Abstract:
A medical device lead includes a thin profile conductor assembly. A proximal connector includes a proximal end that is configured to couple the lead to a pulse generator. An insulative lead body extends distally from the proximal connector. The conductor assembly extends distally from the proximal end within the lead body and includes a non-conductive tubular core member that defines a lumen, an outer insulative layer, and a multilayer conductor between the tubular core member and the outer insulative layer. The multilayer conductor is electrically connected to the proximal connector and includes a first conductive layer adjacent to the tubular core member and a second conductive layer adjacent to the first conductive layer opposite the tubular core member. A conductivity of the second conductive layer is greater than a conductivity of the first conductive layer.
Abstract:
An expandable medical device having a particle layer disposed over a reservoir containing a therapeutic agent. The particle layer has a first porosity when the medical device is in the unexpanded configuration and a second porosity when the medical device is in the expanded configuration. The particle layer comprises a plurality of micron-sized or nano-sized particles. In certain embodiments, the particles are not connected to each other, and as such, the different porosities are provided by changes in the spacing between the particles as the medical device is expanded/unexpanded. Also disclosed are medical devices having a particle layer, wherein the particle layer comprises a plurality of encapsulated particles, and methods of coating medical devices with particles.
Abstract:
Among other things, a bio-erodible implantable endoprosthesis comprises a member that includes (a) a core having a surface, and (b) a bio-erodible metal on a least a portion of the surface of the core, wherein the bio-erodible metal erodes more slowly than the core and includes openings through which physiological fluids can access the core upon implantation.
Abstract:
A bioerodible endoprosthesis includes a bioerodible magnesium alloy. The bioerodible magnesium alloy includes magnesium, between 7 and 8 weight percent aluminum, between 0.4 and 0.8 weight percent zinc, and between 0.05 and 0.8 weight percent manganese.
Abstract:
Medical devices, such as stents, and methods of making the devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method includes diffusing a first element into a first portion of the medical device. The first element includes carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, or combinations thereof. The first portion includes a refractory material.
Abstract:
A stent is adapted to be implanted in a duct of a human body to maintain an open lumen at the implant site, and to allow viewing body tissue and fluids by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) energy applied external to the body. The stent constitutes a metal scaffold. An electrical circuit resonant at the resonance frequency of the MRI energy is fabricated integral with the scaffold structure of the stent to promote viewing body properties within the lumen of the stent.
Abstract:
The embodiments herein relate to an electrode having a porous coating including a fiber mesh, a multi-layer coating, and an outer coating, and a method of making the same. The various electrode coating embodiments include pores in the coating that prevent access by protein or cells while allowing for ion and/or liquid access.
Abstract:
Medical devices having a barrier layer comprising an inorganic material. The medical device has a reservoir containing a therapeutic agent and the barrier layer is disposed over the reservoir. In one aspect, the barrier layer has one permeability to the therapeutic agent at one portion of the medical device and a different permeability at another portion of the medical device. In another aspect, the dosage amount of the therapeutic agent in the reservoir at one portion of the medical device is different from the dosage amount of the therapeutic agent in the reservoir at another portion of the medical device. In another aspect, a bioresorbable layer is disposed over the barrier layer at one or more portions of the medical device, wherein the bioresorbable layer comprises a bioresorbable material. Also, methods of coating a medical device are disclosed, in which a barrier layer over a medical device is formed using a lithographic etching process where a plurality of particles serve as an etch mask.
Abstract:
In a process of fabricating a stent composed primarily of niobium alloyed with a trace amount of zirconium, tantalum, or titanium for hardening, the stent is annealed under vacuum in a substantially oxygen-free environment. The vacuum is preferably maintained at pressure less than 10−4 millibars, oxygen-content less than about 80 parts per million, and the annealing temperature exceeds 400° C. for at least one hour, and is preferably kept in a range from about 1100-1200° C. for several hours. This may be followed by applying a surface layer of oxide, such as iridium oxide, with a thickness of 299-300 nm to the stent.