Abstract: A disposable examination glove is made by forming a disposable glove from a flexible material; coating the interior surface of the glove with a liquid carrier, Aloe Vera, and allantoin; and removing liquid carrier from the coating to form a substantially dry coating of Aloe Vera and allantoin on the interior surface of the glove. The dry coating is bonded to the interior surface of the glove so that the coating contacts the hand of a person wearing the glove.

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: A method for preparing carbon molecular sieve membrane is invented. A thin carbon-containing film is first deposited on a porous substrate. The thin film is then bombarded by high energy ions for surface modification. The surface modified film is then baked or calcined at a high temperature. The carbon molecular sieve membrane prepared according to the present invention can be used for gas separation as well as liquid separation, ions or solvents, etc., exhibiting improved permeance and improved selectivity simultaneously in gas separation. The ion bombardment includes generating plasma and ions in a gas phase, and applying a negative bias voltage to the substrate.

Abstract: When a sprayed coating, which is constituted of alumina, a rare earth oxide, polyimide or polybenzimidazole and covers a surface of a base material of a plasma processing container internal member, becomes degraded through use in a plasma environment, the same material as that constituting the sprayed coating is resprayed over the degraded sprayed coating. As a result, the plasma processing container with its surface having become degraded through use in the plasma environment can be restored to an as-good-as-new state.

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: The invention provides methods for the treatment of surfaces using surface adsorbing polymers, methods for decreasing the adsorption of organic materials onto the surface of treated devices or vessels, methods for performing fluid operations involving the treatment of surfaces, and apparatus and systems comprising the treated surfaces. Further, the present invention provides a method for treating the surface of microfluidics channel wherein the microfluidics surface is coated for deactivation and wherein this coating can be easily regenerated. The present invention also provides a method for treating the surface of a plastic device. The surface adsorbing polymers of the invention are particularly stable at temperatures and conditions required for biochemical reactions, especially in applications involving temperature cycling or polymerization of polynucleotides or polypeptides.

Abstract: A method for the conditioning of an extracorporeal device is described, as well as method for extracorporeal extraction of toxic material from mammalian body fluids in connection with diagnosis or treatment of a mammalian condition or disease, in which methods reagents having the ability to extract toxic material from mammalian body fluids are involved, and an extracorporeal device comprising said reagent.

Abstract: A water soluble hydrophilic resin in an alcohol-free polymer solution and a method of application to natural rubber and synthetic latex products such as surgeon's gloves, catheters and condoms to increase the lubricity of the rubber products where they come into contact with skin or other tissue. The hydrophilic resin is applied in a single application step in an aqueous solution in the absence of alcohol or a separate acid priming step.

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: Biocompatible, lubricious, highly durable coatings for medical devices are formed from a highly adherent base coat and a hydrophilic top-coat which is chemically grafted to the base coat. The base coat includes an aqueous acrylic emulsion polymer, having one or more monomers having alkyl groups of varying number. The monomers are combined such that the “Equivalent Alkyl Number”, essentially a weighted average number of carbon atoms, for the resulting polymer or copolymer, is in a range of about 3.5-4.5. The coating is prepared without using any organic solvents, and thus the final product contains no residue of such solvents. The coated products display an unmatched combination of adhesion, abrasion resistance, water resistance, biocompatibility, and lubricity.

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 medical syringe assembly includes a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends of a tubular barrel having an inner wall. The inner wall includes an inner surface. A stopper having an engagement surface is slidably received in the tubular barrel and includes a portion for engaging the surface of the inner wall of said tubular barrel. A lubricant is disposed over a limited area of at least one member of the inner wall of the tubular barrel and the engagement surface of said stopper, whereby a sufficient amount of the lubricant is available to provide adequate reduction of friction between the surface of the inner wall of the tubular barrel and the engagement surface of the stopper.

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: A process of treating natural rubber latex articles, such as gloves and condoms, to alter the characteristics of the article so as to improve its barrier properties and resistance to passage of harmful agents therethrough, and the article produced by the process. The article is manufactured in accordance with conventional methods and then treated with a reactive gas, in particular a halogen gas such as fluorine gas, or a mixture of gasses. The treatment is conducted in a sealed chamber in accordance with the protocol of the “Level 1” fluorination treatment performed by Fluoro-Seal, Inc., of Ontario, Calif.

Abstract: A method of dyeing and treating a substrate using a water-stabilized organosilane. A method of antimicrobially treating a food article. A method of antimicrobially coating a fluid container. A method of antimicrobially coating a latex medical article.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-thrombogenic and cellular-adhesion coating composition for blood-contacting surfaces. The coating comprises a covalent complex of from 1 to 30 hydrophobic silyl moieties of Formula I: wherein R1 is an C1-18 alkyl or C6-32 aryl group, each R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-18 alkyl and C6-32 aryl, R3 is N or O, n is a number from 1 to 10, directly bound to a heparin molecule via covalent bonding, with an adhesive molecule directly bound to the heparin molecule. In one embodiment, the coating comprises benzyl-(1,2 dimethyl)disilyl heparin, wherein an adhesive molecule, such as fibronectin, is bound to the heparin.

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

Abstract: A method of modifying the surface characteristics of a polymeric hydrogel, and a polymer article formed therefrom, without causing substantial swelling or distortion or the hydrogel. A preferred method includes photoinitating of the surface of the article with a benzophenone and grafting a macromer having a number-average molecular weight greater than 1000 in the presence of UV irradiation. The preferred article is a siloxane-containing hydrogel, especially a soft contact lens.

Abstract: A nucleic acid coating composition including a polyanion bound, directly or through one or more intermediates, to a medical device surface, with a condensate comprising a polycation and nucleic acid bound to the polyanion, devices incorporating such coating compositions, and methods for making. In one embodiment, a silyl-heparin complex is provided, bound to a medical device surface by hydrophobic interaction with the silyl moiety, with a polycation and nucleic acid condensate bound to the heparin by electrostatic interaction.

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: A method of making artificial bone comprises providing a membrane of collagen with solutions of calcium ions and of phosphate ions on opposite sides of the membrane. The calcium ions and phosphate ions diffuse through the membrane and precipitate as a hydroxyapatite material. Control of ionic concentrations ensures that precipitation takes place within the fibrils of the membrane. The result is an artificial bone material comprising a matrix of collagen and a hydroxyapatite material deposited within the matrix.

Abstract: The invention is a method for manufacturing a steerable catheter having a distal end, proximal end, an outer jacket, a pull wire and a central lumen. The central lumen is maintained in a circular shape without bulges diminishing the useful inter-diameter by using an outer jacket with an elliptical shape and uneven thickness to encase a pull wire. The pull wire friction is also reduced by using one wire of larger diameter to create the lumen for the pull wire of smaller diameter, thus reducing the friction on the pull wire and reducing the locking of the catheter body around the pull wire at bends preventing movement of the pull wire. The distal end of the catheter also has a smooth tip due to heat treating of steel wire braid reinforcement that does not require the addition of bulge forming additional material to control tip shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions which reduce the possibility of inducing microbial resistance. The compositions comprise a fast-acting antimicrobial agent and a long-lasting antimicrobial agent. The combined effect of the antimicrobial agents reduces microbial infection and resistance. Articles comprising the compositions of the present invention and methods for their manufacture are also provided.

Abstract: A prosthesis having an apertured structure is located in a chamber (11) which is taken to sub-atmospheric pressure. Once sub-atmospheric pressure has been reached, a liquid, optionally containing pharmacological agents, is introduced into the chamber. Drawn by the sub-atmospheric pressure, the liquid saturates the apertured structure of the prosthesis. In this way, the invention eliminates the risk of air being trapped in the apertured structure that could give rise to the formation of blood clots after implantation of the prosthesis. The liquid can contain drugs that penetrate the prosthesis, performing their therapeutic action locally and over time after implantation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating that emits magnetic resonance signals and a method for coating medical devices therewith. The coating includes a paramagnetic metal ion-containing polymer complex that facilitates diagnostic and therapeutic techniques by readily visualizing medical devices coated with the complex. The present invention also provides methods by which pre-existing polymers and medical devices may be made MR-imageable. The invention also provides methods of improving MR-imageability of polymers and medical devices by encapsulating the polymers and medical devices with hydrogels.

Abstract: A medical syringe assembly includes a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends of a tubular barrel having an inner wall. The inner wall includes an inner surface. A stopper having an engagement surface is slidably received in the tubular barrel and includes a portion for engaging the surface of the inner wall of said tubular barrel. A lubricant is disposed over a limited area of at least one member of the inner wall of the tubular barrel and the engagement surface of said stopper, whereby a sufficient amount of the lubricant is available to provide adequate reduction of friction between the surface of the inner wall of the tubular barrel and the engagement surface of the stopper.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for preparing articles having modified surfaces. Preferably the articles are medical devices. Preferably the surfaces are elastomeric. Preferably the articles having modified surfaces are useful for immobilizing biologically active agents on the surfaces.

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: A method of manufacturing a guidewire having a discrete length. The method includes the steps of feeding a first end of a corewire into an extrusion device, gripping the first end of the corewire with a gripping apparatus, and extruding a first extrusion material onto an outer surface of the corewire while the gripping apparatus pulls the corewire through the extrusion device to form an extrusion jacket on the outer surface of the corewire. The corewire has a predetermined length corresponding to a length of the guidewire.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a composition containing a superabsorbent and antimicrobial powder acting as deodorizing additive. The inventive method consists in an oven drying of a mixture of the elements of the composition, at a temperature higher than 5° C. than the additive melting point.

Abstract: A semi-automated coating system for providing medical devices with antimicrobial coatings is disclosed. The semi-automated coating system extends the coating solution's usable life span by minimizing exposure to light, air and temperature extremes. Moreover, the disclosed semi-automated coating system minimizes operator and environmental exposure to the coating solutions. Methods for coating medical devices using the semi-automated coating system are also provided. The methods disclose techniques for preparing coating solutions, setting up the coating system and operating the device. Moreover, the systems and methods described herein minimize operator intervention with the coating processes and provide superior product consistency.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing antimicrobial, antithrombogenic medical devices. The method employs an antimicrobial treatment process wherein an antimicrobial agent is dissolved in an appropriate solvent and the resulting solution is contacted with a portion of a medical device of interest. The antimicrobial treatment process is advantageously performed without the need for additional compounds to facilitate antimicrobial agent uptake into the device. The method further comprises an antithrombogenic treatment process wherein antithrombogenic agents or materials are applied or otherwise associated with at least some portion of the medical device.

Abstract: A process for coating a blood-contacting surface comprising applying a solution of a fatty acid diester of phosphatidyl choline in an organic solvent to the surface and removing the solvent, provides a non-thrombogenic coating of phosphatidyl choline di-ester to the surface. Material for use in a blood-contacting device having such a coating and a blood-contacting device having such a coating.

Abstract: A process for impregnating a porous material with a cross-linkable composition is disclosed. The degree of impregnation and placement of the cross-linkable composition within the pores of the porous material can be controlled very precisely through the use of a pressure differential. The pressure differential is effected through a nonreactive gas, a vacuum, or a combination thereof. Medical devices produced using such a method are also disclosed.

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: Thromboresistant materials are described which incorporate pyrazinone compounds of the Formula I: wherein X is O, NR11 or CH═N, R3-R11, Ra, Rb, Rc, W, m, and n are set forth in the specification, as well as hydrates, solvates or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds of the invention are potent inhibitors of proteases, especially trypsin-like serine proteases, such as chymotrypsin, trypsin, thrombin, plasmin and factor Xa. Certain of the compounds exhibit antithrombotic activity via direct, selective inhibition of thrombin. Compositions for inhibiting loss of blood platelets, inhibiting formation of blood platelet aggregates, inhibiting formation of fibrin, inhibiting thrombus formation, and inhibiting embolus formation are described.

Abstract: Methods of forming a coating onto an implantable device or endoluminal prosthesis, such as a stent, are provided. The coating may be used for the delivery of an active ingredient. The coating may have a selected pattern of interstices for allowing a fluid to seep through the coating in the direction of the pattern created.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating tubular members, such as stents comprises a liquid reservoir and a stent support member for supporting, in use, a tubular member. Support member dipping means places the support member in the liquid reservoir in use and draws the support member therefrom. Pressure differential generating means generates a pressure differential. The stent support member is arranged to provide a central passageway through a stent placed thereon, the central passageway having a plurality of perforations formed therein, and the pressure differential generating means is arranged to generate, in use, a pressure differential between the passageway and the tubular member.

Abstract: Stabilizing catheters for delivery of one or more protein drugs to a patient. The stabilizing catheter embodiments of the invention maintain or preserve a biologically/pharmacologically active form of the protein drug for delivery to a site within the body. Particular embodiments include a tubing layered with a hydrophilic and mobile polymer that aids in the maintenance or preservation of an active conformer of the protein drug. These embodiments of the stabilizing catheter prevent site loss of protein drugs, such as insulin. Other embodiments include a tubing that is layered with a material that substantially prevents diffusion of small, insulin formulation-stabilizing molecules out from the catheter, as well as substantially prevents the diffusion of small, insulin formulation-destabilizing molecules into the catheter, during a period of insulin infusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing surface modifications having an improved antithrombogenic activity, whereby the improvement is achieved by treating heparin at a temperature above 40° C. or a pH in the rage of 9-14 or in contact with nucleophilic catalysts before attaching said heparin to the surface to be modified.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a novel fibrin polymer structure is disclosed. The novel fibrin polymer structure useful, for example, as a surgical sealant, is comprised of a plurality of discrete, droplets of polymerizing or polymerized fibrin each encapsulated by a “skin” of fibrin polymer. These fibrin-skin encapsulated droplets are applied so as to be built up one upon the other, layer by layer, to form an integral sealant structure. The cumulative effect of the encapsulating skins of those droplets which form the sealant surface is a surface skin which unexpectedly resists cell penetration but enhances cell migration across the surface. The sealant structure of the present invention can be prepared by spray delivery of fibrin polymer forming materials wherein the time required for the materials to commence polymerizing after mixing is less than or equal to the transit time of said materials from the applicator tip to the target surface.

Abstract: A method of coating an implantable prosthesis by applying a composition including a therapeutic substance and a fluid to the prosthesis and removing the fluid is disclosed. The fluid is not capable of significantly dissolving the therapeutic substance. A second fluid in which the therapeutic substance is soluble may be further included in the composition. Methods of providing the composition and a roughened polymeric primer layer are also disclosed.