Abstract: A method of making an injectable or implantable active agent delivery device capable of delivering a diagnostic, therapeutic, and/or prophylactic agent to a desired targeted site having orifice(s) on the surface is disclosed herein providing unidirectional release of the agent at a controlled desirable rate. The agent may include, but is not limited to, drugs, proteins, peptides, biomarkers, bioanalytes, and/or genetic material. The technology of the invention is based on parallel processing to fabricate micro-holes on tubes employing photo-lithography and reactive ion etching techniques and also incorporates a simple molding method to form the micro-holes on flexible polymer tubes, including bio-degradable tubes. The parallel processing method of the instant invention is fast, economical and well suited for mass production. The developed device, due to its composite structure, has the ability to combine several release mechanisms, leading to zero-order release kinetics for most of the time.

Abstract: A separating material formed by a solid substrate having a substrate surface, primary or secondary amines coupled to the substrate surface, and a graft polymer formed on the substrate by covalently coupling the primary or secondary amines with a thermally labile radical initiator and subsequently contacting the substrate surface with a solution of one or more polymerizable monomers. Methods for the extracorporeal treatment of blood, blood plasma or blood serum employing the separating material, for affinity adsorption, ion-exchange adsorption, hydrophobic adsorption, or hydrophilic adsorption employing the separating material, and a separating column employing the separating material are also disclosed.

Abstract: Alternative design, material, manufacturing method, and use for medical devices, such as catheters, catheter shafts and the like. An example includes a medical device, such as a catheter shaft, including an elongated tubular braid comprising a plurality of filaments and including an end portion coated with a first polymeric material having a first melting point temperature, wherein the first polymeric material attaches the braid filaments together. A second polymeric material having a second melting temperature lower than the first melting point temperature may be attached to the coated end portion of the braid. In some embodiments, the underlying a first polymeric material may reduce the tendency of the braid to flair into the second polymeric material. Other examples relate to methods of making such medical devices, such as a catheter shaft, of the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition for the prophylaxis of new influenza A (H1N1) virus infection comprising a ginkgo extract, an air filter coated with the same, and an air cleaner comprising the air filter. Having high inhibitory activity against new influenza A (H1N1) virus, the composition comprising a ginkgo extract can be applied to the prevention of new influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. Also, the filter coated with the composition can remove influenza A (H1N1) virus from the air so that it can be employed in an air cleaner for the prophylaxis of new influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.

Abstract: A coating for implantable devices, such as stents, and a method of making the same is disclosed. Moreover, an apparatus for depositing the coating is disclosed.

Abstract: Method of coating an expandable member includes providing an expandable member having a proximal and a distal end with a guidewire lumen extending therebetween, the expandable member having a deflated and fully expanded configurations, and inflating the expandable member to an initial inflation pressure; positioning a mandrel within the guidewire lumen; tensioning the mandrel to straighten the guidewire lumen within the expandable member; and disposing a therapeutic agent on at least a portion of the expandable member. Method further includes partially deflating the expandable member to an intermediate pressure, and drying the therapeutic agent on the expandable member, and, if a folded expandable member is used, at least partially refolding the expandable member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating an article surface. The method comprises removing a metal oxide surface from the metal substrate to expose a metal surface; and delivering particles comprising a dopant from at least one fluid jet to the metal surface to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant. The method also comprises delivering substantially simultaneously a first set of particles comprising a dopant and a second set of particles comprising an abrasive from at least one fluid jet to a surface of an article to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant.

Abstract: A method of coating an implantable medical device may include providing an implantable medical device, applying a polymer base to the medical device, and directing a first solution including therapeutic agent and solvent through the nozzle onto a target zone of the polymer base coating to penetrate the polymer base coating. The solution may be directed at the target zone until a predetermined concentration of the therapeutic agent can be integrated within the polymer base coating.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods of coating stents and stents produced in accordance therewith. The object of the invention is to provide methods of coating stents with a polysaccharide layer which has improved adhesion capacity on the substrate surface of the implant, and to afford correspondingly functionalized stents. That is achieved inter alia by covalent bonding of a non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid to a substrate surface of the stent with the formation of hyaluronic acid layer and crosslinking of the hyaluronic acid layer.

Abstract: A method of treating the surface of a medical device with a biomolecule comprising the steps of: providing a polyolefin substrate forming a medical device; cleaning the polyolefin substrate; exposing the polyolefin substrate to a reactive gas containing acrylic acid and to plasma energy to yield a plasma-deposited polyacrylic acid coating on the polyolefin substrate; and attaching a biomolecule, such as heparin, to the polyolefin substrate following formation of the plasma-deposited polyacrylic acid coating on the polyolefin substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to an elastomeric article with improved lubricity and donnablity and reduced stickiness/tackiness. According to the methods of the invention, the internal surface of the elastomeric article is coated with a polyisoprene coating. The coating of the invention is formed from synthetic polyisoprene rubber that may or may not contain minor amounts of other components. The coating is preferably directly bonded to the underlying elastomeric article.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed, comprising a substrate, having on its surface, on at least a part thereof, a hydrophilic surface layer providing low-friction surface character of the medical device when wetted by a wetting fluid. The substrate is made of a polymer blend comprising a polyolefin and a composition having molecules with active hydrogen(s), such as polyamide or polyurethane. The hydrophilic surface layer is preferably adhered to the substrate by a polyurea network, whereby said polyurea network forms a covalent bond to said active hydrogen(s) in the substrate. The new substrate material is environmentally acceptable and cost effective, has adequate mechanical and chemical properties and enables the hydrophilic coating to be adequately adhered.

Abstract: Disclosed is a respiration-assisting tube whereby tissue damages in vivo can be prevented and, as a result, inflammatory reactions and infections can be avoided. The respiration-assisting tube is developed based on the finding that adhesion of cells to a respiration-assisting tube can be inhibited by coating the respiration-assisting tube with a polymer containing 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC). Also, the respiration-assisting tube is developed based on the finding that, by coating a respiration-assisting tube with a polymer containing MPC, mucosa peeling and tissue damages, which occur after using the respiration-assisting tube, can be prevented and, as a result, inflammatory reactions can be avoided.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes an expandable and collapsible structure having an outer surface. The expandable and collapsible structure is adapted to expand between a contracted state and a dilated state. A guard is bonded to the outer surface of the expandable and collapsible structure. The guard and the expandable and collapsible structure cooperatively define a plurality of reservoirs. A coating disposed in the reservoirs. The coating includes a bioactive agent. The coating protrudes from the reservoirs when the expandable and collapsible structure is expanded to the dilated state.

Abstract: Drug delivery balloons are configured with a carrier film of biodegradable polymer. The carrier film includes a drug or has a drug carried thereon. The balloons utilize a film layering system that is designed to separate the carrier film substantially intact from the balloon when expanded, so that the carrier film and the drug are left in place at the tissue site.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a filter medium for removing leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing sample, comprising: a substrate and a first polymer. The first polymer forms cross-linked networks or polymer brushes on the substrate and comprising charged groups or latent charged groups to control the electrical characteristic of the first polymer. The surface of the substrate formed with the first polymer possesses a specific charge distribution having charged domains and zwitterionic non-charged domains.

Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a surface treatment for elastomeric articles such as medical gloves, comprising a water-based coating formulation and antimicrobial agent(s) embraced therein in an essentially powder-free composition coating. A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a water-based coating formulation for elastomeric articles such as gloves comprising at least one non-volatile water-soluble antimicrobial agent in a controlled-release matrix comprising a blend of a hydrophilic polymer and a hydrophobic component. The controlled-release matrix/blend requirements include: compatibility with the antimicrobial agent, formation of a reservoir of antimicrobial agent, coating film flexibility and lower water-solubility than the antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to condoms, prophylactics and contraceptive devices made of silicone rubber having a body with an open end and a closed end, a first collar proximate to the open end, a second collar adjacent to the first collar, and a series of accordion pleats on the body, wherein the accordion pleats can independently expand or contract.

Abstract: A novel method suitable for commercially mass production of hollow microneedle with high quality for delivery of drugs across or into biological tissue is provided. It typically includes the following processes: (1) coating an elongated template of a first material with a second material to form a cover; (2) removing tips of the template and cover to form an opening in the cover; and (3) removing the template of the first material to obtain hollow microneedles of the second material. This simple, efficient and cost-effective fabrication method can mass produce hollow microneedle arrays involving no complicated and expensive equipments or techniques, which can be used in commercial fabrication of hollow needles for delivering drugs or genes across or into skin or other tissue barriers with advantages of minimal damage, painless, long-term and continuous usages.

Abstract: Method of coating an expandable member is provided. The method comprises providing an expandable member having deflated and fully expanded configurations, and inflating the expandable member with a select amount of inflation medium, the select amount of inflation medium applied at a nominal pressure, disposing a therapeutic agent on at least a portion of the expandable member; and partially deflating the expandable member, wherein partially deflating includes releasing an initial amount of inflation medium from the expandable member such that the expandable member partially re-folds. The therapeutic agent can be dried on the expandable member, and a remaining amount of inflation medium can be withdrawn such that the expandable member resumes the completely folded configuration.

Abstract: Method of coating an expandable member is provided. The method comprises providing an expandable member with a plurality of folds defined therein, the expandable member having a folded configuration and a fully expanded configuration at a rated nominal pressure. The expandable member is inflated to an initial pressure of from 10% to about 300% of nominal pressure. A therapeutic agent is disposed on at least a portion of the expandable member. The expandable member is partially deflated to an intermediate pressure by withdrawing an amount of inflation medium from the expandable member, and by applying an external force to the expandable member.

Abstract: Method of coating an expandable member, e.g. balloon, is provided, the method comprising providing an expandable member having an outer surface. The method includes a plasma treatment with a supply of gas performed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the expandable member. A therapeutic agent is applied on at least the plasma treated portion of the outer surface of the expandable member after the plasma treatment is performed. The plasma treatment can reduce the adhesion of therapeutic agent to the surface of the expandable member. A medical device made by the disclosed method is also provided.

Abstract: A drug-delivering medical device for delivering a drug to a target site in a body lumen is disclosed. The drug-delivering medical device includes a balloon catheter and an inflatable balloon positioned on the balloon catheter. The inflatable balloon has a hydrophilic surface. One or more portions of the hydrophilic surface are coated with two or more nano-carriers. A nano-carrier of the two or more nano-carriers includes a drug surrounded by an encapsulating medium. As the drug is surrounded by the encapsulating medium, the surface of the nano-carrier is devoid of the drug. When the inflatable balloon is inflated upon coming in proximity to a target site in the body lumen, about 30% to 80% of the two or more nano-carriers are released from the hydrophilic surface within 15-90 seconds.

Abstract: A coating apparatus and method for flimsy elongate members has at least one elongate funnel tube with an inlet, an outlet, and an intermediate portion, the inlet in a basin, a fluid circulating system suitable connecting the outlet to provide flow into the inlet. Each inlet receives an elongate flimsy component and utilizes the circulating fluid to pull the flimsy elongate member into the funnel tube whereby the coating of the flimsy elongate member is accomplished. The invention also includes the method for coating such a flimsy elongate member utilizing the coating apparatus.

Abstract: Substrates may be coated with copolymers of N-vinyl pyrrolidinone and aryl ketones. Processes are described for making the copolymers at high molecular weight with the ketones randomly dispersed on the copolymer.

Abstract: A method of producing a drug coated balloon that comprises the steps of: subjecting a balloon catheter with a folded and wrapped balloon thereon to a pre-annealing step to induce a fold/wrap memory in the resulting pre-annealed balloon; unfolding the pre-annealed balloon sufficiently to expose the full circumferential surface of the balloon by application of an inflation pressure that retains said fold/wrap memory; applying a drug coating formulation to the unfolded balloon surface; releasing pressure to relax the balloon and induce creasing along fold memory; and evacuating the balloon slowly to induce refolding and rewrapping of the balloon. The method overcomes the need to use a folding apparatus to fold and wrap a drug coated balloon.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides substrates having a lubricious coating thereon. The substrate may be flexible and include, in embodiments, a medical device. The lubricious coating, in embodiments, is applied in a pattern so that the coating avoids delamination and/or fracturing which might otherwise occur as the substrate flexes and/or stretches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a wound dressing device and cholesteryl sulfate and especially to a composition containing cholesteryl sulfate and at least one carrier material for use as a haemostatic agent, as well as to a method for its preparation and use.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for coating a medical device.

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: Disclosed herein are methods of treating an article surface. The method comprises removing a metal oxide surface from the metal substrate to expose a metal surface; and delivering particles comprising a dopant from at least one fluid jet to the metal surface to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant. The method also comprises delivering substantially simultaneously a first set of particles comprising a dopant and a second set of particles comprising an abrasive from at least one fluid jet to a surface of an article to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant.

Abstract: Processes are provided for preparing a substrate coated with a biomolecule, comprising: a) providing a substrate; b) coating the substrate with a polysiloxane, typically by exposing the substrate to a reactive gas containing siloxane functional groups and to plasma energy to yield a plasma-deposited polysiloxane surface on the substrate; c) rendering the polysiloxane surface amino functional; and d) contacting the amino-functional polysiloxane surface with a biomolecule under conditions effective to attach the biomolecule to the substrate. The coated substrate may be a medical device that demonstrates an ability to maintain gas permeability when in contact with blood or blood components, compared to a substantially identical medical device that has not been coated with a biomolecule using this process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a male external urinary incontinence device including a hydrocolloid composition as an adhesive and to methods of making and using this device. The hydrocolloid composition can include an acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive, a polyacrylic acid polymer, and, optionally, a neutralizer.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to vulcanization compositions used to vulcanize elastomeric articles, where the vulcanization compositions have reduced allergenic potential as compared to elastomeric articles formed using vulcanization compositions having non-fugitive accelerators. The present invention also relates to elastomeric articles formed using the vulcanization compositions. The invention further relates to methods for making a reduced-allergenicity vulcanization composition, and to methods for using the vulcanization compositions to vulcanize elastomeric articles.

Abstract: A method of designing graphics for absorbent articles comprising the steps of: selecting one or more basic technical flats comprising a plurality of printing zones; selecting a color palette; selecting one or more patterns and/or solid prints; and modeling the one or more selected patterns and/or solid prints, using the one or more selected colors, in the printing zones of the basic technical flat that they are selected for, to form an enhanced technical flat that comprises the graphic.

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: Methods are disclosed to improved adhesion of polymer coatings over polymer surfaces of stents which include plasma treatment, applying an adhesion promoting layer, surface treatments with solvents, and mechanical roughening techniques.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to improved adhesion of polymer coatings over polymer surfaces of stents which include plasma treatment, applying an adhesion promoting layer, surface treatments with solvents, and mechanical roughening techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preparing an antimicrobial plastic body, said processes comprising molding a precursor and being characterized in that prior to molding at least one component of the precursor is treated with a metal colloid.

Abstract: An antimicrobial lubricant combines an antimicrobial agent, preferably silver based, with a silicone lubricant. This is achieved by first formulating a lubricant solution that has a non-volatile silicone lubricant and a volatile solvent carrier. An antimicrobial agent is added to the lubricant solution. The solution is then subjected to ultrasonic energy so that the antimicrobial agent is uniformly mixed with the lubricant in the solution. The solution containing the antimicrobial lubricant may be sprayed onto a medical device, for example the outer surface of the catheter of a peripheral IV catheter. After the solvent flashes off, a coat of uniform antimicrobial lubricant is formed on the catheter surface. The antimicrobial lubricant coating facilitates the insertion of the catheter to a patient, and at the same time prevents the growth of microorganisms from the device and infection to the patient.

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: Provided are condoms, methods of making and treating sexual dysfunction with the same, the condoms having a multiplicity of microcapsules containing an ingredient therein, the microcapsules being disposed on one or more surfaces of the condom such that the microcapsules are substantially exposed. The microcapsules can be disposed on one or both surfaces. A barrier layer between the microcapsules and the condom can be provided. The barrier layer can comprise nitrile, polyurethane, polyacetal urea, or combinations thereof. Further embodiments of such condoms are provided where an ingredient without encapsulation is disposed on the elastomeric layer along with the microcapsules.

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: Methods and devices for the provision of a coating on an implantable medical device. The coating includes a bio-absorbable carrier component. In addition to the bio-absorbable carrier component, a therapeutic agent component can also be provided. The methods and devices provide a coating having improved uniformity and coverage which in turn allow for greater control of the amount and dosage of the coating.

Abstract: A venous shunt method adapted to shunt cerebral spinal fluid in a patient. A fluid control device having a fluid passage is adapted to be placed allowing cerebral spinal fluid to flow through the fluid passage. A catheter having a lumen, the catheter being in fluid communication with the fluid control device. At least a portion of at least one of the catheter and the fluid control device being subjected to an anti-thrombogenic treatment.

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

Abstract: A coated stent (20) for use in a medical procedure and methods of manufacturing the coated stent (20) are described. A stent component (30) has an expanded state in which an inner diameter (ds) of the stent (30) is less than or equal to an outer diameter (dc2) of a coating (40), thereby causing an inner surface (35) of the stent (30) to engage the outer surface (42) of the coating (40). In one exemplary method of manufacture, the stent (30) is disposed over the coating (40) when the coating (40) is provided with a first, smaller outer diameter (dc1). The coating (40) then is radially expanded to a second, larger outer diameter (dC2), which is greater than or equal to the inner diameter (ds) of the stent (30), to cause the outer surface (42) of the coating (40) to engage the inner surface (35) of the stent (30).

Abstract: The present invention relates to coating compositions for modulating biofilm growth on a surface, the composition comprising the reaction product of: A) an ethylenically unsaturated compound, having at least one group with the following structure: and B) an ethylenically unsaturated compound.

Abstract: The drug eluting rolled stent and a stent delivery system, which includes a catheter; a balloon operably attached to the catheter; and a stent disposed on the balloon. The stent includes a rectangular metal foil sheet having a first side and a second side, the rectangular metal foil sheet being rolled to form a cylindrical tube having a central axis and a spiral cross section perpendicular to the central axis; a polymer drug coating disposed between and adhering the first side and the second side; and at least one opening formed through the cylindrical tube generally perpendicular to the central axis, the at least one opening being shaped to form at least one strut having in cross section polymer drug layers between metal foil layers, polymer drug layer edges of the polymer drug layers being in communication with the at least one opening.

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.