Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a coated hollow polymeric tubular member useful in medical devices. The method involves a simple, unique method of simultaneously extruding and coating the polymeric tube.

Abstract: Functionalized polymer surfaces having reactive moieties thereon are contacted with stamps having ligands adsorbed thereto, the ligands also comprising reactive moieties. The reactive moieties of the functionalized surfaces and the ligands form covalent bonds, thus providing a method of microstamping polymer surfaces directly with ligands such as biological ligands. Using this method, devices such as tissue culture plates with polymer surfaces that are microstamped directly with ligands can be made.

Abstract: The present invention provides medical devices such as medication infusion pumps having internal surfaces that are treated to inhibit protein denaturation. In accordance with the invention, hydrophilic internal surfaces and related coating methods are provided to reduce or eliminate accumulation of medication deposits which can otherwise occur when handling complex protein-based medications. Preferred hydrophilic pump surfaces include hydrophilic surfactants (PEO) or (PEG) coatings which exhibit very low protein adsorption characteristics. Several methods are disclosed for producing such treated surfaces including the covalent attachment of hydrophilic surfactants.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a flexible electrode catheter is disclosed. The process involves coating the catheter with an adhesive without affecting the integrity of the polymer substrate of the catheter. The process includes the steps of corona plasma treating a catheter, coating the catheter with an adhesive, baking the adhesive on the catheter, creating radial indents, and removing portions of the coating from the indented areas so that conduction between the different electrodes is broken. Portholes are then punched into the indented conductive areas and magnetic wires are inserted through the catheter and wrapped around the indented conductive areas. A small amount of formulated silver paint is then placed around the coiled magnetic wires. The entire indent, which includes the coiled wire and the area where the coating was removed, is then filled in radially with an adhesive coating.

Abstract: A moisturizing and therapeutic glove is disclosed which includes a thin layer of Aloe Vera coated evenly and uniformly on an inside surface of the glove. Aloe Vera is attached to the surface through a dehydration process achieved with a controlled drying method. Aloe Vera soothes the hand during the wearing of the glove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved bone sealants for staunching local haemorrhages on bones, which are characterized in that the bone sealant consists of a polyester oligomer synthesized from polyol, lactide and glycolide, and water-soulble polymers.

Abstract: A patterned coating on a prosthesis, for example a stent, and a method for forming the coating are disclosed. Additionally, an apparatus for forming the patterned coating is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method for the formation of porous hydrophilic membranes, to the membranes themselves, and to uses for them.

Abstract: A thin walled rubber latex material is disclosed suitable for forming gloves, and the like. A thin walled material is formed using sulfur-free, oxygen-donating curing agents such as butyl peroxides, alkyl peroxides and peroxyesters so that the material is not chemically reactive with other substances that may be contacted by the material during subsequent use of same. The material is also formed using non-amine antioxidants so that it is substantially free of nitrosamines, and the material is also provided with a heat resistant and water resistant coating which blocks transfer of latex proteins from the material to persons who contact the materials over prolonged periods of time.

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: Method and apparatus for producing steerable coated guidewires and the steerable guidewires produced thereby. The steerable coated guidewire has an inner wire member having a constant outer diameter over a major segment thereof and a tapered outer decreasing diameter over a minor segment thereof and a coating adhered to the inner wire member. The coating has a constant outer diameter such that the coated steerable guidewire has a constant outer diameter. The diameter decreases preferably in a linear manner over the length of the minor segment from a maximum diameter Dmax to a minimum diameter Dmin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for coating medical devices and the devices thereby produced are disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention includes a method comprising the steps of suspending the medical device in an air stream and introducing a coating material into the air stream such that the coating material is dispersed therein and coats at least a portion of the medical device. In another embodiment, the medical devices are suspended in an air stream and a coating apparatus coats at least a portion of the medical device with a coating material. The coating apparatus may include a device that utilizes any number of alternative coating techniques for coating the medical devices. This process is used to apply one or more coating materials, simultaneously or in sequence. In certain embodiments of the invention, the coating materials include therapeutic agents, polymers, sugars, waxes, or fats.

Abstract: Coatings are provided in which biopolymers may be covalently linked to a substrate. Such biopolymers include those that impart thromboresistance and/or biocompatibility to the substrate, which may be a medical device. Coatings disclosed herein include those that permit coating of a medical device in a single layer, including coatings that permit applying the single layer without a primer. Suitable biopolymers include heparin complexes, and linkage may be provided by a silane having isocyanate functionality. Plasma deposition and solvent swelling techniques are described as preferred methods of depositing a derivatized silane or a silane-heparin coating.

Abstract: A method of coating implantable open lattice metallic stent prosthesis is disclosed which includes sequentially applying a plurality of relatively thin outer layers of a coating composition comprising a solvent mixture of uncured polymeric silicone material and crosslinker and finely divided biologically active species, possibly of controlled average particle size, to form a coating on each stent surface. The coatings are cured in situ and the coated, cured prosthesis are sterilized in a step that includes preferred pretreatment with argon gas plasma and exposure to gamma radiation electron beam, ethylene oxide, steam.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of coating a substrate, comprising exposing a substrate to an initiator capable of initiating a graft polymerization reaction on the substrate, to generate reactive radical sites on the surface of the substrate; contacting the substrate with a composition comprising one or more monomers in a medium which has different hydrophilicity compared to the substrate, and grafting monomer molecules onto the substrate by forming covalent bonds between monomer molecules and the substrate at reactive radical sites on the substrate surface. With the invention, novel coated articles can be obtained which are particularly usefull as medical products such as catheters.

Abstract: A powder-free coagulant for use in latex dipping processes comprises a salt stable dispersion of a polychloroprene rubber and an inorganic metal salt. Optionally the coagulant will also contain a powder-free release agent, to aid release of the dipped article from the former, comprising a polypropylene wax emulsion and a cationic surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions comprising microspheres and/or nanospheres containing condensed polyanionic bioactive agents, such as DNA. The polyanionic bioactive agent in the microspheres and/or nanospheres is preferably condensed using a polycationic condensing agent, such as poly-L-lysine. The present invention further relates to methods for producing the microspheres and/or nanospheres containing condensed polyanionic bioactive agents.

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: Prefilled, disposable syringes for injecting preparations with a fill volume of less than 5 ml are typically made of glass. The disposable syringe in this invention avoids the use of glass as a construction material. The body of the syringe with barrel, grip and nozzle is made of transparent, glass-like plastic with a very low gas permeability and is designed to be resistant to gamma rays and/or ethylene oxide gas, whereby the hypodermic needle is directly integrated within the plastic nozzle.

Abstract: A lubricant coating vehicle for medical devices used to reduce the coefficient of friction of such devices upon exposure thereof to moisture. The lubricant coating vehicle allows the introduction of a pharmacological additive having a release rate that is within acceptable pharmacokinetic criteria. The release rate is adjusted by utilizing different salt forms of the additive and adjusting the concentration of a urethane pre-polymer.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying a polymeric coating to a medical device. The steps of the coating process including applying a liquid polymeric material to the surface of the medical device, then directing a stream of gas to impinge on the surface of the medical device. Excess liquid polymeric material is removed from the surface of the medical device. The devices used in the coating process and the coated medical device are also part of this invention.

Abstract: Medical devices are formed from metal/polymer composites that have improved characteristics. The metal/polymer composites have a relatively thick metal coating with an average metal thickness of greater than about 3 microns. The composite has mechanical properties, such as mechanical strength, durability and resiliency, contributed by the metal coating. The metal/polymer composites can be formed by solution based or vapor based approaches.

Abstract: A leukocyte depletion filter media includes nonwoven material or microfiber glass which has been coated with a polysaccharide originally containing functionalized side chains capable of crosslinking with each other and the filter media. The leukocyte depletion filter media preferably includes a polysaccharide having a charge density of up to 5 meq/g.

Abstract: A porous implantable prosthesis is loaded with a substance for subsequent application to biological tissues. A method according to loading the substance to the porous prosthesis is provided. A first fluid in combination with an added substance is applied to the porous prosthesis. During the application, the first fluid containing the substance is capable of penetrating into prosthesis pores. The first fluid is removed and a second fluid is applied to the prosthesis. The second fluid is not capable of significantly penetrating into the pores. Prior to the application of the second fluid, the prosthesis can be immersed in a third fluid and agitated via mechanical perturbation techniques so that any of the substance gathered on the surface of the body, after the application of the first fluid, is removed. The third fluid should not be capable of dissolving the substance.

Abstract: A coating and method for a coating an implantable device or prostheses are disclosed. The coating includes an undercoat of polymeric material containing an amount of biologically active material, particularly heparin, dispersed therein. The coating further includes a topcoat which covers less than the entire surface of the undercoat and wherein the topcoat comprises a polymeric material substantially free of pores and porosigens. The polymeric material of the topcoat can be a biostable, biocompatible material which provides long term non-thrombogenicity to the device portion during and after release of the biologically active material.

Abstract: A conductive, non-stick coating is provided using a ceramic material which is conductive, flexible and provides a surface which exhibits the property of lubricity. A room or near room temperature manufacturing process produces a coating of titanium nitride on a substrate, where the coating is amorphous if the substrate is a solid material including plastics, composites, metals, magnets, and ceramics, enabling the substrate to bend without damaging the coating. The coating can also be applied as a conformal coating on a variety of substrate shapes, depending upon the application. The coating is bio-compatible and can be applied to a variety of medical devices.

Abstract: A two step method or process for improving the adherence or bonding of a lubricious coating of a crosslinked polyurethane, polyurea or polyurethaneurea/PEO or PVP coating to a substrate surface, said two step method comprising a first step of subjecting said surface to a surface preparation which results in the treated surface being provided with a functional tie layer containing functional groups for reaction with functional groups of a reaction mixture to be applied in a subsequent second step, which upon curing forms a crosslinked polyurethane, polyurea or polyurethaneurea/PEO or PVP coating and a second step of applying to said tie layer said reaction mixture and curing the reaction mixture. A medical device resulting from the above-described two step method.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of slippery, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel coating compositions, and materials composed of a polymeric plastic or rubber substrate or a metal substrate with a coating of a slippery, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel thereon, such that the coating composition tenaciously adheres to the substrate, are disclosed. The coating compositions and coated materials are non-toxic and biocompatible, and are ideally suited for use on medical devices, particularly, catheters, catheter balloons and stents. The coating compositions, coated materials and coated devices demonstrate low coefficients of friction in contact with body fluids, especially blood, as well as a high degree of wear permanence over prolonged use of the device. The hydrogel coating compositions are capable of being dried to facilitate storage of the devices to which they have been applied, and can be instantly reactivated for later use by exposure to water.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for manufacturing particle deposited body comprising supplying, under sucking condition, particles entrained by air on a continuous carrier sheet which is running at a prescribed direction to deposit the particles on the carrier sheet, thereby obtaining a particle deposited body comprising the particles and the carrier sheet, the carrier sheet having an air-permeability of 4.0 seconds/(300 ml·32 pcs.) or less.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for dip-coating intermediate and/or discrete discontinuous portions of longitudinal devices, including medical devices such as catheters and guidewires. The apparatus provides a chamber in which both the desired portion(s) of the device and the coating solution can be controllably contacted. A controlled coating can be achieved within the chamber by providing and controlling one or more of the following relationships: a) the manner in which a chamber (containing solution) is itself moved with respect to a static device, b) the manner in which the device is moved with respect to a fixed chamber position containing a fixed volume of solution, and/or c) the manner in which both the chamber and device are fixed in position, and the coating is achieved by adding and removing a volume of solution from the chamber.

Abstract: A chemical-resistant protective glove includes a polymer base with a thin fluoroelastomeric coating. The glove is made by first placing the base on a mounting frame and inflating it with gas to spread the fingers. Successive thin layers of a water-base emulsion of the fluoroelastomeric material are then sprayed on the base. The final coating is applied with a relatively high air flow, creating a matte finish.

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: The present invention relates to several novel compositions and methods employing infrared radiation microwave radiation or high voltage polymerization for modifying the surfaces of materials to impart desired characteristics thereto. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for modifying the surfaces of objects to increase the lubricity, hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, or biofunctionality of the surface of the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new biopolymer resistant coatings for materials that come in contact with such molecules in solution. Additionally, the present invention discloses a process for the fabrication of these coatings, under mild and scaleable reaction conditions, from simple, low molecular weight molecular components. Furthermore, the present invention teaches a general conceptual strategy for the design of additional protein resistant coatings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a balloon catheter.

Abstract: A method of providing a lubricious hydrophilic coating on an intracorporeal medical device and the coated device produced thereby, wherein the coating is durable and highly lubricious when in contact with body fluids. In one embodiment, the coating comprises a polymerized base coat and a hydrophilic top coat, where the base coat has a binding component which binds to the hydrophilic compound of the top coat, and a grafting component which binds to the binding component and 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 hydrophilic coating of the invention can be applied to a medical device with a polymeric surface such as a polymeric catheter, or a metal device coated with a polymeric primer.

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: To coat a surface of a medical implant such as an organ part or a synthetic prosthesis with a coating of living cells, the implant is inserted and fixed into a receiving container which is at least partially filled with a nutritive liquid medium containing the coating cells in suspension. Then the receiving container is rotated respectively about two distinct rotation axes, whereby preferably the two rotation motions are independently controllable and the two axes are substantially perpendicular to each other. Each of the two rotation motions can be a continuous rotation through 360°, or a stepwise intermittent rotation through successive rotational angle steps. The parameters of the two rotations about the two axes can be combined as needed for a particular application, for example a continuous rotation about one axis combined with a stepwise rotation about the other axis. The time period and rotational speed of each rotation can also be independently controlled.

Abstract: A solvent mixture to disperse or dissolve a copolymer of methyl-trifluoropropyl siloxane and dimethylsiloxane, the solvent mixture comprising perchlorethylene, a selected acid ester, and a selected ketone. The invention also comprehends the combination of copolymer and solvent mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blood-compatible composition containing an ionic complex consisting of an organic cationic compound and heparin or a derivative thereof, wherein the organic cationic compound is an ammonium or a phosophonium bound with four aliphatic alkyl groups, the four aliphatic alkyl groups having a total number of carbon atoms of 24 to 32, and has at least 2 alkyl groups having not less than 10 carbon atoms. A medical device capable of long-term sustention of antithrombogenicity can be produced by coating the surface of the medical device with the composition.

Abstract: A method for lubricating a sealing member in a drug delivery device includes the steps of washing and rinsing the sealing members in hot deionized water following by drying the sealing members. The dried sealing members are tumbled with polymeric silicone and then irradiated at a target dose between 2.5 and 4.0 Mrads. The irradiated sealing members are then utilized in a variety of drug delivery devices including syringes, pre-filled syringes, drug cartridges, and needleless injector ampules.

Abstract: A substrate is rendered highly lubricious and wettable, by treating the substrate so that it becomes amine-functionalized, and chemically joining an aldonic acid to amine groups on the substrate. In the preferred embodiment, the chemical joining is performed with the aid of a coupling agent, such as a water-soluble carbodiimide, the coupling agent participating in the reaction which joins the aldonic acid to the amine groups, and which forms a residue that can be discarded. The coupling agent makes it possible to perform the process at room temperature. The method can be used to coat articles such as contact lenses, intra-ocular lenses, or other devices which are intended to be temporarily or permanently implanted in the body. The method can also be used in other fields, such as in coating of goggles, windshields, and other objects.

Abstract: Disclosed are hybrid coatings for implantable medical devices. Such coatings include a first layer of an aqueous dispersion or emulsion of an organic acid functional group containing polymer, a crosslinker and a therapeutic agent dispersed therein. The coating also includes a second layer of an aqueous solution or dispersion of an organic acid functional group-containing bio-active agent. The hybrid coatings are especially suited for preventing restenosis of endoprostheses by the combined action of the therapeutic agent and the bio-active agent. Methods of making and using devices coated with such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A tampon applicator member can be made from a roll of sheet-like material. A flowable material is applied to one surface of the sheet-like material and is transformed into a solid polymeric layer. The coated material is separated into a plurality of applicator blanks. A first surface of each blank, corresponding to the first surface of the individual sheet-like web, has an uncoated portion adjacent a first side edge, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a coated portion. An adhesive is applied to the uncoated portion of the first surface of a blank, and the blank is rolled to form a tubular member having a longitudinal seam. The seam has a first edge of the inner surface of the structural member superposed over and adhered to an uncoated opposite edge of the outer surface of the structural member.