Abstract: Devices for local delivery of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof are provided, wherein the devices comprise a polymeric matrix containing tacrolimus or a derivative thereof that provides for delayed and extended release of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof. The devices can locally deliver tacrolimus or a derivative thereof to injured nervous system tissue upon implantation in a subject. Thus, techniques for local delivery of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof and methods of treatment using such devices are also provided.

Abstract: Amorphous solid dispersions and pharmaceutical compositions of the protein kinase inhibitor nilotinib. The pharmaceutical compositions may be used in methods of treating a proliferative disorder such as cancer. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions can be administered without regard to food consumption. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions can be administered at a significantly lower dose as compared to a commercially available immediate-release nilotinib formulation, while providing a comparable therapeutic effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stent and a system for putting in place a stent. Said stent is used especially for splinting a vein and consists of a braided, tubular supporting member (2) that has a minimum length of 60 mm. The supporting member is braided from one or more wires in such a way that portions of the wire or wires, resp., delimit rhombuses. The disclosed stent is characterized in that in the unloaded state of the stent, the longitudinal size of most of the rhombuses (7) in the longitudinal direction (15) of the stent (1) is not shorter than the transversal size of the rhombuses.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for guiding tumor movement, particularly in vivo for treatment of patients. The method may include implanting into a tissue site where tumor cells are present a device having one or more surface structures or substrates, such as aligned nanofibers, which provide physical guidance cues for directing the migration of the tumor cells from the first tissue location to a selected second location, for tumor cell extraction or death. The devices and systems may include a cytotoxic agent for contacting tumor cells migrated via the substrate. All or a portion of the at least one substrate may include one or more biochemical cues, such as a coating of laminin or another protein, which may be provided in a concentration gradient to facilitate uni-directional tumor cell migration.

Abstract: An example expandable interbody device can include a structural body having an upper endplate and a lower endplate. The device can include at least one wedge block and at least one linkage block arranged between the upper and lower endplates. The linkage block can include a plurality of linkages and a shear pin disposed at a respective proximal end of each of the linkages. The device can include a drive screw extending through the wedge and linkage blocks. The drive screw can be configured to rotate and drive the wedge block to expand the upper and lower endplates of the structural body from the closed position to an intermediate position. Additionally, the drive screw can be further configured to rotate and drive the linkage block to expand the upper and lower endplates of the structural body from the intermediate position to an open position.

Abstract: Medical appliances may be formed of multilayered constructs. The layers of the constructs may be configured with various physical properties or characteristics. The disposition and arrangement of each layer may be configured to create an overall construct with a combination of the individual properties of the layers. Constructs may be used to create vascular prostheses or other medical devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to the synthesis and process thereof of a Quorum Sensing (QS) based polymer formed by the process of ring opening polymerization/ring opening copolymerization. The formed homopolymer or heteropolymer or copolymer displays increased half-life, bioactivity and biostability in stimulating the microbial quorum sensing in a predetermined microbial population.

Abstract: A medical device such as a stent (10) or medical balloon (40) is at least partially coated with a carboxylic acid layer in order to enhance biocompatibility, reduce thrombogenesis and increase endothelialisation. The coating is preferably of citric acid in non-crosslinked form and preferably non-porous so as to mask the underlying structure of the medical device. The acid coating forms an outer surface of at least a part of the medical device, that is has no other layer or material overlying it, save for in some embodiments a partial coating of a bioactive material.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having an outflow end and an inflow end, a plurality of commissure features attached to the stent, a plurality of anchoring features disposed on legs of the stent, the plurality of anchoring features being coupleable to a delivery device for repositioning, and a valve assembly disposed within the stent. The anchoring features may be configured to attach to heart tissue to help secure the prosthetic heart valve in an operating position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising a surgical material and a support material and related methods for the application of the surgical material to a wound or surgical site using the device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of electrospinning poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) which allow stable PGS fibers and fibrous PGS constructs, scaffolds and grafts to be formed. In one example, a disclosed method includes generating PGS fibers by blending PGS prepolymer with a heat resistant synthetic carrier polymer, wherein the blend is electrospun into micro- or nano-fibers, and the PGS prepolymer is cross-linked into PGS with heat without using chemical cross-linkers. In another example, a disclosed method includes electrospinning a PGS and gelatin blend, wherein the PGS and gelatin composition are cross-linked by heat curing without using chemical cross-linkers. In another example, the method includes preparing an electrospinning precursor solution comprising blending PGS prepolymer with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and a chemical cross-linker; electrospinning the prepared blend; and exposing the electrospun blend to an organic solvent to remove the PLGA.

Abstract: Provided is a medical base material that is suitable for regeneration of a cardiovascular system being exposed to high pressure from a lumen, such as an aorta and is absorbed by a living body after transplantation. The medical base material of the present invention has a sheet shape, a tube shape, or a combined shape thereof and is used for regeneration of a cardiovascular system by being transplanted in a body. The medical base material has a multilayer structure at least including an inner layer to be arranged on the intimal side of the cardiovascular system and an outer layer to be arranged on the adventitial side of the cardiovascular system from the inner layer and made from a material at least including a stereo complex polylactic acid. The layer to be arranged on the adventitial side of the cardiovascular system from the inner layer is formed in a porous form such that a nutrient blood vessel reaches the inner layer or enters the vicinity of the inner layer.

Abstract: A drug eluting stent is provided that includes a Ni-free Ti-17Nb-6Ta stent, and Ti-17Nb-6Ta oxides nanotubes grown on an inner wall of the Ti-17Nb-6Ta stent, where the Ti-17Nb-6Ta oxides nanotubes are configured for holding and releasing drugs to enable enhanced endothelialization for better healing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions of GHRH agonists and peptides, and methods to treat disorders, such as ischemia and reperfusion injury. In one embodiment, a method of treating a reperfusion injury in a subject in need may involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one GHRH agonist peptide to the subject. In additional embodiment, a method of promoting vasculogenesis in a mammal may involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one GHRH agonist peptide to the subject. In a further embodiment, a method of promoting differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into endothelial cells may involve contacting mesenchymal stem cells with at least one GHRH agonist peptide.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using a medical device are disclosed. An example medical device may include an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device may include a stent having a covered portion and an uncovered portion. The covered portion may be releasably attached to the uncovered portion. A cover member may be disposed along the covered portion. The uncovered portion may include a release tab that is designed to release the uncovered portion from the covered portion. A removal member may be coupled to the covered portion for aiding in the removal of the covered portion from an implantation site.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program are provided for determining the porosity of a flexible porous structure when it is subjected to deformation. The method performs the following steps by processing representative data of the flexible porous structure: a) generates a first function (Fs) defining how the flexible porous structure changes shape when it is subjected to deformation; b) generates a second function (Fp) defining how a covered surface of the flexible porous structure changes when it is subjected to changes in shape, wherein the second function (Fp) is directly linked with porosity of the flexible porous structure; c) obtains reference porosity values of a reference region (CU-R) of the flexible porous structure in a reference configuration via the first function (Fs); and d) calculates the porosity of at least one deformed region (CU-D) of the flexible porous structure, from said reference porosity values and from the second function (Fp).

Abstract: Methods for applying polymeric material to a stent are disclosed. A mandrel is coupled to a stent body. The stent body comprises an inner surface defining a cavity and an outer surface opposing the internal surface. The stent body also has a length along an axis defined by the mandrel between a first end of the stent body and a second end of the stent body. An electrospun material is applied to at least a portion of the stent external surface and to at least a portion of the mandrel to form a coating sheet. A portion of the coating sheet extends from at least one of the first end or second end of the stent to the mandrel. One or both of the stent and the mandrel are moved to apply at least some of the portion of the coating sheet onto the internal surface of the stent body.

Abstract: There is disclosed an implantable medical stent system, including: a radially expandable stent comprising a filamental structure in a pattern surrounding a bore to form a substantially tubular wall along a length relative to a longitudinal axis; in which the filamental structure includes at least one arcuate crown with a crown peak having a radius of curvature located along a reference axis, and first and second arcuate crown shoulders on first and second sides, respectively, of the reference axis; in which the filamental structure also includes at least one pair of first and second elongated struts extending from the first and second crown shoulders, respectively; the first and second elongated struts have a region of constant maximum width at an intermediate portion and tapering toward the first and second crown shoulders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ABA type block copolymer including a repeating unit derived from lactic acid that is excellent in physical properties, such as toughness. The ABA type block copolymer includes a polymer block A including a repeating unit derived from lactic acid and a polymer block B including a repeating unit represented by a formula [I] linked in an order of A-B-A. In the following formula [I], R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group, or an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group, R2 and R3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group, or an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group, and n represents an integer of 1 to 10. X represents —S—, —SO— or —SO2—, and R4 represents an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group, or an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising a surgical material and a support material and related methods for the application of the surgical material to a wound or surgical site using the device.

Abstract: Articles-of-manufacturing comprising an object having a surface and at least a first layer of a first therapeutically active agent being deposited onto at least a continuous portion of the surface, wherein at least 50 weight percents of the first layer is the first therapeutically active agent in a crystalline form are disclosed. Methods utilizing such articles-of-manufacturing for treating medical conditions are also disclosed. Processes of preparing the articles-of-manufacturing by contacting a surface of the object with a solution containing the therapeutically active agent, without cooling the surface to a temperature below a temperature of the solution, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a bio-degradable implant based on magnesium having a reduced corrosion rate and to a method for the production of such an implant. It is a method for treating a surface of a bio-degradable metallic implant comprising the following steps: providing a dispersed system comprising a colloid-dispersed apatite and adding an apatite powder to the dispersed system, subjecting an implant to the dispersed system such that a surface of the implant which is to be treated is immersed in the dispersed system wherein the implant comprises a magnesium based alloy, applying an AC voltage difference between the implant as a first electrode and a second electrode positioned in the dispersed system for generating a plasma electrolytic oxidation on the immersed surface of the implant so that the immersed surface is converted to an oxide film which is at least partially covered by apatites formed by the colloid-dispersed apatite and the apatite powder.

Abstract: Provided herein is a coated coronary stent, comprising: a. stent; b. a plurality of layers deposited on said stent to form said coronary stent; wherein at least one of said layers comprises a bioabsorbable polymer and at least one of said layers comprises one or more active agents; wherein at least part of the active agent is in crystalline form.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coating of spiral intracranial aneurysm coils, e.g., a Guglielmi Detachable Coil (GDC), such that only selected surfaces along the spiral coil are coated with a polymer via an atomized polymer deposition process. The resulting device is a detachable aneurysm coil system which preserves the mechanical geometry and flexibility of the coil, and delivers specific agents to promote wound healing.

Abstract: The present invention provides articles of manufacture comprising biocompatible nanostructures comprising significantly increased surface area for, e.g., organ, tissue and/or cell growth, e.g., for bone, tooth, kidney or liver growth, and uses thereof, e.g., for in vitro testing of drugs, chemicals or toxins, or as in vivo implants, including their use in making and using artificial tissues and organs, and related, diagnostic, screening, research and development and therapeutic uses, e.g., as drug delivery devices. The present invention provides biocompatible nanostructures with significantly increased surface area, such as with nanotube and nanopore array on the surface of metallic, ceramic, or polymer materials for enhanced cell and bone growth, for in vitro and in vivo testing, cleansing reaction, implants and therapeutics. The present invention provides optically transparent or translucent cell-culturing substrates.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having an outflow end and an inflow end, a plurality of commissure features attached to the stent, a plurality of anchoring features disposed on legs of the stent, the plurality of anchoring features being coupleable to a delivery device for repositioning, and a valve assembly disposed within the stent. The anchoring features may be configured to attach to heart tissue to help secure the prosthetic heart valve in an operating position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device and a method of using it. The device is a stent which can be percutaneously deliverable with (or on) an endovascular catheter or via other surgical or other techniques and then expanded. The stent is configured to have a central portion defined by “open” cells and at least two end portions, defined by “closed” cells, spaced apart and directly connected to the distal and proximal ends of the central portion of the stent. The stent may also optionally have a covering or a lattice with openings.

Abstract: Absorbable stents and absorbable stent coatings have been developed with improved properties. These devices preferably comprise biocompatible copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate, and optionally poly-L-lactic acid and other absorbable polymers and additives. Compositions of these materials can be used to make absorbable stents that provide advantageous radial strengths, resistance to recoil and creep, can be plastically expanded on a balloon catheter, and can be deployed rapidly in vivo. Stent coatings derived from these materials provide biocompatible, uniform coatings that are ductile, and can be expanded without the coating cracking and/or delaminating and can be used as a coating matrix for drug incorporation.

Abstract: A method for the photocatalytically active coating of surfaces is presented and described, as well as an article (1) photocatalytically actively coated according to this method. The object of providing a method for the photocatalytically active coating of, in particular, metallic surfaces, whereby a permanently stable coating is produced without negatively affecting the photocatalytic activity of the layer, is achieved by a method, in which a substrate article is prepared which has a surface, a metallic adhesion-promoting layer is applied to the surface of the substrate article, a photocatalytically active layer consisting of one or more metal oxides is applied to the adhesion-promoting layer, wherein the metallic adhesion-promoting layer and the surface of the substrate article consist of a different material and the adhesion-promoting layer is selected such that it is not oxidized or reduced by the photocatalytically active layer.

Abstract: A method for bonding a polymeric medical device to tissue is provided which includes providing a polymeric medical device having a plurality of reactive members of a specific binding pair attached on a surface of the medical device, and providing tissue with a plurality of complementary reactive members of the specific binding pair, wherein upon contact of the reactive members on the surface of the medical device with the complimentary reactive members on the tissue, covalent bonds are formed between the reactive members and the complementary reactive members, thus adhering the device to the tissue.

Abstract: An alloy and an implant having a three-dimensional structure based on such alloy. The alloy comprises a monophasic MgZn alloy containing from 2.0 wt. % Zn to 6 wt. % Zn, having less than 0.001 wt. % of one or more other elements with the remainder being Mg. In some embodiments, the alloy is substantially free of microgalvanic elements. In some embodiments, the alloy includes a MgZnCa alloy containing nanosized precipitates being less noble than the Mg matrix alloy and having a Zn content ranging from 3.0 wt. % Zn to 6 wt. % Zn and a calcium content ranging from 0.0005 wt. % to 1.0 wt. %, having less than 0.001 wt. % of one or more other elements with the remainder being Mg. In other embodiments, the alloy includes a MgZnCa alloy containing nanosized precipitates being less noble than the Mg matrix alloy, a plurality of nanosized precipitates being more noble than the Mg matrix and having a Zn content ranging from 3.0 wt. % Zn to 6 wt. % Zn, a calcium content ranging from 0.0005 wt. % to 1.0 wt.

Abstract: Methods to produce micro-fiber webs containing fibers of 4-hydroxybutyrate or copolymers thereof with average diameters from 0.01 to 100 ?m, have been developed. The micro-fiber webs are produced by centrifugal spinning. These methods allow the micro-fiber webs to be produced without substantial loss of the polymer weight average molecular weight. Webs containing micro-fibers of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate or copolymer thereof, are made by centrifugal spinning. The micro-fibers have average diameters ranging from 0.01 to 100 ?m and contain crimped fibers with a higher elongation at break fibers when compared to fibers derived by melt-blown extrusion, dry spinning and electrospinning. The fibers of the micro-fiber webs have a high degree of orientation. These micro-fiber webs can be used for a variety of purposes including fabrication of medical devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant comprising an active-agent-containing coating which covers the implant at least in sections. The coating is composed of at least two subsections; a first subsection contains the at least one active substance, and a second subsection contains an auxiliary agent.

Abstract: A medical device consists of a stent having a first surface and a second surface parallel to the first surface; a single expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) layer contacting the first surface of the stent; and an elastomeric layer applied to at least one surface of the stent. In at least one embodiment, the elastomeric layer is silicone. In at least one embodiment, the medical device is manufactured by positioning the ePTFE layer such that a first surface of the ePTFE layer contacts a first surface of the stent to form a stent-ePTFE assembly; and applying an elastomeric solution to the first surface of the ePTFE layer and at least one surface of the stent.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices include a substrate having applied thereto a coating including a polymeric material possessing a core and at least one functional group known to have click reactivity.

Abstract: A method and device for local delivery of water-soluble or water-insoluble therapeutic agents to the surface of a normal or diseased body lumen is disclosed. An expandable structure of a medical disposable device, such as a balloon of a balloon catheter, is coated with an amphiphilic polymer coating comprising a therapeutic agent and an amphiphilic polymer or co-polymer. The medical disposable device is inserted into a body lumen, and expanded to contact the amphiphilic polymer coating against the body lumen. The total solubility of the polymer or co-polymer in vivo prevents any embolic hazard associated with the amphiphilic polymer coating.

Abstract: A stent assembly including a stent configured to be positioned in a body lumen, and a knitted stent jacket including an expansible mesh structure having a coverage area of less than 25%, having approximate aperture diameters greater than 20 micrometers, and surrounding an external surface of the stent and coaxially associated therewith, wherein the stent assembly elutes an amount of an active pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: A method of making a stent, including preparing a solution containing a composition, the composition comprising a biodegradable polymer and a vascular intimal hyperplasia inhibitor of a kind, including argatroban, which does not inhibit proliferation of endothelial cells, the weight compositional ratio of the polymer to the vascular intimal hyperplasia inhibitor being within the range of 8:2 to 3:7, the composition dissolved in a solvent selected from the group consisting of a mixture of a lower alkyl ketone and methanol, a mixture of a lower alkyl ester and methanol or a mixture of a lower halogenated hydrocarbon and methanol; coating at least an outer surface of a stent body of a cylindrical configuration having outer and inner surfaces with a diamond-like thin film coated on the surfaces; and after the coating, removing the solvent to complete a first coated layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymeric materials comprising biodegradable, dioxanone-based copolymers and implantable devices (e.g., drug-delivery stents) formed of such materials. The polymeric materials can also contain at least one additional biocompatible moiety, at least one non-fouling moiety, at least one biobeneficial material, at least one bioactive agent, or a combination thereof. The polymeric materials are designed to improve the mechanical, physical and biological properties of implantable devices formed thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a stent made from a material operable to perform a stent's desired therapeutic functions, and also made from a material that has a radiopacity that substantially preserves the appearance of the stent when the stent is viewed under a CT imaging beam. Such a stent can allow for follow-up of the stent and the surrounding blood-vessel on CT.

Abstract: A functionalized polymer system is described herein for preparing and/or modifying biological implants and prostheses. In one aspect, the polymer system once applied to the surface of a biological implant or prosthesis, or once used in preparing a biological implant or prosthesis comprises a surface that is more hydrophilic, more wettable, more comfortable, resists cell adhesion, resists protein deposition, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, a coated biological implant or prosthetic is described herein. The coated biological implant or prosthetic comprises a substrate forming the basic structure of the implant or prosthetic, and a coating comprising a polymer, where the coating is capable of resisting cell adhesion, protein deposition, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for grafting an organic film onto an electrically conductive or semiconductive surface by electro-reduction of a solution, wherein the solution comprises one diazonium salt and one monomer bearing at least one chain polymerizable functional group. During the electrolyzing process, at least one protocols consisting of an electrical polarization of the surface by applying a variable potential over at least a range of values which are more cathodic that the reduction or peak potential of all diazonium salts in said solution is applied. The invention also relates to an electrically conducting or semiconducting surface obtained by implementing this method. The invention further relates to electrolytic compositions.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (10) comprises reservoirs (30) for receiving a water-soluble active agent or medicament (36) in the form of a solid deposit; and at least one biocompatible and biodegradable protecting/retaining layer (38) for protecting the active agent or medicament (36) until it reaches its site of implantation, said biocompatible and biodegradable protecting layer (38) comprising at least one biocompatible and biodegradable film-forming agent, and at least one hydrophobic, biocompatible, agent for controlling the disintegration rate of the protecting/retaining layer. The invention provides better protection of the active agent or medicament and better control of the disintegration rate of the protecting/retaining layer.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis comprising a stent, a cover fully covering the stent wherein the cover has variable porosity in the radial direction; and an adhesion layer connecting the stent to the cover. Another aspect of the invention is a method of implanting an endoprosthesis which includes a stent, providing a cover with variable porosity in the radial direction, connecting the stent to the cover with an adhesion layer to form a covered stent, and implanting the covered stent within a body lumen of a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and devices for promoting adhesion or migration of endothelial cells.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a drug-releasing stent is provided. The method includes providing a titanium precursor, a carrier gas and a reactant gas in a plasma vacuum chamber, and generating a plasma for 1 to 6 hours to form a titanium oxide thin film on the surface of a stent. The method further includes providing steam or oxygen and hydrogen in the plasma vacuum chamber and generating a low-temperature plasma for 10 minutes to 2 hours to modify the surface of the titanium oxide thin film. The method further includes reacting the titanium oxide thin film of the stent with a drug in an acidic solution and under an inert gas atmosphere at room temperature to 100° C. for 30 minutes to 4 hours to attach the drug.

Abstract: Vascular grafts for treating, reconstructing and replacing damaged or diseased cardiovascular vessels that are formed from decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM). The vascular grafts include outer or outer and inner coatings that provide structural reinforcement.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the maintenance of blow flood using drug eluting stents and/or other coated medical devices to increased length of time of blood flow. Further, the present invention relates to drug-releasing coated devices for reducing smooth muscle cell proliferation and platelet activity to further limit restenosis utilizing resveratrol and quercetin, polyphenols that are linked to the cardioprotection of red wine consumption. The present invention also provides products and methods for treating or preventing atherosclerosis, stenosis, restenosis, smooth muscle cell proliferation, platelet cell activation and other clotting mechanisms, occlusive disease, or other abnormal lumenal cellular proliferation condition in a location within the body of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the maintenance of blow flood using drug eluting stents and/or other coated medical devices to increased length of time of blood flow. Further, the present invention relates to drug-releasing coated devices for reducing smooth muscle cell proliferation and platelet activity to further limit restenosis utilizing resveratrol and quercetin, polyphenols that are linked to the cardioprotection of red wine consumption. The present invention also provides products and methods for treating or preventing atherosclerosis, stenosis, restenosis, smooth muscle cell proliferation, platelet cell activation and other clotting mechanisms, occlusive disease, or other abnormal lumenal cellular proliferation condition in a location within the body of a patient.

Abstract: Methods of making a coating on a medical device are disclosed, including associating a composition with at least a portion of the device to form a layer. In some embodiments, a composition may include a copolymer prepared from a room temperature melt of a plurality of monomer units that comprises a first monomer unit and a second monomer unit, wherein the second monomer unit has a glass transition temperature that is at least about 30 degrees Centigrade higher than the glass transition temperature of the first monomer unit, with a glass transition temperature of a monomer unit being defined as a glass transition temperature of a homopolymer of that monomer unit.