Abstract: Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism or to treat a particular condition. A dip coating process is utilized to minimize waste. An aqueous latex polymeric emulsion is utilized to coat any medical device to a desired thickness by allowing for successive dipping and drying cycles. In addition, aqueous latex polymeric emulsions pose less of a chance of the bridging phenomenon associated with organic solvent based polymers.

Abstract: The inventors have found that both the drug dose and drug release profiles are significant factors for the safety and efficacy of drug coated stents. The inventors have identified optimum dosing and release kinetics for drug coated stents. In particular, the inventors have determined dosing and release kinetics that permit the delivery of the lowest effective drug dosage, thus enhancing patient safety and minimizing any side effects from the drug.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to silane copolymers prepared from the reaction of one or more polyisocyanates with one or more lubricious polymers having at least two functional groups, which may be the same or different, that are reactive with an isocyanate functional group and with one or more organo-functional silanes having at least two functional groups, which may be the same or different, that are reactive with an isocyanate functional group and at least one functional group reactive with a silicone rubber substrate. The silane copolymer coatings of the invention are elastic, lubricious, and resist wet abrasion. They are useful as coatings for polysiloxane (rubber) and other difficult to coat substrates, especially for medical devices, such catheters.

Abstract: A coating composition for use in coating implantable medical devices to improve their ability to release bioactive agents in vivo. The coating composition is particularly adapted for use with devices that undergo significant flexion and/or expansion in the course of their delivery and/or use, such as stents and catheters. The composition includes the bioactive agent in combination with a mixture of a first polymer component such as poly(butyl methacrylate) and a second polymer component such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate).

Abstract: A stent mounting device and a method of coating a stent using the device are provided.

Abstract: A method for electrostatic spray-coating a medical device having a tubular wall, such as a stent, having an inner surface, an outer surface and openings therein. The tubular wall is grounded or electrically charged, and an electrically charged conductive core wire is located axially through the center of the stent. An electrical potential is applied to the conductive core wire to impart an electrical charge to the conductive core wire. The tubular wall is exposed to an electrically charged coating formulation, and the electrically charged coating formulation is deposited onto a portion of the tubular wall to form a coating. The electrical potentials of the conductive core wire and tubular wall can be repeatedly alternated.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method of modifying the surface of substrates such as contact lenses and other biomedical articles by at least partially coating the surfaces of such substrates with a polymeric tie layer having reactive sites. Various other moieties may then be chemically attached to the article surface by reaction of the other moieties with the reactive sites through classical chemical attachment mechanisms.

Abstract: A method of coating a polymer onto an implant having at least one interstice. The method includes (1) providing a solution containing a polymer; (2) applying the solution onto the implant; (3) and removing the solution spanning the interstice by (a) contacting the outer surface of the implant with a surface of a substrate, so that the solution spanning the interstice is drawn to the surface of the substrate via affinity between them; or by (b) bursting and removing the solution spanning the interstice on the implant with an air pressure difference before drying; and (4) drying the solution to form a coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of coating a surface of a stent by contacting the stent with a coating solution containing a coating material, inserting a thread through the lumen of the stent, and producing relative motion between the stent and the thread to substantially remove coating material located within the openings of the stent. Eliminating or minimizing coating material located within the openings preserves the functionality of the stent. The method can be used to apply a primer layer, a polymer, either with or without a therapeutic agent, and/or a top layer on the stent.

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for embedding particles into the polymer matrix of a medical device are disclosed. The apparatus may include an electrostatic spray nozzle adapted to direct a stream of nanoparticles dissolved in a solution toward a positive outlet. A medical device, mounted onto an electrode, can then be placed into or proximate the stream such that upon energization of the electrode, the charged particles are redirected from the outlet toward the electrode. By spacing the electrode and energizing the electrode appropriately, the charged particles can be accelerated to a degree sufficient to cause the charged particles to embed themselves into the polymer matrix of the medical device.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable medical devices with enhanced patency. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene small caliber vascular grafts coated with polymer bound bio-active agents that exhibit enhanced patency are disclosed. The polymer bound bio-active agents can include anti-thrombogenic agents, antibiotics, antibacterial agents and antiviral agents. Methods of preparing same are also provided.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a substrate having a plasma polymerized functionally bonded to at least a portion of the substrate. A superoxide dismutase mimic agent having a complimentary functional group to the plasma polymerized functionality is bonded to the portion of the substrate by bonding to the plasma polymerized functionality.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for single-step surface modification, grafting and sterilization for bio-active coating on materials and biomaterials used in medical devices, such as catheters, tissue engineering scaffolds, or drug delivery carrier materials. This may include any medical device or implantable that could benefit from improved antithrombogenic and biocompatible surfaces. Other relevant device examples may include heparin or urokinase coated stents to reduce clotting and restenosis, dental or ophthamological implants. These materials may be comprised of a variety of polymeric compositions such as, polyurethane, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polyHEMA, polyvinyl alcohol, polysiloxanes, polylactic or glycolic acids, polycaprolactone, etc. The substrates can also be metal, ceramics or biologically derived materials.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable devices or endoluminal prosthesis, such as stents, are provided, including a method of forming the coatings. The coatings can be used for the delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a substrate has been subjected to an energy source. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a polymeric surface, providing a light emitting material having a specified emission spectrum that changes upon exposure to an energy source on the surface or embedded in said substrate and applying said energy source to said surface with said light emitting material. This method can be particularly useful for detecting the bond quality in medical devices.

Abstract: A method of forming a coating for an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is provided which includes applying a composition to the device in an environment having a selected pressure. An apparatus is also provided for coating the devices. The apparatus comprises a chamber for housing the device wherein the pressure of the chamber can be adjusted during the coating process.

Abstract: A method for electrostatic spray-coating a medical device having a tubular wall, such as a stent, having an inner surface, an outer surface and openings therein. The tubular wall is grounded or electrically charged, and an electrically charged conductive core wire is located axially through the center of the stent. An electrical potential is applied to the conductive core wire to impart an electrical charge to the conductive core wire. The tubular wall is exposed to an electrically charged coating formulation, and the electrically charged coating formulation is deposited onto a portion of the tubular wall to form a coating. The electrical potentials of the conductive core wire and tubular wall can be repeatedly alternated.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable devices or endoluminal prosthesis, such as stents, are provided, including a method of forming the coatings. The coatings can be used for the delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for the modification of the surfaces of polymeric materials with polymer coatings that may be subsequently treated to be lubricious and anti-microbial. The method comprises incubating a photo-initiator-coated polymeric material with an aqueous monomer that is capable of free radical polymerization and exposing the incubating polymeric material to UV light creating a modified surface on said polymeric material. The method may additionally comprise adding a silver component to the modified surface. The silver component may be provided as a silver salt coating or a silver salt contained within a hydrogel bonded to the acrylate modified polymeric material surface.

Abstract: The present invention has several plausible embodiments. In one embodiment an apparatus for coating a medical device is provided. This apparatus includes a coating chamber, a vibrating structure within the coating chamber the vibrating structure capable of suspending a medical device positioned in the coating chamber, and a coating source, the coating source positioned to introduce coating into the coating chamber. In another embodiment a method of coating a medical device is provided. This method includes moving a medical device into a predetermined coating area, vibrating a structure below the medical device, the vibration of the structure forcing the medical device away from the vibrating structure, and coating at least a portion of the medical device that has moved away from the vibrating structure.

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: The invention relates to radioactive stents, characterized in that the stent is coated on the surface with the radioactive isotope, as well as processes for their production.

Abstract: System and method for coating a medical appliance are provided. In accord with one embodiment, a system for applying a coating to a medical appliance having accessible patterned surfaces is provided. The system may include: a processor, an appliance support, and a solenoid type fluid dispensing head having an electromagnetically controlled valve. In the system, the appliance support may be adapted to hold the medical appliance and to provide direct access for a coating to contact the exposed external patterned surfaces of the medical appliance. The solenoid type fluid dispensing head in this system may move with respect to the medical appliance and may be in communication with a source of coating and with the processor. The processor in this system may contain commands that instruct the solenoid type fluid dispensing head to force coating onto the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance in a pattern that correlates with the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance.

Abstract: This invention relates to radioactively coated devices, preferably radioctively coated medical devices. These coated devices are characterized as having a low rate of leaching of the radioisotope from the surface of the coated device and a uniform radioactive coating, and are therefore suitable for use within biological systems. Methods for coating a device with a radioisotope comprising are also disclosed. One method comprises immersing the device within a solution containing a &ggr;, &bgr;+, &agr;, &bgr;− or &egr; (electron capture) emitting radioisotope, then exposing the immersed substrate to tuned vibrational cavitation to produce a coated substrate. A second method involves coating a substrate using electroless plating, and yet a third method involves the use of electroplating a radioisotope onto a substate of interest. With these methods, the coating procedures are followed by baking the coated substrate at a temperature below the recrystallization temperature of the substrate.

Abstract: System and method for coating a medical appliance is provided. In accord with one embodiment, a system for applying a coating to a medical appliance having accessible patterned surfaces is provided. This system may include: a processor, a support, and a bubble jet printing head having individual printing nozzles. In this system the support may be adapted to hold the medical appliance and to provide direct access for a coating to contact the exposed external patterned surfaces of the medical appliance. The bubble jet printing head in this system may move with respect to the medical appliance and may be in communication with a source of coating and with the processor. The processor in this system may contain commands that instruct the bubble jet printing head to force coating onto the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance in a pattern that correlates with the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance.

Abstract: Numerous studies suggest that the current popular designs of coronary stents are functionally equivalent and suffer a 16 to 22 percent rate of restenosis. Although the use of coronary stents is growing, the benefits of their use remain controversial in certain clinical situations or indications due to their potential complications. The application of gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) surface modification such as smoothing or cleaning appears to reduce these complications and lead to genuine cost savings and an improvement in patient quality of life. The present invention is directed to the use of GCIB surface modification to overcome prior problems of thrombosis and restenosis. The atomic level surface smoothing of stents utilizing GCIB substantially reduces undesirable surface micro-roughness in medical coronary stents.

Abstract: The infusion set comprises of a connecting tube of polyethylene which is treated to form a wetable surface or treated with a primer and then bonded to a PVC hub by using solvent adhesive to solvent bond the low density polyethylene tubing or Teflon tubing to a PVC hub. The surface treatment methods include a methane plasma surface that is applied to tubing in a continuous manner and alternatively a primer that is applied locally and dried prior to applying the adhesive. Both techniques form a strong and resilient bond for the infusion needle and tube when assembled to the PVC hubs.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of forming a polymeric coating for 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 for the stent. The coating material can optionally contain a biologically active agent or combination of agents.

Abstract: A method for spray-coating a medical device by using a nozzle apparatus having a chamber that is connected to at least one opening for dispensing a coating formulation. Such method comprises (a) grounding the surface of the medical device that is to be coated and (b) applying a coating formulation, which comprises a polymeric material and a solvent, by (1) providing the nozzle apparatus comprising a chamber connected to at least one opening for dispensing the coating formulation; (2) placing the coating formulation into the chamber; (3) electrically charging the coating formulation; (4) creating droplets of the electrically charged coating formulation; and (5) depositing the droplets of coating formulation onto the grounded surface to form a coating on the surface.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing the photostabilizing of silver in medical materials are described. More particularly, the methods increase the photostabilization of silver in certain materials comprising hydrophilic, amphoteric and anionic polymers by subjecting the polymers to solutions containing an organic solvent and silver, during or after which one or more agents are added which facilitate the photostablization of the material.

Abstract: A method of providing a therapeutic, diagnostic or lubricious hydrophilic coating on an intracorporeal medical device and the coated device produced thereby, wherein the coating is durable. In one embodiment, the coating comprises a polymerized base coat and a therapeutic, diagnostic or hydrophilic top coat, where the base coat has a binding component which binds to the top coat, and a grafting component which binds to the binding component and adheres to the device. In another embodiment, the coating comprises a blend of a hydrophilic compound, a grafting component, and salt, wherein the polymerized grafting component contains uncrosslinked domains. The coating of the invention may be applied to a medical device with a polymeric surface such as a polymeric catheter, or a metal device coated with a polymeric primer or without a primer, or to a stent.

Abstract: Boronic acid containing polymers are used to form bioinert gels and multilayer surface structures. These polymers form crosslinked hydrogels, which are highly swollen in water. The crosslinking can either be chemical or physical. Water soluble polymers containing boronic acid groups, such as phenylboronic acid (PBA), can be physically crosslinked by mixing the polymers in water with other polymers containing hydroxyls or carboxylic acids. Alternatively, surfaces can be treated by stepwise incubation with a solution of the boronic acid containing polymer, followed by incubation with a solution of a diol or carboxylic acid containing polymer. Many successive layers can be generated, increasing the thickness of the formed structure at each step.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device, which is suitable for use in an operating theater just prior to implantation, for selectively applying a medical coating to an implantable medical device, for example a stent. Disclosed is a device for use with a stent deployed on a catheter balloon. The device is configured to apply a medical coating of a desired thickness to the surface of a stent only. This is done by use of a drop-on-demand ink-jet printing system in association with an optical scanning device. The device is further configured so as to, if necessary, apply a plurality of layered coats, each layered coat being of a different coating material, and if appropriate, different thickness. The section of the housing in which the stent is held during the coating procedure is detachable from the housing base. The detachable housing section may be easily cleaned and re-sterilized or simply disposed of.

Abstract: A method of modifying surfaces of a device, for example, a medical device, is disclosed. The method includes modifying a surface of a device by providing a device, exposing the device to a reactive gas and plasma energy to create a plasma deposited surface on the device, and quenching the device with the reactive gas. The device exhibits changes in its surface properties thereby making it more desirable for an intended use.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved process for coating medical and surgical devices and the like using super-critical fluids.

Abstract: A method for preventing medical device-associated microorganism infection includes the steps of providing a medical device and incorporating an effective amount of an oxazolidinone compound, such as linezolid, into the medical device.

Abstract: A composition and method for coating medical devices is provided. One embodiment of the present invention employs a coating composition comprising hyaluronic acid and heparin. Another embodiment of the present invention employs a coating composition comprising poly-lysine and heparin. Yet another embodiment of the present invention employs a coating composition comprising hirudin, a peptide and heparin.

Abstract: An antibacterial fluid may be applied to a tubular medical cannula for access to a patient. The fluid comprises a metabolizable antibacterial formulation having a viscosity of at least about 5,000 cp. The cannula may then be inserted into the patient with an increased lubricity for a reduction of pain, while at the same time, unlike silicones, materials do not readily accumulate in the patient. The tubular medical cannula may be a rigid, hollow needle, sharp or blunt, a spike, or a flexible catheter. Also, the viscous antibacterial fluid may be used to lock a catheter or other cannula while implanted in the patient, for storage purposes.

Abstract: A metal, glass or ceramics surface is treated to enhance its compatibility with biological material such as blood or blood related products. Treatment involves covalently bonding to the surface by means of a catalyst functional molecules each of has at least one alkoxysilane group which can form at least one first covalent bond by reaction with the oxide or hydroxide of said surface and at least one other group which can participate in free-radical polymerisation. Free-radical polymerisation from said functional molecules is then effected to build bio-compatible and/or hydrophilic polymer chains. The compatibility of the metal surface with biological material may be further improved by bonding bio-active molecules, such as heparin or heparin derived molecules to the polymer chains. Suitable metal surfaces are those of medical devices such as heat exchangers, coronary and peripheral stents and guide wires used in angioplasty.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to silane copolymers prepared from the reaction of one or more polyisocyanates with one or more lubricious polymers having at least two functional groups, which may be the same or different, that are reactive with an isocyanate functional group and with one or more organo-functional silanes having at least two functional groups, which may be the same or different, that are reactive with an isocyanate functional group and at least one functional group reactive with a silicone rubber substrate. The silane copolymers of the invention can be used as coatings that are elastic when dry, lubricious when wet, and resist wet abrasion. These copolymers are useful as coatings for polysiloxane (rubber) and other difficult to coat substrates, especially for medical devices, such as catheters. These silane copolymers can contain active agents such as antimicrobials, pharmaceuticals, herbicides, insecticides, algaecides, antifoulants, and antifogging agents.

Abstract: The highly lubricious hydrophilic coating for a medical device comprises a mixture of colloidal aliphatic polyurethane, an aqueous dilution of PVP and specific dendrimers to enhance the physical integrity of the coating, to improve adhesion and to covalently bind or load one of a certain antithrombolitic drug or a certain antibiotic drug or other agent within the dendrimer structure.

Abstract: The present invention includes a coating for medical and industrial objects and compositions for the coating. One form of the present invention is a method for applying the coating to the medical or industrial objects. Another form of the invention is the production of biofilm-resistant paint and plastics. The invention also includes a method of dispersing pre-formed biofilms.

Abstract: A non-metallic medical device treated with a antimicrobial agents is provided. Different combinations of antimicrobial agents can be used for different types of non-metallic medical devices depending on the types of infections related to each device. The combination of different antimicrobial substances has a synergistic effect against certain bacteria and fungi. An antimicrobial agent can be used to treat a non-metallic medical device by mixing the antimicrobial agent with an acid solution and glycerol and exposing the non-metallic medical device to the resulting mixture such that an enough of the antimicrobial agent binds to a portion of the non-metallic medical device to inhibit the growth of bacterial and fungal organisms.

Abstract: The process for applying a thermally attached lubricating coating on an interior wall of a cylindrical medicinal container includes applying a thermally attachable lubricant to an interior wall of the container; uniformly spreading or homogenizing the applied lubricant on the wall to form a lubricating coating and thermally attaching the lubricating coating by irradiating the lubricating coating with infrared radiation selectively in a cylindrical region of the container at elevated temperatures above a maximum operating temperature of the container. The apparatus for performing the process includes an insertable spraying device for applying the thermally attachable lubricant (3) to the interior wall of the container (1) from a supply reservoir; a device for homogenizing the lubricant to form the lubricating coating (4) and a rod-shaped infrared radiation source (5) insertable into an interior space of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating for an intravascular implant that prevents hyperproliferative vascular disease after a mechanical injury, such as angioplasty. The coating includes first and second agents, with the first agent acting on a calcium independent cellular pathway and the second agent acting on a calcium dependent cellular pathway. In an exemplary embodiment, the first agent is rapamycin and the second agent is cyclosporine A. The agents can be incorporated in a polymeric agent and can be applied either directly to the implant or on top of a primer layer placed on the implant. A top coat can be applied to the therapeutic coating, if desired.

Abstract: A method for producing increased resistance to biodegradability is provided for biomedical devices subject to in vivo implantation. Among the steps required to produce such resistance are the application of a thermoplastic polyurethane coating to the device to provide a coating, and the subsequent crosslinking of the thermoplastic polyurethane coating through the application of radiation of a sufficient intensity and duration to convert said thermoplastic polyurethane coating to a thermoset coating possessing the attribute of increased biostability.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis, for example a stent, is provided having one or more micropatterned microdepots formed in the stent. Depots are formed in the prosthesis via chemical etching and laser fabrication methods, including combinations thereof. They are formed at preselected locations on the body of the prosthesis and have a preselected depth, size, and shape. The depots can have various shapes including a cylindrical, a conical or an inverted-conical shape. Substances such as therapeutic substances, polymeric materials, polymeric materials containing therapeutic substances, radioactive isotopes, and radiopaque materials can be deposited into the depots.

Abstract: Methods of coating an implantable device and a system for performing such methods are disclosed. An embodiment of the method includes applying a coating substance to the surface of an implantable device, and rotating the implantable device in a centrifuge. The method can uniformly coat the implantable device with the coating substance and to remove unwanted accumulations of coating substance entrained between struts or crevices in the implantable device body. This system is applicable to methods for coating intraluminal stents, synthetic grafts, and stent coverings with therapeutic compositions comprising therapeutic agents mixed with a polymeric matrix and a solvent.

Abstract: The invention provides a depth gauging system and a method for forming depth indicating bands on amorphous hard carbon coated dental tool bits and the like. The method uses a laser to process, treat or pseudo-etch selected surfaces of the coated tool bit. Advantageously, the laser pseudo-etching creates bands or indicia that substantially preserve or retain some or all of the desirable bulk properties of the hard carbon coating, for example, the corrosion resistance. Desirably, the bands provide visual differentiation during the preparation of an osteotomy in bone material which allows a surgeon to precisely control the depth of the osteotomy.