Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling the flaking of coating fragments from medical implants and improving the delivery of therapeutic agents from such coatings are described.

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: A method and coating for reducing the release rate of an active agent from an implantable device, such as a stent, is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for preparing an implant coated with a conversion electron emitting source (CEES) are disclosed. The typical method includes cleaning the surface of the implant; placing the implant in an activating solution comprising hydrochloric acid to activate the surface; reducing the surface by H2 evolution in H2SO4 solution; and placing the implant in an electroplating solution that includes ions of the CEES, HCl, H2SO4, and resorcinol, gelatin, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, before tin plating, a seed layer is formed on the surface. The electroplated CEES coating can be further protected and stabilized by annealing in a heated oven, by passivation, or by being covered with a protective film. The invention also relates to a holding device for holding an implant, wherein the device selectively prevents electrodeposition on the portions of the implant contacting the device.

Abstract: A stent incorporating flexible, preferably polymeric, connecting elements into the stent wherein these elements connect adjacent, spaced-apart stent elements. Preferably the spaced-apart adjacent stent elements are the result of forming the stent from a helically wound serpentine wire having space provided between adjacent windings. Other stent forms such as multiple, individual spaced-apart ring-shaped or interconnected stent elements may also be used. The connecting elements are typically web-shaped and result from creating slits or apertures in a covering of graft material applied to the stent and then, for example, applying heat to cause the slits or apertures to enlarge. The remaining graft material forms the interconnecting webs between the adjacent stent elements.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a new method of mass-transfer/fabrication of micro-sized features/structures onto the inner diameter (ID) surface of a stent. This new approach is provided by technique of through mask electrical micro-machining. One embodiment discloses an application of electrical micro-machining to the ID of a stent using a customized electrode configured specifically for machining micro-sized features/structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for forming antimicrobial coatings, and to compounds suitable for forming the antimicrobial coatings, and to substrates coated with the antimicrobial coatings. The coatings are formed by vapour phase plasma polymerisation of metal ion complexes each having at least one polymerisable ligand, which includes a polymerisable moiety such as a C—C double bond or a C—C triple bond.

Abstract: A stent with at least one severable supporting device and methods of coating using the same are disclosed. The severable supporting device can be an end tube or a tab attached to some portion of the stent by at least one “gate” or attachment. The end tube or tab may be part of the design of the stent when it is originally manufactured, or it may be attached to the stent in a secondary process by a biocompatible glue or solder. The end tube or tab can be used to support a stent during a coating process eliminating the need for a mandrel which would otherwise contact the stent during the coating process.

Abstract: The method for surface inclusions detection, enhancement of endothelial and osteoblast cells adhesion and proliferation and sterilization of electropolished and magnetoelectropolished Nitinol implantable medical device surfaces uses an aqueous solution of chemical compounds containing halogenous oxyanions as hypochlorite (ClO?) and hypobromite (BrO?) preferentially 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO).

Abstract: A stent for positioning in a body lumen having a cylindrical shape extending along a longitudinal axis surrounded by a stent wall which defines a diameter of an axial passage communicating with openings on two opposite ends of the stent.

Abstract: A medical implant includes a metallic base, a tie layer, and at least a first layer overlying an outer surface of the tie layer. The tie layer is bonded to at least a portion of a surface of the metallic base. The tie layer includes magnesium or a magnesium-based alloy. The tie layer can have an outer surface comprising dendritic grains. The tie layer can have a rough outer surface defined by pores, projecting grain structures, and/or projecting particles. A method of producing a tie layer on a medical device includes applying magnesium or a magnesium-based alloy to the medical device and cooling the magnesium or the magnesium-based alloy to produce a rough outer surface.

Abstract: A multi-sided intraluminal medical device having a self-expanding frame and a pair of guide bars located on opposite ends of the frame and adapted to enable the frame to be retracted for delivery or retrieval from either end is provided. The intraluminal device may further include a partial or full covering that is circumferentially attached to the frame. Such a medical device may be used as a stent to maintain an open lumen in a vessel (e.g., a vein, artery, or duct), as a valve, or as an occlusion device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to implantable medical devices coated with a taxane therapeutic agent, such as paclitaxel, in one or more solid form(s) having varying dissolution rates. Particularly preferred coatings comprise amorphous and/or solvated solid forms of taxane therapeutic agents that provide durable coatings that release the taxane over a desired period of time, which can be varied in the absence of a polymer by selecting the type and amount of solid forms of the taxane therapeutic agent in the coating. Other preferred embodiments relate to methods of coating medical devices and methods of treatment. The coatings can provide a sustained release of the taxane therapeutic agent within a body vessel without containing a polymer to achieve the desired rate of paclitaxel elution.

Abstract: A drug coating is formed by vaporizing a drug in a deposition chamber having an implantable medical device such as a stent loaded therein. A vacuum is utilized to lower the pressure within the deposition chamber, thereby reducing the temperature necessary to vaporize the drug. The drug is then deposited onto the implantable medical device while in a vapor phase to form the drug coating.

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: One embodiment of the invention relates to a coated implant having a base body composed of a biocorrodible magnesium alloy. The coating of the implant comprises: (i) a base layer, which is applied to the base body, composed of a basic polymer having a repeater unit that contains units of formula (1) or (2) and (ii) a polymeric cover layer that is applied directly to the base layer.

Abstract: A one step method for drug coating an interventional device is disclosed by mixing a drug with a phosphorylcholine-linked methacrylate polymer in a liquid and applying the mixture to an interventional device, such as a stent, in a single step.

Abstract: Stents are provided with scaffold structures which have low exposures when implanted in arteries and other blood vessels and lumens. The cross-sectional dimensions, materials, and patterns are controlled to provide sufficient strength and coverage while maintaining the low exposure.

Abstract: N-substituted 4-aza-caprolactone biodegradable polymers, including derivatives thereof, useful for making implantable medical devices and coatings therefore are provided. The medical devices and coatings of the present invention can also be used for in situ controlled release drug delivery and are useful for treating or preventing medical conditions such as restenosis, aneurisms and vulnerable plaque.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanofibrous coatings on medical devices such a surgical mesh or stent, wherein the coating is mechanically attached to the device. The principal mechanism for attaching the coating is through causing the fibers to permeate and entangle with the substrate.

Abstract: A bioerodible endoprosthesis erodes by galvanic erosion that can provide, e.g., improved endothelialization and therapeutic effects.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the present invention provides implantable or insertable medical devices that comprise a substrate and a coating over the substrate that comprises at least one type of conductive polymer and at least one type of additional polymer.

Abstract: In order to provide a vascular stent, with which the risk of restenosis is reduced without having to use anti-proliferative active substances, there is proposed a carrier of a dimensionally stable material, as well as one or more layers, which are disposed at least in sections on the carrier, of a material based on crosslinked gelatin that is resorbable under physiological conditions, wherein the adhesion between the carrier and the layer and/or between individual layers can be neutralised.

Abstract: A bioerodible endoprosthesis includes a bioerodible magnesium alloy. The bioerodible magnesium alloy includes magnesium, between 7 and 8 weight percent aluminum, between 0.4 and 0.8 weight percent zinc, and between 0.05 and 0.8 weight percent manganese.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to coated substrates comprising a substrate having a surface, a cationic polymer layer adjacent the surface of the substrate, an anionic polymer layer adjacent the cationic polymer layer and methods for producing and using same. In one aspect, the cationic polymer layer comprises at least one residue of a first compound having the structure: In a further aspect, the anionic polymer layer comprises at least one residue of a compound having the structure: In a yet further aspect, at least one nanoparticle or microparticle is positioned within one or both of the anionic polymer layer and the cationic polymer layer. In a still further aspect, the outermost polymer layer has a surface having fractal characteristics. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of coating a stent. A stent framework is provided. A polymeric mixture is injected through at least one inlet port in an extrusion die, and the polymeric mixture is extruded through a shaped orifice onto at least a portion of the stent framework to form a coated stent. A coated stent including an extruded coating disposed on at least a portion of the stent framework and a system for treating a vascular condition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A carbon coating on a stent having a bioactive agent covalently attached thereto and methods of making the same are described. The covalent attachment may be achieved via a photo-reactive chemical or a thermo-reactive chemical. In some embodiments, the carbon coating includes a diamond-like material. The bioactive agent may be heparin or superoxide dismutase enzyme or a mimetic thereof.

Abstract: An implant and method for producing an implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, with a body, wherein the body contains iron or an iron alloy, comprising the following steps: a) providing the implant body (1), b) applying a metallic coating comprising as main constituent at least one element of the group containing tantalum, niobium, zirconium, aluminum, magnesium, vanadium, molybdenum, hafnium, and wolfram onto at least a portion of the body surface, and c) plasmachemical treatment of the portion of the body surface provided with the coating in an aqueous solution for producing a plasmachemically generated layer (3, 5, 7) by means of applying a plasma-generating pulsating voltage to the body of the implant, wherein the pulsating voltage has sufficient energy that the metallic coating (3, 5, 7) is temporarily and sectionally ionized up to the underlying implant body (1) in such a manner that the generated layer has pores (5) which extend at least partially up to the implant body.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an implant with a surface layer having a topographic modification. The topographic modification includes a line pattern with ridge and groove widths of 0.9 to 1.1 ?m and a ridge height of more than 0.9 ?m.

Abstract: An implantable metallic medical device having a dual-layered coating with a primer layer having functional groups capable of forming an organo-metallic complex with iron species and a second biocompatible polymer layer. The primer layer is baked onto the metallic medical device functioning as a tie layer between the surface of the medical device and a second biocompatible polymer layer disposed on the primer layer. Baking improves tie layer adhesion and in some cases provides an organo-metallic complex with the metal substrate. The second biocompatible polymer may can a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A treatment device such as a biliary stent, capable of effectively and continuously inhibiting biofilm formation, and a biofilm formation inhibitor suitable for coating on the treatment device by killing all bacteria including E. coli and by suppressing the growth of these bacteria, are provided. A biofilm formation inhibitor having an effective amount of catechin for inhibiting biofilm formation and a carrier that is suitable for adhesion of said catechin to a treatment device to be placed in the living body, are provided.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed having a modified surface. A method of making the modification is also disclosed. The modification includes depositing a substance within the surface of the device and forming a film layer on the surface of the device. The substance can include carbon and the film layer can be a polymeric layer, such as a plasma polymerized organic film layer.

Abstract: Implantable biocompatible polymeric medical devices include a substrate with an acid or base-modified surface which is subsequently modified to include click reactive members.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified metal surfaces, methods of preparing the same, and intermediates thereto. These materials are useful in a variety of applications including biomaterials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to medical devices including coatings. The coatings include a topcoat which includes a copolymer comprising a block of an elastin pentapeptide. The topcoat is over a layer of poly(vinyl alcohol) on a hydrophobic coating or over a porous coating comprising pores or depots that include a bioactive agent.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling the flaking of coating fragments from medical implants and improving the delivery of therapeutic agents from such coatings are described.

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: Provided herein is a method of forming medical device that includes RGD attached to the device via a spacer compound. The method comprises providing a spacer compound comprising a hydrophobic moiety and a hydrophilic moiety, grafting or embedding the spacer compound to the surface layer of the polymer to cause the hydrophobic moiety to be grafted to or embedded within the surface layer of polymer, and attaching a chemo-attractant to the hydrophilic moiety.

Abstract: Implantable biocompatible polymeric medical devices include a substrate with a plasma-modified surface which is subsequently modified to include click reactive members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to provide a metal wire with a coating system comprising a primer and a topcoat, particularly a hydrophilic, lubricious topcoat. The method comprises applying directly onto the wire metal a primer coating composition, which is an aqueous coating composition comprising a multiphase vinyl polymer, the polymer comprising a first phase having a Tg in the range of from ?20° C. to 40° C. and a hard phase having a Tg in the range of from 25° C. to 120° C. The primer has good adhesion to both the metal surface and the topcoat, and provides the eventual coating system with, inter alia, a good flexibility.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis assemblies and methods of making endoprosthesis assemblies are disclosed. For example, endoprosthesis assemblies are described that include an endoprosthesis body and a polymeric coating about the endoprosthesis body. The polymeric coatings are engaged tightly to the endoprosthesis wall through engageable features created on the surface of the polymeric coatings and the surface of the endoprosthesis wall prior to engaging the surfaces.

Abstract: Provided herein is a medical device that includes RGD attached to the device via a spacer compound.

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: An expandable stent (12) for use in the implantation of a valve prosthesis (11) using a delivery system (10) is disclosed. The self-expandable stent (12) includes a tubular lattice structure (13) defined by longitudinally aligned rods (16) connected to V- shaped struts (17) for forming a plurality of interconnected chevron-shaped six-sided polygons (24) that define a distal end zone (21) and a middle zone (20) of the tubular lattice structure (13). A flare (27) or bend may be defined along opposite ends of each rod (16) to properly seat and prevent undue torsion of the stent (12) and valve prosthesis (11) during deployment and placement of the stent (12) within the lumen.

Abstract: Some invention embodiments relate to an implant having a base body composed of a biocorrodible magnesium alloy and a polylactide coating. The implant is characterized in that the coating contains seed crystals and/or lipophilic substances as additives.

Abstract: A coating for a stent and methods for coating a stent are provided. The coating may be used for the sustained delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.

Abstract: A stent is fabricated utilizing a polymer that is selected for its tendency to degrade from the surface inwardly rather than undergo bulk erosion so as to substantially reduce the risk of large particles becoming detached and being swept downstream. Such polymer is hydrophobic yet has water-labile linkages interconnecting the monomers. Ester or imide bonds are incorporated in the polymer to render the surface degrading materials suitable for use in stent applications. The stent may be coated with such polymer or may be wholly formed therefrom.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a medical device comprising a base material and a bioactive in contact with the base material, the bioactive having a proton binding site with a non-ionic form and an ionic form, the bioactive being less soluble in water when the proton binding site is in the non-ionic form than when the proton binding site is in the ionic form, wherein at least 5% w/w of the bioactive is present with the proton binding site in the non-ionic form and wherein the bioactive is not an anesthetic. Another embodiment provides such a medical device where the bioactive is an anesthetic and where the device is not a ureteral stent. Another aspect provides method of manufacturing such devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tubular stents that are implanted within a body lumen. The stent has a cylindrical shape defining a longitudinal axis and includes a proximal helical section, a distal helical section and an intermediate ring section there between. Each of the proximal and distal helical sections has of a plurality of longitudinally oriented strut members and a plurality of circumferentially oriented hinge members connecting circumferentially adjacent strut members to form a band, the band being wrapped about the longitudinal axis in a substantially helical manner to form a plurality of helical windings, wherein the distal helical section is wound about the longitudinal axis in the opposite direction from the proximal helical section. The intermediate ring section includes a plurality of longitudinally oriented strut members and a plurality of circumferentially oriented hinge members connecting circumferentially adjacent strut members to form an endless ring.

Abstract: Provided herein are a method, which comprises implanting in a patient an implantable device comprising a coating that includes a PEGylated hyaluronic acid and a PEGylated non-hyaluronic acid biocompatible polymer and the methods of use thereof.