Aspects disclosed herein include a composite material comprising: one or more shape memory polymers; and a first additive provided in the shape memory polymer(s); wherein: the first additive increases one or more ultrasound-absorption characteristics of the composite material compared to that of the same shape memory polymer(s) free of said first additive; the composite material is characterized by a composite transition temperature (T.sub.cm,trans); and the composite material or one or more portions thereof undergo a shape change from a temporary shape to a permanent shape when the composite material or said one or more portions thereof are heated to within 35° C. of T.sub.cm,trans or a temperature approximately equal to or greater than T.sub.cm,trans.

A medical rubber composition can contain, comprise, consist, or consist essentially of: (a) an isobutylene-isoprene rubber: (b) a diene-based rubber; and a silica having a BET specific surface area not lower than 130 m.sup.2/g. An amount of (a) the isobutylene-isoprene rubber contained in 100 parts by mass of a rubber component composed of (a) the isobutylene-isoprene rubber and (b) the diene-based rubber can be larger than 30 parts by mass and smaller than 55 parts by mass.

A medical rubber composition can contain, comprise, consist, or consist essentially of: (a) an isobutylene-isoprene rubber: (b) a diene-based rubber; and a silica having a BET specific surface area not lower than 130 m.sup.2/g. An amount of (a) the isobutylene-isoprene rubber contained in 100 parts by mass of a rubber component composed of (a) the isobutylene-isoprene rubber and (b) the diene-based rubber can be larger than 30 parts by mass and smaller than 55 parts by mass.

The present invention is directed to compositions containing polymer matrix, fiber and/or additives which are suitable for load bearing applications for medical devices. The matrix can be formed from a group of polymers which resorb inside the body after implantation. These compositions contain reinforcing fibers that are incorporated into a resorbable polymer matrix to improve properties such as mechanical. The reinforcing fibers can be resorbable, non-resorbable, natural, or metallic. Additives can be incorporated into the matrix material or the fibers or both to provide a secondary effect. These additives can be bioceramics to provide an osteoconductive effect; antimicrobial particles such as silver; coloring agents, and radiopaque additives to make the implants visible under fluoroscopy. The additives may also contribute to improve mechanical properties. The Composite composition with Matrix, Fibers and/or additives can provide enhanced functionality of mechanical, Osteoconductive and tailored degradation characteristics that can result in superior properties conventionally not achievable for Bioresorbable composites.

The present invention is directed to compositions containing polymer matrix, fiber and/or additives which are suitable for load bearing applications for medical devices. The matrix can be formed from a group of polymers which resorb inside the body after implantation. These compositions contain reinforcing fibers that are incorporated into a resorbable polymer matrix to improve properties such as mechanical. The reinforcing fibers can be resorbable, non-resorbable, natural, or metallic. Additives can be incorporated into the matrix material or the fibers or both to provide a secondary effect. These additives can be bioceramics to provide an osteoconductive effect; antimicrobial particles such as silver; coloring agents, and radiopaque additives to make the implants visible under fluoroscopy. The additives may also contribute to improve mechanical properties. The Composite composition with Matrix, Fibers and/or additives can provide enhanced functionality of mechanical, Osteoconductive and tailored degradation characteristics that can result in superior properties conventionally not achievable for Bioresorbable composites.

A method for controlling generation of biologically desirable voids in a composition placed in proximity to bone or other tissue in a patient by selecting at least one water-soluble inorganic material having a desired particle size and solubility, and mixing the water-soluble inorganic material with at least one poorly-water-soluble or biodegradable matrix material. The matrix material, after it is mixed with the water-soluble inorganic material, is placed into the patient in proximity to tissue so that the water-soluble inorganic material dissolves at a predetermined rate to generate biologically desirable voids in the matrix material into which bone or other tissue can then grow.

The present disclosure relates to several embodiments of a stent. For example, the present disclosure describes a stent comprising a material selected from a biocompatible material, a bioabsorbable material, and combinations thereof; and particles selected from biocompatible amorphous particles, bioabsorbable amorphous particles, and combinations thereof.

The stent may also include a coating of a material selected from a biocompatible material, a bioabsorbable material, and combinations thereof; nanocapsules and a therapeutic agent encapsulated in the nanocapsules.

The stent disclosed herein enables the walls of an airway or blood vessel to be supported, while there is controlled delivery of the therapeutic agent to said airway or blood vessel to prevent, cure, alleviate or repair symptoms of disease.

The present disclosure relates to several embodiments of a stent. For example, the present disclosure describes a stent comprising a material selected from a biocompatible material, a bioabsorbable material, and combinations thereof; and particles selected from biocompatible amorphous particles, bioabsorbable amorphous particles, and combinations thereof.

The stent may also include a coating of a material selected from a biocompatible material, a bioabsorbable material, and combinations thereof; nanocapsules and a therapeutic agent encapsulated in the nanocapsules.

The stent disclosed herein enables the walls of an airway or blood vessel to be supported, while there is controlled delivery of the therapeutic agent to said airway or blood vessel to prevent, cure, alleviate or repair symptoms of disease.

A medical implant comprising a plurality of layers, each layer comprising a polymer and a plurality of uni-directionally aligned continuous reinforcement fibers.

A medical implant comprising a plurality of layers, each layer comprising a polymer and a plurality of uni-directionally aligned continuous reinforcement fibers.