Abstract: A porous implant matrix consists mainly of a mixture of polymers which are differently rapidly degradable, wherein nominal resorption times of two of the components of the mixture, each accounting for at least 10% of the mixture, differ by a factor of at least 5. The porous implant matrix is manufactured from a mixture of the at least two differently rapidly degradable polymers, wherein particles of both polymers are mixed with particles of a water-soluble solid and a solvent for one of the polymers, and after evaporating the solvent is optionally compacted, and the solid is removed by watering.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to self-supporting films for delivery of a therapeutic agent containing at least one hydrophobic polymer and at least one therapeutic agent. Methods of forming the self-supporting films are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an outer shaft comprising a first section of electroactive polymer. The first section of electroactive polymer affecting either the flexibility of the catheter or the steerability of the catheter.

Abstract: A cell growth matrix is provided that comprises a biodegradable elastomeric polymer electrodeposited concurrently with a sprayed or electrosprayed liquid that is a physiological solution or which comprises a mammalian blood product such as serum, plasma or platelet rich plasma. The matrix is useful as a cell-growth matrix and for repair of a tissue in a mammal, for instance by implantation in a mammal at a site in need of repair, such as in an abdominal wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for coating the entire surface of lattice-like or mesh-like endoprostheses, wherein the endoprostheses initially are being provided with a thin layer covering the material surface of the endoprosthesis and subsequently, the surface of the entire endoprosthesis is being coated, wherein said coating of the entire surface covers the struts as well as the interstices between the individual struts.

Abstract: Biomedical scaffolds are described that may be used, for example, for the treatment of bone diseases and bone reconstruction and restoration. The described scaffolds having ingress and habitiaion property for cells and growth factors with serum by capillary action via engineered micro-channles. Also, the scaffolds permit nutrient and ion flow such that bone regeneration in the area surrounding the scaffold is promoted. Kits that include such scaffolds and methods of preparing and using such scaffolds are also provided.

Abstract: A method of a forming a hollow, drug-eluting medical device includes utilizing a hollow wire having an outer member and a lumen of the outer member, and filling the lumen with a fluid to form a supported hollow wire. The supported hollow wire is shaped into a stent pattern. Openings are formed through the outer member. The supported hollow wire is processed to remove the fluid from the lumen of the outer member without adversely affecting the outer member, leaving the hollow wire shaped into a stent pattern. The lumen is filled with a biologically or pharmacologically active substance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for coating an inner surface of a polyvinyl chloride medical tube containing a plasticizer with an antithrombogenic material composed of a specific (meth)acrylate copolymer. The simple method of the present invention is capable of evenly and efficiently coating an inner surface of a polyvinyl chloride medical tube with a sufficient amount of an antithrombogenic material without causing appearance deterioration or uneven coating due to elution of the plasticizer. The method is performed by passing through a tube a solution that is prepared by dissolving an antithrombogenic material in a solvent composed of water and at least one alcohol that is adjusted to dissolve the copolymer of the antithrombogenic material but does not dissolve the plasticizer, then subsequently passing water through the tube, and finally drying the tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating catheters or balloon catheters is disclosed in which the catheter or balloon catheter is radially surrounded completely or almost completely at a constant distance by a device that applies a coating solution so that the coating solution completely fills the space between the catheter or balloon catheter and the device and thus completely surrounds the catheter or balloon catheter, relative motion is effected between the device and the catheter or balloon catheter in the axial direction across the surface of the catheter or balloon catheter multiple times, and partial drying of the applied coating solution occurs between the individual coating stages.

Abstract: Implantable medical grafts fabricated of metallic or pseudometallic films of biocompatible materials having a plurality of microperforations passing through the film in a pattern that imparts fabric-like qualities to the graft or permits the geometric deformation of the graft. The implantable graft is preferably fabricated by vacuum deposition of metallic and/or pseudometallic materials into either single or multi-layered structures with the plurality of microperforations either being formed during deposition or after deposition by selective removal of sections of the deposited film. The implantable medical grafts are suitable for use as endoluminal or surgical grafts and may be used as vascular grafts, stent-grafts, skin grafts, shunts, bone grafts, surgical patches, non-vascular conduits, valvular leaflets, filters, occlusion membranes, artificial sphincters, tendons and ligaments.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. An example medical device includes a slotted tubular member and a coating disposed over the tubular member. The coating may define one or more coating gaps therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for treatment of eye disease such as glaucoma. Implants are described herein that create a flow field, such as between the anterior chamber and either the supraciliary space or suprachoroidal space. In addition, the implant can be treated with one or more treatments, including plasma treatments, for creating a variety of surface features and characteristics. Some of the surface features and characteristics can assist in controlling tissue responses to the implanted implant, including promoting or preventing tissue proliferation.

Abstract: A method for modifying silk polymer by coupling a chemical moiety to a tyrosine residue of a silk polymer is described herein for the purpose of altering the physical properties of the silk protein. Thus, silk proteins with desired physical properties can be produced by the methods described herein. These methods are particularly useful when the introduction of cells to a mammal is desired, since modifications to the silk protein affect the physical properties and thus the adhesion, metabolic activity and cell morphology of the desired cells. The silk protein can be modified to produce, or modify, a structure that provides an optimal environment for the desired cells.

Abstract: Stents with coatings comprising a combination of a restenosis inhibitor comprising an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and a carrier. Also provided are methods of coating stents with a combination of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and a carrier. A preferred example of a restenosis inhibitor is cerivastatin. The stent coatings have been shown to release restenosis inhibitors in their active forms.

Abstract: A method for depositing a coating comprising a polymer and impermeable dispersed solid on a substrate, comprising the following steps: discharging at least one impermeable dispersed solid in dry powder form through a first orifice; discharging at least one polymer in dry powder form through a second orifice; depositing the polymer and/or impermeable dispersed solid particles onto said substrate, wherein an electrical potential is maintained between the substrate and the impermeable dispersed solid and/or polymer particles, thereby forming said coating; and sintering said coating under conditions that do not disrupt the activity and/or function of the substrate. A similar method is provided for depositing a coating comprising a hydrophobic polymer and a water-vapor-trapping material on a substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a coated implantable medical device, comprising: a substrate; and a coating disposed on the substrate, wherein the coating comprises at least one polymer and at least one pharmaceutical agent in a therapeutically desirable morphology and/or at least one active biological agent and optionally, one or more pharmaceutical carrying agents; wherein substantially all of pharmaceutical agent and/or active biological agent remains within the coating and on the substrate until the implantable device is deployed at an intervention site inside the body of a subject and wherein upon deployment of the medical device in the body of the subject a portion of the pharmaceutical agent and/or active biological agent is delivered at the intervention site along with at least a portion of the polymer and/or a at least a portion of the pharmaceutical carrying agents.

Abstract: Endoprostheses and methods of making endoprostheses are disclosed. For example, endoprostheses are described that include an endoprosthesis body, a biodegradable metallic tie layer, and a polymer coating about the endoprosthesis body. The biodegradable tie layer and the polymer coating can have a high peel strength from the body.

Abstract: A device for coating at least regions of a medical implant including a powder having at least one pharmaceutically active substance or one bone growth-promoting substance such that the powder can be transferred to the medical implant when the medical implant is contacted.

Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure relates to a medical device comprising a lead including an electrically conductive lead wire; and an electrode electrically coupled to the lead wire, the electrode including a substrate and a coating on an outer surface of the substrate, wherein the lead wire is formed of a composition comprising titanium or titanium alloys, wherein the substrate is formed of a composition comprising one or more of titanium, tantalum, niobium, and alloys thereof, wherein the coating comprises at least one of Pt, TiN, IrOx, and poly(dioctyl-bithiophene) (PDOT). In some examples, the lead wire may be coupled to the lead wire via a weld, such as, e.g., a laser weld.

Abstract: A method of producing a drug coated balloon that comprises the steps of: subjecting a balloon catheter with a folded and wrapped balloon thereon to a pre-annealing step to induce a fold/wrap memory in the resulting pre-annealed balloon; unfolding the pre-annealed balloon sufficiently to expose the full circumferential surface of the balloon by application of an inflation pressure that retains said fold/wrap memory; applying a drug coating formulation to the unfolded balloon surface; releasing pressure to relax the balloon and induce creasing along fold memory; and evacuating the balloon slowly to induce refolding and rewrapping of the balloon. The method overcomes the need to use a folding apparatus to fold and wrap a drug coated balloon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating an article surface. The method includes removing a metal oxide surface from the metal substrate to expose a metal surface; and delivering particles including a dopant from at least one fluid jet to the metal surface to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant. The method also includes delivering substantially simultaneously a first set of particles comprising a dopant and a second set of particles comprising an abrasive from at least one fluid jet to a surface of an article to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant.

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 invention relates to an implantable prosthesis and a shell for an implantable prosthesis and methods for making them, in particular a light weight implantable prosthesis containing a biocompatible filler which is suitable for use as a breast implant.

Abstract: Disclosed are stent holding devices having a support mandrel and one or more stent retaining fixtures disposed on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may include a character identifier to facilitate tracking a stent mounted on the holding device. The retaining fixture may include a conical protrusion and a conical recess to allow any number of retaining fixtures to engage each other and be stacked on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may include a tubular member having a spiral cut that enables the diameter of the tubular member to be adjusted to allow for a frictional fit on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may have a Z-shaped or T-shaped structure configured to retain a stent. The stent retaining fixture may also have a filament for retaining a stent.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a strategy to create self-healing, slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) that can be modified as desired. Roughened (e.g., porous) surfaces can be utilized to lock in place a lubricating fluid, referred to herein as Liquid B to repel a wide range of objects, referred to herein as Object A (Solid A or Liquid A). Use of an external stimuli or degradation of the Liquid B can be utilized to change the characteristics of SLIPS structures reversibly or irreversibly that may be desired in a number of different applications. Numerous characteristics, such as adhesion, optical, mechanical, and the like, can be dynamically changed.

Abstract: The present invention provides implant devices comprising nanoscale structures on the surface thereof and methods of manufacturing such implant devices. In some embodiments, methods of manufacturing an implant device comprise exposing a surface of the implant device to an oxidative hydrothermal environment for a duration sufficient to generate nanoscale structures on the exposed surface(s) of the implant device.

Abstract: The invention is an antimicrobial photo-stable coating composition that deters photo-induced discoloration, does not stain tissue and can be applied to the surface of a variety of medical materials. The composition comprises in an aspect silver-PCA complex and dye.

Abstract: A device for spraying a biological substance onto a biocompatible implant. The device includes a housing that defines a sterile chamber. A spray head is within the chamber and proximate to a first end. A first conduit is configured to direct the biological substance into the chamber through a first spray tip of the spray head. A second conduit is configured to direct an activator into the chamber through a second spray tip of the spray head. A third conduit is configured to direct compressed air to the chamber through a third spray tip of the spay head. The spray head is configured to direct a coating of the biological substance as activated by the activator to the implant seated within the chamber at a second end that is opposite to the first end.

Abstract: A hermetic feedthrough for an implantable medical device includes a sheet having a hole, where the sheet includes a ceramic comprising alumina. The feedthrough also includes a second material substantially filling the hole, where the second material includes a platinum powder mixture and an alumina additive. The platinum powder mixture includes a first platinum powder having a median particle size of between approximately 3 and 10 micrometers and a second platinum powder that is coarser than the first platinum powder and has a median particle size of between approximately 5 and 20 micrometers. The platinum powder mixture includes between approximately 50 and 80 percent by weight of the first platinum powder and between approximately 20 and 50 percent by weight of the second platinum powder. The first and second materials have a co-fired bond therebetween that hermetically seals the hole.

Abstract: A radially expandable, endovascular stent designed for placement at a site of vascular injury, for inhibiting restenosis at the site, a method of using, and a method of making the stent. The stent includes a radially expandable body formed of one or more metallic filaments and a liquid-infusible mechanical anchoring layer attached to or formed in outer surface of the filaments. A drug coating in the stent is composed of a substantially polymer-free composition of an anti-restenosis drug, and has a substratum infused in the anchoring layer and a substantially continuous surface stratum of drug that is brought into direct contact with the vessel walls at the vascular site. Thus, the rate of release of the anti-restenosis drug from the surface stratum into said vascular site is determined solely by the composition of said drug coating.

Abstract: In a method for producing a bioactive surface on an endoprosthesis or on the balloon of a balloon catheter, the surface of the endoprosthesis or the surface of the balloon is softened. The surface of the endoprosthesis or of the balloon is moistened with a solution of an active ingredient and the solvent is separated from the active ingredient. The solvent can be a water-miscible solvent.

Abstract: A coated medical implant and associated method are disclosed. The coated medical implant can include a metallic outer surface. An intermediary layer can be coated on at least a portion of the metallic outer surface. A polyethylene glycol (PEG) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) can be formed on at least a portion of the intermediary layer. The SAM can be configured to be substantially hypoallergenic or conductive.

Abstract: A balloon with a bioactive surface is prepared by softening the surface of the balloon. The surface of the balloon is moistened with a solution of an active ingredient and the solvent is separated from the active ingredient. The solvent can be a water-miscible solvent.

Abstract: A method of producing a delivery device for delivering a chemical compound includes i) providing an interpenetrating polymer substrate (IP substrate) having a first continuous polymer comprising rubber and a second polymer having hydrogel or a hydrogelable precursor, where the second polymer is interpenetrating in the first polymer; ii) providing the chemical compound and a loading solvent for the chemical compound; and iii) loading the IP substrate with the chemical compound by subjecting the IP substrate to the loading solvent having the chemical compound under conditions where the loading solvent at least partially swells the second polymer. The chemical compound, the second polymer and the loading solvent are selected such that the work of adhesion (Whc) between the second polymer and the chemical compound during at least a part of the loading is at least about 0 J/m2.

Abstract: Disclosed are a magnetic field-controlled movable bio-scaffold and a method for constructing the same. The bio-scaffold is highly biocompatible and can readily move to a target site under the control of an external magnetic field.

Abstract: A double-structured tissue implant and a method for preparation and use thereof for implantation into tissue defects. The double-structured tissue implant comprising a primary scaffold and a secondary scaffold consisting of a soluble collagen solution in combination with a non-ionic surfactant generated and positioned within the primary scaffold. A stand alone secondary scaffold implant or unit. A process for preparation of the double-structured implant or the stand alone secondary scaffold comprising lyophilization and dehydrothermal treatment.

Abstract: A coating and drying apparatus for the application of a coating substance to a stent and drying the stent 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 stent with at least one severable supporting device and methods of coating using the same are disclosed. The severable supporting device can be an end tube or a tab attached to some portion of the stent by at least one “gate” or attachment. The end tube or tab may be part of the design of the stent when it is originally manufactured, or it may be attached to the stent in a secondary process by a biocompatible glue or solder. The end tube or tab can be used to support a stent during a coating process eliminating the need for a mandrel which would otherwise contact the stent during the coating process.

Abstract: Methods and devices coat, at least regions of, a medical implant, preferably of an artificial joint or a fixation for a joint. The method provides a medical implant, fills a device with a liquid having at least one pharmaceutically active substance, wherein the device has a compressed, at least over regions thereof, elastic, porous transfer means increases a volume of the transfer means, whereby the liquid is taken up at least partly into the pores of the transfer means, and transfers the liquid from the transfer means to a medical implant surface to be coated. The device coats, at least regions of, a medical implant, by means of the method, whereby the device has a compressed, at least over regions thereof, elastic, porous transfer means.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed containing a polymeric mixture diluted into an aqueous solution, which can be usefully applied to any surface mat is hydbcphoixc to act, for example, as an aotifoggiag coating with minimal optical distortion and excellent transparency. The compositions can also be used as lubricious agents on medical implants, shunts, and surgical supplies to minimize tissue trauma, to maximize bio-compatibility, and to increase healing by enhancing better irrigation and flow in adjacent tissue.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a medical implant (1) for occluding an opening in a body and a method of producing such a medical implant. Disclosed is an improved occluder (1), which provides improved occlusion, improved sealing and improved endothelialization. The occluder slows down the blood flow through the defect. In one embodiment, a medical implant (1) for occluding an opening in a body is provided, wherein the medical implant (1) comprises a body mesh of strands forming a plurality of adjacent cells delimited by the strands, the body mesh having an external surface, and a coating (22) or a non-fibrous film membrane (17) covering the external surface for at least partly restricting a fluid flow through a structural tissue defect, such as a defect in the heart.

Abstract: An implantable biocompatible material includes one or more vacuum deposited layers of biocompatible materials deposited upon a biocompatible base material. At least a top most vacuum deposited layer includes a homogeneous molecular pattern of distribution along the surface thereof and comprises a patterned array of geometric physiologically functional features.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis component and a method for producing an endoprosthesis component is disclosed. The endoprosthesis component comprises a body predefining the shape of the endoprosthesis component. On surface portions with which the endoprosthesis component in the implanted state is in contact with human tissue, the body is covered with an outer layer which comprises a nitride, an oxynitride or an oxide based on a refractory metal and which contains silver and/or copper. An intermediate layer is arranged between the outer layer and the body in such a way that parts of the intermediate layer are accessible from the outside. The endoprosthesis component enables generation of a long-term antimicrobial action with the outer layer and, in addition, action on the surrounding tissue from the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A stent has first and second members. The stent is supported by a mandrel in a first position such that the mandrel is in contact with the first member and the second member is spaced from the mandrel. A method for coating the stent includes spraying or drying the stent, placing the stent in a second position such that the first member is spaced from the mandrel and the second member is placed in contact with the mandrel, and spraying or drying the stent while the stent is supported by the mandrel in the second position.

Abstract: An implant and method for producing an implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, with a body, wherein the body contains iron or an iron alloy, comprising the following steps: a) providing the implant body (1), b) applying a metallic coating comprising as main constituent at least one element of the group containing tantalum, niobium, zirconium, aluminum, magnesium, vanadium, molybdenum, hafnium, and wolfram onto at least a portion of the body surface, and c) plasmachemical treatment of the portion of the body surface provided with the coating in an aqueous solution for producing a plasmachemically generated layer (3, 5, 7) by means of applying a plasma-generating pulsating voltage to the body of the implant, wherein the pulsating voltage has sufficient energy that the metallic coating (3, 5, 7) is temporarily and sectionally ionized up to the underlying implant body (1) in such a manner that the generated layer has pores (5) which extend at least partially up to the implant body.

Abstract: An implantable delivery device and method for utilizing the device to delivery a bioactive agent to a subject in need thereof is described. The device includes a pattern of structures fabricated on a surface of the device to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. The device may be located adjacent tissue such as an endovascular implant or a perivascular implant, and may deliver the bioactive agent without triggering an immune or foreign body response to the bioactive agent.

Abstract: A feedthrough includes a sheet having a hole, where the sheet includes a first material that is a ceramic comprising alumina. The feedthrough further includes a second material substantially filling the hole. The second material is different than the first material and includes platinum and an additive that includes alumina. The first and second materials have a co-fired bond therebetween that hermetically seals the hole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surgical mesh with a layer of dehydrated basement membrane formed thereon. Methods of making and using the mesh also are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are surface treatments for soft silicone gel materials such as silicone intraocular lenses.