Abstract: The surface of a high molecular weight polymer such as high molecular weight polyethylene is modified in a localized manner by treatment with a plasma gas. The treatment produces a variety of useful results, depending on the gas used and the treatment conditions. One such result is crosslinking of the polymer in a localized manner at the surface to improve the durability of the surface against detrimental processes such as reorientation and alignment of the crystalline lamellae parallel to the contact surface which renders the surface susceptible to disintegration into particles. Another result is the chemical transformation of the surface for purposes such as increasing the hydrophilic or hydrophobic nature of the surface or coupling functional groups to the surface.

Abstract: This invention provides biodegradable, biocompatible polymeric films having uniform selected thicknesses between about 60 micrometers and about 5 mm useful in the manufacture of therapeutic implants for insertion into a patient's body. The films may be shaped to cover implants made of other materials to improve their biocompatibility. The films may be coated with or incorporate bioactive agents. They may have differing properties, e.g., porosity, thickness, and degradation rate, in different areas.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-layer membrane comprising a matrix layer predominantly of collagen II and having an open sponge-like texture, and at least one barrier layer having a close, relatively impermeable texture. Such a membrane is particularly suitable for use in guided tissue regeneration, in particular for use in vivo in the reconstruction of bone or cartilage tissue.

Abstract: Bone augmentation in a mammalian body to enhance the mechanical strength of a prosthesis is provided by reinforcement of bone in the region surrounding the implant device. A number of fibrillar wires are formed on the prosthetic implant device. Formation of the fibrillar wires comprises gauging the implant device so that the fibrillar wires are formed by peeling them from the implant device. Alternatively, formation of the fibrillar wires may comprise forming a mesh of fibrillar wires having a woolly structure, forming the mesh around the prosthetic implant device, and attaching a number of the fibrillar wires to the prosthetic implant device. A coating is formed on the fibrillar wires and an associated prosthetic implant device. The coating comprises bone morphogenetic proteins along with osteoinductive factors and osteoconductive factors that function as nutrients, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory agents, and blood-clotting factors.

Abstract: An essentially non-osteoconductive medical device is described comprising a biodegradable terephthalate copolymer comprising the recurring monomeric units shown in formula I: wherein R is a divalent organic moiety; x is ≧1; and n is 3-7,500, where the biodegradable polymer is sufficiently pure to be biocompatible and is capable of forming biocompatible residues upon biodegradation. Compositions containing the copolymers and biologically active substances, articles useful for implantation or injection into the body fabricated from the compositions, and methods for controllably releasing biologically active substances using the copolymers, are also described.

Abstract: A crosslinkable macromer system and related methods of preparing the system and using the system in the form of a crosslinked matrix between a tissue site and an implant article such as a tissue implant or on the porous surface of a prosthetic device. The macromer system includes two or more polymer-pendent polymerizable groups and one or more initiator groups (e.g., polymer-pendent initiator groups). The polymerizable groups and the initiator group(s), when polymer-pendent, can be pendent on the same or different polymeric backbones. The macromer system provides advantages over the use of polymerizable macromers and separate, low molecular weight initiators, including advantages with respect to such properties as nontoxicity, efficiency, and solubility. A macromer system of the invention can be used as an interface between the tissue site and implant article in a manner sufficient to permit tissue growth through the crosslinked matrix and between the tissue site and implant.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for delivering a polyionic bioactive composition such as a nucleic acid to a tissue of an animal. The compositions of the invention include compositions which comprise a matrix comprising the polyionic bioactive agent and wherein at least most of the polyionic bioactive agent at the exterior portion of the matrix is present in a condensed form. The invention also includes methods of making such compositions, including particles, devices, bulk materials, and other objects which comprise, consist of, or are coated with such compositions. Methods of delivering a polyionic bioactive agent to an animal tissue are also described. The invention further includes a method of storing a nucleic acid.

Abstract: The medical device is coated with a thin coherent bond coat of acrylics, epoxies, acetals, ethylene copolymers, vinyl polymers containing hydroxyl, amine, carboxyl, amide or other reactive groups, and copolymers thereof. Outer layers may be applied and remain adherent to the substrate in water for an extended period. The bond coat may comprise cross linkers such as urea resins, melamines, isocyanates, and phenolics. Preferred polymers include vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate, styrene acrylic polymer, ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, carboxyl function acrylic polymer, hydroxyl function acrylic polymer, and acrylic dispersion polymer. The coatings may be applied to inert metal or plastic surfaces of medical devices such as needles, guide wires, catheters, surgical instruments, equipment for endoscopy, wires, stents, angioplasty balloons, wound drains, arteriovenous shunts, gastroenteric tubes, urethral inserts, laparoscopic equipment, pellets, and implants. Methods of coating and coating liquids are provided.

Abstract: A surgical implant system includes an implant body and an osseostimulative surface applied to, or used with, the implant body, the surface including a calcium sulfate (CS) compound which is a member selected from the group consisting of CS dihydrate, CS hemihydrate, anhydrous CS, and mixtures thereof. The performance and rate of resorption of the osseostimulative surface may be improved or modified through the use of a stabilizing component, a viscosity modifier, a pH modifier, or a cell growth inductive microgeometry. The system is also definable in terms of an in situ system of bone augmentation in which a bio-resorbable CS matrix, in various physical forms, from a kit is disposed about the surgical implant positioned within an osseotomy site.

Abstract: An article (e.g., in the form of an implantable medical article) in the form of a support material bearing an intermediate layer consisting of a functional silicone polymer formulation, the intermediate layer having photoimmobilized thereon a target compound. In another aspect, a method of fabricating an article including the steps of providing a support material, applying an intermediate layer and photoimmobilizing a target compound onto the intermediate layer, and optionally, reforming the support material into a final desired article.