Abstract: Self-dissolving needle-like or filamentous shape percutaneously absorbable preparations, by which inherently poorly absorbable drugs into the body through the skin is efficiently administered. The preparations are made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of proteins, polysaccharides, polyvinyl alcohols, carboxyvinyl polymers and sodium polyacrylic acids. An active substance contained therein is released in a sustained-release fashion (1) by forming a water-insoluble layer on its surface, (2) by holding the active substance in porous materials, or (3) by imparting a long-acting characteristic to the active substance. The present invention also provides a sheet-like carrier for holding the preparations on at least one of the sides thereof, and a piece of equipment for holding the preparations so as to facilitate the administration of them.

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: It is an objective to provide a microneedle and a microneedle array formed from a self-dissolving base which can realize higher absorption efficiency and a higher pharmacological availability. A preparation 1 for body surface application has two sections divided in the insertion direction, namely, an acral portion 5 and a rear end portion 6. The acral portion 5 is a section including a body surface insertion end 2, and holds a target substance soluble in base. The rear end portion 6 is a section including a pressing end 3, and is formed mainly only from the base. The rear end portion 6 does not hold the target substance.

Abstract: A medical antimicrobial composition includes a siloxanyl structure-containing polymer and an ammonium group-containing polymer, which is excellent in transparency, flexibility and mechanical properties, and also excellent in adhesion to a base resin with good mechanical properties, particularly to a silicone resin. The medical antimicrobial composition includes an ammonium group-containing polymer compound (A) dispersed in a siloxanyl structure-containing polymer (B) and a medical device comprising the medical antimicrobial composition.

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: The present invention includes a catheter locking solution having both antimicrobial and anticoagulant properties including a local anesthetic and a viscosifying agent. The local anesthetic of the present invention may be an amino amide; an amino ester; an aminoacylanilide; an aminoalkyl benzoate; an amino carbonate; an N-phenylamidine compound; an N-aminoalkyl amid; an aminoketone, or combinations and mixtures thereof. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the local anesthetic is tetracaine or dibucaine.

Abstract: The invention relates to inhibitors of MRP4 for the treatment and/or the prevention of vascular disorders such as atherosclerosis, post-angioplasty restenosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension or vein-graft disease.

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: A variety of article and systems including wound care systems, methods for making the wound care systems, bactericidal, and methods for treating wounds using these systems are disclosed. The wound care systems may include a first material comprising one or more fibers or porous media. The one or more fibers or porous media may be coated with a second material that is capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria and killing the bacteria to render the wound care system sterile, increasing the absorbency of the first material, or both upon exposure to light. The first material may be cotton, or any suitable fibrous material, the second material may be TiO2, and the light may be UV or visible light. A variety of methods including ALD may be used to coat the first material.

Abstract: An antimicrobial agent delivery system and method are provided for an antimicrobial agent-bearing intervention device. A delivery tube contains the intervention device, where the delivery tube facilitates handling of the intervention device. In one example, the intervention device is a rod, and a hub is coupled to the rod. Longitudinal movement of the hub ejects the rod from the delivery tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides lubricious antimicrobial coating vehicles for medical devices capable of reducing the coefficient of friction of such devices upon exposure thereof to moisture and imparting antimicrobial properties to said devices. The coating vehicle allows the introduction of a pharmacological additive having a release rate that is within acceptable pharmacokinetic criteria.

Abstract: Implantable catheters treated with gentian violet and methods for disinfecting the catheters with alcohol are provided.

Abstract: A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract; at least one coating layer 16 posited on one surface of the structure; and at least one layer 18 of a bioactive material posited on at least a portion of the coating layer 16, wherein the coating layer 16 provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material from the coating layer. In addition, at least one porous layer 20 can be posited over the bioactive material layer 18, wherein the porous layer includes a polymer and provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material therethrough. Preferably, the structure 12 is a coronary stent. The porous layer 20 includes a polymer applied preferably by vapor or plasma deposition and provides for a controlled release of the bioactive material.

Abstract: Disinfectant compositions including EDTA salt(s), Parabens and Methylene Blue. The disinfectant compositions have demonstrated activity as enhanced, fast acting catheter lock/flush solutions. They are safe for human and medical uses and may be used as prophylactic preparations to prevent infection, or to reduce the proliferation of and/or eliminate existing or established infections. In addition, the composition has anticoagulant activity and can be utilized to maintain the patency of catheters.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of employing compositions in flushing and coating medical devices are disclosed. The compositions include combinations of a chelating agent, anticoagulant, or antithrombotic agent, with a C4-C9 carboxylate antimicrobial agent, such as octanoic acid. Methods of using these compositions for coating a medical device and for inhibiting catheter infection are also disclosed. Particular combinations of the claimed combinations include, for example, octanoic acid or other C4-C9 carboxylate antimicrobial agent together with EDTA, EGTA, DTPA, heparin and/or hirudin in a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a method for making a wire guide is provided. The method comprises applying a polymer coating to a proximal section of a FP coated core wire having a FP coating disposed thereon such that the polymer coating overlays at least a portion of the FP coating. The polymer coating is applied to a distal section of the FP coated core wire having an exposed metal portion such that the polymer coating overlays at least a portion of the exposed metal portion. The polymer coating is removed from the proximal portion of the FP coated core wire to form the wire guide having a proximal portion with the FP coating and a distal portion with the polymer coating.

Abstract: In a medical device having an antimicrobial agent, the medical device includes a base material and an amount of chlorhexidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof disposed in the base material sufficient to reduce microbial growth. The base material is melt processed together with the chlorhexidine to generate the medical device which is substantially free of destabilized chlorhexidine.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method of use for implanting a catheter in a patient's body which catheter can be easily positioned, repositioned, and replaced. The apparatus includes an elongate sleeve intended to be subcutaneously implanted. The sleeve comprises a wall surrounding an interior elongate passageway which extends from a sleeve proximal end to a sleeve distal end. The sleeve outer peripheral surface carries a layer of porous material intended to be placed just under the patient's outer skin layer in contact with the dermis to promote tissue ingrowth for anchoring the sleeve and forming an infection resistant barrier. The sleeve passageway includes a sealing nib dimensioned to engage the outer surface of the catheter while permitting the catheter to slide relative to the sleeve. The sealing nib prevents deleterious material from migrating into the patient's body along the catheter outer surface.

Abstract: This invention is directed to substrates, materials and devices coated with a gel, foam, film, particle or composition comprising a polymei solvent and effector compounds attached thereto, processes of producing the same, and methods of use thereof, of in, inter-alia, biological applications, including preventing infection and the treatment of various diseases.

Abstract: A system comprising: a hollow tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end; at least a portion of the tube comprising a porous membrane; and a gas-rich perfluorocarbon solution incorporated in the porous membrane; wherein the porous membrane has a porosity in the range of 0.001-200 microns, in order that: (i) the gas-rich perfluorocarbon solution is effectively incorporated into the porous membrane; and (ii) when the porous membrane is positioned in blood, the gas-rich perfluorocarbon solution elutes out of the porous membrane, in aggregations small enough to prevent the creation of embolisms in the blood, with the elution of the gas-rich perfluorocarbon solution into the blood varying between minutes and several hours, depending on the temperature and the hemodynamics of the blood. A novel medical wire is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intraluminal device, in particular an intraluminal prosthesis, shunt, catheter or local drug delivery device, provided with at least one coating containing a therapeutic agent comprised in a matrix which sticks to the intraluminal device, characterised in that said matrix is formed by a biocompatible oil or fat, which oil or fat is a chemically hardened oil or fat.

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: A sheet material wrapped about a catheter to form a package. The catheter 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. Confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed thereto which causes the package to open along an intended opening line. A gas permeable, liquid impermeable barrier divides the sealed cavity into a first compartment within which the catheter is contained and a second compartment within which a wick wetted with an aqueous liquid is entirely confined.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for the delivery of therapeutic or biologically active agents to tissue, for example by facilitating the transport of said agents through the skin of a human or animal. Therapeutic agents include various botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) and other biologically active agents, which can be delivered across the skin and into the dermis using multiple strategies including microneedle drug delivery, transport moieties, or penetration enhancers such as extracellular matrix-digestive enzymes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating formulation for preparing a hydrophilic coating, wherein the hydrophilic coating formulation comprises a supporting monomer and/or polymer comprising at least 2 reactive moieties capable of undergoing polymerization reactions, a polyelectrolyte, a Norrish Type I photoinitiator, and a Norrish Type II photoinitiator.

Abstract: A polymer blend that contains a polymer of fluorinated monomers and another biocompatible polymer. The polymer blend can form a coating on a medical device. The medical device can be used for treat, prevent or ameliorate a medical condition.

Abstract: Medical articles with coatings are disclosed herein, as well as methods and systems for depositing these coatings onto medical articles. Surfaces of such articles may be coated. The coating(s) may serve as lubricants for reducing stiction between such surfaces or between a coated surface and another surface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for diagnostic and therapeutic agent delivery is provided by the present invention. In one embodiment a method for injecting an agent into the body of a patient is provided. This method includes: covering an injection structure having a piercing tip with a coating that contains a first agent; urging the piercing tip of the injection structure into a first target located in the body of the patient; and, maintaining the injection structure in the first target location for a predetermined amount of time. In so doing the agent may be conveniently and accurately delivered to the target site. In another embodiment of the present invention a drug delivery device is provided. This drug delivery device includes a catheter having a proximate end and a distal end and an injection structure coupled to the distal end of the catheter. In this embodiment the catheter is covered with a coating that contains an agent.

Abstract: Described herein are medical devices which are configured for implantation or insertion into a subject, preferably a mammalian subject. The medical devices contain one or more multilayer regions, which contain: (a) one or more (typically a plurality of) charged nanoparticle layers and (b) one or more (typically a plurality of) charged polyelectroyte layers. Such multilayers have a number of desirable attributes, including high strength, non-compliance, and flexibility. Also described herein are methods of making such devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including an implantable medical device for implanting in contact with a portion of a subject's body. Glucose oxidase, having a mass thereof, is coupled to the medical device. The medical device does not have coupled thereto a mass of glucose that exceeds 0.01 percent of the mass of the glucose oxidase. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method of and system for pretreating the lumen of a catheter or small diameter tubing. A vacuum chamber includes a microwave port and a microwave supply subsystem including a microwave generator, and a circular polarizer produces circularly polarized microwaves propagated into the vacuum chamber via the port at a frequency which produces electron cyclotron resonance. A magnetic coil about the vacuum chamber generates a magnetic field in the vacuum chamber with magnetic field lines co-linear with the propagation direction of the microwaves. A catheter manifold positions at least one catheter in the vacuum chamber and supplies a gas within the catheter lumen to generate a plasma in the lumen for pretreating the same.

Abstract: A guide wire for guiding a medical device within a body lumen is described. The guide wire includes a proximal section, a distal section, and a mid section. The proximal section includes a proximal wire core tapered with contraction towards a proximal end of the proximal wire core. The distal section includes a distal wire core tapered with contraction towards a distal end of the distal wire core. The mid section includes a joint for joining the proximal wire core and the distal wire core. The guide wire also includes a safety wire extending along the mid section, and along at least parts of the proximal and distal sections. Moreover, the guide wire includes an outer tubing enveloping the overlapping joint and at least parts of the proximal and distal sections.

Abstract: A medical device for long-term implantation is provided, as well as a method of making the same and a method of treatment using the same. The medical device comprises (1) a reservoir including (a) a polymer matrix and (b) an antimicrobial agent disposed within the polymer matrix, wherein the reservoir is adapted for long-term release of the antimicrobial agent from the polymer matrix; and (2) a surfactant region disposed over the reservoir at an outer surface of the device.

Abstract: Catheters used for medical treatment, e.g., hemodialysis are filled with a locking solution, usually heparin between treatments. To prevent infections, antimicrobial or antibiotic substances have been used as locking solution alone or in combination with antithrombotic substances. It has been found that these locking solutions are rapidly washed out from the catheter tip. The invention describes a thixotropic gel that can be used as locking solution. Beneficial substances, e.g., antimicrobial or antibiotic substances can be added to the gel. A preferred antimicrobial substance is taurolidin alone or in combination with salicylic acid or one of its salts.

Abstract: Substrates, optionally coated with an undercoating, having grafted thereto one or more non-fouling materials are described herein. The non-fouling, polymeric material can be grafted to a variety of functionalized substrate materials, particularly polymeric substrates and/or polymeric undercoatings immobilized on a substrate. The compositions described herein are highly resistant protein absorption, particularly in complex media and retain a high degree of non-fouling activity over long periods of time. The compositions described herein may also demonstrate antimicrobial and/or anti-thrombogenic activity.

Abstract: A coated medical device adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient is provided. The medical device is preferably an implantable balloon with a bioactive deposited or within the balloon. The balloon can further include a hydrophilic material positioned between the balloon and a bioactive material posited on the balloon.

Abstract: A method of biodissolving in an aqueous medium at least a part of a device, the part of the device being made of N-acetylchitosan with a degree of acetylation of more than 3% and less than 25%. In the method, the biodissolution of the part of the device is controlled by adjusting the pH of the aqueous medium in contact with the N-acetylchitosan part of the device to a value of equal or less than 6.0.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article comprising a coating, which coating comprises at least two layers, of which the inner layer is a primer layer, comprising a supporting network comprising a supporting polymer, and the outer layer is a functional layer comprising a multifunctional polymerizable compound.

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 medical device includes a handle, a sheath, and an object-engaging unit. The distal end portion of the sheath is strong enough to resist being deformed by the object-engaging unit, yet another portion of the sheath is flexible enough to bend sufficiently.

Abstract: A system for delivering an antimicrobial agent into the lumen of a trans-dermal catheter. In an embodiment, the system comprises an elongate member configured for insertion into a lumen of a catheter; an expandable portion of the elongate member, said expandable portion configured to increase in diameter upon exposure to an aqueous fluid; and an antimicrobial composition positioned to be delivered into the catheter. In another embodiment, the system comprises an elongate member configured for insertion into a lumen of a trans-dermal catheter, said elongate member comprising a hydrogel; and an antimicrobial composition positioned to be delivered into the catheter; wherein the elongate member defines a volume of liquid that is at least substantially contained within the lumen of the trans-dermal catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of an elongate member into the lumen of a trans-dermal catheter. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a protective sheath configured to at least substantially surround an elongate member; and slidable member configured to travel along the protective sheath, the slidable member operatively coupled to the elongate member; wherein the elongate member is insertable into a lumen of a trans-dermal catheter by moving the slidable member along at least a part of the length of the protective sheath.

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: The invention relates to polymer molding compositions rendered antibacterial, antiprotozoic, or antimycotic by using partially neutralized active ingredients, to processes for their production, and to their use in moldings, in particular in medical items.

Abstract: An endotracheal device may include an elongated body member having a first end and a second end, first and second lumen defined by the body member, and a funnel member proximal the second end. The first lumen may extend from a first opening in the first end to a first opening in the second end The second lumen may extend from a second opening in the first end to at least one point in a wall of the body member proximal the second end. The tunneling member may be configured to direct fluid toward at least one of the points in the wall.

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: Implantable catheters treated with chlorhexidine and methods for disinfecting the catheters with alcohol are provided.

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: Medical implants are provided which release an anthracycline, fluoropyrimidine, folic acid antagonist, podophylotoxin, camptothecin, hydroxyurea, and/or platinum complex, thereby inhibiting or reducing the incidence of infection associated with the implant.

Abstract: A medical device includes a first region having a biguanide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a second region having a Lewis acid.