designed to resist cracking, scratching, spalling and chemical dissolution. The crosslinking embodiments comprise the use of various hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional groups. The modified biomimetic surfactant adheres to different substrate surfaces, particularly the surfaces of medical devices.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to a method of protecting UV or visible light sensitive drugs from the effects of UV or visible radiation used to form covalent bonds between a biobeneficial material and the outermost surface of an implantable medical device in order to lessen the foreign body response to the device.

Abstract: A coating comprised of a polymeric material and a bioactive agent where the properties of the casting solvent dictate the dispersion of the embedding bioactive agent. In preferred embodiments, controlled release of the bioactive agent is achieved by homogeneous dispersion of the bioactive agent within the coating. A further aspect of the invention is directed to formulations where the heterogeneous dispersion of the bioactive agent provides an initial rapid release of the bioactive agent. Methodology for production of coating formulations of the desired properties and the application of the coating to an article are also described.

Abstract: System and method for coating an expandable member of a medical device comprising a support structure to support the expandable member and an applicator positioned with at least one outlet proximate a surface of an expandable member. A drive assembly establishes relative movement between the at least one outlet and the surface of the expandable member to apply fluid on the surface of the expandable member along a coating path. A positioning device is provided to determine the distance to the surface of the expandable member at a corresponding location and relays the information to a controller or the like to maintain a substantially fixed distance between the outlet of the applicator and the surface of the expandable member when in alignment with the corresponding location.

Abstract: A system and method for coating an expandable member of a medical device comprising a support structure to support the expandable member and a dispenser positioned with at least one outlet proximate a surface of an expandable member. A drive assembly establishes relative movement between the at least one outlet and the surface of the expandable member to apply fluid on the surface of the expandable member along a coating path. A guide maintains a substantially fixed distance between the at least one outlet and the surface of the expandable member during relative movement therebetween by displacing the expandable member relative to the at least one outlet.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead includes an insulative lead body extending from a distal region to a proximal region and a conductor disposed within the insulative lead body and extending from the proximal region to the distal region. An electrode is disposed on the insulative lead body and is in electrical contact with the conductor. The medical electrical lead also includes a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer coating disposed over at least a portion of the electrode. The cross-linked hydrophilic polymer coating includes a fibrous matrix comprising a plurality of discrete fibers and pores formed between at least a portion of the fibers and a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol-containing hydrogel network disposed within the pores of the fibrous matrix.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for coating surfaces of expandable medical devices with composite coatings. Coatings are composed of various materials including, e.g., polymers and drugs. Transfer of the coatings within a patient or other host forms a drug-eluting coating that delivers time-released drugs over time for treatment of a medical condition.

Abstract: A method of coating a stent involves modifying a spray coating parameter until a target mass per coating layer is achieved. A method for coating involves spraying a batch of stents according to spraying parameters that were previously determined to provide a target mass per coating layer.

Abstract: Medical device coatings are provided that simultaneously release a therapeutic agent at different rates from different portions of the medical device coating. In a first embodiment, medical device coatings are provided that include particles comprising a therapeutic agent with two or more different particles sizes within a single layer on a surface of the implantable device. In a second embodiment, medical device coatings are provided having a higher concentration of the therapeutic agent in a first region of the coating than in a second region of the coating. In a third embodiment, medical device coatings are provided that are formed by certain coating processes wherein the droplet size of a spray coating solution is changed during the coating process. These coating processes preferably include applying a solution comprising a therapeutic agent and a suitable solvent to a surface of an implantable medical device.

Abstract: Methods for forming bone implants for the repair of the ends of bones at orthopedic joints, which implants have a Young's modulus close to that of human cortical bone. Substrates of dense isotropic graphite are coated overall with hard, microporous, isotropic pyrocarbon of specific character such that it can be polished to serve as an articular surface and can also securely receive an anchoring first metal layer through PVD. The first layer has a character such that, by thermal spraying a second biocompatible metal layer thereupon, fusion occurs and thereby anchors an outermost layer that is formed with a network of randomly interconnected pores and a surface character of peaks and valleys designed to promote enhanced appositional growth of cortical bone at the interface therewith.

Abstract: A cell implant matrix has a connective porosity of more than 80% and consists mainly of a mixture of bioresorbable polymers, wherein the matrix has disk-shape and wherein a surface layer on one side of the disk has less than 20% of the average pore density of the other sides. The matrix is manufactured by providing a bioresorbable polymer layer; stratifying, onto the polymer layer, a mixture of a water-soluble solid, at least two polymers differing with respect to their resorption rates, and a solvent for one of the polymers; evaporating the solvent optionally followed by compacting the mixture; and watering the compacted body to remove the salt.

Abstract: An expandable medical device includes a plurality of elongated struts, forming a substantially cylindrical device which is expandable from a first diameter to a second diameter. A plurality of different beneficial agents may be loaded into different openings within the struts for delivery to the tissue. For treatment of conditions such as restenosis, different agents are loaded into different openings in the device to address different biological processes involved in restenosis and are delivered at different release kinetics matched to the biological process treated. The different agents may also be used to address different diseases from the same drug delivery device. In addition, anti-thrombotic agents may be affixed to at least a portion of the surfaces of the medical device for the prevention of sub-acute thrombosis. To ensure that the different agents remain affixed to the device as well as to each other, masking and de-masking processes may be utilized.

Abstract: A method of coating a stent comprises contacting a first axial portion of a stent with a support element, such that a second axial portion does not contact the support element or any other support element, applying a coating material to the second axial portion, and inhibiting or preventing application of the coating material on the first axial portion. A shuttle sheath can be used to push the stent off the support element.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for making coated liners and/or tubular devices including such coated liners. A sleeve may be provided that includes an outer first surface and an inner second surface extending between first and second ends thereof, and a hydrophilic or other coating may be applied to the first. The coated sleeve may be cut between the first and second ends to create opposing edges extending between the first and second ends, and the cut sleeve may be reversed such that the coated first surface defines an inner surface and the opposing edges are disposed adjacent one another, thereby providing a coated liner. Optionally, a tubular structure, e.g., one or more reinforcing layers and/or or outer layers may be attached around the coated liner, thereby providing a tubular device including an inner surface with a desired coating.

Abstract: An electroconductive hole plug paste comprising about 60-80 wt % of platinum particles, about 10-20 wt % of Al2O3, and about 10-20 wt % of organic vehicle, based upon 100% total weight of the paste, wherein the organic vehicle includes at least one viscosity-modifying component in an amount sufficient to provide the electroconductive hole plug paste with a viscosity of about 800-1,500 kcPs, is provided. A ceramic substrate assembly for an implantable medical device having the electroconductive hole plug paste of the invention, and a method of forming the same, are also provided.