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 present invention provides bionanocomposite materials comprising at least two coaxial layers of bionanocomposites, and methods for producing and using the same. The bionanocomposite materials of the present invention comprise a core structure and a shell structure encapsulating the core structure, where one of the core structure or the shell structure comprises a porous biocompatible natural-derived material and the other comprises a biocompatible biomimetic nanostructure.

Abstract: Methods for forming porous stent coatings are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for improving the barrier properties of a material. The method includes providing a material, applying a hydrophobic surface coating thereto, and incorporating the material into an absorbent article. The hydrophobic surface coating includes a non-aqueous, solventless, multicomponent silicone composition. The hydrophobic surface coating may be substantially free of aminosilicones.

Abstract: A process for producing a cosmetic-impregnated sheet which comprises applying and infiltrating a cosmetic base to and into a base sheet having on the surface thereof a retentive sheet capable of absorbing and retaining the cosmetic base at a shear rate of 102 to 106 s?1, the cosmetic base being applied to and infiltrated into the retentive sheet of the base sheet, and the cosmetic base, when subjected to a steady shear deformation at a shear rate of 2 s?1 for 100 seconds followed by a steady shear deformation at a stepwise increased shear rate of 20 s?1, showing no shear stress growth or showing such a shear stress growth that the difference between the peak shear stress B at a shear rate of 20 s?1 and the equilibrium shear stress A at the same shear rate, B?A, is 20% or smaller of the equilibrium shear stress A in the transition between the two shear rates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device with a base body and a coating, wherein the coating exhibits film or lacquer-forming terpenoids. In addition, the coating of the medical device can exhibit at least one application-specific additive. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a device.

Abstract: Articles such as catheters or balloons that have an ester-linked poly(ester-block-amide) substrate have a lubricious hydrogel coating which suppresses particle development under accelerated aging conditions. A polymerizable coating composition is applied to the substrate without application of an intervening primer layer and cured. The coating composition comprises an uncrosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer that is free of attached photoinitiator groups and at least one polyfunctional ethylenically unsaturated monomer.

Abstract: A medical device includes a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular device includes an inner liner including a coating on an inner surface thereof, a reinforcing layer surrounding at least a portion of the liner; and an outer layer surrounding the reinforcing layer and inner liner. The liner and outer layer may include multiple sections having different properties than one another, adjacent sections attached together by seams, which may be offset from one another. Apparatus and methods for making tubular devices with coated liners are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for making coated liners and/or tubular devices including such coated liners. A sleeve may be provided that includes an outer first surface and an inner second surface extending between first and second ends thereof, and a hydrophilic or other coating may be applied to the first. The coated sleeve may be cut between the first and second ends to create opposing edges extending between the first and second ends, and the cut sleeve may be reversed such that the coated first surface defines an inner surface and the opposing edges are disposed adjacent one another, thereby providing a coated liner. Optionally, a tubular structure, e.g., one or more reinforcing layers and/or or outer layers may be attached around the coated liner, thereby providing a tubular device including an inner surface with a desired coating.

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

Abstract: A medical device such as a wire guide has a lubricious and/or therapeutic coating adhered to an etched, carbonaceous polymeric surface, for example a sodium-etched polymer surface. A method for preparing a lubricious and/or therapeutic coating on a medical device includes etching a polymeric portion of the device to create a carbonaceous surface and applying a lubricious and/or therapeutic coating on the etched surface.

Abstract: A method and device for local delivery of a water-insoluble therapeutic agent to the tissue of a normal or diseased body lumen is disclosed. An expandable structure of a medical disposable device, such as a balloon of a balloon catheter, is coated with a non-durable coating which comprises poly(HEMA) complexed with iodine and has a substantially water-insoluble therapeutic agent dispersed therein. The medical disposable device is inserted into a body lumen, and expanded to contact the non-durable coating against the body lumen and deliver the substantially water-insoluble therapeutic agent to the body lumen tissue.

Abstract: The invention described herein includes a repellent elastomeric article particularly useful in industrial and medical fields, such as gloves. The article contains an elastomeric base and a fluid-repellent coating composition that effectively repels both hydrophilic and lipophilic liquids from its surface. The coating comprises a low surface energy ingredient, such as a fluoroalkyl acrylic polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the low surface energy ingredient is in combination with a hydrophobic ingredient, such as a wax-based dispersion. Articles prepared in accordance with the invention reduce the risk of contamination associated with blood and other body fluids, as well as reduce fluid-based visual obstruction and enhance the clarity of medical procedures. The invention also provides a fluid-repellent coating composition for elastomeric articles, a process for preparing a fluid-repellent elastomeric article, and a method of reducing the ability of fluids to adhere to the surface of an elastomeric article.

Abstract: A substantially anhydrous, spreadable warming lubricant composition comprising a mixture of glycerin, a polyhydric alcohol, and a non-ionic surfactant, the viscosity of the composition being less than that of glycerin but greater than that of the polyhydric alcohol, thereby promoting formation of a useful thin layer on a surface with which the composition is brought into contact, the surfactant improving wetting and spreadability of the composition on skin and latex, such that the composition can be applied to skin or a condom and provide an optimal warming effect upon contact with ambient moisture during use and such that the composition can be added to a condom package and, over the course of about a week, spread and coat nearly the entire internal and external surfaces of the condom.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivering therapeutic agents and a method of making such a device is disclosed. The device includes an inflatable balloon. A microporous coating covers a portion of the outer surface of the wall of the balloon. The thickness of the coating and the size of the micropores can permit desirable delivery of a substance from the micropores of the coating and into the tissue of a patient's lumen.

Abstract: The invention provides a durable, lubricious coating for a medical article that can be prepared from a first polymer that is synthetic, soluble in a polar liquid, and having first reactive groups, and a second polymer that is synthetic, hydrophilic, and that includes second reactive groups. The first reactive groups and a portion of the second reactive groups react to bond the first polymer to the second polymer. A portion of the second reactive groups remains unbonded which, upon neutralization, provide lubricious properties to the coating. In some aspects the coating is formed using a crosslinking agent having latent reactive groups. The coatings provide particularly long dry out times and are very useful for catheterization processes. In addition, the coatings can be subject to sterilization with ethylene oxide and retain very good durable and lubricious properties.

Abstract: A method for coating catheter balloons with a defined amount of a pharmacologically active agent, uses a coating device having a volume measuring device for releasing a measurable amount of a coating solution by means of a dispensing device specifically onto the surface of the catheter balloon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate including a compound having blood anticoagulation activity and a hydrophilic polymer compound, wherein the amount of elution of the compound having blood anticoagulation activity is less than 0.6 ?g/ml, and a manufacturing method of a substrate, wherein after a compound having blood anticoagulation activity and a hydrophilic compound brought in contact with a substrate are irradiated with radiation, unreacted components are washed out.

Abstract: The methods of the present disclosure in a broad aspect provide for dry diazeniumdiolation procedures for producing nitric oxide releasing medical devices. These medical devices may alternatively have cap coats applied prior to dry diazeniumdiolation to produce nitric oxide releasing medical devices with cap coats.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a glove wherein the interior surfaces of the glove contain a film which includes water, glycerol and a botanical extract. Further embodiments of the invention are directed to the composition of the film and the process for applying the film onto the interior surfaces of the glove.

Abstract: Endoprostheses such as stents are disclosed that are, or that include portions that are, bioerodible.

Abstract: A diamond-like carbon film (DLC film) is formed on the surface of a base material made of an inorganic material, such as ceramics, or the like, or an organic material, such as resin, or the like. The surface of the resultant DLC film is treated with plasma, or the like, so as to be activated. Various monomers having biocompatibility, etc., are graft-polymerized to the activated surface of the DLC film, whereby a polymer layer is formed from the monomers grafted to the surface of the DLC film. Thus, the base material coated with the DLC film modified with a polymer which does not readily separate can be realized.

Abstract: A sanitary article such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, an incontinence protector, a diaper, an incontinence pad, a feminine insert, a tampon, hygiene tissue or the like, includes lactic acid producing bacteria being dispersed in a carrier. The dispersion is applied on or in parts of the final sanitary article. The carrier is a hydrophilic carrier and the dispersion has a viscosity of 110 Pa·s or lower, at a temperature of 35° C., and a water activity below 0.2.

Abstract: The preparation and use of medical devices having radiopaque and echogenic materials including coated tungsten and/or tungsten carbide particles are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a package comprising a packing means holding a medical device element of a substrate polymer, said substrate polymer having on at least a part of the surface thereof a hydrophilic coating, wherein the hydrophilic coating has been applied to the surface of said substrate polymer in the form of a solution of a hydrophilic polymer selected from the groups consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethylene oxide in a vehicle comprising an optionally substituted 1,3-dioxolane compound, followed by evaporation of at least part of the vehicle and arranging said medical device element having the coating of the non-cross-linked hydrophilic polymer within a packing means, and sealing said packing means.

Abstract: A biocompatible biological component is provided comprising a membrane-mimetic surface film covering a substrate. Suitable substrates include hydrated substrates, e.g. hydrogels which may contain drugs for delivery to a patient through the membrane-mimetic film, or may be made up of cells, such as islet cells, for transplantation. The surface may present exposed bioactive molecules or moieties for binding to target molecules in vivo, for modulating host response when implanted into a patient (e.g. the surface may be antithrombogenic or antiinflammatory) and the surface may have pores of selected sizes to facilitate transport of substances therethrough. An optional hydrophilic cushion or spacer between the substrate and the membrane-mimetic surface allows transmembrane proteins to extend from the surface through the hydrophilic cushion, mimicking the structure of naturally-occurring cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hollow microneedles and a fabrication method thereof. The microneedles are small in diameter and are long and hard enough to pass through the stratum corneum. Therefore, the hollow microneedle of the present invention can be used in blood sampling or drug injection through the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a formulation for preparing an antimicrobial lubricious hydrophilic coating, which formulation comprises a hydrophilic polymer; an initiator; particles comprising metallic silver (i.e. Ag°); and a carrier liquid. The invention further relates to an article comprising a hydrophilic coating on a surface wherein the coating comprises a cured hydrophilic polymer and particles comprising metallic silver.

Abstract: A method of creating a porous carbon coating on a medical device by applying a precursor carbon material on the medical device and then pyrolysing the precursor carbon material by laser irradiation. The laser irradiation may be focused to carbonize only certain portions of the medical device and any uncarbonized areas can be removed by solvent washing. Also provided is a medical device having a carbonized coating created according to the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices, and coatings, wherein active agent release is determined by deposition rate of a coating or material. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for coating a medical device, including identifying active agent elution rates for a coating composition applied to substrates at a plurality of coating deposition rates, selecting one of the coating deposition rates, and applying the coating composition to the medical device at the selected deposition rate. In an embodiment, the invention includes a combination including a medical device and a composition for coating the surface of a medical device with an active agent in a manner that permits the coated surface to release the active agent over time when implanted in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant made of a biocorrodable metallic material and having a coating composed of or containing a biocorrodable polyphosphate, polyphosphonate, or polyphosphite.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to peptides having binding affinity for glycopeptide antibiotics and methods and compositions for delivering glycopeptide antibiotic to the surface of medical devices. The peptide compositions can comprise a peptide having binding affinity for a surface material of a medical device that is coupled to the peptide having binding affinity for glycopeptide antibiotic. Also provided are methods of applying the peptide compositions to a medical device by contacting the peptide compositions with a surface of the medical device. In addition, kits are provided comprising the peptide compositions.

Abstract: Coating compositions and coatings for medical devices formed from the coating compositions that include a catalyst in a support polymer, where the support polymer helps to support and retain the catalyst in the coating on the medical device. The catalyst in the support polymer can act to chemically bond specific compounds migrating from a body of the medical device formed from a polymer to at least one of the polymer and/or other specific compounds migrating from the body of the medical device.

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 or diagnostic agents. The method includes providing a core, applying a base polymer material and an inert material over the outer surface of the core, and 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 it can be applied in a separate step after the base polymer material has been partially consolidated to form the porous polymer layer. Additional agents can be mixed with the inert material before it is applied to the catheter, or such agents can be applied to the porous polymer layer of the catheter in a separate step after the inert material is removed therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable system consisting of a catheter balloon and a crimped stent. The system can include a rapid release kinetic of one active agent with a slow release kinetic of a second active agent, due to the fact that the catheter balloon is coated with a first active agent adapted for rapid release and the stent is coated with a second agent adapted for slower release. The catheter balloon can be coated with a cytotoxic amount of a first active agent and the stent can be coated with a cytostatic amount of a second active agent.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having a layer that can enhance the biocompatibility of the endoprosthesis, and methods of making the endoprosthesis are disclosed.

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: A method for making a disposable absorbent core comprises depositing absorbent particulate polymer material from a plurality of reservoirs in a printing roll onto a substrate disposed on a grid of a support which includes a plurality of cross bars extending substantially parallel to and spaced from one another so as to form channels extending between the plurality of cross bars. The plurality of reservoirs in the first peripheral surface are arranged in an array comprising rows extending substantially parallel to and spaced from one another. The support and printing roll are arranged such that the plurality of cross bars are substantially parallel to the rows of the plurality of reservoirs and the absorbent particulate polymer material is deposited on the substrate in a pattern such that the absorbent particulate polymer material collects in rows on the first substrate formed between the first plurality of cross bars.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for coating a medical device. In one embodiment, the method for preparing a substantially uniform coated medical device includes (1) preparing a coating solution comprising a solvent, a therapeutic agent, and an additive; (2) loading a metering dispenser with the coating solution; (3) rotating the medical device about the longitudinal axis of the device and/or moving the medical device along the longitudinal or transverse axis of the device; (4) dispensing the coating solution from the metering dispenser onto a surface of the medical device and flowing the coating solution on the surface of the medical device while the medical device is rotating and/or linearly moving; and (5) evaporating the solvent, forming a substantially uniform coating layer on the medical device.

Abstract: A method of treating a substrate having a charge bias with at least one antimicrobial agent to modify the release properties of the antimicrobial agent with respect to the substrate, the method includes eliminating, mitigating, or modifying the charge bias of the substrate by applying at least one first agent to the substrate, and applying the at least one antimicrobial agent to the substrate. Related articles are also described.

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: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for manufacturing a balloon catheter in which a non-contact type laser perforator and printer are separately provided above a primary extruder such that inflation apertures can be uniformly perforated through a non-vulcanized lumen tube and simultaneously, tube cutting positions can be printed on the lumen tube at positions uniformly spaced apart from the inflation apertures without stopping a primary extrusion process. Also, a bond preventing agent layer is coated on the lumen tube at balloon inflating portions prior to cutting the tube, to facilitate a secondary extrusion of the tube. With this configuration, continuous and accurate perforation of inflation apertures is possible and automatic tube cutting can be achieved based on the printed tube cutting positions. Also, the present invention can compensate for a time delay due to a bond preventing agent application process and achieve high productivity and minimized loss of material.

Abstract: The application discloses a method for the preparation (by extruding, injection moulding or powder coating and subsequent cross-linking by irradiation with UV or visible light) of a medical device element involving a coating composition comprising: a) as the only polymer constituent(s), at least 50% by weight of poly(ethylene oxide)(s) optionally in combination with non-thermoplastic hydrophilic polymer(s), and b) low molecular weight scaffold(s) having a plurality of photo-initiator moieties covalently linked thereto and/or covalently incorporated therein, wherein the photo-initiator moieties constitute 0.01-20% by weight of the combined amount of the poly(ethylene oxide)(s), any non-thermoplastic hydrophilic polymers and the low molecular weight scaffolds.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to radiation catheter devices, methods for controlled application of irradiation to tissue at a body site, such as a cavity formed after removal of tissue, e.g. cancer, using such radiation catheter devices, solutions for forming a more lubricious luminal surface and method for lining lumens of such devices to improve the frictional characteristics thereof. The catheter device includes a flexible elongated shaft which is formed of low durometer polymeric material, which can be readily folded or coiled for securing the shaft to or under the skin of the patient and a radiation lumen lined with high durometer polymeric material to improve the frictional characteristics. The elongated shaft has at least one inner lumen for receiving a radiation source which has a layer of high durometer polymeric material that provides lower surface friction to facilitate advancement of a radiation source therein.

Abstract: A coating apparatus for coating the balloon portion of a balloon catheter is described. The coating apparatus includes a rotatable member in which the catheter portion of the balloon catheter is mounted and fixed, and which causes rotation of the balloon catheter. The apparatus also includes a support member in which the distal tip of the catheter is inserted and free to rotate; and a spray nozzle directing sprayed material on the balloon surface. The inventive configuration of the coating apparatus allows the balloon catheter to be rotated along its axis with insubstantial or no wobble, which significantly improves the quality of the coating applied to the surface of the balloon.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable medical devices and methods for fabricating thereof are disclosed. The coatings include a layer comprising a hydrophobic polymer and a layer comprising a hydrophilic or amphiphilic polymer.

Abstract: Balloon catheters, coil assemblies, and methods for making the same. An example balloon catheter may include a coil assembly. The coil assembly may include a coil, a coating disposed on the coil, and a sheath disposed over the coil and the coating. A guidewire lumen may be defined by the coil assembly. An outer tube disposed over at least a portion of the coil assembly. A balloon may be coupled to the outer tube. An inflation lumen may be defined between the coil assembly and the outer tube.

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: A disposable absorbent article comprising an absorbent core located in a chassis and comprising absorbent particulate polymer material having a basis weight that varies across the absorbent core. Methods for making such an absorbent core and corresponding disposable absorbent article are also disclosed.

Abstract: A plunger head moveable in an axial direction within a reservoir having an interior volume for containing fluidic media may have a first portion in contact with fluidic media when fluidic media is in the interior volume of the reservoir, the first portion comprising a first material compatible with fluidic media in the interior volume of the reservoir, a second portion located on an opposite side of the plunger head from the interior volume of the reservoir, the second portion connectable to a plunger arm, and a third portion located between the first portion and the second portion of the plunger head, at least one of the first portion, second portion, and the third portion is made of a material that comprises one of a cyclic olefin copolymer and a cyclic olefin polymer.