Abstract:
In one aspect, the present disclosure pertains to elutable coating compositions that comprise an excipient comprising a bio-degradable or bio-stable polymer selected from a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) or methyl cellulose (MCC), a binding agent; a therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the elutable coating compositions further comprise a solvent, in which case such compositions may be, for example, applied to a substrate in the form of a layer and subsequently dried, thereby forming an elutable coating on the substrate.
Abstract:
Polymer microspheres containing poly-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) and therapeutic agent are described. Also described are methods of making such polymer microspheres and methods of using such polymer microspheres for embolizing blood vessels.
Abstract:
Methods are disclosed including methods for crystallizing a material such as a drug. An example method may include combining a nucleation initiator, a surfactant solution, and an amorphous form of a drug to form a drug precursor dispersion/suspension. The method may also include incubating the drug precursor dispersion/suspension to allow the drug to convert from the amorphous form to a crystalline form.
Abstract:
A system and method for treating atherosclerotic plaque. The system includes a first catheter including an expandable balloon and a second catheter including a lumen in fluid communication with a distal hole. The method includes inserting the first catheter into a body lumen adjacent to a plaque formation, and deploying a balloon from the first catheter adjacent to the plaque formation. In addition, the method includes inserting the second catheter adjacent to the first catheter, and routing the distal end portion of second catheter along at least a portion of the deployed balloon of the first catheter. Further, the method includes routing at least a portion of the second catheter into a subintimal space adjacent to the atherosclerotic plaque. Furthermore, the method includes injecting a therapeutic agent into the subintimal space adjacent to the atherosclerotic plaque.
Abstract:
A catheter comprises a medical balloon having a drug coating. The drug coating comprises drug crystals on a surface of the balloon. The majority of the drug crystals on the surface of the balloon are oriented drug crystals which extend within 5° of a predetermined, non-zero common angle relative to the surface of the balloon from which the crystals extend.