Abstract:
According to certain aspects of the invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided that contain one or more nanoporous regions, which may further comprise interconnected nanopores. Other aspects of the invention are directed to implantable or insertable medical devices that contain one or more nanostructured regions, which are formed by a variety of methods. Still other aspects of the invention are directed to implantable or insertable medical devices having nanotextured surface regions, in which cell-adhesion-promoting biomolecules (e.g., glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, cell adhesion peptides, and adhesive proteins) are provided on, within or beneath the nanotextured surface regions.
Abstract:
An implantable medical device for releasing therapeutic agent having a medical device body and a plurality of reservoir-defining structures disposed on a surface of the body. A reservoir can be defined by the reservoir-defining structures and therapeutic agent may be located in the reservoir. A cover may extend over the reservoir so that the therapeutic agent is released from the reservoir when the medical device implanted. Methods for making the medical device may also include providing a medical device body, positioning a plurality of reservoir-defining structures on a surface of the body to form a reservoir, loading therapeutic agent into the reservoir, and covering the reservoir so that the therapeutic agent may release when the medical device is implanted. Alternatively, the reservoir may be covered with a cover and an opening formed in the cover so that the therapeutic agent may release when the medical device is implanted.
Abstract:
An implantable or insertable medical device is provided which includes as components: (a) a substrate component comprising a depression that is at least partially filled with a therapeutic agent-containing material that comprises a first therapeutic agent, and (b) a pre-formed filter insert disposed in the depression such that it regulates transport of chemical species between the depression and the exterior of the device upon implantation or insertion of the device in vivo.
Abstract:
According to an aspect of the present invention, long term medical articles are provided which include the following: (a) first and second body contacting (e.g., tissue and/or body-fluid contacting) porous polymeric layers; (b) a polymeric barrier layer disposed between the first and second porous polymer layers; and (c) a reinforcement element. According to another aspect of the present invention, tubular medical articles for long term implantation are provided, which comprise: (a) a reinforcement element; (b) a blood contacting porous polymeric layer having a surface energy ranging between 20 and 30 dynes/cm disposed over an inner surface of the reinforcement element; and (c) an additional porous polymeric layer formed over an outer surface of the reinforcement element.
Abstract:
A flexible device comprises a metallic element including high strain portions and lesser strain portions, wherein the high strain portions are to be subjected to levels of strain during use increased with respect to strain levels in the lesser strain portions. The high strain portions comprise a material which, under predetermined operating conditions, is stabilized in a martensite phase and the lesser strain portions comprise a material which, under the predetermined operating conditions, is in an austenite phase. A method of forming an element of a medical device comprises the steps of forming an element of the device of Nitinol and impressing a memorized shape on the element, wherein the memorized shape is a shape the element is to assume when in an operational configuration. A high strain portion of the element is treated so that it is substantially Martensite phase stabilized under expected operating conditions of the device, wherein untreated portions of the element are in a substantially austenitic phase under the expected operating conditions.
Abstract:
An implantable or insertable medical device is provided which includes as components: (a) a substrate component comprising a depression that is at least partially filled with a therapeutic agent-containing material that comprises a first therapeutic agent, and (b) a pre-formed filter insert disposed in the depression such that it regulates transport of chemical species between the depression and the exterior of the device upon implantation or insertion of the device in vivo.
Abstract:
According to an aspect of the present invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided which contain (a) one or more depressions that contain at least one therapeutic agent, and (b) a nanoporous coating, disposed over the therapeutic-agent-containing depressions, which regulate transport of species between the therapeutic-agent-containing depressions and the exterior of the device. The implantable or insertable devices are configured to preform a role beyond mere drug delivery, for example, providing mechanical and/or electrical functions within the body, among other functions. An advantage of the present invention is that medical devices may be provided, which release therapeutic agents in quantities far exceeding the void volume within the nanoporous coating, while at the same time providing functionality that extends beyond drug delivery. Such release may further approach or achieve a zero order kinetic drug release profile.
Abstract:
According to an aspect of the invention, medical devices are provided that comprise a substrate, at least one therapeutic agent disposed over or in the substrate, and at least one inorganic layer disposed over the therapeutic agent and the substrate, wherein the inorganic layer is either a porous inorganic layer or is a non-porous layer that becomes a porous inorganic layer in vivo. Other aspects of the invention comprise methods for forming medical devices.
Abstract:
Described herein are implantable medical devices comprising a biocompatible polymer comprising a triggerable bioadhesive property that allows the device to adhere to body tissue. The triggerable bioadhesive property of the polymer can be triggered or activated by exposure to a stimulus. Also, the present invention pertains to methods of making an implantable medical device comprising a biocompatible polymer comprising a triggerable bioadhesive property that allows the device to adhere to body tissue.