Abstract:
An implantable device includes at least one electrode comprising a conductive base and polyoxometalate anions disposed on or within the conductive base; and at least one conductor attached to the at least one electrode for conducting electrical energy to the at least one electrode.
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:
An endoprosthesis includes an expandable tubular body defined by a plurality of struts. In some embodiments, the expandable tubular body includes a bioerodible metal that has at least a first surface region and a second surface region. The first and second surface regions can have different surface oxide compositions. In some embodiments, the first portion has a thermally altered microstructure and the second portion has a wrought microstructure. The thermally altered microstructure can be a cast microstructure comprising dendritic grains. The first portion forms at least a portion of an outer surface of the expandable tubular body. In some embodiments, the expandable tubular body includes iron or a bioerodible iron alloy and at least one surface of the expandable tubular body includes a substantially uniform coating of iron(III) oxide.
Abstract:
A catheter tip may be coupled to a catheter shaft. The catheter tip may include markers, such as radiopaque markers and MRI markers, securement hubs, recessed portions, a radiused tip, and varying axial flexibility. The catheter tip may be a molded tip, and the markers may be insert molded. Recessed portions and raised securement hubs may be formed during the molding process. The raised hubs may be integrally formed and made from the same material as the catheter tip.
Abstract:
An endoprosthesis, e.g., a bioerodable stent, that is treated by plasma immersion ion implantation on the surface and optionally in the bulk. Releasable therapeutic agent, drug, or pharmaceutically active compound may be incorporated into the treated surface of the endoprosthesis to provide desired medical benefits.
Abstract:
The present invention pertains to implantable or insertable medical devices which comprise a substrate and one or more therapeutic-agent-containing regions contain one or more therapeutic agents. In various aspects of the invention, one or more characteristics of such therapeutic-agent-containing regions are controlled. Further aspects of the invention relate to methods of forming such devices and to methods of using such devices.
Abstract:
A catheter assembly comprises a catheter which includes a catheter shaft and a balloon positioned thereon. A rotatable sheath is rotatably disposed about a portion of the catheter. The rotatable sheath has a first portion inner diameter and a second portion inner diameter, which are different.
Abstract:
A catheter assembly for deployment in a vessel includes a catheter shaft extending from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion. A balloon is operatively coupled to the distal end portion of the catheter shaft. At least one cutting member is coupled to the catheter assembly. As the balloon is inflated, the cutting member is moved to a position to cut a portion of the vessel.
Abstract:
The invention generally relates to internal (e.g., implantable, insertable, etc.) drug delivery devices which contain the following: (a) one or more sources of one or more therapeutic agents; (b) one or more first electrodes, (c) one or more second electrodes and (d) one or more power sources for applying voltages across the first and second electrodes. The power sources may be adapted, for example, to promote electrically assisted therapeutic agent delivery within a subject, including electroporation and/or iontophoresis. In one aspect of the invention, the first and second electrodes are adapted to have tissue of a subject positioned between them upon deployment of the medical device within the subject, such that an electric field may be generated, which is directed into the tissue. Furthermore, the therapeutic agent sources are adapted to introduce the therapeutic agents into the electric field. In another aspect, the therapeutic agent sources are polymeric regions that contain one or more types of ion-conductive polymers and one or more types of charged therapeutic agents. In yet another aspect, the therapeutic agent sources are polymeric regions that contain one or more types of electrically conductive polymers and one or more types of charged therapeutic agents.
Abstract:
A catheter comprising an outer shaft comprising a first section of electroactive polymer. The first section of electroactive polymer affecting either the flexibility of the catheter or the steerability of the catheter.