Antimicrobial compositions and articles are disclosed, as well as method for preparing antimicrobial compositions. Also disclosed are method for using antimicrobial compositions and articles for preventing the formation or growth of biofilms, disrupting biofilms, reducing microorganism counts, and treating infections.

Systems and methods related to polymer foams are generally described. Some embodiments relate to compositions and methods for the preparation of polymer foams, and methods for using the polymer foams. The polymer foams can be applied to a body cavity and placed in contact with, for example, tissue, injured tissue, internal organs, etc. In some embodiments, the polymer foams can be formed within a body cavity (i.e., in situ foam formation). In addition, the foamed polymers may be capable of exerting a pressure on an internal surface of a body cavity and preventing or limiting movement of a bodily fluid (e.g., blood, etc.).

The present invention comprises articles and methods for atraumatic removal of a chronically implanted medical device, such as a vascular graft. Specifically, the invention comprises a thin, lubricious and durable tubular cover that aids in protecting the indwelling implant during implantation while also acting as an atraumatic removal aid.

The present invention relates to the field of non-biodegradable stents, and therein to non-biodegradable stents coated with at least one layer of a biodegradable polymer which maintains mechanical integrity of the coating both in storage and upon balloon expansion and which can optionally release drugs. The at least one polymer layer comprises a biodegradable polymer and a plasticizer. The present invention also relates to a manufacturing method of such a non-biodegradable stent.

Bioabsorbable scaffolds are disclosed with a rigid polymer component and a rubbery polymer component. The rubbery polymer component is miscible, partially miscible, or immiscible with the rigid polymer component.

Systems and methods related to polymer foams are generally described. Some embodiments relate to compositions and methods for the preparation of polymer foams, and methods for using the polymer foams. The polymer foams can be applied to a body cavity and placed in contact with, for example, tissue, injured tissue, internal organs, etc. In some embodiments, the polymer foams can be formed within a body cavity (i.e., in situ foam formation). In addition, the foamed polymers may be capable of exerting a pressure on an internal surface of a body cavity and preventing or limiting movement of a bodily fluid (e.g., blood, etc.).

The invention described herein relates to a therapeutic, moisturizing coating composition for elastomeric articles which is applied directly onto the skin-contacting surface of the article as part of the manufacturing process. The coating composition is thermally stable and subsequently hydrates when contacted with a moisturized skin surface to convert into a liquid lotion form during wearing of the article. The coating composition provides therapeutic benefits to the wearer's skin as a result of wearing the article, such as improved skin moisturization, softness of feel, improved skin elasticity and firmness, and reduced redness and irritation. The invention is particularly useful in medical gloves, including examination and surgical gloves.

A surgical system including an implantable medical device having a size and shape. The surgical device having a substrate and a coating that covers at least a portion of the substrate. The coating includes a polymer, collagen, glycerin and a hemostatic agent. The polymer is selected from the group of polyhydroxybutyrate, polyglycerol sebacate and adducts of polyglycerol sebacate. The substrate including a first piece and a second piece that is joined with the first piece. The first piece and the second piece forming a pocket having a cavity and an opening that is in communication with the cavity. The device being pre-formed such that a size and shape of the cavity conforms to the size and shape of the implantable medical device.

The hydrogel of the present invention is a hydrogel comprising a polymer matrix, water and a plasticizer, wherein the hydrogel is characterized in that the plasticizer loss ratio is less than 2, the swelling rate is 115% or less when the hydrogel is exposed to the environment of 40 C. and 90% RH for 1 hour, and the initial adhesive force to a Bakelite plate is 100 gf/20 mm or more in the environment of 23 C. and 55% RH. The plasticizer is preferably polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether and/or sugar. The initial high adhesive force is retained by suppressing the swelling of the gel due to invasion of water from the outside and reducing the loss of a plasticizer.

The present invention relates to a membrane comprising at least one positively charged, synthetic, hydrophobic polymer, at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one plasticizer; wherein said membrane is flexible and is capable of supporting at least one of cell adherence, cell proliferation or cell differentiation. The invention further relates to use of a membrane of the invention in the preparation of an implantable devices including cell delivery systems, cell growing surfaces and scaffolds. The invention further provides methods for promoting tissue regeneration in a defected tissue region applying membranes of the invention.