Abstract: A medical device includes a structure configured for introduction to a vascular system of a patient. The structure including a surface having sodium nitroprusside and silver disposed thereupon, The sodium nitroprusside has a concentration sufficient to reduce thrombosis. To make the medical device, a base material is impregnated with sodium nitroprusside, the medical device is formed from the base material, and the medical device is coated with an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices with therapy eluting components and methods for making same. More specifically, the invention relates to implantable medical devices having at least one porous layer, and methods for making such devices, and loading such devices with therapeutic agents. A mixture or alloy is placed on the surface of a medical device, then one component of the mixture or alloy is generally removed without generally removing the other components of the mixture or alloy. In some embodiments, a porous layer is adapted for bonding non-metallic coating, including drug eluting polymeric coatings. A porous layer may have a random pore structure or an oriented or directional grain porous structure. One embodiment of the invention relates to medical devices, including vascular stents, having at least one porous layer adapted to resist stenosis or cellular proliferation without requiring elution of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A particle embedded polymer stent and method of manufacture, which includes a stent delivery system having a catheter; a balloon operably attached to the catheter; and a polymer stent disposed on the balloon, the stent comprising struts interconnected to form a tubular body. Each of the struts includes in cross section a drug-free core region; and a drug region surrounding and immediately adjacent to the core region, the drug region including drug particles. The drug-free core region and the drug region are made of a single polymer, the single polymer having a drug-safe softening temperature.

Abstract: Methods of coating a medical device are provided to improve coating uniformity and reduce coating irregularities while reducing direct coating of the luminal surface of the medical device. Preferably, methods of coating a tubular medical device include the steps of: positioning the tubular medical device around a mandrel coating assembly, mounting the tubular medical device on the mandrel coating assembly and spraying a coating solution including a therapeutic agent and a solvent onto the abluminal surface of the tubular medical device mounted on the mandrel coating assembly. The mandrel coating assembly may include an axial member of a diameter that is less than the diameter of the lumen of the tubular medical device and at least one annular projection extending from the axial member to an outer surface having a diameter greater than or substantially equal to the diameter of the lumen of the medical device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating at least one surface of a solid elastomer part using helium ions. According to the invention, multi-energy ions He+ and He2+ are implanted simultaneously, and the ratio RHe, where RHe=HeVHe2+ with He+ et He2+ expressed in atomic percentage, is less than or equal to 100, for example less than 20, resulting in very significant reductions in the frictional properties of parts treated in this way. The He+ and He2+ ions are supplied, for example, by an ECR source.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical articles, such as a syringe assemblies, including a substrate having a coating on a surface thereof, the coating including: (1) at least one organopolysiloxane and (2) a deposition product applied to the at least one organopolysiloxane by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of a composition including at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of N-vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl acetate, ethylene oxide, alkyl acrylate, alkyl methacrylate, acrylamide, acrylic acid, and mixtures thereof, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: An exemplary insulin infusion set that further provides one or more set elements including the hub, hub adhesive, fluid line tubeset, connectors, catheters and insertion needles which can be impregnated with, coated with, or otherwise configured to contain and administer an anesthetic at the insertion and set placement locations to minimize user discomfort and the risk of complications associated with the use of infusion sets. To do so, the system and method provides steps for mixing at a step (22) at least two of a solvent, an anesthetic, and a lubricant, applying the mixed compound as a coating to at least one surface of the infusion set, patch pump, or an element thereof at a step (24), and then substantially removing the solvent after coating at a step (26) to provide at least one of an anesthetic layer and a lubricant layer upon the infusion set, patch pump, or an element thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating system for an article including a first component having a surface in frictional engagement with a surface of a second component, wherein at least a portion of at least one surface of the component(s) is coated with a coating prepared from a composition including a first, curable organopolysiloxane comprising at least two alkenyl groups; and a second, curable organopolysiloxane comprising at least two polar groups, the second organopolysiloxane being different from the first organopolysiloxane, which can provide low breakloose force when used in syringe assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug-eluting medical device, in particular a balloon for angioplasty catheters with drug elution to prevent the restenosis of the vessel subjected to angioplasty. More particularly, the present invention relates to a catheter balloon completely or partially coated with paclitaxel in hydrated crystalline form or in hydrated solvated crystalline form, having an immediate release and bioavailability of a therapeutically effective amount of paclitaxel at the site of intervention. The balloon can be made of a polyether-polyamide block copolymer, or a polyester amide, or polyamide-12.

Abstract: A method of making a drug eluting stent comprises forming a porous stent body surface layer by ion implantation, applying a layer of ceramic particles on the porous layer and compressing the layer of ceramic particles. The layer of ceramic particles can be compressed to successively higher densities. Drugs can be loaded into the layer of ceramic materials at a relatively low density before the layer of ceramic materials is compressed to a higher density to achieve a desired low drug release rate.

Abstract: A method of coating projections on a patch, the method including, selecting a coating solution viscosity, the viscosity being selected to reduce the degree of capillary action between the patch and the coating solution and immersing at least part of tips of projections in a coating solution having the selected coating solution viscosity such that substantially only tips of the projections are coated.

Abstract: A method for coating catheter balloons with a defined amount of a pharmacologically active agent, uses a coating device having a volume measuring device for releasing a measurable amount of a coating solution by means of a dispensing device specifically onto the surface of the catheter balloon.

Abstract: A method of coating a microneedle array by applying a coating fluid using a flexible film in a brush-like manner. A method of coating a microneedle array comprising: providing a microneedle array having a substrate and a plurality of microneedles; providing a flexible film; providing a coating solution comprising a carrier fluid and a coating material; applying the coating solution onto a first major surface of the flexible film; performing a transfer step of bringing the first major surface of the flexible film into contact with the microneedles and removing the flexible film from contact with the microneedles; and allowing the carrier fluid to evaporate.

Abstract: Methods are provided for coating a first surface of a device while also preventing coating of a second surface of the device by forming a covering of solid carbon dioxide on the second surface. In one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for coating a luminal surface of a device while masking the abluminal surface with a covering of solid carbon dioxide. In another embodiment, a method is provided for coating the abluminal surface of the device while covering the luminal surface of the device with solid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method and system of coating an implantable device, such as a stent, are provided.

Abstract: The present application describes apparatus and methods for coating a base surgical or dental implement with a nickel boron or nickel phosphorous coating.

Abstract: There are provided a method of forming a solid microstructure, comprising: (a) preparing a viscous composition on a substrate; (b) contacting a contact protrusion of a lifting support with the viscous composition; (c) blowing air on the viscous composition to condensate and solidify the viscous composition; and (d) cutting the resultant material of step (c) to form the microstructure, and a solid microstructure prepared thereby. A solid microstructure may be manufactured, which can easily include drugs without denaturation or deactivation, has microscale diameters and sufficient effective length and hardness and is also sensitive to heat, and a solid microstructure with desired characteristics (for example, effective length, top diameter and hardness) may also be easily and quickly manufactured at a lower production cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a silicone catheter including chlorhexidine gluconate, methods of making this catheter, and methods of using it. The method of making the catheter includes contacting a silicone catheter with a liquid containing chlorhexidine gluconate. Chlorhexidine gluconate is stably incorporated into the silicone catheter. The invention also relates to a silicone medical device or article including chlorhexidine gluconate and methods of making this such a medical device or article.

Abstract: Provided is a medical bladed device reduced in piercing resistance by coating with a silicone. Also provided is a coating method by which a satisfactory silicone coating is formed on a medical bladed device. A medical bladed device (knife (A)) having a cutting portion (1) with an edge (3) on the periphery thereof and a shank (2) is subjected to coating to coat the cutting portion (1) including the edge (3) with a silicone having a thickness of from 25 nanometers to 5 micrometers. While holding the medical bladed device, with the cutting portion (1) lower and the shank (2) upper, the cutting portion is immersed in a silicone solution so that the angle between the upper or lower side of the cutting portion and the solution surface (21) of the silicone solution is 0-90 degrees. Thereafter, the medical bladed device is raised at a rate of 500 mm/min or less while keeping the angle in that range to separate the cutting portion from the silicone solution.

Abstract: A balloon for a catheter and a method of making the balloon, having a layer of a porous polymeric material with a modified outer surface and a lubricious coating bonded to the modified outer surface. In one embodiment, the modified outer surface is formed by a polymer impregnated in the porous polymeric material, and the subsequently applied lubricious coating bonds to the impregnating polymer. In another embodiment, the modified outer surface is formed by a functionality deposited on the porous polymeric material which bonds to the subsequently applied lubricious coating. The modified outer surface provides an improved strong bond between the lubricious coating and the balloon, for improved catheter performance.

Abstract: This invention provides novel tools for surgery on single cells. In certain embodiments the tools comprise a microcapillary having at and/or near the tip a metal coating or a plurality of nanoparticles that can be heated by application of electromagnetic energy. In certain embodiments substrates are provided that facilitate the introduction of agents into cells. The substrates typically comprise a surface bearing a film or particles or nanoparticles that can be heated by application of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved medical devices for use in surgical procedures and methods for manufacturing improved medical devices. In some embodiments, the improved medical devices can include improved surgical needles that are capable of being repeatedly passed through tissue using minimal force. More particularly, the improved surgical needles can be manufactured with two or more different coatings that provide the surgical needles with both durability and lubricity for ease of repeated and successive passes through tissue. Improved methods for manufacturing the surgical needles and for providing and applying coatings to the surgical needles are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel medical devices for use in surgical procedures and methods for manufacturing novel medical devices. In some embodiments, the novel medical devices can include surgical needles that are capable of being repeatedly passed through tissue using minimal force. More particularly, the surgical needles can be manufactured with one or more coatings that provide the surgical needles with both durability and lubricity for ease of repeated and successive passes through tissue. Novel methods for manufacturing the surgical needles and for providing and applying coatings to the surgical needles are also provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a coated medical device is described. A coating may be applied inline to a continuous tubing formed by extrusion, prior to cutting and secondary operations. Thus, inefficient and labor-intensive steps associated with preparing individual tubes for coating may be avoided. The method may include forcing a flowable material through an exit port of an extruder, depositing a coating onto at least a portion of the continuous length of extruded tubing after the tubing is forced through the exit port, cutting the coated tubing to a desired length after depositing the coating, and performing one or more secondary operations on the coated tube at a temperature in the range of from about 15° C. to about 375° C.

Abstract: A method and system for modifying a drug delivery polymeric substrate for an implantable device, such as a stent, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microneedle for delivering active agent or agents. The microneedle comprises a body a body having a base at one end thereof and a tip portion at the other end thereof; a pair of projections connected to a side of the body and having a base at one end thereof and a tip portion at the other end thereof; and a vertical groove defined by the body and the pair of projections. The distance between outer edges of the pair of projections is formed to become smaller towards the tip portion than the distance between outer edges of the body, and the upper end of each of the pair of projections is shorter than that of the body such that a free space is formed between the outer edges of the body and the pair of projections.

Abstract: An elongate medical device including a coating extending over a portion of the elongate medical device having a plurality of apertures formed thereon and a method of applying a coating to such an elongate medical device are disclosed. Prior to applying a coating to the elongate medical device, a removable liquid is dispensed in the plurality of apertures. Subsequently, the removable liquid is removed from the plurality of apertures, leaving the plurality of apertures free of, unobstructed by, or otherwise not filled with the coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of coating microneedles by which the microneedles mounted on a microneedle device are coated accurately and easily in a mass-producible manner. In this method, a microneedle device (22) with a plurality of microneedles (21) is mounted on a table (23), while a mask plate (25) with a plurality of apertures (24) is fixed to a frame member (26), and a coating solution (27) is drawn in the direction of arrow A on the mask plate (25) using a spatula (28) to fill the apertures (24) with the coating solution. The microneedles (21) are inserted in the apertures (24) before or after the filling of the apertures (24) with the coating solution (27) to coat the microneedles (21).

Abstract: An access port for subcutaneous implantation is disclosed. Such an access port may comprise a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting a needle therethrough into a cavity defined within the body. Further, the access port may include at least one feature structured and configured for identification of the access port subsequent to subcutaneous implantation. Methods of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port are also disclosed. For example, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided and at least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may be perceived. Further, the subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature. In one embodiment, an identification feature is included on a molded insert that is incorporated into the access port so as to be visible after implantation via x-ray imaging technology.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for coating a medical device comprising the steps of applying to at least a portion of the surface of said medical device, an antimicrobial coating layer and a non-pathogenic bacterial coating layer, wherein the antimicrobial and non-pathogenic bacterial coating layers inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacterial and fungal organisms. The non-pathogenic bacterium used in the bacterial coating layer is resistant to the antimicrobial agent. Furthermore, the non-pathogenic bacterium layer includes at least one of the following: viable whole cells, non-viable whole cells, or cellular structures or extracts. The antimicrobial agent and non-pathogenic bacterium are used to develop a kit comprising these compositions in one container or in separate containers. The kit is used to coat a catheter prior to implantation in a mammal.

Abstract: An adherent bioactive calcium phosphate coating is formed on a titanium or titanium alloy substrate by immersing the substrate in an acidic calcium phosphate solution to form a non-apatitic calcium phosphate coating on the substrate. In a second step the coated substrate can be converted to a less reactive coating by being immersed into a basic or neutral solution to convert the coating into an apatite. However if a relatively reactive coating is desired, the second step can be dispensed with.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device including a reinforcing underlayment having a non-stick, anti-microbial coating. In one embodiment, the coating includes a non-stick material having anti-microbial particles interspersed in the non-stick material. This coating is applied to the surfaces of the electrode to minimize the build-up of charred tissue on the surfaces of the electrode. Also, the coating tends to kill harmful organisms residing on the surfaces of the electrode. In another embodiment, a primer coating is initially applied to the surfaces of the electrode. A plurality of anti-microbial particles are then applied to the primer coating layer and engage and are embedded in the primer coating layer. A top coat including a non-stick material is applied to the anti-microbial particle layer. In either embodiment, the coating layers applied to the surfaces of the electrode are cured to harden and adhere the layers to the electrode.

Abstract: A method of making catheters is disclosed in which various additives are consolidated into polymer walls of the catheters. The method includes providing a core, spraying a base polymer material over the outer surface of the core, spraying an additive material over or together with the base polymer material, and consolidating the additive material and the base polymer material together to form the catheter wall. The base polymer material and additive material are each applied as a fine particulate powder or solution of fine particulate, which can be sprayed over an outer surface of the core and the catheter wall as the catheter is formed. The additive material can be selected from several therapeutic agents, diagnostic agents, and/or polymers for modifying the base polymer materials. The additive material can be consolidated with the base polymer material throughout the polymer wall or primarily on the outer surface of the polymer wall.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming coatings on stents. The method comprises applying a coating composition to the stent; followed by terminating the application of the coating composition; followed by inserting a temperature adjusting element within the longitudinal bore of the stent to change the temperature of the stent.

Abstract: Apparatus, and methods of making and using apparatus, for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) are disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow tube having an interior wall defining a hollow space through which an intraocular lens may be passed from the open space into an eye. A lubricity enhancing component is covalently bonded to the hollow tube at the interior wall in an amount effective to facilitate the passage of the intraocular lens through the hollow space. The lubricity enhancing component includes a substituent component effective to reduce hydrolysis of said lubricity enhancing component relative to an identical lubricity enhancing component without the substituent component.

Abstract: A biocompatible biological component is provided comprising a membrane-mimetic surface film covering a substrate. Suitable substrates include hydrated substrates, e.g. hydrogels which may contain drugs for delivery to a patient through the membrane-mimetic film, or may be made up of cells, such as islet cells, for transplantation. The surface may present exposed bioactive molecules or moieties for binding to target molecules in vivo, for modulating host response when implanted into a patient (e.g. the surface may be antithrombogenic or antiinflammatory) and the surface may have pores of selected sizes to facilitate transport of substances therethrough. An optional hydrophilic cushion or spacer between the substrate and the membrane-mimetic surface allows transmembrane proteins to extend from the surface through the hydrophilic cushion, mimicking the structure of naturally-occurring cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant made of a biocorrodable metallic material and having a coating composed of or containing a biocorrodable polyphosphate, polyphosphonate, or polyphosphite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant or a part thereof coated with polylactide.

Abstract: A method of making catheters is disclosed in which the wall of the catheter has a porous structure for carrying additional agents, such as therapeutic or diagnostic agents. The method includes providing a core, applying a base polymer material and an inert material over the outer surface of the core, and consolidating the base polymer material to form a catheter having a porous polymer layer with the inert material contained within the pores thereof. The inert material can be applied with the base polymer material, or it can be applied in a separate step after the base polymer material has been partially consolidated to form the porous polymer layer. Additional agents can be mixed with the inert material before it is applied to the catheter, or such agents can be applied to the porous polymer layer of the catheter in a separate step after the inert material is removed therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus, and methods of making and using apparatus, for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) are disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow tube having an interior wall defining a hollow space through which an intraocular lens may be passed from the open space into an eye. A lubricity enhancing component is covalently bonded to the hollow tube at the interior wall in an amount effective to facilitate the passage of the intraocular lens through the hollow space. The lubricity enhancing component includes a substituent component effective to reduce hydrolysis of said lubricity enhancing component relative to an identical lubricity enhancing component without the substituent component.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having a layer that can enhance the biocompatibility of the endoprosthesis, and methods of making the endoprosthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a polymeric coating on a stent. The method can comprise applying a prepolymer or a combination of prepolymers to the stent and initiating polymerization to form a polymeric coating on the stent. The coating material can optionally contain a biologically active agent or combination of agents.

Abstract: An introducer sheath and a method for making the sheath. The sheath includes a fluoropolymer liner having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. An inner jacket is positioned longitudinally over the liner, and the inner surface of the inner jacket is bonded to the outer surface of the liner. An outer jacket is positioned longitudinally over the inner jacket, and the inner surface of the outer jacket is bonded to the outer surface of the inner jacket. A reinforcing coil is encapsulated within the inner jacket and the outer jacket.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting a stent and a method of using the same to coat a stent is disclosed.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable medical devices and methods for fabricating thereof are disclosed. The coatings include a layer comprising a hydrophobic polymer and a layer comprising a hydrophilic or amphiphilic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for masking the inner surface of a tubular medical device with a fluid in order to selectively coat the outer surface of the tubular medical device. The inner lumen of the tubular medical device is filled with the fluid prior to deposition of a coating to the outer surface.

Abstract: A method for marking pharmaceutical articles is characterized by comprising marking the pharmaceutical articles with an ink that is invisible under normal light conditions and that is visible under specific light conditions, such as under UV light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions, methods for the production of these compositions, and use of these compositions with medical devices, such as catheters, and implants. The compositions of the present invention advantageously provide varying release kinetics for the active ions in the compositions due to the different water solubilities of the ions, allowing antimicrobial release profiles to be tailored for a given application and providing for sustained antimicrobial activity over time. More particularly, the invention relates to polymer compositions containing colloids comprised of salts of one or more oligodynamic metals, such as silver. The process of the invention includes mixing a solution of one or more oligodynamic metal salts with a polymer solution or dispersion and precipitating a colloid of the salts by addition of other salts to the solution which react with some or all of the first metal salts.

Abstract: Processes for coating implantable medical devices that improve the stability of therapeutic agents contained within the coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices that are inserted or implanted into patients and that have antimicrobial coatings that release free radicals into the vicinity of the device. These devices may have coatings that alter their rate of flow release or elution release of an antibacterial agent from a coating on the device upon external stimulation. The coating should therefore be responsive to external control such as by heating, external RF stimulus, sonic control, visible or ultraviolet light exposure and the like. By having control of the release rate, and in some structures without invasion of the patient by mechanical means in addition to the device itself, the release rate can be in response to need at the implant site. The class of compounds to be released are free radical generating or initiating compounds, or compounds that release free radicals upon immersion or stimulation, the free radicals acting as the antimicrobial agent.