Abstract: A catheter assembly includes at least one self-lubricated part formed from a mixture including a polymer and lubricant. The polymer has a functional group that can react with the functional group of the lubricant. The suitably functionalized lubricant provides for a low coefficient of friction surface for easier and less traumatic insertion and withdrawal of the catheter into and from body cavities.

Abstract: A shunt for at least partial implantation into a patient that includes an elongated conduit having at least one lumen therethrough and a second lumen concentric about the first lumen along at least part of the first lumen, that includes a proximal end for receipt of bodily fluids for flow through the shunt and a distal end for discharge of the bodily fluids from the shunt, and a long term source of at least one occlusion resistant agent, wherein said at least a portion of the at least one occlusion resistant agent can permeate through at least a portion of the elongated conduit. The invention also includes kits and systems.

Abstract: A system, method, and article for delivering an antimicrobial agent into the lumen of a trans-dermal catheter are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises an elongate member configured for insertion into a lumen of a catheter, and the elongate member containing an antimicrobial. In the alternative an antimicrobial agent can be placed on an interior surface of a retaining ring.

Abstract: An expandable sheath assembly includes a support body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. A guide rod is interconnected to the support body and extends between the ends along an axis. A dilator extends from the guide rod for insertion into a body vessel, and a hub is releasable connected to the distal end of the support body. A distal sheath overlays the dilator, and a hemostatic valve is slidably disposed along the axis. A proximal sheath extends from the hemostatic valve and is disposed in surrounding and coaxial relationship with the guide rod. The proximal sheath is concurrently slidable with the hemostatic valve along axis to advance the proximal sheath through the hub and interleave the proximal sheath between the dilator and the distal sheath for lifting the distal sheath from the dilator and effectuating an expansion of the body vessel.

Abstract: A coated medical device (10) including a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient. The structure is formed of preferably a non-porous base material (14) having a bioactive material layer (18) disposed thereon. The medical device is preferably an implantable stent or balloon (26) of which the bioactive material layer is deposited thereon. The stent can be positioned around the balloon and another layer of the bioactive material posited over the entire structure and extending beyond the ends of the positioned stent. The ends of the balloon extend beyond the ends of the stent and include the bioactive material thereon for delivering the bioactive material to the cells of a vessel wall coming in contact therewith. The balloon further includes a layer of hydrophilic material (58) positioned between the base and bioactive material layers of the balloon.

Abstract: An obturator can include antimicrobial features which assist in sterilizing or maintaining the sterility of fluid contained within a vascular access device while the device is not being used for infusion or other access to the patient's vasculature. These antimicrobial features include antimicrobial coatings applied to various surfaces of an obturator and antimicrobial components bonded or otherwise secured to an obturator. Various combinations of antimicrobial coatings and/or components can be used on an obturator as necessary to provide a desired amount of antimicrobial agents within a particular enclosed volume of a vascular access device.

Abstract: The invention relates to products comprising an antibiotic agent and a second agent being a dispersant or an anti-adhesive agent, in particular a mucolytic dispersant or a mucolytic anti-adhesive agent, which are useful in relation to the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to leads with topographic surface features and related methods, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable lead including a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, the lead body including an outer layer defining a lumen, the lead body further including a first electrical conductor disposed within the lumen of the outer layer. The implantable lead can further include a first electrode coupled to the lead body, the electrode in electrical communication with the first electrical conductor. The implantable lead can also include a cellular modulation segment on the external surface of the lead body, the cellular modulation segment comprising topographic surface features configured to modulate cellular responses. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A plastic molding composition includes a powder, gelatin, a polar solvent, and an adhesion reducer. The powder contains at least one of a ceramic particle and a metal particle. The adhesion reducer reduces adhesion of the gelatin so that a molded product, which is molded from the composition with a molding die, is removed from the molding die without being broken. The adhesion reducer is a water-soluble or water-dispersible compound. The adhesion reducer has a HLB value, calculated by Griffin's method, ranging from 10 to 20.

Abstract: A stent able to minimize occurrences of strain and stress concentration in a drug coat layer upon expansive deformation of the stent in a radial direction to avoid the possibility of the drug separating from the stent, includes a stent body and a drug coating layer coated on the outside surface of the stent body so that the thickness of the drug coating layer gradually decreases toward a bent portion of the stent.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production and use of novel bioactive devices and metallic coatings for example for sterilizing, disinfecting, and decontaminating water or aqueous solutions. The known oligodynamic effect of silver for reducing the amount of germs is thereby improved and increased by combining silver with ruthenium and a vitamin or derivative thereof. The novel properties of these bioactive metal surfaces lead to faster and more efficient killing of microorganisms. Simultaneously, these novel bioactive metal surfaces prevent infestation by microorganisms and attachment or permanent deposition of problematic biomolecules such as for example DNA, RNA, or proteins. A self-cleaning surface is thus obtained, which very quickly and efficiently and over extended periods of time sterilizes water and aqueous solutions when they come in contact with said surface.

Abstract: Splitable-tip catheters are disclosed with bioresorbable adhesive to provide spatial separation of distal tip elements during use. The invention can be particularly useful in hemodialysis applications where it is desirable to separate blood extraction and return lumens. The adhesive facilitates insertion of the distal end of the catheter as an assembly, e.g., into a blood vessel using a single guidewire, while the bioresorbable nature of the adhesive allows the tip elements to separate in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are solutions and kits for tumescent antibiotic delivery. Embodiments of the solution comprise an antibiotic component, an anesthetic component and a vasoconstrictor component. In addition, a method of use is disclosed comprising subcutaneous delivery of the solution. The disclosed solution, kit and method of subcutaneous delivery can be used for a variety of surgical procedures including liposuction, mastectomy and others. The tumescent antibiotic solution can be administered to a patient in situations where establishing IV access is difficult, impossible, or undesirable. A variety of delivery methods appropriate for surgical settings, as well as for use by first responders are likewise disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant with a coating (23) which releases silver ions in the human body and as a result has antimicrobial action. According to the invention, a first surface component of the coating (23) is formed by an anode material (25). A second surface component of the coating (23) is formed by a cathode material (26). The cathode material is higher in the electrochemical voltage series than the anode material (25). The cathode material (26) and the anode material (25) are connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner. Together with the body electrolyte in the environment of the implant, the anode material (25) and the cathode material (26) form a multitude of local galvanic elements. The antimicrobial action of the coating (23) is improved as a result.

Abstract: A vessel occlusion apparatus includes an elongate shaft having a fluid delivery lumen; and an expandable member carried on a distal an end portion of the shaft, the expandable member comprising a body defining an interior region, the interior region communication with the fluid delivery lumen, the body comprising a wall having one or more embedded fluid pockets therein, each of the one or more pockets containing a fluid capable of being imaged, e.g., having echogenic qualities for detection using ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: A biocompatible plasticizer useful for forming a coating composition with a biocompatible polymer is provided. The coating composition may also include a biobeneficial polymer and/or a bioactive agent. The coating composition can form a coating on an implantable device. The implantable device can be used to treat or prevent a disorder such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, restenosis, hemorrhage, vascular dissection or perforation, vascular aneurysm, vulnerable plaque, chronic total occlusion, claudication, anastomotic proliferation for vein and artificial grafts, bile duct obstruction, ureter obstruction, tumor obstruction, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A manifold system is provided that includes a manifold housing and a manifold core. The manifold housing is configured to receive the manifold core. The manifold housing includes an oblique inner surface and at least one fluidic channel. The fluidic channel ends with one of its ends at the oblique inner surface. The manifold housing together with the at least one fluidic channel has no undercut.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composite laminar material with high mechanical strength and methods of fabricating the material. The invention also provides a method of attaching a medical implant device to tissue.

Abstract: A bio-compatible lumen bearing device such as a catheter formed of a polymeric material having a titanium surface bonded to the underlying exposed catheter surface. The titanium surface is employed in patients to improve bio-compatibility and enhance lubricity during insertion and removal.

Abstract: Coatings with crystallized active agent(s) and related methods are disclosed. One method includes selecting a solvent and a polymer, selecting a concentration of an active agent of at least a certain amount of saturation, forming a coating composition having the selected concentration of the active agent, and applying the coating composition to the medical device. Also disclosed is an elution control coating which includes an active agent that is at least about 80% crystallized within one week of being disposed on a medical device. One method enhances the formation of active agent crystals within a coating layer by adjusting the concentration of the active agent in the coating solution to reach some percentage of the active agent saturation point. Another method includes increasing the rate of active agent nucleation within the coating.

Abstract: An angioplasty pressure transducer includes a cylindrical member defining an inner cavity. The first end of the cylindrical member is provided with a fluid port allowing the passage of fluid into and out of the cylindrical member due to pressure changes in the physiological fluid being monitored. The angioplasty pressure transducer also includes a cylindrical elastomeric sleeve surrounding the cylindrical member. A cylindrical, transparent housing member is positioned about the cylindrical member such that a substantial portion of the outer surface of the cylindrical member, as well as the elastomeric sleeve, are enclosed and encased within the housing member. The cylindrical wall includes a plurality of small apertures spaced cylindrically about the circumference of cylindrical wall at a position substantially located at the longitudinal center of the cylindrical member, the apertures permitting pressurized fluid to pass between the inner cavity and the outer surface of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A method of imparting hydrophilicity to a surface of a material, which includes providing a base material having a surface; applying and chemically fixing a siloxane oligomer represented by Chemical Formula 1 to the surface of the base material to form a siloxane-modified surface; and applying a glycidol compound represented by Chemical Formula 2 to the siloxane-modified surface; and carrying out a reaction therebetween to form an organosiloxane coating having a N,N-bis(hydroxyalkyl)aminoalkyl group: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are the same or different and are each independently hydrogen or a C1 to C3 alkyl group, A is a single bond or a C1 to C5 alkylene group, and n ranges from 2 to 30; wherein each R is the same or different, and is as defined herein, and L is a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C3 alkylene group.

Abstract: Introducer sheath (10,30,40) having a flexible kink-resistant distal tip portion (26,32,42). A multilayer sheath structure is used, with an inner tube (12) such as PTFE having a coil (14) of wire wound therearound. A first length of outer tubing (20) such as of nylon is inserted over most of the coil-wound inner tube (12) in a manner exposing a distal length of coil-wound inner tube. A second length of outer tubing (22) with a softer durometer than first outer tubing length (20), is inserted over the exposed coil-wound inner tube and extends for a slight distance beyond the end of the coil. During heat application, the outer tubing lengths (20, 22) are melted to bond to each other and to flow between the spacings of the coil turns to bond to the roughened outer surface of the inner tube (12). The distal tip region corresponding to the second tubing length is flexible and is kink-resistant due to the coil (14).

Abstract: An implantable leadless cardiac pacing device and associated delivery and retrieval devices. The implantable device includes a docking member extending from the proximal end of the housing of the implantable device configured to engage with the delivery and/or retrieval device to facilitate delivery and/or retrieval of the implantable leadless cardiac pacing device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medical catheters, tubes, and other medical devices, systems, and methods. The catheter, tube, or other medical device is capable of releasing drugs for extended periods of time. Drugs can be loaded into the wall thereof with a loading solution. The drug in the wall of the device and in the loading solution can be in dynamic equilibrium, yielding stable and easy-to-manufacture products.

Abstract: A therapeutic device and therapeutic method for delivering electrical energy or medicament to a body tissue or organ utilizing ultrasonic vibration to cause a device implanted in the body tissue or organ to be treated to discharge an electrical current or medicament to the target area.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to flush syringe assemblies comprising an integrated contamination-prevention device integrated with device connector flushing positioned so that the practitioner cannot forget to apply disinfectant. The flush syringe assemblies comprise a barrel with an elongate plunger rod disposed therein and a cap comprising a passageway. The plunger rod includes a stopper of which at least a portion can be embedded in the passageway of the cap to form a plug in the cap.

Abstract: This invention relates to latex compositions that incorporate at least one bioactive component such as an antibacterial or antifungal agent, and methods for making and using such latex compositions. The latex compositions disclosed herein can be prepared by the emulsion polymerization of the latex component monomers in the presence of the at least one bioactive component.

Abstract: A contact lens is provided that is capable of being worn by a user. The lens includes a contact lens body having an eye-engaging surface placeable against a surface of an eye and an outer surface. Microphobic features are provided in the lens for eliminating microbes from the eye-engaging surface. Preferably, these microphobic features are chosen from a group consisting of electrical charge inducing agents, magnetic field inducing agents, chemical agents and textural features. In another embodiment of the present invention, a contact lens is provided that can include a reservoir portion capable of holding a performance enhancement agent for enhancing the performance of the lens. The performance enhancement agent can include such thins as sealant solutions, protective agents, therapeutic agents, anti-microbial agents, medications and reduced size transparent portions. In other embodiments, a wide variety of designs, materials and substances are disclosed for use with contact lenses.

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: Stents fabricated from polymer composites toughened by a dispersed phase are disclosed.

Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.

Abstract: Medical balloons having one or more folds, on which are disposed protective surfaces e.g., protective lines or strips, and at least one therapeutic agent between the lines. The protective surfaces prevent, inhibit, or reduce the contact between therapeutic agent on one area, e.g., a surface area, and an opposing area or therapeutic agent on the opposing area when the balloon is folded. The protective surfaces also prevent, inhibit, or reduce loss of therapeutic agent from the balloon surface as a result of, for example, contact with a medical device during expansion or removal of a protective sheath. Also a medical device delivery system comprising a medical device surrounded by a retractable sheath, wherein protective surfaces are disposed on the sheath.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has at least one drainage opening. A hydrophilic coating is provided on at least a portion of the elongate end of the catheter. A fluid containing member is provided and is either arranged on the elongate member or within a separate area of the container. The fluid containing member contains sufficient hydrating fluid to hydrate the coating of the catheter. A container contains the elongate member and the fluid containing member and incorporates at least one foil layer to prevent evaporation of the hydrating fluid. A method of using the catheter includes inserting a catheter into a user's body and draining fluid from the user's body.

Abstract: Splitable-tip catheters are disclosed with bioresorbable adhesive to provide spatial separation of distal tip elements during use. The invention can be particularly useful in hemodialysis applications where it is desirable to separate blood extraction and return lumens. The adhesive facilitates insertion of the distal end of the catheter as an assembly, e.g., into a blood vessel using a single guidewire, while the bioresorbable nature of the adhesive allows the tip elements to separate in vivo.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided comprising a catheter including a catheter tube and a connector arranged in one end of the catheter tube. The catheter is preferably a urinary, hydrophilic catheter. Further, the assembly comprises a catheter receptacle, a compartment accommodating the wetting fluid, the compartment being an integrated part of the receptacle but is separated from the cavity, the separation between the wetting fluid compartment and the cavity accommodating the catheter providing a rupturable sealed enclosure with at least one point of weakness.

Abstract: Delivery of one or more immune response modifiers (IRMs) across a biological barrier by the use of a microneedle device.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed, which comprises a functional unit (C) for permanent or temporary placement in the urogenital tract of a human or animal body. The functional unit has at least one electrically conducting portion. A power source (G) supplies a current to the electrically conducting portion after placement of the functional unit in the urogenital tract. In this manner, the growth of bacteria on the functional unit can be reduced.

Abstract: A medical tube having improved lubricity is disclosed. The medical tube is produced by extruding a polymer material blended with a lubricity enhancing additive through a resilient die. The polymer material can be medical-grade high-density polyethylene, and the lubricity enhancing additive can be a silicone-based or alloy-based material. The medical tube can include one or more internal elongated protuberances so as to reduce the internal surface area of the medical tube available to generate friction on a guide wire inserted or withdrawn through the medical tube.

Abstract: A syringe assembly including: (1) a syringe barrel defining a chamber; (2) a plunger mounted in the chamber and moveable with respect to the barrel; and (3) a cap assembly containing a cap and an absorbent material is removably attached to the plunger.

Abstract: A medical lumen access device assembly includes a medical lumen access device holder including an elongate tube defining a lumen extending from a proximal opening of the elongate tube to a distal opening of the elongate tube. A check valve is positioned over an opening of the elongate tube and includes a valve member having a biased closed position wherein an internal volume defined by the lumen is fluidly blocked from an exterior of the elongate tube at the opening and an open position defining a fluid path from the exterior to the internal volume through the opening. The medical lumen access device assembly also includes a medical lumen access device disposed at least partially within the lumen and having a proximal segment extending beyond the distal opening. At least a portion of the medical lumen access device includes a hydrophilic coating.

Abstract: A catheter product package and method of forming same in which the package comprises a sheet material wrapped about the catheter product to form a package for the catheter product. The catheter product extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter product. The sheet material of the package is wrapped about the catheter product in a mariner defining confronting proximal end edges, confronting distal end edges, and confronting side edges. The confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal after the sheet material is wrapped about the catheter product to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed to it which causes the sheet material to tear along the tear strip to thereby cause the package to open along an intended opening line.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a microneedle material capable of dissolving in a short-time and being absorbed quickly in order to shorten the application time of the microneedle is provided. A mixture of a water-soluble polymer and one or more saccharides selected from monosaccharides and disaccharides is used as the microneedle material. A systhetic polymer, protein, polysaccharide or a mixture thereof can be preferably used as the water-soluble polymer. Glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, trehalose, or a mixture thereof can be preferably used as the saccharides.

Abstract: A hemostasis component for an invasive medical device has an inflatable cylinder affixed to the medical device at a location aligned with an ingress point of a patient. An inflation source is in fluid communication with the inflatable cylinder and a flow control valve that is effective to regulate the flow of fluid from the inflation source to the inflatable cylinder is provided. The flexible cylinder is located on the proximal end of a tunneling catheter, where it exits the skin. A thin tube is provided to inflate the flexible cylinder. In the event of bleeding, the flexible cylinder is inflated for as long as is needed to achieve hemostasis, without having to place sutures. Inflation is a simple procedure that can be done by the patient, as opposed to having to place a suture, which must be performed by a physician or a physician's delegate, under sterile conditions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coated low-friction medical device, such as low-friction medical tubing, including applying a coating to one or more selected portions of a surface of low-friction medical tubing to indicate at least one marking formed along the surface of the low-friction medical tubing, and simultaneously or substantially simultaneously: (a) curing the applied coating to a designated temperature (which is above the temperature at which the low-friction medical tubing begins to decompose and shrink) to adhere the applied coating to the surface of the low-friction medical tubing, (b) utilizing one or more anti-shrinking devices to counteract or otherwise inhibit the shrinking of the low-friction medical tubing, and (c) exhausting any harmful byproducts resulting from curing the low-friction medical tubing to a temperate above the temperature at which the low-friction medical tubing begins to decompose.

Abstract: A guide wire includes an elongated wire body having flexibility; a distal member that covers a distal portion of the wire body and is configured to have a resin material; and a hydrophilic lubricant layer that is formed so as to cover a proximal end of the distal member and is configured to have a hydrophilic material. In addition, the hydrophilic lubricant layer has a tapered shape whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward a proximal side. In addition, the maximum outer diameter of the hydrophilic lubricant layer is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the distal member. In addition, a proximal portion of the distal member has a tapered shape whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward the proximal side, and a distal end of the hydrophilic lubricant layer is positioned at the tapered portion of the distal member.

Abstract: A waste management system includes a waste transport device and a waste collection device. The waste management system may include a securement device for maintaining the position of the waste transport device following insertion. The waste transport device may include a modular medication delivery apparatus with a disposable delivery device for delivering medication to the patient following insertion of the waste transport device.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a continuous anesthesia nerve conduction apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly to a method and system for use in administering a continuous flow or intermittent bolus of anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or prolonged nerve block. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The sheath also includes an embedded conductive element for transmitting an electrical signal from a proximal portion of the sheath to a distal portion of the sheath. A cannula is arranged in the at least one lumen of the sheath and has a distal end protruding from a distal portion of the sheath. The cannula is electrically coupled to at least a portion of the embedded conductive element and is configured to provide nerve stimulation.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a catheter, whereby a tunnel infection route is closed such that infection can be prevented, by improving adhesiveness between a medical catheter and a biologically-derived adhesive (fibrin adhesive), cells, or biological tissue. The present invention provides a medical catheter which is composed of material selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyurethane, polypropylene and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), at least a portion of the surface of which is modified by plasma ion implantation.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to intraocular shunts, and in particular, to intraocular shunts configured to form a drainage pathway between the anterior chamber and the intra-scleral space.