Abstract: The present disclosure provides phospholipid-containing compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and microspheres that exhibit high affinity for mineralized metals. The present disclosure also provides strategies for using said compounds, compositions and microspheres in the treatment of nephrolithiasis or kidney stone disease, and methods of manufacturing and preparing said compounds and compositions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cannula (4) for an intravascular blood pump comprises the steps of forming a first axial section (13) and a second axial section (15) of an elongate tubular body of the cannula (4) by dispensing a first liquid material and a second liquid material, respectively, onto a mandrel (7) by means of at least one dispenser (8). The mandrel (7) is rotated and the dispenser (8) moves relative to the mandrel (7) in an axial direction during dispensing of the liquid materials. The first and second axial sections (13, 15) are formed so as to have different bending stiffnesses. The first and second liquid materials are dispensed onto the mandrel (7) such that the first and second liquid materials blend into each other to form a smooth transition area (14).

Abstract: The application is directed to polymer coatings which can be modified to control biointerfacial interactions including biofilm formation and protein adsorption onto said coatings. The polymer coatings comprise a First Component comprising epoxide or alkenyl groups, and a Second Component comprising at least one amine group. The polymer coatings further comprise at least one bioactive agent which may control said biofilm formation and/or protein adsorption. Also disclosed herein are methods for producing said coatings incorporating bioactive molecules in one or two step procedures on a substrate. The polymer coating may be immobilised on the substrate via the reaction of functional groups present on the First Component and/or Second Component with complimentary functional groups disposed on at least one surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the medical industry. In particular, it is related to a polyvinyl chloride polymer (PVC) functionalized for medical use, which is flexible and compatible with blood. Specifically, this invention is related to a biomolecule-functionalized PVC and its production method, in order to produce a flexible and blood-compatible polymer for medical use.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a medical device detectable by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), said medical device comprising an envelope polymer that is at least partly removed at the distal end of the medical device wherein said distal end is provided with a coating comprising a coating polymer modified with at least one chemical compound having one or more chemically active free functional groups to provide a surface coating covalently bonded to the free functional groups of the modified coating polymer, wherein paramagnetic ions are encompassed in the coating.

Abstract: An endovascular treatment aiding device is an endovascular treatment aiding device including a flexible shaft; a filter fixed to the shaft such that an opening section is formed in the proximal side, wherein a ring having elastic restoring force is fixed to the opening section, which filter is capable of being opened and closed in an umbrella-like manner, and is in a conical shape having a bottom formed by the ring when the filter is open; and a linear supporting member fixed to the ring and a part of the shaft such that they are connected to each other, which linear supporting member enables closing the filter by application of an external force to the proximal side; wherein coils formed with a radio-opaque material is/are wound around the ring; when the filter is closed, a plurality of mountains pointing toward the distal side and a plurality of valleys pointing toward the proximal side are alternately formed in the ring to form a shape in which the mountains are positioned close to each other, and the vall

Abstract: Antimicrobial quaternized polyurethane materials and methods of forming and using the materials are disclosed. The quaternized polyurethane antimicrobial materials may be synthesized from one or more diisocyanates and one or more diols or triols. The quaternized polyurethane materials may be stand alone or coated onto other surfaces, such as medical devices, table tops, air/water filters, or the like to provided desired antimicrobial devices and surfaces.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a medical wire, which includes a coating applied to the surface of the medical wire. The coating includes a base layer bonded to the surface of the medical wire and an at least partially transparent low-friction top coat applied to the base layer. The base layer includes heat activated pigments that change color when heated above a color shifting temperature. In one embodiment, the color of the pigment in one area contrasts with the color of the pigment in an adjacent area without otherwise affecting the low-friction surface of the coating. The areas of different color created in locations along the length of the low-friction coated medical wire form markings which, as an example, enable a surgeon to determine the length of the medical wire inserted into a body by observing the markings on the portion of the marked medical wire located exterior to the body.

Abstract: A medical material that is excellent in antithrombogenicity even under a severe use condition in which thrombi are easily formed, is provided. The medical material contains a water-insoluble copolymer including a repeating unit (A) (which is derived from acryloylmorpholine, for example) and a repeating unit (B) (which is derived from methoxyethyl acrylate, for example), in which the water-insoluble copolymer has 5 mole % to 20 mole % of the repeating unit (A) with respect to all constituent units of the copolymer.

Abstract: A semipermeable gas separation membrane is plasma deposited from liquid organosiloxane monomer having at least three silicon atoms and an alpha hydrogen atom. The semipermeable membrane may be employed as a gas-selective membrane in combination with a porous substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an intraocular lens with a proofed surface are disclosed. The proofed surface functions as a barrier to fluid diffusion inside the material and within vacuoles. By preventing the interstitial filling of fluid, the formation of spots inside the polymer matrix is inhibited or reduced. The proofed surface of the intraocular lenses is a highly stable re-assembled surface without any coating or grafting.

Abstract: Improved methods for preparing polyethylene glycol fumarate) are disclosed. Methods for chemically crosslinking or photocross-linking hydrophilic polyethylene glycol fumarate) with hydrophobic polymers such as poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) and poly(caprolactone fumarate) (PCLF) to form various hydrogels (FIG. 1) with controllable hydrophilicity are also disclosed. The hydrogels are useful in the fabrication of injectable and in-situ hardening scaffolds for application in skeletal reconstruction. An injectable material including the hydrogels may be useful in controlled drug release.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for inducing reversible chain cleavage of polymer chains in a crosslinked polymeric material or during polymerization of a polymeric material. Reversible cleavage of the polymer backbone is capable of relieving stress in the polymeric material as the bonds reform in a less stressed state. The invention also provides mixtures for making crosslinked polymeric materials, methods for making polymeric materials capable of reversible chain cleavage, materials made by the methods of the invention, and linear monomers containing reversible chain cleavage groups which are useful in the materials and methods of the invention. The mixtures of the invention may be dental restorative compositions used for forming dental restorative materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioactive hydrogel as a hybrid material of heparin and star-branched polyethylene glycol with functionalized end groups, wherein the heparin is bound directly by reaction of the carboxyl groups activated with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimides/N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (EDC/s-NHS) with the terminal amino groups of the polyethylene glycol covalently by amide bonds.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is achieved by providing a copolymer, in particular, a block copolymer which has excellent coating formation ability, adhesive properties to a substrate, and does not adsorb protein; an antithrombotic coating agent which has superior antithrombotic properties and adhesive properties to a substrate to those of the conventional antithrombotic coating agent; and a medical instrument which is obtained by coating the antithrombotic coating agent, and the block copolymer includes a polymer (A) containing a (meth)acrylic ester monomer and a polymer (B) containing a (meth)acrylamide monomer and has excellent coating formation ability and high adhesive properties to a substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biocompatible coatings for a substrate, the biocompatible coating including at least one polyanionic/polycationic bilayer including at least one nitric oxide generating moiety, wherein the polyanionic/polycationic bilayer has a layer of a polycationic polymeric material; and a layer of polyanionic material capable of non-covalently bonding to the polycationic polymeric material. Devices incorporating such coatings, and methods of making and using such coatings are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A cement for dental use, containing a first agent and a second agent, wherein both of the first agent and the second agent contain a polymerizable monomer (a) and a filler (b), wherein the first agent and/or the second agent further contains a photopolymerization initiator (c), wherein further as a chemical polymerization initiator (d), either one of the first agent and the second agent contains an oxidizing agent (f) and the other contains a reducing agent (g), the oxidizing agent (f) and the reducing agent (g) constituting a redox polymerization initiator, wherein the photopolymerization initiator (c) contains an ?-diketone, and the photopolymerization initiator (c) is contained in a total amount of from 0.010 to 0.100 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the polymerizable monomer (a), wherein the chemical polymerization initiator (d) is contained in a total amount of from 0.

Abstract: Compositions for use in treating and repairing orthopedic defects are provided. The compositions are especially useful for performing percutaneous vertebroplasty, percutaneous kyphoplasty and other procedures. When cured, the compositions are relatively solid but compressible, and prior to curing are viscous liquids with a low enough viscosity to fill voids in cavities such as voids within fractured vertebrae. Optionally, the properties of a composition according to the invention can be adjusted taking into account the hardness and density of the orthopedic structure to be repaired. Also disclosed are devices and methods for using the compositions, and a kit containing components for forming and utilizing the composition.

Abstract: A production method of the present invention is a production method of an organic polymer containing two or more organic ring structures and a chain structure threading through the organic ring structures. This method includes a polymerization step of forming the organic polymer, in which the organic ring structures, which are restricted from moving, are disposed at each of a particular constitutional unit, by polymerizing at least one type of monomers each of which has no ionic functional group that releases a metal ion. The above at least one type of monomers include a monomer (M) containing the organic ring structure and a chain component threading through the organic ring structure.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to polyisobutylene urethane, urea and urethane/urea copolymers, to methods of making such copolymers and to medical devices that contain such polymers. According to certain aspects of the invention, polyisobutylene urethane, urea and urethane/urea copolymers are provided, which comprise a polyisobutylene segment, an additional polymeric segment that is not a polyisobutylene segment, and a segment comprising a residue of a diisocyanate. According to other aspects of the invention, polyisobutylene urethane, urea and urethane/urea copolymers are provided, which comprise a polyisobutylene segment and end groups that comprise alkyl-, alkenyl- or alkynyl-chain-containing end groups.

Abstract: The invention features a dental composition containing a polycyclic aromatic compound, such as 2-ethyl 9,10-dimethoxy anthracene (EDMOA), in an amount that provides the composition with fluorescence mimicking that of natural teeth.

Abstract: A dental filler and dental resin restorative composition containing the dental filler is provided. The dental filler is prepared by pre-treating an acid-reactive filler with a polymerizable monomer or oligomer pre-treatment chemical having at least one acid or acid-precursor functional group, at least one polymerizable unsaturated carbon-carbon bond, and a molecular weight of about 1,000 grams per mole or less.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising silicone elastomers and antiseptics in homogeneous distribution, to processes for the preparation thereof and to uses thereof, for example, in medical articles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biocompatible coatings for a substrate, the biocompatible coating including at least one polyanionic/polycationic bilayer including at least one nitric oxide generating moiety, wherein the polyanionic/polycationic bilayer has a layer of a polycationic polymeric material; and a layer of polyanionic material capable of non-covalently bonding to the polycationic polymeric material. Devices incorporating such coatings, and methods of making and using such coatings are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention include forming a material in situ by introducing into a space within a patient a water soluble polymer precursor of at least about 10,000 molecular weight solubilized in a flowable aqueous solution. Functional groups on the polymer precursor undergo covalent bonding in situ to form a solid and nonbiodegradable material having a swellability less than about 20% v/v and a Young's modulus of at least about 100 kPa within about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes of initiating a chemical reaction of the functional groups to form the solid material.

Abstract: Hardenable and hardened dental compositions, and articles including such hardenable and hardened compositions, are provided. In some embodiments, the hardenable dental compositions include an acid-generating component and an acid-reactive component including one or more acid-reactive groups. Upon irradiating, and optionally heating, the hardened compositions are useful, for example, for reducing the bond strength of orthodontic appliances adhered to tooth structures with the hardened compositions.

Abstract: Absorbable radiation or radiochemically sterilized medical devices, including sutures, whose breaking strength and absorption profile can be modulated by controlling the total dose received during sterilization are disclosed.

Abstract: A polymethylmethacrylate bone cement with a liquid monomer component and a solid component contains in the monomer liquid, for example, 0.001-1.00 mass percent of a dye or dye mixture that is insoluble or poorly soluble in methacrylic acid methylester and, for example, 0.001-2.00 mass percent of a synthetically produced, protein-free, hydrophobic, low molecular or oligomeric solubilizer for the dye or dye mixture. The solubilizer preferably is liquid or pasty at room temperature. The monomer liquid is translucent at room temperature. Preferably, 0.001-1.00 mass percent of a dye or dye mixture that is insoluble or poorly soluble in methacrylic acid methylester and, preferably, 0.001-2.00 mass percent of a synthetically produced, protein-free, hydrophobic, low molecular or oligomeric solubilizer that is liquid or pasty at room temperature are homogeneously dissolved in the polymethacrylate or polymethylacrylate of the powder component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of aliphatic compounds, alicyclic compounds and antioxidants for protecting a wetted hydrophilic coating which is sterilised by irridiation—in particular with ? radiation or E-beam radiation—in the presence of water, from loss of lubricity and/or loss of dry-out time as a result of a reaction between the coating and a radical and/or another reactive moiety formed by irriadiating the water.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a biocompatible, thromboresistant coating including a chalcogenide compound that induces nitric oxide formation; and a biocompatible matrix incorporating the chalcogenide compound. Devices incorporating such coatings, and methods of making and using such coatings are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A hydrophobic acidic group-containing polymeric monomer (a); a water-soluble polymeric monomer (b); water (c); a photopolymerization initiator (d); an aromatic tertiary amine (e) having an electron-withdrawing group; a cross-linkable polymeric monomer (f); and a basic compound (g) for producing a water-soluble salt through a reaction with a part of the hydrophobic acidic group-containing polymeric monomer (a) are included as essential compounding ingredients. A one-part dental adhesive composition that exhibits high adhesive strength and high storage stability in adhesion between a teeth, and more particularly enamel or dentine, and a dental repairing material, and more particularly a resin material, is provided.

Abstract: A dyed polymethyl methacrylate bone cement is described which is characterized by at least the surface of the polymer particles of the powder component being coated partially or completely with a mixture of one or several dyes and a hydrophobic, low molecular or oligomeric organic coupling agent, such a quantity of coupling agent being present that the polymer particles can be visually recognized as not having swollen.

Abstract: Resorbable polymer barrier membranes and methods of their applications are disclosed. In a broad embodiment, methods of governing bone growth, or preventing bone growth into a certain spatial area, includes the step of forming a spatial barrier with the present resorbable barrier membrane. The barrier membrane separates a bone-growth area and a non-bone-growth area, and prevents bone from growing into the non-growth area.

Abstract: A composition-of-matter, comprising one or more plastically deformable fiber is disclosed. The plastically deformable fiber(s) comprise a first and a second composition, where the first composition comprises at least one generally nondistensible polymer and the second composition comprises at least one agent capable of modulating distensibility of the generally nondistensible polymer(s).

Abstract: Compositions, methods, devices and kits utilizing water-based hydrophilic coating formulations on medical implements. The composition for applying a coating comprises a sulfonated polyester, water, and a surface active agent. Methods for coating a medical implement comprise providing an aqueous dispersion comprising sulfonated polyester and surface active agent, contacting the medical implement with the aqueous dispersion, and drying the medical implement. Methods for acquiring a sample of bodily fluid from a patient comprise coating a needle with a sulfonated polyester, penetrating the needle into the patient, and drawing bodily fluid through the needle.

Abstract: A non-irritating, non-allergenic and non-toxic bioadhesive composition can be obtained by providing a bioadhesive composition including a polyphenolic protein derived from byssus-forming mussels and, b) a polymer comprising carbohydrate groups. The bioadhesive composition does not contain any enzyme or chemical cross-linking agent. Optionally, the composition may contain an oxidising agent and/or a filler protein. Preferably, the composition is provided as a kit of at least two parts, namely the polyphenolic protein and the polymer comprising carbohydrate groups, respectively. The composition is especially suitable as an adhesive in ophthalmic therapy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.

Abstract: A system for improving the biocompatibility of medical devices present within a patient's body. In one embodiment, the present subject matter reduces the thrombogenicity of polyurethane materials in contact with the blood of a patient. In one embodiment, the medical device has a polymeric wall and a coating of polyurethane, said coating of polyurethane having the same chemical composition throughout the thickness and displaying an antithrombogenic effect when inserted into a patient's body in contact with blood for a period of at least twenty-four hours. The present subject matter relates to the manufacture and treatment of polymeric materials that may be inserted as medical devices, accessories, implants or replacements into animal bodies, such as the human body.

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

Abstract: Biocompatible prostheses, specifically, biocompatible heart valves, are described which comprise a blend of a polyurethane (PU) and a polysiliconeurethane (PSU). Preferably, the polyurethane is a polyetherurethane (PEU). More preferably, it is a polyetherurethane urea (PEUU). Such prostheses typically exhibit reduced mineralization or thrombosis and/or reduced biological degradation.

Abstract: Disclosed are hyaluronate-containing hydrogels having angiogenic and vascularizing activity and pre-gel blends for preparing the hydrogels. The hydrogels contain a cross-linked matrix of a non-angiogenic hyaluronate and a derivatized polysaccharide material, in which cross-linking is effected by free-radical polymerization. Kits for preparing the hydrogels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-irritating, non-allergenic and non-toxic bioadhesive composition can be obtained by providing a bioadhesive composition comprising a) a polyphenolic protein derived from byssus-forming mussels b) a polymer comprising carbohydrate groups. The bioadhesive composition does not contain any enzyme or chemical cross-linking agent. Optionally, the composition may contain an oxidising agent and/or a filler protein. Preferably, the composition is provided as a kit of at least two parts, namely the polyphenolic protein and the polymer comprising carbohydrate groups, respectively. The composition is especially suitable as an adhesive in ophthalmic therapy.

Abstract: An article having a non-thrombogenic surface and a process for making the article are disclosed. The article is formed by (i) coating a polymeric substrate with a crosslinked chemical combination of a polymer having at least two amino substituted side chains, a crosslinking agent containing at least two crosslinking functional groups which react with amino groups on the polymer, and a linking agent containing a first functional group which reacts with a third functional group of the crosslinking agent, and (ii) contacting the coating on the substrate with an antithrombogenic agent which covalently bonds to a second functional group of the linking agent. In one example embodiment, the polymer is a polyamide having amino substituted alkyl chains on one side of the polyamide backbone, the crosslinking agent is a phosphine having the general formula (A)3P wherein A is hydroxyalkyl, the linking agent is a polyhydrazide and the antithrombogenic agent is heparin.

Abstract: A coating for a prosthesis, for example a stent, and a composition for forming the coating is disclosed. The coating can serve as a primer, allowing substances, such as polymers, to be effectively secured by the prosthesis. Alternatively, the coating can serve as a reservoir, allowing for the local and sustained release of a therapeutic substance to biological tissues. The composition can be formed from an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and a dimethylsulfoxide solvent, with or without a therapeutic substance. Alternatively, the composition can be formed from an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, a dimethylsulfoxide solvent, and a wetting fluid, with or without a therapeutic substance. The composition is applied to a surface of the prosthesis and essentially all of the dimethylsulfoxide solvent or dimethylsulfoxide solvent/wetting fluid is removed or allowed to evaporate to form the coating.

Abstract: A polyamide and a process for preparing the polyamide are disclosed.

Abstract: A coating composition, 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 combination of a first polymer component such as polyalyl(meth)acrylate, polyaryl(meth)acrylate, polyaralkyl(meth)acrylate, or polyaryloxyalkyl(meth)acrylate and a second polymer component such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate).