Abstract: Cell separation systems and methods of separating cells are disclosed. In an embodiment, a cell separation system is described that comprises a non-transitory storage device that executes a centrifugation program to separate cell volume from biologic material volume; a heating mechanism; a containment mechanism; and an assembly comprised of a single-walled centrifugation bowl. In an embodiment, methods of separating cells are disclosed whereby cells are separated by agitating a volume of biologic material and a volume digestion media to form a digested volume of biologic material; centrifuging the digested volume of biologic material; removing a portion of a resulting waste via at least one fluid outlet; isolating a different portion of the waste, and removing the concentrated cell volumes from the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention provides constructs including a tubular biodegradable polyglycolic acid scaffold, wherein the scaffold may be coated with extracellular matrix proteins and substantially acellular. The constructs can be utilized as an arteriovenous graft, a coronary graft, a peripheral artery bypass conduit, or a urinary conduit. The present invention also provides methods of producing such constructs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocorrodable implant in which corrosion may be triggered or accelerated after implantation by applying an external stimulus, the implant having a base body which is completely or partially composed of a biocorrodable metallic material, and the base body having a coating with a protective layer which is not biocorrodable. According to the invention, the implant has control elements which are configured in such a way that the protective layer, optionally in combination with the control elements, completely or partially encloses the base body so as to be impermeable to bodily medium, and the protective layer being convertible to a form which is permeable to bodily medium as the result of a change in shape of the control elements which may be regulated and/or controlled by an external stimulus.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis with an impregnation including at least one sealing material in the prosthesis wall and/or with a coating including at least one sealing material on the outer surface of the prosthesis, wherein the prosthesis, when subjected to a force of 1 N acting perpendicularly with respect to the outer surface of the prosthesis, is deformed such that the external diameter of the prosthesis decreases, in the direction of the acting force, by 60 to 100% in relation to the original external diameter.

Abstract: An expandable medical device includes a plurality of elongated struts, forming a substantially cylindrical device which is expandable from a first diameter to a second diameter. A plurality of different beneficial agents may be loaded into different openings within the struts for delivery to the tissue. For treatment of conditions such as restenosis, different agents are loaded into different openings in the device to address different biological processes involved in restenosis and are delivered at different release kinetics matched to the biological process treated. The different agents may also be used to address different diseases from the same drug delivery device. In addition, anti-thrombotic agents may be affixed to at least a portion of the surfaces of the medical device for the prevention of sub-acute thrombosis. To ensure that the different agents remain affixed to the device as well as to each other, masking and de-masking processes may be utilized.

Abstract: In one aspect, a medical device has a first configuration and a second configuration, a reservoir containing a therapeutic agent, and a barrier layer disposed over the reservoir, wherein the barrier layer comprises an inorganic material. In another aspect, a medical device has a reservoir containing a therapeutic agent, a barrier layer disposed over the reservoir, wherein the barrier layer comprises an inorganic material, and a swellable material disposed between the barrier layer and a surface of the medical device, wherein the swellable material is a material that swells upon exposure to an aqueous environment. In yet another aspect, a medical device has a multi-layered coating having alternating reservoir layers and barrier layers, and a plurality of excavated regions penetrating through at least a partial thickness of the multi-layered coating.

Abstract: A medical device, for example, an endoscope or catheter, includes local drug delivery capabilities for selectively delivering at least one drug in vivo. The local drug delivery may occur as the medical device is advanced through tortuous passageways of the patient's body or may occur after the medical device has reached its targeted destination. The medical device includes a drug agent, for example, carried in or on a hydrophilic or hydrogel coating disposed on the outside thereof. When the hydrogel or drug agent receives an appropriate signal, e.g., solution containing a triggering agent or triggering condition, e.g., heat or light, the hydrogel contracts or expands to squeeze out the drug from hydrogel. If electric current is provided as the signal, and the drug agent is charged, the drug agent is released by electrophoretic forces.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a stent is provided, which contains at least one filament that has a longitudinal axis and comprises a bioabsorbable polymeric material. Polymer molecules within the bioabsorbable polymeric material are provided with a helical orientation which is aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filament. The stent is at least partially bioabsorbed by a patient upon implantation or insertion of the stent into the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates in one aspect to the treatment of a vascular vessel with a biomaterial. The biomaterial can be a remodelable material that strengthens and/or supports the vessel walls. Additionally the biomaterial can include a variety of naturally occurring or added bioactive agents and/or viable cellular populations.

Abstract: A blood vessel metal stent coating of amidoglucosan polysaccharide loaded with antibody comprises carrier material composed of chitosan and inartificial degradable acidic amidoglucosan polysaccharide and the effective dose of CD133 antibody loaded in the carrier material. The blood vessel metal stent coating is manufactured with self-assemble method to fix the CD133 antibody in the carrier material of the coating. The coating has good biocompatibility, water retention property, flexibility, flush resistance and bio-stability, and can specifically capture the vascular endothelial progenitor cells in human peripheral blood, and differentiate into vascular endothelial cells. The process would accelerate endothelialization to repair injured vessel caused and prevent restenosis and thrombosis efficiently.

Abstract: A drug and drug delivery system may be utilized in the treatment of vascular disease. A local delivery system is coated with rapamycin or other suitable drug, agent or compound and delivered intraluminally for the treatment and prevention of neointimal hyperplasia following percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography. The local delivery of the drugs or agents provides for increased effectiveness and lower systemic toxicity.

Abstract: A drug eluting stent comprising a multilayer tubular structure which includes at least one intermediate layer having reservoirs therein for deposition of a drug, the intermediate layer eluting drug in a lateral direction, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent to the body tissue of a patient, and methods for making such a medical device. More particularly, the invention is directed to a stent, such as an intravascular stent, having an inner and outer coating compositions disposed thereon. In another embodiment, the inner coating composition and outer coating composition are separated by a barrier coating composition.

Abstract: A stent of variable surface area as determined by stent struts. The stent can have a variable surface area per unit length which accommodates a therapeutic agent. A patterned distribution of therapeutic agent can be provided throughout the stent. The stent can have an increased level of therapeutic agent near an end of the stent. A decreased level of therapeutic agent can be provided near an end of one embodiment of a stent. Indentations can be provided at the surface of the stent with therapeutic agent disposed therein. The stent can be cut with struts of variable thickness to provide the variable stent surface area.

Abstract: An expandable stent for use within a body passageway having a body member with two ends and a wall surface disposed between the ends. The body member has a first diameter to permit delivery of the body member into a body passageway and a second expanded diameter. The surface of the stent is coated with a biological agent and a polymer which controls the release of the biological agent.

Abstract: A vascular or endoluminal stent is adapted to be implanted in a vessel, duct or tract of a human body to maintain an open lumen. The stent includes a base layer of a biologically compatible metal. An intermediate metal particle layer of substantial greater radiopacity overlies the base layer, with particles bonded to the base layer and to each other to leave interstices therebetween as a repository for retaining and dispensing drugs or other agents for time release therefrom. The particles are composed primarily of a noble metal. Exposed surfaces of the particle layer are coated with ceramic-like iridium oxide or titanium nitrate, as a biocompatible material to inhibit irritation of tissue at the inner lining of the vessel when the stent is implanted.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis such as a stent is composed of a metal or ceramic, such as Irox, embedded in the stent material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stent comprising a bioabsorbable polymeric scaffolding; and a plurality of depots in at least a portion of the scaffolding, wherein the plurality of depots comprise a bioabsorbable material, wherein the degradation rate of all or substantially all of the bioabsorbable polymer of the scaffolding is faster than the degradation rate of all or substantially all of the bioabsorbable material of the depots.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis that includes a composite having a metal matrix and a plurality of stiffening particles in the matrix. The metal of the metal matrix can include titanium, niobium, tantalum, or alloys thereof. The stiffening particles can include a metal core and a thin surface layer. The thin surface layer can include oxides, carbides, nitrides, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for introducing a helical formation (11) into a flexible tubular material (12). The material (12) is supported together with a surrounding helical former (13) so as to deform the material (12) to have a helical indentation (11) corresponding to the shape of the former (13). The material (12) is then set in that configuration and the former (13) is removed.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is disclosed comprising a high-density lipoprotein (HDL), recombinant HDL, high-density lipoprotein mimics (HDLm), or a combination thereof. Method are also disclosed for local and systemic administration HDL, recombinant HDL or HDLm for the prevention, treatment, or amelioration of a vascular disorder, disease or occlusion such as restenosis or vulnerable plaque.

Abstract: Polymer coatings for medical devices are disclosed. The polymers can include at least one unit derived from ethylene and at least one vinyl unit or acrylic unit. The coatings can have a biologically compatible compound conjugated to, or blended with, the polymer.

Abstract: An elastomerically recoverable PTFE material is provided including a longitudinally compressed fibrils of ePTFE material penetrated by elastomeric material within the pores defining the elastomeric matrix. The elastomeric matrix and the compressed fibrils cooperatively expand and recover without plastic deformation of the ePTFE material. The material may be used for various prosthesis, such as a vascular a prosthesis like a patch, a graft and an implantable tubular stent. Further, a method of producing the elastomerically recoverable PTFE material is provided herein.

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: An implant having a coating comprising a polymer matrix is swollen in a pharmaceutical solution whereby pharmaceutically active compound is imbibed into the polymer matrix. When the product is implanted, release of the pharmaceutically active compound from the coating takes place. The polymer is preferably formed from ethylenically unsaturated monomers including a zwitterionic monomer, most preferably 2-methacryloyloxyethyl-2?-trimethylammoniumethyl-phosphate inner salt. The monomers from which the polymer is formed may further include surface binding monomers, such as hydrophobic group containing monomers, and crosslinkable monomers, the content of which may be used to control the swellability. Preferably the implant is a stent and the coating of polymer on the exterior wall surface is thicker than the coating of polymer on the interior surface. Release of the drug may be controlled by selection of comonomers. The implant is suitably a stent for use in the cardiovascular system.

Abstract: A medical film that is excellent in biocompatibility and bioabsorbability and has an excellent strength in suturing and bonding is provided. A reinforcing material 12 made of a biodegradable polymer is placed in a gelatin solution so as to allow the solution to infiltrate in the reinforcing material 12 and then the gelatin is dried. This allows the gelatin that has infiltrated entirely in an internal part of the reinforcing material 12 to gel, thereby forming a gelatin film 11. Thus, a medical film 1 in which the reinforcing material 12 and the gelatin film 11 are integrated is obtained. The gelatin film 11 preferably is a cross-linked gelatin film.

Abstract: This is directed to methods and devices suited for maintaining an opening in a wall of a body organ for an extended period. More particularly devices and methods are directed maintaining patency of channels that alter gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of, for instance, an individual having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: A bioresorbable endoluminal prosthesis for placement in a body lumen having a stent substrate of a first metallic material that has a lower electrical potential than a standard reference electrode. The stent substrate is coated with a biodegradable polymer having a second metallic material dispersed therein, wherein the second metallic material has a higher electrical potential than the standard reference electrode. After implantation of the stent within the body lumen, the second metallic material is present in the polymeric coating in a sufficient concentration to cause galvanic corrosion of the first metallic material such that over time the stent substrate is bioresorbed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a micro-muscle designed to be immersed in a biological liquid, comprising a deformable chamber whereof one portion at least consists of a semipermeable membrane, said chamber containing a solution capable of osmotic activity. The solution is preferably activated by a product to be injected into the biological liquid.

Abstract: A stent of a metallic base body and with an SiO2-containing or silicate-containing coating or filling of a cavity.

Abstract: A drug and drug delivery system may be utilized in the treatment of vascular disease. A local delivery system is coated with rapamycin or other suitable drug, agent or compound and delivered intraluminally for the treatment and prevention of neointimal hyperplasia following percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography. The local delivery of the drugs or agents provides for increased effectiveness and lower systemic toxicity.

Abstract: A new embolic agent, bioabsorbable polymeric material (BPM) is incorporated to a Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) to improve long-term anatomic results in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The embolic agent, comprised at least in part of at least one biocompatible and bioabsorbable polymer and growth factors, is carried by hybrid bioactive coils and is used to accelerate histopathologic transformation of unorganized clot into fibrous connective tissue in experimental aneurysms. An endovascular cellular manipulation and inflammatory response are elicited from implantation in a vascular compartment or any intraluminal location. Thrombogenicity of the biocompatible and bioabsorbable polymer is controlled by the composition of the polymer. The coil further is comprised at least in part of a growth factor or more particularly a vascular endothelial growth factor, a basic fibroblast growth factor or other growth factors.

Abstract: Devices for the controlled release of one or more drugs into a patient are provided. The devices include an implantable stent, at least two reservoirs in the stent, and a release system contained in each of the at least two reservoirs, wherein the release system may have one or more drugs for release at a controlled rate. Reservoir caps optionally are provided to control the time at which release of the one or more drugs is initiated.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved devices and methods for minimizing and/or inhibiting restenosis and hyperplasia after intravascular intervention. In particular, the present invention provides luminal prostheses which allow for programmed and controlled methylprednisolone delivery with increased efficacy to selected locations within a patient's vasculature to inhibit restenosis. An intraluminal delivery prosthesis may comprise an expansible structure and means on or within the structure for releasing methylprednisolone into the body lumen to inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Abstract: Medical devices are made from a self-stiffening composite including a base material, a polymerizer and a corresponding activator for the polymerizer. The medical devices have an initial configuration in which the polymerizer and activator are separated from each other and an activated configuration in which the polymerizer and activator are brought into contact with each other. Polymerization is triggered when the polymerizer and activator are contacted together, forming a polymer that stiffens the medical device. The medical device may thus be flexible in the initial configuration so it can be easily advanced through tortuous passageways during delivery to a body lumen and further have sufficient radial strength in the activated configuration to hold open the body lumen after implantation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flexible vascular prosthesis comprising a synthetic support impregnated with at least a covalently crosslinked dextran and/or at least a functionalised derivative of covalently crosslinked dextran. The invention also concerns a method for preparing said prosthesis.

Abstract: A method of treating a heart may include providing an implant having a first end and a second end, placing the implant in a heart wall between a heart chamber and a blood vessel such that the first end of the implant is in flow communication with at least one of the geart chamber and the blood vessel, and delivering an angiogenesis factor in a time-relaease mannor to the heart wall proximate the implant.

Abstract: An expandable stent including a light and water curable resin embedded in a stent wall wherein the wall is formed to be transmissive to light for curing the resin and transmissive to fluid for further curing of the resin. A catheter delivery system may be provided for in vivo delivery, expansion, rigidization, and installation of the stent into a body lumen.

Abstract: A stent made of metallic and/or non-metallic material that can be implanted into tubular structures or other body cavities is coated with nanoscale particles that consist of a paramagnetic core and at least one shell adsorbed to it which is durably bonded to the stent surface. This coating makes it possible to selectively and homogeneously heat up the implant by applying an alternating magnetic field with a clinically tolerable combination of field strength and frequency, thereby achieving high power absorption and, on the one hand, a temperature level that enhances the growing-in of the implant by enhancing cell proliferation, on the other hand, a temperature range in which a restenosed implant can be regenerated. Also, it facilitates position detection.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable devices or endoluminal prosthesis, such as stents, are provided, including a method of forming the coatings. The coatings can be used for the delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device for placement in the body, in particular in a body vessel of a patient. The device includes a substrate (1), which is suitable for long-term placement, whose biocompatible properties have been modified by bombarding its surface (2) with foreign ions (3). The foreign ions (3) are thus embedded in the substrate (1) and form a boundary layer (5) that inhibits the diffusion of substrate ions (4) between the surface (2) and the interior (6) of the substrate (1).

Abstract: An expandable stent includes a tubular structure with an outer surface positionable adjacent to a vessel wall and an inner surface facing a lumen of a body passageway. The tubular structure further includes a plurality of expansion struts, connector struts and cells. The tubular structure has a first diameter which permits intraluminal delivery of the tubular structure into the body passageway, and a second expanded and deformed diameter which is achieved upon the application of a radially, outwardly extending force. A plurality of cavities are formed in the outer surface of the stent.

Abstract: An implantable device for reducing restenosis includes a structure including a polyamino acid component, wherein the polyamino acid component can be in the form of a coating or a film on the structure or it can be an integral part of the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant and a method for the production of an implant. The implant has a covering layer that is preferably made of aluminium oxide and provided with uniform cavities and separate openings on the surface side of the covering layer in order to receive a therapeutic agent which can be released according to requirements when the implant is in place.

Abstract: The medical devices of the invention have a portion with a porous surface for release of at least one biologically active agent therefrom. The porous surface is made of a material such as a polymer having a plurality of voids. To load the porous surface with a biologically active agent or drug, an electrophoresis method is employed. In this method, a device having a porous surface is placed into a drug solution or suspension, along with an electrode. An electric current is applied to the device and electrode. Under such a current, the drug, which has a positive or negative charge, will be loaded into the pores or voids of the porous surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of impregnating an implantable device, such as a vascular graft or a covering adapted to be disposed over a prosthesis. The substances may be impregnated within the implantable device as a passive coating or as a delivery matrix for a therapeutic substance. Also provided is an implantable device having such substances impregnated therein.

Abstract: The invention is of the design for, and a method of use of, an improved surgical stent. The stent is coated with a slow-release calcium channel blocker agent which interrupts the accumulation or deposition of fibrotic tissue as occurs in the process of re-occlusion of the vessel, orifice, or conduit as attends the use of conventional stents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of impregnating an implantable device, such as a vascular graft or a covering adapted to be disposed over a prosthesis. The substances may be impregnated within the implantable device as a passive coating or as a delivery matrix for a therapeutic substance. Also provided is an implantable device having such substances impregnated therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inhibiting vascular restenosis using a radioactive implantable medical device and a radiosensitizer agent. In one embodiment, the method of the invention includes implanting a medical device at a blood vessel site that has undergone a procedure to open a stenosed region within a blood vessel. The medical device contains a radioisotope to emit a radioactivity to a tissue mass at the blood vessel site. The method further includes delivering a radiosensitizer agent to the tissue mass at the blood vessel site. The radiosensitizer agent increases a therapeutic response of the tissue mass to the radioactivity emitted by the radioisotope.