Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to additively manufacturing a three-dimensional structure. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a plurality of stacked layers are deposited, and for one or more respective layers of the plurality of stacked layers, pores are formed within the layer by applying pulsed energy to the layer. The pulsed energy is used to create a space sealed within the layer and having an inner surface defined by material of the layer.

Abstract: A bioprinter and methods of using the bioprinter. The bioprinter permits selective three-dimensional movement of multiple nozzle assemblies during operation of the bioprinter. The bioprinter can be used to produce scaffold-free tissue constructs having a plurality of cellular elements interspersed among a semi-permeable vascular network. The bioprinter can also be used to print a tissue construct directly onto a tissue defect of a subject. The bioprinter can be provided as part of a bioprinting system that includes a scanner for imaging the tissue defect.

Abstract: Plasma systems for depositing biomolecules, pharmaceutical agents, and other therapeutic active agents onto surfaces are described. The systems may include a plasma device having one or more electrodes, a gas supply inlet, a plasma outlet exposed to ambient pressure, and an ignition system operatively connected to the electrodes for providing a non-thermal equilibrium plasma within the plasma chamber. A particulate delivery system may be used to introduce the active agent(s) as a dry powder into or downstream of the plasma, and to deposit the plasma-treated active agent(s) to produce a coating on a surface. The coating may retain the activity of the active agent(s).

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods for treating conditions using antithrombin-heparin conjugates are disclosed. For example, medical devices can be coated with antithrombin-heparin (ATH) resulting in reduced thrombogenicity. Various conditions can likewise be treated with ATH.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for controlling delivery of a therapeutic coating to a medical implant device. An identifier of the medical implant device may be received. It may be determined, based at least in part on the first identifier, that the first medical implant device is approved to receive the therapeutic coating. A coating applicator system may be switched from a locked state in which it is prohibited from applying the therapeutic coating to an unlocked state in which it is permitted to apply the therapeutic coating. The coating applicator system may, while in the unlocked state, apply the therapeutic coating to the first medical implant device. After the applying of the therapeutic coating, the coating applicator system may be switched from the unlocked state back to the locked state.

Abstract: A prosthesis includes a tube with a proximal and distal flange around the tube. The distal and proximal flanges have a radial position, projecting radially outward to clamp tissue between the flanges. The flanges include distal flange feet and proximal flange feet. The distal and proximal flange feet bend from the radial position, against a pre-tension of the memory material, to an extended position, in which the distal and proximal flange feet extend in the longitudinal direction of the tube and are fixable there, returning when released to the radial position urged by the pre-tension. The flange feet have on inner sides a filling to increase the clamping force. The flange feet have a concave-curved part extending from the fixed ends of the flange feet. The hollow side of the concave faces the proximal and/or distal flange and the filling is provided in the hollow side of the concave.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing an amount of sub visible particles in a pharmaceutical composition contained in a medical injection device comprising a container (1) including a barrel (10) lubricated with a lubricant coating (2) in contact with the pharmaceutical composition, and a stopper (14) in sliding engagement within the barrel (10), the container comprising a region (130, 121, 123) extending distally from the distal end (100) of the barrel which is not accessible to the stopper. During formation of said lubricant coating (2) on the inner wall of the barrel, the method comprises limiting lubricant from being deposited into said region (130, 121, 123) extending distally from the distal end (100) of the barrel.

Abstract: A material for reducing exposure to ionizing radiation. One exemplary embodiment comprises a felt layer; a foil layer; a first adhesive film layer disposed between the outer felt layer and the foil layer; a radiation shield layer; a second adhesive film layer disposed between the foil layer and radiation shield layer; and a foam layer disposed on the surface of the radiation shield layer opposite the second adhesive film layer. The material may be installed in commercial aircraft, corporate aircraft, flight suits, helmets, military uniforms, rotary aircraft, spacecraft, and the like. For example, the material disclosed herein may be provided as a headliner in an aircraft, or alternatively may be used to line the entire interior of an aircraft. In one or more embodiments, the material may be secured to a surface using a hook and loop attachment mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for capturing specific cells (e.g. many types of cancer cells, including cancer cells not expressing EpCAM), and a method for analysis of specific cells involving the method. Included is a method for capturing specific cells present in blood or biological fluid, the method including: agglutinating blood cells in sampled blood or biological fluid; centrifuging the resulting blood or biological fluid; and then capturing specific cells therefrom onto a hydrophilic polymer layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for inhibiting growth of bacteria and to nanometer scale surfaces having antibacterial properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of filling different two-kinds of multiple inks into an ink extruding member for a three-dimensional print and a method of three-dimensional printing using the filled ink, and relates to a three-dimensional printing method using multiple inks comprising a step of applying pressure to the retained multiple inks and extruding it into a single extruding port of the extruding part to prepare an ink extruded product and printing the ink extruded product.

Abstract: A cloth mask includes a body, where the body has a piece of copper ion cloth and a piece of zinc oxide antibacterial cloth, the copper ion cloth is woven by a mixture of a first yarn, a second yarn and a copper yarn, the first yarn has a hydrophobicity and a moisture permeability and can form a water-resistant surface, and has a water-repellent effect and is exposed at an inner layer of the copper ion cloth, and the second yarn has a moisture-removing property and can form an antibacterial and moisture-removing surface to be exposed together with the copper yarn on a surface of the copper ion cloth.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to an electronic device housing that can include a heat sensitive coating and a second heat sensitive coating applied to an electronic device housing. The heat sensitive coating or portion thereof can include a thermochromatic colorant having a color-changing activation temperature, and the second heat sensitive coating or portion thereof can include a second thermochromatic colorant having a second color-changing activation temperature. The color-changing activation temperature can be a temperature from 30° C. to about 100° C., and the second color-changing activation temperature can be at least 5° C. greater than the color-changing activation temperature.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a biocidal composition formed by a reaction or combination of electrolyzed water and an amine, and methods for using same to kill or control microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and algae.

Abstract: A portable container is provided for handling an implant. The container comprises a sealed compartment enclosing a fluid of a pre-defined composition and at least one implant configured to be installed in a live subject. The container may comprise at least one electrode made of an electrical conductive material, electrically associated with an electric conductor outside the sealed compartment and configured for applying a plasma generating electric field inside the sealed compartment. An apparatus for plasma treatment of an implant and having an activation device is further provided. The activation device comprises a slot configured to receive a portable container, and an electrical circuit configured to be electrically associated with at least one electrode. The electrical circuit is configured to provide to the at least one electrode electric power suitable for applying a plasma generating electric field in the sealed compartment, when the portable container is disposed in the slot.

Abstract: Stent delivery systems having improved deliverability comprising an elongate member having an inflation lumen and a guidewire lumen therein; a balloon having an interior that is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen; and a stent comprising a coating mounted on the balloon. Methods for making stent delivery systems having improved deliverability. Methods for delivering two stent delivery systems concurrently through a guiding catheter, each stent delivery system comprising elongate member having an inflation lumen and a guidewire lumen therein, a balloon having an interior that is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen, and a stent comprising a coating mounted on the balloon. Stent coatings may comprise a pharmaceutical agent at least a portion of which is in crystalline form.

Abstract: The invention concerns coating composition comprising hydrophobic polymer for use as a photoreactive basecoat for a medical device or implant comprising a polymer made from monomers comprising: (a) 1 to 12 mol % of at least one photoactive monomer that is a hydrogen atom abstracter and (b) 99 to 88 mol % of one or more of acrylamides, methacrylamides, acrylates, methacrylates, and N-vinylpyrrolidone; wherein the polymer has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of less than 40° C.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a stent, including: coating a coating material on a stent; and drying the stent at a temperature in the range of from 40° C. to 150° C., and the coating and the drying are simultaneously performed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including manufacturing an impeller by coupling a material to a helical elongate element, such that the helical elongate element with the material coupled thereto defines a blade of the impeller. A portion of a structure that includes the helical elongate element is dipped into the material while the material is in a liquid state. The material is dried, while the material is being supported by the at least one helical elongate element. During the drying of material, the structure is rotated about its longitudinal axis, such as to facilitate the formation of a film of the material having a substantially uniform thickness within the impeller blade. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including an impeller that includes an impeller frame that comprises proximal and distal end portions and at least one helical elongate element that winds from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. A film of material is coupled to the at least one helical elongate element, such that the helical elongate element with the film of material coupled thereto defines a blade of the impeller. The film of material is shaped to define a hollow central lumen therethrough. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microstructure including a biocompatible polymer or an adhesive and to a method for manufacturing the same. The present inventors optimized the aspect ratio according to the type of each microstructure, thereby ensuring the optimal tip angle and the diameter range for skin penetration. Especially, the B-type to D-type microstructures of the present invention minimize the penetration resistance due to skin elasticity at the time of skin attachment, thereby increasing the penetration rate of the structures (60% or higher) and the absorption rate of useful ingredients into the skin. In addition, the D-type microstructure of the present invention maximizes the mechanical strength of the structure by applying a triple structure, and thus can easily penetrate the skin. When the plurality of microstructures are arranged in a hexagonal arrangement type, a uniform pressure can be transmitted to the whole microstructures on the skin.

Abstract: This application relates to a dip coating apparatus for coating a medical assist device such as a catheter or guidewire to a uniform thickness. The apparatus includes a casing and a coating booth disposed in the casing and containing a coating fluid. The apparatus also includes an elevating member vertically movable in the casing and configured to hold an upper end of each of medical assist devices so that the medical assist devices can be hung. The apparatus further includes a position adjusting member for adjusting the height of the elevating member, and a controller for controlling operation of the position adjusting member. The coating booth includes a coating unit having the same length as each medical assist device and a hopper-shaped guide unit that guides a bundle of the medical assist devices to be inserted into the coating unit when the guide unit contacts the medical assist devices.

Abstract: A system and method for printing cells in a medium. A multi-dimensional printer, stably constructed of low-mass parts, can include a computer numerically controlled system that can enable motors driving delivery systems. The motors can include encoders that can enable achieving arbitrary resolution. The motors can drive ballscrews to enable linear motion of delivery systems, and the delivery systems can enable printing of a biological material in a pre-selected pattern in a petri dish. The petri dish can accommodate a medium such as a gel, and can further accommodate a vision system that can detect actual position and deflection of the delivery system needle. The printer can accommodate multiple delivery systems and therefore multiple needles of various sizes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method of initiating an optical fiber. In some embodiments, a distal portion of the optical fiber is coated with an energy absorbing material. In some embodiments, the material includes a metal flakes or powder dispersed in a solution of organic solvents. After the material dries, laser energy is fired through the optical fiber. The laser energy can be absorbed in the material and ignites the organic solvents. This combustion melts the material of the optical fiber, and impregnates the optical fiber with the metal flakes or powder of the material. The resulting optical fiber is thus permanently modified so that the energy applied through the fiber is partially absorbed and converted to heat.

Abstract: A skin compatible component attachable to mammalian skin. The component is formed as a silicone matrix comprising a polyorganosiloxane derived silicone polymer and moisture control particulate distributed within the polymer network being configured to absorb moisture from the skin. The skin compatible component may be utilised as an ostomy wafer or flange to secure an ostomy appliance to the skin and in particular peri-skin.

Abstract: A BAK removal device is constructed as a plug of microparticles of a hydrophilic polymeric gel that displays a hydraulic permeability greater than 0.01 Da. The polymer hydrophilic polymeric gel comprises poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA). The particles are 2 to 100 ?m and the plug has a surface area of 30 mm2 to 2 mm2 and a length of 2 mm to 25 mm and wherein the microparticles of a hydrophilic polymeric gel has a pore radius of 3 to 60 ?m.

Abstract: A nucleic acid film fabrication method, includes: a mixing step in which a nucleic acid is added in powder form to distilled water or deionized water to prepare a mixed solution; a stirring step in which the mixed solution is stirred; a mixed solution application step in which the mixed solution is applied to a mold corresponding in shape to a final product of a nucleic acid film; and a drying step in which the mixed solution applied to the mold is dried to be formed into the nucleic acid film, wherein the mold has a groove formed thereon in a thickness direction thereof, such that the nucleic acid film passing through the drying step has a protrusion protruding from one surface thereof toward human skin to correspond to the groove.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can be used in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Provided are articles such as medical devices which comprise at least one water soluble, crosslinked copolymer. The primary polymer chains of the copolymer are hydrophilic and independently have a degree of polymerization in the range of about 10 to about 10,000. The water soluble, crosslinked copolymers of the present invention are free from terminal substrate associating segments. The copolymers may be incorporated into a formulation from which the article is made or may be contacted with the article post-formation.

Abstract: A method of forming an implantable electrode having electrode contacts on an electrode carrier having a coating includes providing a solution of silicone and dexamethasone dissolved in a solvent, applying the solution to the electrode carrier or to a substrate, and subjecting the solution to a two-step heat treatment process that includes a first heat treatment between about 50 and 90° C. for about 1 to 3 hours and a second heat treatment at an elevated temperature between 90° C. and 140° C. for about 2 hours in order to form the coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bio-electrode including an electro-conductive base material and a living body contact layer formed on the electro-conductive base material; wherein the living body contact layer contains a resin layer and particles dispersed in the resin layer, the particles being coated with gold, platinum, silver, or alloy of these metals; a thickness of the resin layer is equal to or thinner than an average particle size of the particles; the resin layer contains a silicon-containing resin and a non-silicon-containing resin; and the silicon-containing resin is localized in the direction of a surface of the resin layer. The bio-electrode of the present invention is superior in electric conductivity and biocompatibility, light in weight, can be manufactured at low cost, and can combine repellency of the resin layer surface and adhesion properties of the resin layer to particles.

Abstract: An exemplary valve repair device for repairing a native valve of a patient has a cap, and a paddle. The paddle has an inner paddle portion and an outer paddle portion. The inner paddle portion and the outer paddle portion are formed from a continuous strip of metal fabric. The outer paddle portion is connected to the cap. The cap is moveable away from the inner paddle portion to open the paddle.

Abstract: Disclosed are an implantable medical device, a preparation method thereof and an implantable medical device preform for the preparation of the implantable medical device. The implantable medical device comprises a metal basal body (21) and a polymer film layer (22) covering the surface of the metal basal body (21) and preventing endothelium growth and covering, and also comprises a transitional body (23), which is located between the metal basal body (21) and the polymer film layer (22) and covers at least part of the surface of the metal basal body (21), wherein the transitional body (23) is connected to the polymer film layer (22) and the metal basal body (21). By arranging the transitional body (23) to be connected to the polymer film layer (22) and the metal basal body (21), the polymer film layer (22) will not easily fall off when being implanted into a human body.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to materials, gels, coatings and films prepared using a biomaterial (e.g., a fatty acid-based material comprising a network of cross-linked fatty acids) and a fixating material, layer or film (e.g., a fixating material comprising Na-CMC). The materials, gels, coatings and films disclosed herein can be used to facilitate the delivery of one or more therapeutic agents to a targeted tissue and a desired rate of release.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medical devices, and methods for producing and using the devices. In embodiments, the medical device may be a buttress including a porous substrate possessing a therapeutic layer of a chemotherapeutic agent and optional excipient(s) thereon. By varying the form of chemotherapeutic agents and excipients, the medical devices may be used to treat both the area to which the medical device is attached as well as tissue at a distance therefrom.

Abstract: A balloon coating method for forming a coating layer containing a water-insoluble drug on an outer surface of a balloon of a balloon catheter. The method includes moving a drive shaft relative to at least one of a hub of the balloon catheter and an interlocking member. The drive shaft is configured to rotate the balloon catheter about an axis of the balloon. The method fixing the drive shaft to the proximal end of the hub or to the opening of the interlocking member by frictional force, and applying a coating solution containing the drug to the outer surface of the balloon from a dispensing tube while gradually moving the dispensing tube in the axial direction and simultaneously rotating the drive shaft to rotate the balloon catheter around the axis of the balloon catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus (5) for determining a coefficient of friction at a test site (11) on a surface (10) of a contact lens (1). The apparatus comprises: a lens holder (2) arranged at least partially in a receptacle (6); a slide (4) comprising a counter surface (40) made of lapped aluminum for contacting the test site (11); a load generator (7) configured to apply a predetermined normal load (Fn) between the counter surface (40) and the test site; a drive (8) configured to generate a sliding movement between the counter surface (40) and the contact lens in direction located in a plane perpendicular to the normal load (Fn); and a force sensor (9) configured to measure a tangential frictional force (Ft) between the test site and the counter surface (40) along the direction of the sliding movement.

Abstract: An introducer sheath, which is formed from a tubular member provided with a hollow portion through which an elongated body is freely insertable, and which includes a distal portion and a main body portion, wherein the inner diameter of the distal portion is formed to become gradually smaller toward the distal side, and on the inner surface of the distal portion, there is provided a hydrophobic coating having a friction coefficient lower than the friction coefficient of the tubular member.

Abstract: A method of adhering a substantially cured or fully cured silicone based material to a substrate surface is provided. The silicone based material is obtained by curing a condensation curable composition. The condensation curable composition comprises: (I) at least one condensation curable silyl terminated polymer having at least one hydrolysable and/or hydroxyl functional group(s) per molecule; (II) a cross-linker selected from the group of silanes having at least two hydrolysable groups per molecule; and/or silyl functional molecules having at least two silyl groups, each silyl group containing at least one hydrolysable group; and (III) a condensation catalyst selected from the group of titanates and zirconates. The method includes applying a reactive interlayer to the substrate surface and applying pressure to sandwich the reactive interlayer between a surface of the silicone based material and the substrate surface, thereby causing chemical bonding of the silicone based material to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of printing composition(s) on a web is disclosed. The method includes the steps of advancing the web and printing a plurality of composition sites on the web. The method further includes the step of forming one or more discontinuities in the web. The discontinuities correspond to the printed composition sites.

Abstract: A degradable iron-based alloy stent comprises an iron-based alloy substrate and a degradable polymer in contact with the surface of the substrate. The weight-average molecular weight of the degradable polymer is in the range of [1, 100]*104, and the polydispersity index of the degradable polymer is in the range of (1.0, 50]. The degradable polymer is selected from a degradable polyamino acid that can generate an acidic amino acid after degradation; or a mixture of the degradable polyamino acid and a degradable polyester, or a copolymer of monomers of the two; or a mixture of the degradable polyamino acid and a degradable polymer that does not generate acidic products after degradation, or a copolymer of the monomers of the two; or a mixture of the degradable polyamino acid, the degradable polyester and the degradable polymer that does not generate acidic products after degradation, or a copolymer of monomers of the three, or a mixture of a copolymer of monomers of any two of the three with the remaining one.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to materials, gels, coatings and films prepared using a biomaterial (e.g., a fatty acid-based material comprising a network of cross-linked fatty acids) and a fixating material, layer or film (e.g., a fixating material comprising Na-CMC). The materials, gels, coatings and films disclosed herein can be used to facilitate the delivery of one or more therapeutic agents to a targeted tissue and a desired rate of release.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polyolefins carried out in the presence of an antistatic composition made from or containing: a) a compound of formula R—OH wherein R represents hydrogen or a linear or branched, saturated alkyl group having from 1 to 15 carbon atoms; and b) an oligomeric or polymeric organic compound having one or more terminal hydroxyl groups and a viscosity at 40° C. of at least about 20 mm2/sec (DIN 51562).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biodegradable scaffolds for in situ tissue engineering. In some examples, biodegradable vascular grafts and methods of fabricating and uses of such are disclosed. In some examples, a vascular graft includes a biodegradable scaffold including a biodegradable polyester tubular core, a biodegradable polyester electrospun outer sheath surrounding the biodegradable polyester tubular core and/or a thromboresistant agent, such as heparin, coating the biodegradable scaffold. The disclosed vascular grafts can be used for forming a blood vessel of less than 6 mm, including, but not limited to a coronary or peripheral arterial.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an integrated system and a method for utilizing the system to detect and remove blood-borne factors of interest, such as pathogens and/or toxins and/or cytokines, from blood or serum (blood) by contacting the blood with a solid, essentially nonporous substrate which has been surface treated with molecules or chemical groups (the adsorbent media or media) having a binding affinity for the pathogens and/or toxins to be removed (the adsorbents). The invention can be used to remove virulence factors, e.g. toxins, that are released from various pathogens. In one aspect, the invention is for the treatment of sepsis and infection, such as infections associated with battle field trauma.

Abstract: A filler material of a thermoset resin of a diacid/polyol, such as PGS is provided. The filler useful in forming composites, such as those in which the filler and a resin matrix are of the same material to provide a homogenous polymeric composition. Composites in which at least one of the matrix, the filler or both are PGS are also provided. Methods of forming such filler materials and composites are also disclosed. The composites allow extrusion process to form articles from materials that would not otherwise be capable of being extruded.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an optical fiber extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The optical fiber may include a cladding layer circumferentially disposed about a core layer and a substantially spherically shaped portion at the distal end. The apparatus may also include a first coating circumferentially disposed on a first length of the cladding layer, and a second coating circumferentially disposed on a second length of the cladding layer. The second length may extend distally from a region proximate the distal end of the first coating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for inhibiting growth of bacteria and to nanometer scale surfaces having antibacterial properties.

Abstract: A method and device to impart the ability to selectively quantify chemical/biochemical analytes occupying physiological fluids via an automated process that allow the precise and spatially-defined simultaneous deposition of a thin-film of polymer containing an immobilized biorecognition element dispersed therein. A tissue penetrating electrochemical sensor comprises at least one working electrode and at least one of a reference electrode and a counter electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent having a functional material coated on a cell space (safe coating space) thereof. The stent of the present invention, as a stent having a space for mounting and coating drugs and other materials for expanding the functions of the stent, is highly feasible as an actual product in consideration of the structure, transfer device, and manufacturing process of the stent as a whole, and secures a coating space (safe coating space) of a functional material in a cell of the stent through quantitative and qualitative modelling. Since an additional increase in volume does not occur even when the stent is press-mounted in a transfer device as a result of mounting a radio marker or a drug in the coating space, the stent of the present invention has excellent radio opacity without obstructing the loading and deployment of the stent, and may stably mount a great amount of a functional drug.