High strength biomedical materials and processes for making the same are disclosed. Included in the disclosure are nanoporous hydrophilic solids that can be extruded with a high aspect ratio to make high strength medical catheters and other devices with lubricious and biocompatible surfaces. Polymers may be entrapped in pores of materials to provide a durable modification of the materials.

High strength biomedical materials and processes for making the same are disclosed. Included in the disclosure are nanoporous hydrophilic solids that can be extruded with a high aspect ratio to make high strength medical catheters and other devices with lubricious and biocompatible surfaces. Polymers may be entrapped in pores of materials to provide a durable modification of the materials.

Disclosed herein are compositions of matter for inclusion in a medical device for visualization purposes. Such compositions may include a radiopaque metal, such as tungsten, within a functionalized hydrophobic polymer. Methods of making devices incorporating such elements are also disclosed.

Disclosed herein is a composite material suitable for inhibiting biofilm growth, the composite material comprising a substrate material and a random copolymeric material covalently bonded to a surface of the substrate material. The random copolymer contains repeating units having at least one functional group bearing a cationic charge and repeating units having at least one functional group bearing an anionic charge, where the repeating units are derived from compatible monomers that belong to different monomer classes having differing polymerisation kinetics. Specifically, the random copolymeric material is poly(AMPTMA-ran-SPM), wherein AMPTMA is (3-acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium chloride and SPM is 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing said material and applications thereof.

Disclosed herein is a composite material suitable for inhibiting biofilm growth, the composite material comprising a substrate material and a random copolymeric material covalently bonded to a surface of the substrate material. The random copolymer contains repeating units having at least one functional group bearing a cationic charge and repeating units having at least one functional group bearing an anionic charge, where the repeating units are derived from compatible monomers that belong to different monomer classes having differing polymerisation kinetics. Specifically, the random copolymeric material is poly(AMPTMA-ran-SPM), wherein AMPTMA is (3-acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium chloride and SPM is 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing said material and applications thereof.

The invention refers to an endoscope including at least one channel which may be contaminated in use, wherein the channel wall of the at least one channel is formed of a material having properties capable of photocatalysis. The invention further refers to a method for cleaning such an endoscope including the steps of: connecting the endoscope to a reprocessing device, performing a photocatalytic treatment at least in the at least one channel for the purpose of the decomposition of organic residues on the surface of the channel, and rinsing the endoscope. The invention further refers to a cleaning device for cleaning such an endoscope.

A tubing assembly includes a signal generating apparatus for a catheter placement system. The tubing assembly includes a catheter and a signal generating apparatus. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having a wall surrounding a lumen. The signal generating apparatus includes at least one electromagnetic coil and at least one electrically conductive polymer that is configured to electrically connect the at least one electromagnetic coil to a monitor unit.

An example medical apparatus includes a tubular structure. The tubular structure includes an echogenic layer that is a multiphase polymer composite. The multiphase polymer composite includes a polymer matrix phase, a first non-polymeric phase including gas voids entrapped within the polymer matrix phase, and a second non-polymeric phase including particles embedded within the polymer matrix phase. Catheters having respective echogenic layers are also described.

An example medical apparatus includes a tubular structure. The tubular structure includes an echogenic layer that is a multiphase polymer composite. The multiphase polymer composite includes a polymer matrix phase, a first non-polymeric phase including gas voids entrapped within the polymer matrix phase, and a second non-polymeric phase including particles embedded within the polymer matrix phase. Catheters having respective echogenic layers are also described.

The invention provides a packaged intermittent catheter, the intermittent catheter comprising a hollow polymeric tubular body comprising a base polymer and an amphiphilic lubricious additive, housed in a packaging container; and further comprising an aqueous solution in the packaging container; wherein the aqueous solution comprises at least one compound selected from the group comprising: a surfactant and/or poly (alkylene oxide) compound with a total concentration of at least 0.005 mmol/L; and a salt in a concentration of at least 5% w/v.