Abstract: A stent includes a tubular stent body 11, a diamond-like carbon film 12 formed on the surface of the stent body 11 and having an activated surface, and a polymer layer 13 immobilized on the surface of the diamond-like carbon film. The polymer layer 13 contains a drug 14 having an effect to prevent restenosis, and the drug 14 is gradually released from the polymer layer 13.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a substrate having a plasma polymerized functionality bonded to at least a portion of the substrate. A superoxide dismutase mimic agent having a complimentary functional group to the plasma polymerized functionality is bonded to the portion of the substrate by bonding to the plasma polymerized functionality. The functionalities can be carboxylate, amine, or sulfate groups and/or polyethylene glycol and can optionally include crosslinking groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radially-expandable stent for implantation in a bodily passageway, being expandable from an initial unexpanded state to an expanded state, having an outer surface with a geometric pattern covering said outer surface to minimize migration after implantation.

Abstract: Extruded, stretched, sintered tubular PTFE materials are produced which are suited for use in the medical field as liners and covers for expandable stents. The PTFE materials have an unusually low REC (Radial Expansion Coefficient) and RER (Radial Expansion Ratio).

Abstract: A thread for forming a vascular stent implanted in vessels is provided. This thread is formed by melt-spinning a biodegradable polymer. On the surface of the thread, there is formed a layer of a drug-containing biodegradable polymer of the same sort as the biodegradable polymer constituting the thread.

Abstract: A method of delivering an agent into a bodily lumen, the method comprising: implanting an implantable medical device into a treatment site of a lumen, the device having an abluminal face and a luminal face, wherein the device includes depots that extend from an open end at a luminal face to an open end at an abluminal face; and introducing an agent into the open end of the depots at the luminal face such that the agent is delivered to the treatment site through the open end at the abluminal face.

Abstract: A biocompatible non-memory expandable polymeric article selected from stents, implantable prostheses, catheters, other surgical articles and sealants for implantable prostheses, and which is at least in part biodegradable and includes a combination where hollow cylindrical element (2) is depicted in cutaway form to reveal helical element (4), terminated schematically at (6) and where a combination of at least one thermoplastic elastomeric component and at least one thermoplastic non-elastomeric component, the article being either porous articles or having the potential to become porous by action of body fluids in situ), the thermoplastic non-elastomeric component being present in such an amount as will provide mechanical strength and rigidity to the article when in an expanded mode.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes a ceramic, such as IROX, having a select morphology and composition.

Abstract: A polymer coating for medical devices based on polyorthoesters and methods for fabricating the coating are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-sealing arteriovenous graft including a tube having a polymeric inner layer defining a lumen through which blood may flow and an outer textile layer. The outer textile layer is concentrically disposed about the inner layer. Furthermore, an intermediate self-sealing layer is concentrically positioned between the inner and outer layers. The self-sealing layer includes a biocompatible polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the investigation of sludge deposition on materials for coating endoprostheses. At least one endoprosthesis is placed in an incubation chamber which is at least partly filled with infected bile. The incubation chamber is rocked gently on a rocking platform for a period of about 35 days. The bile fluid is regularly partly exchanged. The endoprosthesis is embodied in a coated plastic. The coating comprises 70 to 80% by weight of hydrophobic components and 30% to 20% by weight of hydrophilic components. The coating may particularly have a sol-gel embodiment. An application in bile duct prostheses is possible.

Abstract: Crosslinked compositions formed from water-insoluble copolymers are disclosed. These compositions are copolymers having a bioresorbable region, a hydrophilic region and at least two cross-linkable functional groups per polymer chain. Crosslinking of these polymers can be effected in solution in organic solvents or in solvent-free systems. If crosslinking occurs in a humid environment, a hydrogel will form. If crosslinking occurs in a non-humid environment, a xerogel will form which will form a hydrogel when exposed to a humid environment and the resulting crosslinked materials form hydrogels when exposed to humid environments. These hydrogels are useful as components in medical devices such as implantable prostheses. In addition, such hydrogels are useful as delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents and as scaffolding for tissue engineering applications.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices fabricated from block copolymers are disclosed.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holders where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft by placing the hybrid hemodialysis access graft or the hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the hybrid graft.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid lower limb artery bypass vascular graft by placing the hybrid lower limb artery bypass vascular graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote endothelial cells to form a confluent monolayer on the surface of the hybrid vascular graft.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid carotid bypass vascular graft by placing the hybrid carotid bypass vascular graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the hybrid vascular graft.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote engraftment of a hybrid carotid bypass vascular graft following implantation into a mammal's body by placing the hybrid carotid bypass vascular graft in a system embodiment according to the invention prior to implantation of the hybrid carotid bypass vascular graft into the mammal's body.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid carotid bypass vascular graft by placing the hybrid carotid bypass vascular graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote stem cells to differentiate into endothelial cells on a surface of the hybrid carotid bypass vascular graft.

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: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can prepare a hybrid lower limb artery bypass vascular graft intended for implantation into a mammal by placing the hybrid lower limb artery bypass vascular graft in a system embodiment according to the invention prior to implantation of the hybrid lower limb artery bypass vascular graft into the mammal.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holders where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can coat a hybrid carotid bypass vascular graft with a confluent monolayer of endothelial cells by immobilizing a plurality of endothelial cells on the hybrid carotid bypass vascular graft and placing the hybrid carotid bypass vascular graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote the endothelial cells to form a confluent monolayer on the surface of the hybrid vascular graft.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in die specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid carotid bypass vascular graft by placing the hybrid carotid bypass vascular graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote endothelial cells to form a confluent monolayer on the surface of the hybrid vascular graft.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can coat a hybrid graft with a confluent monolayer of endothelial cells by immobilizing stem cells on a hybrid carotid bypass vascular graft, placing the hybrid graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote the stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the surface of the hybrid vascular graft and in an environment to promote the stem cells to differentiate into endothelial cells.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid lower limb artery bypass vascular graft by placing the hybrid lower limb artery bypass vascular graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote stem cells to differentiate into endothelial cells on a surface of the hybrid lower limb artery bypass vascular graft.

Abstract: Nitric Oxide (NO)-releasing polymers useful as implantable medical devices and coatings therefore are provided. Specifically the implantable medical devices and/or coatings comprise NO-releasing biodegradable polymers derived from [1,4]oxazepan-7-one and its derivatives. The medical devices and coatings of the present invention can also be used for in situ controlled release delivery of additional bioactive agents and are useful for treating or preventing medical conditions such as restenosis, aneurysms and vulnerable plaque.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making cross-linked, oxidatively stable, and highly crystalline polymeric materials. The invention also provides methods of treating irradiation-cross-linked antioxidant-containing polymers and materials used therewith.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a stent, and in particular to at least partially biodegradable stent having at least one section made of a material having a particular porous structure.

Abstract: This application is directed toward an improved method of synthesizing cationic siloxane prepolymers as well as a specific cationic siloxane prepolymer having improved compatibility with monofunctional siloxanyl methacrylate monomers and medical devices containing the cationic siloxane prepolymer.

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: A stent according to the present invention incorporates an intraluminal scaffold for initial relief of stenoses or for providing support within bodily lumens, such as blood vessels, of children and adults. The scaffold minimizes flow disturbances in a stented region of a bodily lumen by the use of a strut having a transitional lumen surface, thereby limiting the potential for the development of neointimal hyperplasia and subsequent restenosis, and lessening the potential for early and late thrombosis formation and dislodgement. Any stent for use in any application can be initially manufactured with the strut shape of the current invention. Alternatively, the shape of the struts of existing stents can be modified during a post-processing procedure after fabrication thereby making the invention applicable to all stent designs presently available.

Abstract: A composition-of-matter, comprising one or more plastically deformable fiber is disclosed. The plastically deformable fiber(s) comprise a first and a second composition, where the first composition comprises at least one generally nondistensible polymer and the second composition comprises at least one agent capable of modulating distensibility of the generally nondistensible polymer(s).

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method of forming a medical device is provided, which includes: (a) contacting a substrate with a solution that contains (i) one or more types of polymers, (ii) a solvent that contains one or more types of solvent species, and (iii) one or more optional agents, for example, one or more therapeutic agents, among others; and (b) removing the solvent from the solution, thereby forming a polymeric layer on the substrate. The composition of the solution is changed over the course of forming the polymeric layer. In another aspect of the invention, a medical device is provided, which includes a substrate and a polymeric layer over the substrate. The polymeric layer contains a copolymer that contains differing first and second monomers. The lower surface of the polymeric layer contacting the substrate has a surface concentration of the first monomer relative to the second monomer that is higher than that of the upper surface of the polymeric layer opposite the substrate.

Abstract: An implantable medical apparatus includes a structure formed from bioabsorbable polymers. The apparatus also contains a therapeutic agent dispersed throughout the structure or coated on the structure in such a manner as to elute the therapeutic agent when implanted in an anatomical conduit. The apparatus can be constructed from a blend of polymers and other agents. The apparatus is implanted into the conduit by expansion with a balloon or some other expandable means. The morphology or arrangement of the polymeric structure ensures that the device maintains its shape characteristics to ensure proper modeling of the vessel. In particular, the crystallinity of the polymeric structure is adjusted so as to resist recoil.

Abstract: Endoprostheses such as stents are disclosed that are, or that include portions that are, bioerodible.

Abstract: An endoprothesis comprising a bioerodible body having local erosion rates of the body that vary as a continuous function of radial distance from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A biocompatible material may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including intraluminal stents. Polymeric materials may be utilized to fabricate any of these devices, including stents. The stents may be balloon expandable or self-expanding. The polymeric materials may include additives such as drugs or other bioactive agents as well as radiopaque agents. By preferential mechanical deformation of the polymer, the polymer chains may be oriented to achieve certain desirable performance characteristics.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided in which a porous layer is disposed over a therapeutic-agent-containing region. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, medical devices are fabricated by a method in which a porous layer is deposited over a therapeutic-agent-containing region using a field-injection-based electrospray technique.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a substrate having a plasma polymerized functionality bonded to at least a portion of the substrate. A superoxide dismutase mimic agent having a complimentary functional group to the plasma polymerized functionality is bonded to the portion of the substrate by bonding to the plasma polymerized functionality.

Abstract: A polymeric coating for a medical device that comprises poly(lactic acid) and a block copolymer including blocks of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(butylene terephthalate) is provided.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed having a coating. The coating includes a poly(butylene terephthalate-co-ethylene glycol)polymer. The coating can also include a drug.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis comprising a first layer having a predetermined first porosity and a second layer having a predetermined second porosity, wherein the first layer and the second layer are each made of first and second electrospun polymer fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial vascular grafts, methods for manufacturing and uses for them. The grafts are coated on their lumen with UP50. The grafts comprise an inner surface on which cells genetically altered to express or over-express one or more cell adhesion factors and one or more cell proliferation factors are seeded and cultured.

Abstract: An expandable stent having a covering which exhibits the characteristic of upon being activated by applying an agent to the covering, dissolving to expose a portion of the underlying stent. The stent may be placed across the neck of an aneurysm to seal the aneurysm and thereafter a selected region of the covering may be dissolved by an activating agent to permit blood to flow to adjacent vessels.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable medical devices and methods for fabricating the same are disclosed. The coatings include carboxylated acrylates and polycationic peptides, for example R7.

Abstract: A stent comprising a coating layer is disclosed. The coating layer has a hydrophobic component and a hydrophilic component, wherein a region of the coating layer on or about the outermost surface of the coating layer has a higher content or concentration of the hydrophilic component than the hydrophobic component.

Abstract: A composite supported vascular graft comprising Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and/or Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) for enhanced site-specific angiogenesis and methods thereof are disclosed. At least one VEGF, PDGF or angiogenesis factor is incorporated into the composite vascular graft to facilitate enhanced angiogenesis so as the cells are stimulated to migrate to environments having higher concentration of growth factors and start mitosis.

Abstract: A polymer coating for medical devices based on polyorthoesters and methods for fabricating the coating are disclosed.

Abstract: A membrane that reduces the rate at which a therapeutic substance is released from an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed.

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: A stent-graft fabricated from a thin-walled, high strength material provides for a more durable and lower profile endoprosthesis. The stent-graft comprises one or more stent segments covered with a fabric formed by the weaving, knitting or braiding of a biocompatible, high tensile strength, abrasion resistant, highly durable yarn such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The one or more stent segments may be balloon expandable or self-expanding. The fabric may be attached to the stent segments utilizing any number of known materials and techniques.