A medical device, such as a medical wire, which includes a coating applied to the surface of the medical wire. The coating includes a base layer bonded to the surface of the medical wire and an at least partially transparent low-friction top coat applied to the base layer. The base layer includes heat activated pigments that change color when heated above a color shifting temperature. In one embodiment, the color of the pigment in one area contrasts with the color of the pigment in an adjacent area without otherwise affecting the low-friction surface of the coating. The areas of different color created in locations along the length of the low-friction coated medical wire form markings which, as an example, enable a surgeon to determine the length of the medical wire inserted into a body by observing the markings on the portion of the marked medical wire located exterior to the body.

A medical device, such as a medical wire, which includes a coating applied to the surface of the medical wire. The coating includes a base layer bonded to the surface of the medical wire and an at least partially transparent low-friction top coat applied to the base layer. The base layer includes heat activated pigments that change color when heated above a color shifting temperature. In one embodiment, the color of the pigment in one area contrasts with the color of the pigment in an adjacent area without otherwise affecting the low-friction surface of the coating. The areas of different color created in locations along the length of the low-friction coated medical wire form markings which, as an example, enable a surgeon to determine the length of the medical wire inserted into a body by observing the markings on the portion of the marked medical wire located exterior to the body.

A medical device for placement in a body of a mammal is provided. The medical device comprises (1) a polymeric matrix forming the device and defining a lumen through the device, the matrix comprising polymer macromolecules and defining spaces between the polymer macromolecules; (2) a drug contained within at least some of the spaces of the matrix; and (3) a material contained within at least some of the spaces of the matrix to affect diffusion of the drug out of the polymeric matrix when the medical device is placed in the boy of the mammal.

A medical device for placement in a body of a mammal is provided. The medical device comprises (1) a polymeric matrix forming the device and defining a lumen through the device, the matrix comprising polymer macromolecules and defining spaces between the polymer macromolecules; (2) a drug contained within at least some of the spaces of the matrix; and (3) a material contained within at least some of the spaces of the matrix to affect diffusion of the drug out of the polymeric matrix when the medical device is placed in the boy of the mammal.

The invention relates to a hydrophobic thermoplastic copolymer which is in particular of use for manufacturing and/or coating medical devices, in particular implantable medical devices, characterized in that it is obtained by copolymerization, and in that it comprises at least one first monomer unit and at least one second monomer unit onto which is grafted a paramagnetic-ion-chelating ligand which can complex with such a paramagnetic ion or a paramagnetic-ion-chelating ligand which is complexed with such a paramagnetic ion, wherein the second monomer unit is grafted in sufficient amount for the copolymer to be visible in magnetic resonance imaging when it is complexed with said paramagnetic ion. The invention also relates to a method for obtaining said hydrophobic thermoplastic copolymer.

The invention relates to a hydrophobic thermoplastic copolymer which is in particular of use for manufacturing and/or coating medical devices, in particular implantable medical devices, characterized in that it is obtained by copolymerization, and in that it comprises at least one first monomer unit and at least one second monomer unit onto which is grafted a paramagnetic-ion-chelating ligand which can complex with such a paramagnetic ion or a paramagnetic-ion-chelating ligand which is complexed with such a paramagnetic ion, wherein the second monomer unit is grafted in sufficient amount for the copolymer to be visible in magnetic resonance imaging when it is complexed with said paramagnetic ion. The invention also relates to a method for obtaining said hydrophobic thermoplastic copolymer.

Disclosed are medical components, formulations for making medical components, methods of forming medical components, and methods of making medical devices from the medical components. The medical components possess radiopacity. In an embodiment, a medical component comprises from 5 to 50 wt % of a polyurethane and from 50 to 95 wt % of a radiopacifier, based on the total weight of the medical component, wherein the medical component has a thickness of from 0.025 to 1 mm.

Disclosed are medical components, formulations for making medical components, methods of forming medical components, and methods of making medical devices from the medical components. The medical components possess radiopacity. In an embodiment, a medical component comprises from 5 to 50 wt % of a polyurethane and from 50 to 95 wt % of a radiopacifier, based on the total weight of the medical component, wherein the medical component has a thickness of from 0.025 to 1 mm.

3D printing of biopolymer-based inks provides for manufacturing a broad range of products with desirable properties. A print nozzle may be charged to form a cone-shaped ink droplet to result in increased resolution, more reliable contact with irregular surfaces, and a mechanism to control contacting the ink to the print surface.

3D printing of biopolymer-based inks provides for manufacturing a broad range of products with desirable properties. A print nozzle may be charged to form a cone-shaped ink droplet to result in increased resolution, more reliable contact with irregular surfaces, and a mechanism to control contacting the ink to the print surface.