Abstract:
Intravascular medical devices comprising a coating layer disposed on a substrate associated with the medical device, wherein the coating layer has a pre-determined fragmentation pattern. At least a portion of the coating layer comprises a plurality of discontinuous bioresorbable members, wherein the discontinuous bioresorbable members have a size less than the luminal diameter of an arteriole. The coating layer may be formed by excavating portions of a coating layer (e.g., by laser ablation) to create gaps which define the discontinuous bioresorbable members. In certain embodiments, the coating layer is formed of a heat-bondable material. In such embodiments, the discontinuous bioresorbable members may be adhered to the substrate via heat bonds. Also disclosed are methods of forming a coating layer on medical devices and methods of treating intravascular sites.
Abstract:
Methods and devices for coating a medical device, such as a stent, including the steps of coating the medical device with a photoresist polymeric coating, irradiating a portion of the medical device, optionally applying a post-exposure bake step, and removing all or a portion of the coating from the irradiated portion of the medical device, if a positive photoresist coating material is used, or from a portion of the medical device not exposed to the radiation, if a negative photoresist coating material is used. The photoresist polymeric coating may optionally include a drug.
Abstract:
Methods and devices for coating a medical device, such as a stent, including the steps of coating the medical device with a photoresist polymeric coating, irradiating a portion of the medical device, optionally applying a post-exposure bake step, and removing all or a portion of the coating from the irradiated portion of the medical device, if a positive photoresist coating material is used, or from a portion of the medical device not exposed to the radiation, if a negative photoresist coating material is used. The photoresist polymeric coating may optionally include a drug.
Abstract:
A sensor for measuring a concentration of an analyte in a solution. The sensor comprises a substrate layer, an electrode layer and an immobilized enzyme layer. The sensor further includes an enzyme/polymer layer and/or a hydrophobic layer. The enzyme/polymer layer includes an enzyme disposed within a polymer matrix. The hydrophobic layer is formed from a material that is more hydrophobic than the immobilized enzyme layer material. In certain embodiments, the sensor includes the enzyme/polymer layer and the hydrophobic layer disposed between the enzyme/polymer layer and the immobilized enzyme layer such that the enzyme/polymer layer is disposed along the hydrophobic layer within an area above the immobilized enzyme layer.
Abstract:
A medical device having a coating of biologic macromolecules. The coating of biologic macromolecules is protected by a temporary protective layer disposed over the biologic macromolecules. The temporary protective layer serves to protect the structure (e.g., conformation) and/or function (e.g., target binding capacity) of the biologic macromolecules during processing, storage, handling, and/or delivery (e.g., implantation or insertion into a patient) of the medical device. Upon implantation or insertion into a patient's body, the temporary protective layer may dissolve to expose the biologic macromolecules to the physiologic environment.
Abstract:
Embolic protection filters, filter membranes, and methods for making and using the same. An example embolic protection filter may include an elongate shaft having a proximal region and a distal region. A filter frame may be to the distal region. A filter membrane may be attached to the filter frame. The filter membrane may have a plurality of apertures formed therein. The filter membrane may include a polymer having a bulk portion and a surface portion. The surface portion may include a surface modification.
Abstract:
The disclosure pertains to a medical device deployment system comprising a restraint member which holds the embolic protection filter in a restrained, or partially collapsed, state for insertion into a lumen and transit to a desired deployment site. The restraint member comprises two or more portions which differ in their mechanical ability to resist the radial forces exerted by various portions of the medical device when it is in a restrained, or partially collapsed, state. The restraint member is maintained in a restraint configuration by an actuation member which engages portions of the restraint member lying on opposite sides of a generally axial gap until deployment of the medical device is desired. Withdrawal of the actuation member allows the restraint member to release the medical device which may then return to a deployed state. The invention also provides a method for assembling a medical device deployment system.
Abstract:
The invention provides a medical device delivery system comprising an offset coupling region interposed between an elongated hypotube guide member or catheter and a support segment. The medical device to be delivered is disposed about the support segment and contained and/or constrained within a containment element. The medical device may be released from the containment element by moving an actuation element from a first position to a second position. The offset coupling region allows the actuation element to exit a lumen within the guide member and to engage the containment element in the first position while traveling along a line generally coaxial with the lumen of the guide member.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to mechanisms and methods that reduce the delamination of a therapeutic agent from a stent. The mechanisms include holes (channels, wells, and other hole configurations), protrusions, sintered metal cores, clamps/staples, pins, and stainless steel shields.
Abstract:
A protector for a medical device including a tubular member, the tubular member including a polymer matrix material and a scavenger for moisture, oxygen or a combination thereof dispersed in the polymer matrix material.