Abstract: Described herein are hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donating polymers and polymer systems suitable for coating or forming medical devices and methods for making and using the same. More specifically, described are H2S donating polymers comprising at least one monomer with at least one basic group that can be complexed with H2S to form a charged H2S complex. The H2S donating polymers can provide controlled release of H2S once implanted at or within the target surgical site. The H2S donating polymers can be coated onto a medical device, formed into a medical device or combined with one or more other polymers to form a polymer system.

Abstract: Lactam polymers has been modified with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) to yield lactam polymers bearing hydroxyl functional groups. These functional groups are useful for the covalent attachment of reactive groups, fluorescent probes, antimicrobial agents, bioactive factors, and drugs. The resulting as components for medical devices, specifically ophthalmic devices and more specifically contact lenses. Hydrogels based on these polymers are also useful for biomedical applications in the areas of drug delivery, tissue engineering, and implantable devices.

Abstract: Provided herein is a PEA polymer blend and coatings or implantable devices formed therefrom.

Abstract: Provided herein are implantable medical devices comprising a biodegradable multiblock copolymer comprising at least three blocks; wherein the at least three blocks includes at least one inner block and two end blocks; further wherein each of the at least one inner block comprises monomers selected from the group consisting of e-caprolactone, r-butylactone, trimethylene carbonate, caprolactone derivatives, P-Dioxanone, and combinations thereof; and further wherein each of the end blocks comprises monomers selected from the group consisting of l-lactide, D-lactide, glycolide, L,D-lactide, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A biocompatible biological component is provided comprising a membrane-mimetic surface film covering a substrate. Suitable substrates include hydrated substrates, e.g. hydrogels which may contain drugs for delivery to a patient through the membrane-mimetic film, or may be made up of cells, such as islet cells, for transplantation. The surface may present exposed bioactive molecules or moieties for binding to target molecules in vivo, for modulating host response when implanted into a patient (e.g. the surface may be antithrombogenic or antiinflammatory) and the surface may have pores of selected sizes to facilitate transport of substances therethrough. An optional hydrophilic cushion or spacer between the substrate and the membrane-mimetic surface allows transmembrane proteins to extend from the surface through the hydrophilic cushion, mimicking the structure of naturally-occurring cells.

Abstract: Alloy compositions suitable for fabricating medical devices, such as stents, are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the compositions have small amounts of nickel, e.g., the compositions can be substantially free of nickel.

Abstract: A manufacturing process and resultant medical devices and components thereof wherein one or more individual laces (12) is placed within an embroidered structure (10) using an automated process allowing for the manufacture of embroidered surgical implants containing laces to be mass produced repeatably and cost effectively.

Abstract: A tubular stent formed from a plurality of filaments, the filaments constructed out of a solid bioabsorbable polymeric material having active agent particles dispersed there through that are visible by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The active agent particles are superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles. The SPIO particles enhance the visibility of the polymeric stent under MRI, and also allow for accurate monitoring of stent degradation. As the stent degrades, the SPIO particles are released and either flow downstream or are embedded by nearby macrophages. The amount of SPIO particles within the remaining stent body is decreased, which results in a different MRI signal. By quantifying the signal change, the amount of biodegradable stent remaining can be deduced in situ and the stent degradation rate may be accurately calculated.

Abstract: Sheathing for reinforcing natural veins for use as surgical implants in the form of textile netting that is configured by forming a seamless, tubular, essentially pile-less, knit fabric and has loops having large, open apertures having essentially polygonal shapes is made available.

Abstract: A biocompatible, bioerodable polyanhydride polymer having a Young's modulus between about 1.5 and 3 and a selected rate of surface degradation, and methods of forming and using the polymer, are disclosed. The polymer is formed of a polyester prepolymer having a preferred molecular weight of greater than 5 and less than 7.5 Kdaltons, and a selected number of anhydride linkages between 5 and about 30.

Abstract: A medical device for treating a target site within a lumen having an arcuate portion is provided. The medical device includes a first tubular portion comprising a proximal and distal end, and a second tubular portion comprising a proximal and distal end. A linking portion couples the first and second tubular portions, and an opening defined between the distal end of the first tubular portion and the proximal end of the second tubular portion. At least part of the linking portion is configured to conform to at least a portion of the arcuate portion of the lumen. Associated methods for using a medical device are also provided.

Abstract: The ePTFE structure includes an ePTFE structure which has a node and fibril micro-structure. The micro-structure includes specific nodes which are connected to the fibrils. One or more of the specific nodes are sintered and the fibrils are un-sintered. A method for making the ePTFE structure includes identifying and sintering one or more of the specific nodes.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a polymeric implantable device with improved fracture toughness through annealing are disclosed herein. A polymeric construct is annealed with no or substantially no crystal growth to increase nucleation density. After the annealing, crystallites are grown around the formed nuclei. An implantable medical device, such as a stent, can be fabricated from the polymer construct after the crystallite growth.

Abstract: The vascular graft includes a conduit structure having outer and inner wall surfaces. The conduit structure includes a longitudinal central portion having a flexibility. The conduit structure further includes a pair of longitudinal intermediate portions each of which are integral with the central portion and located longitudinally such that the central portion is between the intermediate portions. The intermediate portions each have a flexibility which is less than the flexibility of the central portion.

Abstract: A method for modifying an ePTFE surface by plasma immersion ion implantation includes the steps of providing an ePTFE material in a chamber suitable for plasma treatment; providing a continuous low energy plasma discharge onto the sample; and applying negative high voltage pulses of short duration to form a high energy ion flux from the plasma discharge to generate ions which form free radials on the surface of the ePTFE material without changing the molecular and/or physical structure below the surface to define a modified ePTFE surface. The step of applying the high voltage pulses modifies the surface of the ePTFE without destroying the node and fibril structure of the ePTFE, even when the step of applying the high voltage pulses etches and/or carburizes the surface of the ePTFE. The modified surface may have a depth of about 30 nm to about 500 nm. The ions are dosed onto the ePTFE sample at concentrations or doses from about 1013 ions/cm2 to about 1016 ions/cm2.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable medical devices and methods for fabricating thereof are disclosed. The coatings include a layer comprising a hydrophobic polymer and a layer comprising a hydrophilic or amphiphilic polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to blends of high, optionally medium, and low molecular weight polyesters where at least the low molecular weight polyester is substituted with an acidic moiety, the biodegradation of the blends being controllable by selection of the mean molecular weigh of each fraction, the quantity of each fraction in the blend and the amount and pKa of the acidic moiety(ies).

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the invention, implantable and insertable medical devices are provided, which contain (a) a substrate and (b) a polymeric layer disposed on the substrate that comprises a fluorinated polymer to which is grafted an unsaturated monomer having at least one carbon double bond and at least one polar functional group.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices and methods of forming thereof made from polymers with end groups providing improved thermal stability are disclosed. Implantable medical devices made from such polymers including stabilizing agents are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention include implantable medical devices such as stents manufactured from polymers, and more particularly, biodegradable polymers including biodegradable polyesters. Other embodiments include methods of fabricating implantable medical devices from polymers. The devices and methods utilize one or more stabilizers, where each stabilizer may be chosen from the following categories: free radical scavengers, peroxide decomposers, catalyst deactivators, water scavengers, and metal scavengers.

Abstract: Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a delivery system including a stent protector to protect an end of the stent and/or stent body for delivery of the stent to an intended fixation site or treatment site within a body lumen. More specifically, the present invention is directed to balloon catheter which protects the distal end, proximal end and/or body of a stent during delivery to the deployment site and/or shipping of a preloaded system.

Abstract: The use of nucleating agents to manufacture polymeric stents is disclosed. The resulting stents may have increased crystallinity, decreased crystal size, increased mechanical properties, and faster degradation times.

Abstract: Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned.

Abstract: The present invention provides medical devices comprising nanocomposite materials. By utilizing nanocomposites in the production thereof, the inventive medical devices can be produced with various advantageous properties. Methods of producing the inventive medical devices are also provided. Inasmuch as the inventive devices are expected to provide certain advantages in their use, there is also provide a method of medical care including methods of treatment or diagnosis, wherein the inventive devices are brought into therapeutic contact with a body to be treated or diagnosed thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides intravascular prostheses and methods of production and use. An implantable device for treating a vascular disease or disorder includes an intravascular prosthesis containing an inhibitor of smooth muscle cell proliferation and a growth factor. The device can be coated with a biodegradable drug-eluting polymer that is impregnated with the inhibitor of smooth muscle cell proliferation and the growth factor. The device is useful for treating or preventing a vascular disease or disorder such as restenosis, by simultaneously inhibiting vessel blockage and enhancing recovery of the vessel wall following an intravascular intervention.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as stents, fabricated at least in part from a polymer composite including a biodegradable elastomeric phase dispersed within a biodegradable polymeric matrix are disclosed. The composite is composed of a polyurethane block copolymer including soft polymer blocks and a hard polymer blocks.

Abstract: As a novel biodegradable metallic material the degradation speed of which in vivo can be controlled over a broad scope while achieving desired mechanical properties such as strength, work hardening and ductility without restricting the shape of an implant device, it is intended to provide a magnesium-based biodegradable metallic material which comprises Mg containing Mg as the major composition and having a concentration of inevitable impurities equal to or less than 0.05 atomic %, is free from precipitates or intermetallic compounds, and has an average grain size being regulated to equal to or less than ¼ of the minimum part of the material.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, polymers that have a plurality of well defined polymer segments linked by disulfide linkages are provided. When these disulfide linkages are broken, multiple smaller polymers of lower molecular weight are produced. According to another aspect of the present invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided that contain polymers that have a plurality of well defined polymer segments linked by disulfide linkages.

Abstract: An implant having a base body, comprised either entirely or in part of a biocorrodible metallic material wherein at least the parts of the base body having the biocorrodible metallic material are at least partially covered with a coating of a crosslinked CFx layer with an F/C ratio in the range of 0.5 to 1.5.

Abstract: A medical article that includes (a) an electronically conductive substrate having a specific conductivity of at least 1 ?S/cm and (b) a galvanic couple that includes a first member and a second member arranged in sufficient proximity to each other to generate a localized electric field under physiological conditions. The first and second members are selected such that the galvanic couple exhibits an average plateau current density of at least 25 microamps/cm2 when short circuited in a zero resistance ammeter test at room temperature using a saline electrolyte.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis includes coatings of selected porosity formed of particulates of ceramics, metals, drugs and/or polymers.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis such as a coronary stent includes a porous reservoir of drug, e.g., a porous layer formed of a ceramic and an overlayer formed of ceramic or metal for controlling elution of drug from the reservoir.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes a brittle layer, e.g. a ceramic and an underlayer to accommodate dimensional changes as the endoprosthesis is flexed.

Abstract: A method includes: providing a substrate, depositing a ceramic and an extractable material onto the substrate, forming a porous structure in the ceramic by removing the extractable material, and utilizing the ceramic in an endoprosthesis. An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, including a coating formed of a ceramic and an extractable material that can be removed from the coating to form voids is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: An endoprosthesis such as a coronary stent includes a porous metal reservoir of drug, e.g. directly in the body of the stent. And a method of loading drug into the porous reservoir includes applying an electrical potential to the endoprosthesis.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a stent for insertion into a vessel of a patient. The stent has a front and back open ends and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The stent has a plurality of adjacent hoops that are held in alignment with the longitudinal axis between the front and back open ends by a thin film tube. The hoops are attached to either the inner or outer surface of the thin film tube. The stent is compressed into a first smaller diameter for insertion into the vessel with a delivery tube and a second larger diameter for deployment into the vessel. The inventive stent can be retracted into the delivery tube if it is improperly deployed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyurethane or polyurethane/urea composition which has a tensile strength greater than 10 MPa, a modulus of elasticity greater than 400 MPa and an elongation at break greater than 30% at a temperature of between 0° C. and 60° C. and at a relative humidity of between 0% and 100%. The invention further provides uses of the compositions of the invention in biomedical vascular stents, an orthopaedic implant, a drug delivery coating or in tissue engineering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula I and II, which are functionalized amino acids, and polymers formed from the same. Polymers formed from the functionalized amino acids are expected to have controllable degradation profiles, enabling them to release an active component over a desired time range. The polymers are also expected to be useful in a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, medical devices are provided which comprise (a) a substrate having first and second surfaces, (b) a nanofiber-textured layer comprising nanofibers disposed over at least the first surface of the substrate and defining a nanotextured outer surface for the device, and (c) a therapeutic-agent-eluting layer comprising a therapeutic agent and a polymer disposed over at least the second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, medical devices are provided which comprise: (a) a substrate and (b) bioerodable polymeric layer over the substrate that contains (i) one or more biodegradable polymers, (ii) one or more therapeutic agents, and (iii) one or more plasticizers.

Abstract: In embodiments, a stent includes a stent body and a wire-form carrying a drug located along the stent body.

Abstract: By a contrast means contained in an inventive stent which has a greater permeability for x-radiation features than the body tissue surrounding the stent in a relevant body conduit, this stent can be clearly detected in its position on an x-ray image of the relevant body conduit while at the same time exhibiting good biological compatibility; a gas, especially one contained in cavities of the stent is provided as a contrast means. The inventive production method for this stent with the aid of a catheter embodied specially for the purpose enables the production of the stent from a malleable polymer mass in the relevant body conduit so that the stent is adapted especially precisely to the shape of the relevant body conduit.

Abstract: A luminal stent, implanted and implanted and left in the blood vessel, is disclosed. By permitting a stent (1), formed of a biodegradable polymer material (2), to be swollen, and by impregnating the swollen stent (1) with a drug, a sufficient quantity of the drug is impregnated in the stent. This drug is continuously released into the blood vessel over a prolonged time. A biodegradable polymer layer is formed on the surface of the stent (1) impregnated with the drug, and the release rate of the drug impregnated in the stent is controlled.

Abstract: A vascular implant is provided. The implant can comprise a first material layer and at least one metallic material disposed on at least a portion of the first material layer in a predetermined pattern. The implant can further comprise at least one hydrophobic material disposed on at least a portion of the surface of at least one of the first material layer and the at least one metallic material.

Abstract: An implant of a biocorrodable metallic material comprising a coating having a biocorrodable polyphosphazene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to implantable medical devices coated with polymer having tunable hydrophobicity and their use in the treatment of vascular diseases.

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided.

Abstract: Described are devices, methods, and systems useful for deploying one or more occlusive prostheses within the vasculature of a patient. Illustrative devices can include a deployment tube or sheath that contains an occlusive prosthesis, wherein a segment of the sheath is reversible by a user so as to deploy the prosthesis from the sheath lumen within a bodily lumen of a patient.