Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having anti-migration features. The endoprosthesis includes an expandable tubular framework including a plurality of strut rows and a plurality of connectors extending across interstices between adjacent strut rows and interconnecting adjacent strut rows. The strut rows have an outer diameter in an expanded state and the connectors extend radially outward beyond the outer diameter of the strut rows in the expanded state. The connectors are configured to engage a wall of a body lumen in the expanded state to inhibit migration of the endoprosthesis in the body lumen. The endoprosthesis may include a polymeric cover covering the strut rows and spanning the interstices between adjacent strut rows, while a space between the connectors and the strut rows to which the connectors are interconnected with is devoid of the polymeric cover to permit tissue ingrowth around the connectors.

Abstract: Controlled release vascular implants, such as vascular grafts, stents, wraps, and gels comprising a biocompatible polymer and all trans retinoic acid (ATRA), or its derivatives, can be used to treat, prevent, or inhibit thrombosis and/or neointimal hyperplasia which may otherwise be induced by prosthetic implantation. In particular, the implants herein can inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation, neointimal hyperplasia, and upregulate antithrombotic genes and nitric oxide production in the vasculature. Further, the implants are capable of delivering controlled and predictable localized concentrations of ATRA.

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: 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: A method of inhibiting vascular intimal hyperplasia including: placing a stent within a blood vessel, the stent having a stent body of a cylindrical configuration having outer and inner surfaces with a diamond-like thin film coated on the surfaces, a first coated layer coating at least the outer surface of the stent body, the first coated layer being prepared of a first composition comprising a biodegradable polymer and a vascular intimal hyperplasia inhibitor of a kind, comprising argatroban, which does not inhibit proliferation of endothelial cells, the weight composition ratio of the polymer to the vascular intimal hyperplasia inhibitor being within the range of 8:2 to 7:3, and a second coated layer; and causing argatroban to be released from the stent to thereby inhibit the vascular intimal hyperplasia without inhibiting proliferation of endothelial cells.

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: A method of coating a stent is presented such that less than 50% of the total amount of 40-O-(2-hydroxyl)ethyl-rapamycin, or an analog or derivative thereof, is released in vivo in a 24 hour period, wherein the method comprises exposing the coating to sufficient temperature to modify the structure of the polymer.

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: A stent-graft, including a generally tubular vascular graft of biocompatible material, and a plurality of bio-resorbable discrete annular members spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the vascular graft and attached thereto.

Abstract: A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract; at least one coating layer 16 posited on one surface of the structure; and at least one layer 18 of a bioactive material posited on at least a portion of the coating layer 16, wherein the coating layer 16 provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material from the coating layer. In addition, at least one porous layer 20 can be posited over the bioactive material layer 18, wherein the porous layer includes a polymer and provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material therethrough. Preferably, the structure 12 is a coronary stent. The porous layer 20 includes a polymer applied preferably by vapor or plasma deposition and provides for a controlled release of the bioactive material.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis with an impregnation including at least one sealing material in the prosthesis wall and/or with a coating including at least one sealing material on the outer surface of the prosthesis, wherein the prosthesis, when subjected to a force of 1 N acting perpendicularly with respect to the outer surface of the prosthesis, is deformed such that the external diameter of the prosthesis decreases, in the direction of the acting force, by 60 to 100% in relation to the original external diameter.

Abstract: A method for electrostatic coating of medical devices such as stents and balloons is described. The method includes applying a composition to a polymeric component of a medical device which has little or no conductivity. The polymeric component could be a material from which the body or a strut of the stent is made or could be a polymeric coating pre-applied on the stent. The polymeric component could be the balloon wall. A charge can then be applied to the polymeric component or the polymeric component can be grounded. Charged particles of drugs, polymers, biobeneficial agents, or any combination of these can then be electrostatically deposited on the medical device or the coating on the medical device. One example of the composition is iodine, iodine, iodide, iodate, a complex or salt thereof which can also impart imaging capabilities to the medical device.

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 material including a plurality of fatty acid chains cross-linked together and a silver fatty acid salt formed with the fatty acid chains within the material. Methods for forming a material are also included. The silver-containing materials can be utilized alone or in combination with a medical device for the release and local delivery of one or more anti-infective agents.

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: A method of loading a composition into a structural element of a stent, where the structural element is defined by a lumen and at least one opening to access the lumen. The composition may comprise a therapeutic agent, and wherein at a temperature of 30° C. and at one atmosphere, the composition may be in a solid state or semi-solid state.

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: 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: An interventional medical device and manufacturing method thereof, the interventional medical device comprising a stent body (1); the stent body (1) is provided with a drug releasing structure on the surface, the drug in the drug releasing structure being a drug for inhibiting adventitial fibroblast proliferation. When the interventional medical device is implanted into a human body, the drug for inhibiting the adventitial fibroblast proliferation can be slowly released into vessel wall cells in contact with the stent body (1), thus inhibiting the proliferation of the adventitial fibroblasts, promoting vascular compensatory expansion, and reducing the incidence rate of instent restenosis.

Abstract: An antimicrobial silicone rubber comprises a silicone rubber substrate, a catechol layer bound to a surface of the silicone rubber substrate, and an antimicrobial layer disposed on the catechol layer. The catechol layer comprises a catechol material, a quinone derivative thereof, and/or a polymer of the foregoing catechol material and/or quinone derivative. The antimicrobial layer comprises an antimicrobial cationic polycarbonate covalently linked to the catechol layer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for coating stents are described herein.

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 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 invention relates to means and methods for the disinfection of an insertion channel to prevent in particular catheter sepsis, which significantly reduces the carry-over of germs even out of deeper skin layers by means of medical instruments, such as catheters, to be introduced into non-natural openings and also permits the decontamination of perioperatively contaminated medical instruments. The disinfection of the insertion channel is achieved by means of a method for the perioperative coating of a medical instrument to be inserted into an invasively produced bodily opening before use, comprising the application of a preferably viscous or foam-like composition containing at least one anti-infective compound, preferably a gel having octenidine, by means of an applicator, such that when said gel is used, the composition is also specifically effective in the first millimeters of the insertion channel. Furthermore, an immediate disinfecting action is provided over the entire coated surface.

Abstract: Provided herein is a prohealing piezoelectric coating and the method of making and using the same.

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: A copolymer comprising a block of an elastin pentapeptide and method of making and using the copolymer are provided.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a method and a device for detecting device colonization. Disclosed herein is an indwelling medical device configured to detect a biofilm. The device comprises a substrate configured to contact blood and a detecting material, disposed with the substrate, configured to detect the presence of a biofilm thereon. The detecting material is soluble in blood, removable by kidneys from the blood, and passable to urine by the kidneys for detection in the urine. A method for detecting the growth of a biofilm on an indwelling medical and a method for making an indwelling medical device are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A copolymer comprising a block of an elastin pentapeptide and method of making and using the copolymer are provided.

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: 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: Methods for treating or preventing neointima stenosis are disclosed. The methods generally involve the use of a TGF? inhibitor, a SMAD2 inhibitor, an FGF Receptor agonist, a Let-7 agonist, or a combination thereof, to inhibit endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Endo-MT) of vascular endothelial cells into smooth muscle cells (SMC) at sites of endothelial damage. The disclosed methods can therefore be used to prevent or inhibit neointimal stenosis or restenosis, e.g., after angioplasty, vascular graft, or stent. Also disclosed are methods for increasing the patency of biodegradable, synthetic vascular grafts using a composition that inhibits Endo-MT. A cell-free tissue engineered vascular graft (TEVG) produced by this method is also disclosed.

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: 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 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: 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: Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a polymer blend composition used for coating a medical device that exhibits improved thermal stability. The invention also encompasses implantable medical devices coated the aforementioned coating.

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: Provided are formulations and related methods, for coating or impregnating a medical device, as well as a coated or impregnated medical device, for example, a device that is a catheter or cannula, where a different formulation may be used for interior surface of device and for exterior surface of the device.

Abstract: The gradient coated stent 150 of the present invention provides a coated stent having a continuous coating 130 disposed on the stent elements. The continuous coating 130 includes a first coating component and a second coating component. The concentration of the first coating component varies continuously over at least part of the thickness of the continuous coating 130. The concentration of the second coating component can also vary over at least part of the thickness of the continuous coating 130. In one embodiment, the concentration of the first coating component decreases in the direction from the stent element towards the outer edge of the continuous coating 130 and the concentration of the second coating component increases in the direction from the stent element towards the outer edge of the continuous coating 130.

Abstract: This invention relates to the treatment and diagnosis of abnormalities of the epithelial-lined surface of the esophagus and, in particular, to esophageal stents having a surface coating comprising a photosensitizing agent or a precursor thereof for use in methods of photodynamic treatment (PDT) or photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) of the esophagus. The stents find particular use in methods of diagnosing and/or treating Barrett's esophagus and in diagnostic methods for monitoring the progression of the disease.

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: Apparatuses and methods for coating and/or loading a medical device with a therapeutic agent prior to or during the placement of the medical device within the patient's body. In one variation, the medical device is coated and/or loaded with a therapeutic agent while the device is positioned in a delivery apparatus. In another variation, the delivery apparatus comprises a reservoir for retaining a therapeutic agent. The user may release the therapeutic agent from the reservoir prior to or during the placement of the device to coat and/or load the device with the therapeutic agent.

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: A coating and drying apparatus for the application of a coating substance to a stent and drying the stent is provided.

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: 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.