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

Abstract: A non-polymeric or biological coating applied to a radially expandable interventional medical device in a collapsed, wrapped, or folded configuration, the coating applied within at least one fold. Properties of the coating material applied to the medical device are adjusted or varied to result in a desired combination of coverage of the surface of the medical device, drug loading, and coating thickness. The coating is sterile, and is capable of being carried by a sterile medical device to a targeted tissue location within the body following radial expansion. The therapeutic coating transfers off the medical device due in part to a biological attraction with the tissue and in part to a physical transference from the medical device to the targeted tissue location in contact with the medical device.

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

Abstract: A medical device, polymer composition, and method for delivering substantially water-insoluble drugs to tissue at desired locations within the body. At least a portion of the exterior surface of the medical device is provided with a polymer coating. Incorporated in the polymer coating is a solution of at least one substantially water-insoluble drug in a volatile organic solvent. The medical device is positioned to a desired target location within the body, whereupon the drug diffuses out of the polymer coating.

Abstract: A germicidal absorptive material for use in surgical packings, wound bandages, sanitary tampons and bed sore prevention and/or treatment uses is provided by a foam-like matrix of hydrophilic polyurethane polymer to which application-specific loads of a germicidal disinfectant dye have been made. Polyurethane polymer of various densities and thicknesses exhibits an exceptional ability to absorb different levels of a number of disinfectant dyes, both basic and acidic, such as gentian violet and methylene blue, respectively. The relationship between dye-load and application-specific uses permits a totally-bound gentian violet pad to be used as a conventional bandage or pad on a surface wound with the capability of preventing the incursion of external pathogens from entering the wound through the pad, where the pathogens are killed by the bound-dye. The wound exudate is absorbed safely by the pad, where wound-originating pathogens are also killed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a bioactive surface on the balloon (3) of a balloon catheter (1). According to said method, the surface of the balloon (3) is at least partially wetted with a first solution of an active substance (8) and the section of the surface of the balloon (3) wetted with the first solution of an active substance (8) is then wetted with a second, saturated solution of the active substance (28). The invention further relates to a balloon (3) of a balloon catheter (1) the surface of which is at least partially coated with an active substance (11), the coating (11) being homogeneous and brittle in the entire coated region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a crosslinked, silicon-containing layer containing, substantially consisting of or consisting of silicon, O, C, H, optionally N which can be produced by plasma polymerization and/or crosslinking of organosilicon liquids by a plasma process and/or UV radiation of a wavelength of less than 250 nm, without using metals of an atomic number of more than 14, as a biocompatible surface, for imparting to a surface or providing a surface with a non-genotoxic effect. The invention also relates to correspondingly coated articles and to processes for the production thereof.

Abstract: Catheter devices for delivering therapeutic agent and methods of making the same. A method comprises applying, when the balloon is unexpanded and folded, a first coating to a first surface area of the balloon that is substantially exposed when the balloon is unexpanded and folded, the first coating being a coating to which the therapeutic agent coating material is substantially non-adherent; applying a therapeutic agent coating material to the balloon such that the therapeutic agent coating material adheres to a second surface area not coated with the first coating. Upon completion of the coating method, the therapeutic agent coating is substantially disposed within one or more folds of the balloon. A catheter device comprises therapeutic agent coating that is substantially covered when the balloon is unexpanded and folded. Expanding the balloon opens the one or more folds and substantially exposes the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a tissue. The medical device has a layer overlying the exterior surface of the medical device. The layer contains a therapeutic agent and an additive. The additive has a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part and the therapeutic agent is not enclosed in micelles or encapsulated in particles or controlled release carriers.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a medical device with antibacterial activity, comprising the steps of providing a substrate material coated with a hydrophilic polymer, said hydrophilic polymer exhibiting a low friction when wetted; providing a colloidal solution comprising chemically reduced particles of an oligodynamic metal and a hydrophilic polymer, said hydrophilic polymer being the same as in the coating of the substrate material; and dipping said substrate material in the solution. A medical device prepared accordingly is also disclosed. By means of this method, very advantageous properties of the antibacterial coating are obtained. In particular, a relatively low release rate is obtained in the wetting fluid, and a relatively high release rate is obtained in the intended use situation, e.g. when inserted into the urethra.

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

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to an implant with a coating containing at least one active pharmaceutical substance. The inventive implant is characterized in that the coating is covered by a protective layer comprising or containing one or more materials from the group including shellac, vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer, vinyl acetate-crotonic acid copolymer, vinyl acetate-vinyl propionate-crotonic acid terpolymer, methylvinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer, vinylpyrrolidone-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate copolymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, polycrotonic acid, polyvinyl propionate, polymethylvinyl ether, polymaleic anhydride and polydimethylaminoethyl acrylate.

Abstract: Provided, among other things, is a elastomeric medical glove having an antimicrobial surface coating comprising: a polymeric layer, and a dried, non-tacky coating on a surface of the polymeric layer, the coating comprising an antimicrobial agent, a wax agent, a lubricant, and a water-soluble wetting agent; wherein the glove comprises a residual powder of less than 2 mg per glove.

Abstract: Means of easy manufacture and deployment of condoms are provided. A practical and inexpensive adhesive condom is achieved to augment user satisfaction, provide increased barrier protection and contraceptive efficacy. Compression to the penis is reduced, thereby facilitating the ease of attaining and maintaining erection, improving barrier protection and preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as increasing utilization rates by enhancing sensation.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter is directed to a coated medical device such as a balloon or stent and methods of manufacturing the device, where the device has a working length disposed between a distal end and a proximal end thereof; and a coating applied to at least a length of the body. The coating includes a hydrophobic therapeutic agent having a water solubility less than about 15.0 ?g/ml and an emulsifier that is a solid at ambient temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a coating on a medical device having a topcoat and a basecoat and an improved compatibility between a topcoat and a basecoat on the medical device.

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

Abstract: The present invention pertains to implantable or insertable medical devices which comprise a substrate and one or more therapeutic-agent-containing regions contain one or more therapeutic agents. In various aspects of the invention, one or more characteristics of such therapeutic-agent-containing regions are controlled. Further aspects of the invention relate to methods of forming such devices and to methods of using such devices.

Abstract: Methods of making room temperature-curable polymers. Reactants include siloxane-terminated polymers and silanols. The reactants are mixed, and the polymerization allowed to proceed in air at room temperature. The polymers are exceptionally useful because they allow for the incorporation into the polymers themselves of one or more therapeutic compounds. Thus, medical devices from which controlled drug release is desirable (for either local or systemic delivery) can be coated with therapeutic compound-containing polymers of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, a polymer of poly(MPCw:LAMx:HPMAy:TSMAz) where w, x, y, and z represent the molar ratios of monomers used in the feed for preparing the polymer; MPC represents the unit 2-methacryoyloxyethylphosphorylcholine, LMA represents the unit lauryl methacrylate, HPMA represents the unit 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, and TSMA represents the unit 3-trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate is reacted with polydimethylsiloxane.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. An example medical device includes a slotted tubular member and a coating disposed over the tubular member. The coating may define one or more coating gaps therein.

Abstract: A method for producing a bioactive surface on an endoprosthesis, or on the balloon (3) of a balloon catheter (1) is described, wherein the surface (15) of the endoprosthesis, or the surface (4) of the balloon (3) is softened. The surface (15) of the endoprosthesis, or the surface (4) of the balloon (3) is moistened with a solution (6) of an active ingredient (7), and the solvent (8) is separated from the active ingredient (7). In addition, a balloon (3) of a balloon catheter (1) is disclosed, which comprises an uncoated surface (4), wherein an unencapsulated active ingredient (7) is embedded at least partially into the material of the surface (4). Furthermore, a balloon catheter (1) is described, which comprises a balloon (3) according to the invention. In addition, an endoprosthesis, particularly a polymer stent is described, which comprises an uncoated surface (15), wherein an active ingredient (7) is embedded at least partially into the material of the surface (15).

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

Abstract: A medical device includes a device core and fluorescing molecules attached to the device core. The medical device may be formed in a variety of ways, including providing a medical device and coating at least a portion of the device with a polymer containing the fluorescing molecules, attaching a container containing the fluorescing molecules to a medical device, or molding a medical device from a polymer that includes the fluorescing molecules.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for nanomaterial-enhanced platelet binding and hemostatic medical devices are provided. Hemostatic materials and structures are provided that induce platelet binding, including platelet binding and the coagulation of blood at a wound/opening caused by trauma, a surgical procedure, ulceration, or other cause. Example embodiments include platelet binding devices, hemostatic bandages, hemostatic plugs, and hemostatic formulations. The hemostatic materials and structures may incorporate nanostructures and/or further hemostatic elements such as polymers, silicon nanofibers, silicon dioxide nanofibers, and/or glass beads into a highly absorbent, gelling scaffold. The hemostatic materials and structures may be resorbable.

Abstract: Described are methods for modifying the surface properties of a polymer substrate by exposing the substrate to a densified fluid and a surface modifying agent. The densified fluid may be densified carbon dioxide and the surface modifying agent may be one which reduces the surface tension of the polymer substrate, for example as incorporated into a medical device such as a catheter.

Abstract: Methods are provided for surface modifying a hydrophobic polymer substrate to increase wettability comprising the steps of pre-treating the hydrophobic polymer substrate with a radio frequency (RF)-generated first plasma and a RF-generated second plasma wherein the first plasma and the second plasma are applied sequentially, coating the hydrophobic polymer substrate with a hydrophilic coating; and polymerizing the hydrophilic coating on the hydrophobic polymer substrate by exposure to a RF-generated third plasma.

Abstract: A coating composition in the form of a one or multi-part system, and method of applying such a composition under conditions of controlled humidity, for use in coating device surfaces to control and/or improve their ability to release bioactive agents in aqueous systems. The coating composition is particularly adapted for use with medical 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 first polymer component such as polyalkyl(meth)acrylate, polyaryl(meth)acrylate, polyaralkyl(meth)acrylate, or polyaryloxyalkyl(meth)acrylate and a second polymer component such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate).

Abstract: A flushable catheter assembly having features to enable selective activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly is disclosed herein. A septum is placed within the catheter adapter of the catheter assembly and includes a pathway that is closed prior to being biased open via a septum activator also positioned within the catheter adapter. A plurality of air vent channels is interposed between the septum and the inner surface of the catheter adapter to permit “flashback” of blood during insertion of the catheter into a patient. The septum activator is advanced through the pathway of the septum as a coupler is attached to a proximal opening of the catheter adapter.

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

Abstract: A separation membrane includes a membrane comprising a polymer, characterized in that a functional layer is formed on the surface in one side of the membrane, the peak area percentage of carbon derived from ester group measured by the electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) on the surface of the preceding functional layer is 0.1% (by atomic number) or more but not more than 10 (% by atomic number), and the peak area percentage of carbon derived from ester group measured by the electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) on the surface opposite to the functional layer is not more than 10 (% by atomic number). A separation membrane module suffering from little sticking of organic matters, proteins, platelets and so on is provided with the separation membrane as a built-in membrane.

Abstract: Biocompatible nanoparticles 1 which entrap a bioactive substance and whose surface is positive-charge-modified are electrically adhered to a balloon portion 9 of a catheter main body 5 through a negatively charged resin layer 11, and thus a nanoparticle layer 12 is formed. After the catheter main body 5 is indwell in vivo, the nanoparticles 1 are gradually eluted from the nanoparticle layer 12 and are effectively delivered to cells.

Abstract: An antimicrobial coating applied to a transdermal surface of a catheter device. An antimicrobial coating applied to catheter device such that when the catheter device is fully inserted, the antimicrobial coating is interposed between the catheter device and the dermal layers of the patient.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a hollow microneedle structure. The method includes coating a hollow core having a predetermined section and being long in a lengthwise direction with a coating solution, and solidifying the coating solution to form a coating layer, depositing a metal seed layer on the coating layer, plating the seed metal layer with a metal to form a plated layer, cutting the hollow core having the plated layer at an inclination angle with respect to the lengthwise direction to form a surface inclination, and removing the hollow core and the coating layer to form a hollow. Thus, the hollow microneedle structure can be manufactured to have such diameter, length, hardness, and inclination angle as to minimize pain. By use of the hollow core, the microneedle structure can have vertical microneedles with a uniform inner diameter.

Abstract: A filter and a method of forming a suture structure. The filter includes layered structure(s) interior to the filter. Each layered structure includes a carbon structure comprising carbon and a coating on a surface of the carbon structure. Each layered structure may further include a heparin layer that includes heparin and is on the coating. The coating of the filter includes cellulose, PMMA, PEMA, or PHEMA. The carbon structure may include an activated charcoal layer or carbon nanotube(s). The layered structure is configured to remove a contaminant flowing through the filter. The method of forming the suture structure includes forming a film on a suture that has been previously formed on a mammal. The film includes both a coating on the suture and a heparin layer that includes heparin and is on the coating. The coating of the suture structure includes cellulose, PMMA, PEMA, or PHEMA.

Abstract: The invention relates to elastomeric products that are coated with a thin layer of elastomeric polymeric coating containing an antitoxic agent, particularly a demand disinfectant iodinated resin. The antimicrobial coated catheters are prepared by adding the antitoxic agent to a solution of a liquid elastomeric polymer and then coating the surface of the elastomeric through a dipping or spraying procedure. The antimicrobial coatings can be applied to a variety of different elastomeric products including gloves and catheters and are capable of providing a high level of protection against microbes and other contaminants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a balloon catheter featuring—at least on portions of the outward-turned surface of the dilatable area—hair-like extensions, with the average diameter D, the average length L, and the average center-to-center distance P of the hair-like extensions to each other being selected such that a drug on the balloon surface covered with hair-like extensions can essentially be secured by means of capillary forces.

Abstract: Methods for processing a vessel, for example to provide a gas barrier or lubricity, are disclosed. First and second PECVD or other vessel processing stations or devices and a vessel holder comprising a vessel port are provided. An opening of the vessel can be seated on the vessel port. The interior surface of the seated vessel can be processed via the vessel port by the first and second processing stations or devices. Vessel barrier, lubricity and hydrophobic coatings and coated vessels, for example syringes and medical sample collection tubes are disclosed. A vessel processing system and vessel inspection apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an application element (1) for a rotary sprayer, in particular in the form of a bell-shaped plate or a rotary disc, with an overflow surface (8) which, during the coating operation, rotates together with the application element (1) and is overflowed by a coating agent to be applied, and with a surface layer which is located on the overflow surface (8) and on which a thin coating agent film forms with a certain film thickness during operation, wherein boundary surface friction acts between the coating agent film and the surface layer. It is proposed that the surface layer reduces the boundary surface friction between the coating agent film and the overflow surface (8). Furthermore, the invention comprises an associated operating method.

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

Abstract: A bandage comprising a substrate having a first surface with a plurality of superhydrophobic particles attached to the first surface. The plurality of superhydrophobic particles can be porous diatomaceous earth particles having a hydrophobic layer conforming to the surfaces of the DE particles, where the hydrophobic layer is bound to the DE particles. The plurality of attached superhydrophobic particles can render the first surface superhydrophobic, while a second surface opposite the first surface can be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The substrate can be breathable in order to maintain skin health for the tissue underlying the bandage. The substrate can be selected from porous films, apertured films, textiles, nonwoven materials, impregnated composites thereof, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drug-coated balloon catheter and to a method for producing the same. The balloon of the catheter includes (i) a main membrane, and (ii) an asymmetrical polymer membrane which is applied to an outside of the main membrane and into which at least one pharmaceutical active ingredient is introduced.

Abstract: A coated medical device, such a balloon or stent. The coating includes a therapeutic agent having a thickness of the coating is between about 1.5 to 10 ?m and less than 30% of the coating remains on the balloon post delivery to a vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation for restenosis prevention. The preparations for restenosis prevention known as yet do not reach sufficient active agent concentrations in the affected sections of the vascular walls as higher doses cause undesirable side effects. The present invention is a preparation to which at least one antihyperplastic agent is added that has a distribution ratio between butanol and water .gtoreq.0.5. The lipophilic active agent is absorbed by the vascular wall fast and in sufficient quantity. The preparation may be a liquid that can pass through capillaries and may contain a contrast agent so that the active agent is transferred into the vascular wall without any additional effort while the usually required contrast radiograms are taken. The preparation may also be applied to a catheter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include bioactive agent eluting devices. In an embodiment the invention includes a bioactive agent delivery device including a substrate, a hydrophilic polymer disposed on the substrate, and a substantially amorphous bioactive agent disposed on the surface of the hydrophilic polymer. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of making a bioactive agent delivery device including depositing a hydrophilic polymer on a substrate forming a hydrophilic surface and depositing a substantially amorphous bioactive agent on the hydrophilic surface. In an embodiment, the invention includes a bioactive agent-eluting catheter including a catheter shaft and an expandable balloon disposed on the catheter shaft. Other embodiments are included herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for making synthetic polyisoprene latex and synthetic polyisoprene condoms. A process for making a compounded synthetic polyisoprene latex suitable for making a latex film comprises (a) compounding a synthetic polyisoprene latex with suitable compounding ingredients, (b) maturing the latex and optionally (c) storing the latex; characterised in that steps (a), (b) and (c) if included are carried out at a low temperature so as to minimise prevulcanisation of the latex. Condoms can be made from latexes produced according to the process of the invention.

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

Abstract: Medical catheters are often coated, fully or partially. The present invention relates to systems and methods for coating some portion or all of a medical catheter or one or more of its components.

Abstract: Provided herein are powder-free elastomeric articles exhibiting good antimicrobial and anti-blocking properties. Also provided herein are methods for the manufacture of such articles substantially free from antimicrobial interfering materials, as well as packaging means for maintaining antimicrobial efficacy.

Abstract: A condom comprises natural rubber and polyurethane. Preferably, the condom has a single wall thickness of less than 55 ?m. More preferably the condom has a single wall thickness of less than 55 ?m and a burst pressure of 1.0 kPa or above. A process for making the condom comprises mixing polyurethane and natural rubber latex and forming a condom therefrom.

Abstract: For selective treatment of diseased tissue sections or organ parts, the surface of medical devices entering into contact with areas thereof under pressure is coated with lipophilic substantially water-insoluble medicaments binding to various tissue components with good adherence thereto, said medicaments having an effect thereupon a short time after entering into contact therewith without exerting a harmful influence upon adjacent healthy tissue.