Method for forming expandable polymers having drugs or agents included therewith
The invention is directed to methods involving rewetting of expandable polymers with a wettable liquid to allow for enhanced expansion at or below room temperature without breakage, and in some cases, allows one to achieve a greater expansion ratio than that allowed at elevated temperatures using known methods. The wettable liquid can be formed of a drug and/or an agent, such that the resulting polymer contains and emits the drug upon positioning at a target location of a patient body. The expandable polymer can also have the drug or agent added to its structure at a polymer resin preparation stage, through use of an aqueous solution mixed with one or more fluoropolymers, or in a mixing stage. The present invention also allows one to achieve material with unique properties and handling characteristics. These properties included decreased material thickness, increased density, an altered node/fibril morphology, and a more consistent web in the case of flat material. This method is not limited to room temperature conditions and can be applied whenever the expandable polymer material is wet with a wettable liquid, and the expansion is performed at a temperature preferably below the vaporization or boiling points of that liquid.
1. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing a polymer resin with a first wettable liquid and at least one of a drug and an agent to form a mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture; and
extruding the pre-form to form the article.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
5. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising mixing a powder formed at least partially of at least one of a drug and an agent to form the polymer resin.
6. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing a polymer resin with a first wettable liquid and at least one of a drug and an agent to form a mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article; and
stretching the extruded article to form the article.
7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
8. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
9. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the first wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
10. The method according to claim 6 , further comprising mixing a powder formed at least partially of at least one of a drug and an agent to form the polymer resin.
11. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing a polymer resin with a first wettable liquid and at least one of a drug and an agent to form a mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article;
drying the extruded article; and
stretching the extruded article to form the article.
12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
13. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
14. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the first wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
15. The method according to claim 11 , further comprising mixing a powder formed at least partially of at least one of a drug and an agent to form the polymer resin.
16. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing a polymer resin with a first wettable liquid and at least one of a drug and an agent to form a mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article;
re-wetting the extruded article with at least one of the first wettable liquid and a second wettable liquid; and
stretching the re-wetted article to form the article.
17. The method according to claim 16 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
18. The method according to claim 16 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
19. The method according to claim 16 , wherein the first wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
20. The method according to claim 16 , wherein the second wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
21. The method according to claim 16 , further comprising mixing a powder formed at least partially of at least one of a drug and an agent to form the polymer resin.
22. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing a polymer resin with a first wettable liquid and at least one of a drug and an agent to form a mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article;
stretching the extruded article; and
re-wetting the extruded article with a second wettable liquid to form the article.
23. The method according to claim 22 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
24. The method according to claim 22 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
25. The method according to claim 22 , wherein the first wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
26. The method according to claim 22 , wherein the second wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
27. The method according to claim 22 , further comprising mixing a powder formed at least partially of at least one of a drug and an agent to form the polymer resin.
28. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing a polymer resin with a first wettable liquid and at least one of a drug and an agent to form a mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article;
stretching the extruded article;
re-wetting the extruded article with a second wettable liquid to form a re-wetted extruded article; and
stretching the re-wetted extruded article to form the article.
29. The method according to claim 28 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
30. The method according to claim 28 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
31. The method according to claim 28 , wherein the first wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
32. The method according to claim 28 , wherein the second wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
33. The method according to claim 28 , further comprising mixing a powder formed at least partially of at least one of a drug and an agent to form the polymer resin.
34. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing an aqueous dispersion of fluoropolymer with at least one of a drug and an agent to form a mixture;
coagulating the mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture; and
extruding the pre-form to form the article.
35. The method according to claim 34 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
36. The method according to claim 34 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
37. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing an aqueous dispersion of fluoropolymer with at least one of a drug and an agent to form a mixture;
coagulating the mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article; and
stretching the extruded article to form the article.
38. The method according to claim 37 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
39. The method according to claim 37 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
40. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing an aqueous dispersion of fluoropolymer with at least one of a drug and an agent to form a mixture;
coagulating the mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article;
drying the extruded article; and
stretching the extruded article to form the article.
41. The method according to claim 40 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
42. The method according to claim 40 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
43. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing an aqueous dispersion of fluoropolymer with at least one of a drug and an agent to form a mixture;
coagulating the mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article;
re-wetting the extruded article with a first wettable liquid; and
stretching the re-wetted article to form the article.
44. The method according to claim 43 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
45. The method according to claim 43 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
46. The method according to claim 43 , wherein the first wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
47. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing an aqueous dispersion of fluoropolymer with at least one of a drug and an agent to form a mixture;
coagulating the mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article;
stretching the extruded article; and
re-wetting the extruded article with a first wettable liquid to form the article.
48. The method according to claim 47 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
49. The method according to claim 47 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
50. The method according to claim 47 , wherein the first wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
51. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing an aqueous dispersion of fluoropolymer with at least one of a drug and an agent to form a mixture;
coagulating the mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article;
stretching the extruded article;
re-wetting the extruded article with a first wettable liquid; and stretching the re-wetted article to form the article.
52. The method according to claim 51 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
53. The method according to claim 51 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
54. The method according to claim 51 , wherein the first wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
55. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing a polymer resin with a first wettable liquid and at least one of a drug and an agent to form a mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article;
stretching the extruded article; and
re-wetting the extruded article with a second wettable liquid including at least one of a drug and an agent to form the article.
56. The method according to claim 55 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
57. The method according to claim 55 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
58. The method according to claim 55 , wherein the first wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
59. The method according to claim 55 , wherein the second wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
60. The method according to claim 55 , further comprising mixing a powder formed at least partially of at least one of a drug and an agent to form the polymer resin.
61. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing a polymer resin with a first wettable liquid and at least one of a drug and an agent to form a mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article;
stretching the extruded article;
re-wetting the extruded article with a second wettable liquid including at least one of a drug and an agent; and
stretching the re-wetted extruded article to form the article.
62. The method according to claim 61 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
63. The method according to claim 61 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
64. The method according to claim 61 , wherein the first wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
65. The method according to claim 61 , wherein the second wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
66. The method according to claim 61 , further comprising mixing a powder formed at least partially of at least one of a drug and an agent to form the polymer resin.
67. A method for forming an article, comprising:
combining at least one of a drug and an agent with a first wettable liquid;
mixing a polymer resin with the first wettable liquid to form a mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article;
drying a low BP component of the wettable liquid from the extruded article; and
stretching the extruded article to form the article.
68. The method according to claim 67 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
69. The method according to claim 67 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
70. The method according to claim 67 , wherein the first wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
71. The method according to claim 67 , wherein the second wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
72. The method according to claim 67 , further comprising mixing a powder formed at least partially of at least one of a drug and an agent to form the polymer resin.
73. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing a polymer resin with a first wettable liquid and at least one of a drug and an agent to form a mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article;
drying a low BP component of the first wettable liquid from the extruded article; and
stretching the extruded article to form the article.
74. The method according to claim 73 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
75. The method according to claim 73 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
76. The method according to claim 73 , wherein the first wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
77. The method according to claim 73 , further comprising mixing a powder formed at least partially of at least one of a drug and an agent to form the polymer resin.
78. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing a polymer resin with a first wettable liquid to form a mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article;
re-wetting the extruded article with at least one of the first wettable liquid and a second wettable liquid, the second wettable liquid formed at least partially with at least one of a drug and an agent; and
stretching the re-wetted article to form the article.
79. The method according to claim 78 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
80. The method according to claim 78 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
81. The method according to claim 78 , wherein the first wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
82. The method according to claim 78 , further comprising mixing a powder formed at least partially of at least one of a drug and an agent to form the polymer resin.
83. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing a polymer resin with a first wettable liquid to form a mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article;
stretching the extruded article; and
re-wetting the extruded article with a second wettable liquid to form the article, wherein the second wettable liquid is formed at least partially with at least one of a drug and an agent.
84. The method according to claim 83 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
85. The method according to claim 83 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
86. The method according to claim 83 , wherein the first wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
87. The method according to claim 83 , further comprising mixing a powder formed at least partially of at least one of a drug and an agent to form the polymer resin.
88. A method for forming an article, comprising:
mixing a polymer resin with a first wettable liquid to form a mixture;
forming a pre-form from the mixture;
extruding the pre-form to form an extruded article;
stretching the extruded article;
re-wetting the extruded article with a second wettable liquid to form a re-wetted extruded article, the second wettable liquid formed at least partially with at least one of a drug and an agent; and
stretching the re-wetted extruded article to form the article.
89. The method according to claim 88 , wherein the article is in the shape of a tube or a flat sheet.
90. The method according to claim 88 , wherein the at least one of a drug and an agent comprise at least one of anti-arrhythmics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor antagonists, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulant agents, thrombolytic agents, drugs to alter lipid metabolism, ACE inhibitors, anti-proliferatives, anti-neoplastics, tissue growth stimulants, gasses, agents for promotion of hollow organ occlusion or thrombosis, agents for functional protein or factor delivery, agents for second messenger targeting, angiogenic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, agents for inhibition of protein synthesis, anti-infective agents, agents for gene delivery, agents for local tissue perfusion, cell adhesion/signaling molecules, nitric oxide donating derivatives, contrast media, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanospheres, microdelivery devices, liposomes, cells, bacteria, viruses, hormones, slurries, polymers, polynucleotides, vasodialators, vasoconstrictors, and materials with a bioactive compound covalently bound thereto.
91. The method according to claim 88 , wherein the first wettable liquid is formed of at least one of a drug and an agent.
92. The method according to claim 88 , further comprising mixing a powder formed at least partially of at least one of a drug and an agent to form the polymer resin.