Hydrophobic coatings and methods for medical devices - Patents.com

Abstract

A medical device and associated methods are disclosed. In one example, the medical device includes a hydrophobic coating. The hydrophobic coating is shown to include a substrate-bound molecular chain, a hydrophobic molecule attached to a first end of the substrate-bound molecular chain, and a reactive end attached to a second end of the substrate-bound molecular chain. In selected examples, the substrate-bound molecular chains are bonded to each other at a bond region adjacent a surface of the component.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 203,176, filed July 12, 2021, entitled "HYDROPHOBIOUS COATINGS AND METHODS FOR ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICES," which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The embodiments described herein relate generally to medical devices, including electrosurgical devices. [Background technology]

[0003] Some medical devices would benefit from reduced adhesion of materials to one or more surfaces. For example, in medical cutting devices, coagulation and / or tissue can adhere to the cutting assembly, reducing the effectiveness of the cutting procedure. In particular, electrosurgical devices can be precise in terms of energy delivery to tissue, and reducing adhesion without sacrificing electrical properties is a technical challenge. Improved medical cutting devices and other medical devices with reduced surfaces to adhere to are desirable. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a surgical device that can reduce adhesion without sacrificing electrical properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The surgical device of the present invention comprises a component of a surgical device and a hydrophobic coating at least partially covering the component of the surgical device, the hydrophobic coating being formed from a coating molecule including a substrate-binding molecular chain, a hydrophobic molecule attached to a first end of the substrate-binding molecular chain, and a reactive end attached to a second end of the substrate-binding molecular chain, the substrate-binding molecular chain being longer than the hydrophobic molecule.

[0006] The surgical device of the present invention also includes a surgical device component and a hydrophobic coating at least partially covering the surgical device component, the hydrophobic coating being formed from coating molecules including substrate-bound molecular chains, a hydrophobic molecule attached to a first end of the substrate-bound molecular chain, and a reactive end attached to a second end of the substrate-bound molecular chain, the substrate-bound molecular chains being bonded to a surface of the component at the reactive ends and to each other at a bond region adjacent to the surface of the component.

[0007] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe like components in different figures. Like numerals with different subscripts may represent different instances of like components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates the progression from a hydrophilic contact angle to a superhydrophobic contact angle according to an example.

[0009] [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 illustrates the Cassie state of a hydrophobic pillar according to an example.

[0010] [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 illustrates the Wenzel state of hydrophobic pillars according to an example.

[0011] [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a coating molecule according to an example.

[0012] [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of a hydrophobic coating according to an example.

[0013] [Figure 4]FIG. 13 illustrates the electrical surface impedance of uncoated steel compared to approximately 85 nm of HMDSO compared to 1000 nm of hydrophobic coating, according to an example, for a single laparoscopic RF vessel sealing device jaw.

[0014] [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates an example monopolar colpotomy device.

[0015] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a bipolar vessel sealing device, according to an example.

[0016] [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a monopolar pencil according to an example.

[0017] [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an ultrasound device according to an example.

[0018] [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates a combination bipolar RF device and ultrasound device according to an example.

[0019] [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates an example lesion formation device.

[0020] [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates a catheter device according to an example.

[0021] [Figure 12] FIG. 1 illustrates a solid organ ablation device, according to one example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The following description and drawings sufficiently illustrate certain embodiments to enable one skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, portions and features of other embodiments. The embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims.

[0023] For simplicity, but not by way of limitation, the example of a bipolar RF energy delivery device is used as an indication of one of the more technically challenging variations that may incorporate the present invention. The technology may be similarly implemented in RF monopolar cutting devices, ultrasonic sealing devices, microwave ablation devices, and variations thereof, and the aforementioned tissue modifications may be achieved using these energy delivery modalities.

[0024] Aside from RF energy devices, exemplary devices that may benefit from hydrophobic coatings include any medical device where tissue adhesion or fluid adhesion is an issue. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, visualization devices such as endoscopes, duodenoscopes, and bronchoscopes. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, mechanical devices such as lithotriptors. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, cutting devices such as bladed devices. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, energy devices other than RF energy devices such as ablation devices, laser devices, and resistive heating devices.

[0025] One example is a bipolar RF device that includes at least one tissue sealing plate that includes a non-stick coating and is configured to reduce adhesion of soft tissue to the sealing plate during application of RF energy.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrosurgical instrument including at least one jaw member having an electrically conductive tissue sealing plate configured to operably couple to a source of electrosurgical energy for treating tissue, and a hydrophobic coating having a thickness of about 35 nm to 2000 nm disposed on at least a portion of the tissue sealing plate. In one example, the coating molecules described below provide a particularly beneficial combination of properties in the coating - very mechanically robust, and also provides a high degree of hydrophobicity as a result of the combination of molecular components described below. A surgical device having a coating described below may be used multiple times without significant degradation of the coating.

[0027] Figure 2 shows one example of a coating molecule 200 that can be used to form a hydrophobic coating. In the example of Figure 2, the coating molecule 200 includes a substrate-bound molecular chain 210. The coating molecule 200 also includes a hydrophobic molecule 220 attached to a first end 207 of the substrate-bound molecular chain 210. The coating molecule 200 also includes a reactive end 230 attached to a second end 208 of the substrate-bound molecular chain 210.

[0028] In one example, substrate-bound molecular chain 210 includes a backbone 202. In the example of Figure 2, backbone 202 includes carbon atoms 204. In the example shown, backbone 202 includes carbon atoms 204 throughout, although the invention is not so limited. Other backbones may be formed from silicon atoms, alternating sequences of silicon and oxygen atoms, or other suitable backbone chemistries.

[0029] In one example, the substrate-bound molecular chains 210 include silicon side groups 206. In the example of Figure 2, the silicon side groups may further include oxygen and R3 groups bonded to the silicon. As will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 3, the side groups 206 on the substrate-bound molecular chains 210 may be used to form intermolecular bonds between adjacent substrate-bound molecular chains 210. Although the example of Figure 2 shows siloxane (silicon and oxygen) groups, other side groups capable of bonding to adjacent substrate-bound molecular chains 210 are within the scope of the present invention.

[0030] In one example, hydrophobic molecule 220 includes a backbone 222. Similar to the description of substrate-bound molecular chain 210, backbone 222 of hydrophobic molecule 220 may include carbon atoms 224 as shown, or other backbone chemistries such as silicon, siloxane, etc. In the example of Figure 2, hydrophobic molecule 220 includes a side group 225. In the example shown, the side group is a fluorine atom. Other examples of side groups that provide good hydrophobicity may include methyl groups or other hydrophobic side groups.

[0031] In one example, the hydrophobic molecule 220 is a fluoropolymer. The hydrophobic molecule 220 shown in Figure 2 shows a short, two carbon backbone 222. In one example, despite the short backbone, the two carbon hydrophobic molecule 220 is referred to as a fluoropolymer. Other lengths for the backbone 222 are within the scope of the invention.

[0032] In one example, the substrate-bound molecular chains 210 are longer than the hydrophobic molecules 220. The relative length of the substrate-bound molecular chains 210 compared to the hydrophobic molecules 220 provides a number of advantages. In one example, the relatively long substrate-bound molecular chains 210 facilitate bonding between adjacent substrate-bound molecular chains 210 in other coating molecules, as shown in FIG. 3. The longer substrate-bound molecular chains 210 provide a more mechanically robust coating due to increased strength between the coating molecules 200.

[0033] Relatively short hydrophobic molecules 220 are also more mechanically robust. Longer hydrophobic molecules 220 are more likely to break away from the substrate-bound molecular chains 210 or cleave along their backbones 222. The combination of longer substrate-bound molecular chains 210 than hydrophobic molecules 220 provides both the property of increased strength between coating molecules 200 and the property of shorter, more robust hydrophobic molecules 220.

[0034] In one example, reactive end 230 includes silicon atoms 232. In the illustrated example, oxygen atoms 234 are located at exposed end 201 of reactive end 230 and bond with the surface of the surgical instrument component, although the invention is not so limited. Other reactive end 230 chemistries are within the scope of the invention and may depend on the material of the surgical device component to which the hydrophobic coating is bonded.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a portion of a coating 300. A substrate 302 is shown that can be part of any number of surgical devices. Selected examples of components having a substrate 302 include, but are not limited to, RF electrodes of electrosurgical devices, monopolar electrodes of electrosurgical devices, cutting blades, exterior or interior of catheters, and the like. As noted above, other examples of substrate 302 include any medical device where tissue adhesion or fluid adhesion is an issue. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, visualization devices such as endoscopes, duodenoscopes, bronchoscopes, and the like. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, mechanical devices such as lithotriptors. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, cutting devices such as bladed devices. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, energy devices other than RF energy devices such as ablation devices, laser devices, resistive heating devices, and the like.

[0036] Figure 3 shows three coating molecules 310A, 310B, 310C similar to coating molecule 200 of Figure 2. Each of the three coating molecules 310A, 310B, 310C is shown to include a substrate-bound molecular chain and a hydrophobic molecule attached to a first end of the substrate-bound molecular chain. A reactive end is shown attaching molecule 310A to surface 304 of component substrate 302 at binding site 312. Coating molecules 310A, 310B, 310C are further shown attached to one another at binding site 314. In the illustrated example, binding site 314 includes a siloxane bond, although the invention is not so limited.

[0037] In one example, the surface 304 may be modified prior to application of the coating, although the invention is not so limited. Examples of surface modification may include sandblasting and etching to roughen the surface and promote adhesion. In one example, the inventors have discovered that #1000 grit sandblasting, a grit size not typically used in preparing such surfaces and coating materials, can be used to roughen the surface prior to coating. In one example, the substrate 302 comprises a ceramic material, and other larger grit sizes may damage the ceramic substrate 302. Sandblasting using small grit sizes as described also provides a level of dimensional control of the final product that cannot be obtained with larger grit sizes. In one example, the sandblasting grit used for surface roughening is between #800 and #1200. In one example, the sandblasting grit used for surface roughening is between #900 and #1100. In one example, the sandblasting grit used for surface roughening is between #950 and #1050. Modification of the surface roughness can increase the surface area to enhance bonding and can also provide a mechanical structure that enhances the adhesion of the coating.

[0038] Any amount of bonding between coating molecules 310A, 310B, 310C will increase the mechanical strength of the resulting coating. As discussed above, longer substrate-bound molecular chains promote a greater amount of bonding between adjacent substrate-bound molecular chains in adjacent coating molecules 310A, 310B, 310C. By using only substrate-bound molecular chains 210 for intermolecular bonding between coating molecules, the hydrophobic molecules can be used solely for their hydrophobic properties. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, all side groups 225 can contain fluorine atoms to provide high hydrophobicity.

[0039] In selected examples, in addition to the chemical hydrophobicity associated with the surface energy, the coating may also include physical structures that further impart hydrophobicity. Examples of superhydrophobic physical structures are shown in Figures 1A-1C and described in more detail below. In selected examples, the superhydrophobic physical structures may result from molecular structures. In other selected examples, the superhydrophobic physical structures may result from surface modifications. Examples of surface modifications may include etching, laser patterning, or other mechanisms to form the physical surface structures.

[0040] In one example, the hydrophobic coating is applied by dip coating, although the invention is not so limited. Other examples of coating methods include single coat spray, multiple coat spray, multiple coat dip coating, other coating applications, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, and the like. One skilled in the art will recognize that different deposition methods will result in different physical properties of the final coating, such as coating uniformity and thickness variations detectable upon inspection. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness of about 1000 nm. In one example, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness in the range of 1 nm to 1000 nm. In one example, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness in the range of 2 nm to 600 nm. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a substantially uniform thickness. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a non-uniform thickness. The thicknesses and thickness ranges detailed above provide the coating with hydrophobic non-stick properties and mechanical strength while also providing acceptable electrical properties that thicker coatings may not provide. The inventors have discovered that this combination of properties can be beneficial in the surgical devices described in this disclosure.

[0041] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is discontinuous. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is continuous. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the electrosurgical instrument includes an insulating layer disposed on at least a portion of the tissue sealing plate. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is disposed on at least a portion of each of the opposing jaw members. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the tissue sealing plate is formed of stainless steel. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is disposed on the support base of the jaws and not on the tissue sealing plate. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is disposed on at least a portion of the support base of the jaws and the tissue sealing plate. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is disposed at least partially on the support base of the jaws, the tissue sealing plate, and a short circuit prevention "stop" associated with the tissue sealing plate. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is disposed at least partially on one or all of the short circuit prevention "stops" associated with the tissue sealing plate.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrosurgical instrument is provided that includes a pair of opposing jaw members, each including an electrically conductive tissue sealing plate configured to operably couple to a source of electrosurgical energy for treating tissue, a support base configured to support the tissue sealing plate, and an insulative housing configured to secure the tissue sealing plate to the support base.

[0043] A hydrophobic coating having a thickness of about 35 nm to 2000 nm is disposed on at least a portion of at least one of the opposing jaw members.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is disposed on at least a portion of each of the sealing plate, the support base, and the insulative housing. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness of about 1000 nm. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a substantially uniform thickness. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a non-uniform thickness.

[0045] In another aspect of the disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is discontinuous.In another aspect of the disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is continuous.

[0046] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrically conductive tissue sealing plate including a stainless steel layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the stainless steel layer configured to deliver energy to tissue, an insulating layer disposed on a surface of the stainless steel layer, and a hydrophobic coating having a thickness of about 35 nm to about 2000 nm disposed on at least a portion of the first surface of the stainless steel layer.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness of about 1000 nm. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a non-uniform thickness. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is discontinuous.

[0048] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for inhibiting adhesion of tissue to a conductive component of an electrosurgical tissue sealing device during application of energy to the tissue. The method includes applying a hydrophobic coating to at least a portion of the conductive component of the electrosurgical tissue sealing device using a dipping technique. The substrate or surface to receive the coating may be treated, such as sandblasted or chemically treated, to improve adhesion of the coating. The method includes applying a hydrophobic coating to at least a portion of the conductive component of the electrosurgical tissue sealing device using a spraying technique. The method includes applying a hydrophobic coating to at least a portion of the conductive component of the electrosurgical tissue sealing device using a painting technique. The method may include controlling the thickness of the applied polytetrafluoroethylene coating to about 35 nm to 2000 nm. Another possible technique for coating may be spin coating to obtain a uniform thickness. The coating process may be subjected to high temperature curing, such as in an oven, to obtain a solidified state.

[0049] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrosurgical instrument is provided that includes a pair of jaw members, each jaw member having an electrically conductive sealing plate configured to operably couple to an electrosurgical energy source. The tissue sealing plates are configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue based on at least one sensed tissue parameter. The electrosurgical instrument includes a non-stick coating disposed on at least a portion of each tissue sealing plate. The non-stick coating has a controlled thickness to reduce adhesion of the electrically conductive sealing plate during delivery of electrosurgical energy to tissue and enable sensing of the at least one tissue parameter. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness of about 35 nm to about 2000 nm and is disposed on at least a portion of the first surface of the stainless steel layer. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness of about 1000 nm. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a non-uniform thickness. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is discontinuous. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one tissue parameter is selected from the group consisting of temperature, resistance, light, and impedance.

[0050] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided for inhibiting adhesion of tissue to conductive components of an electrosurgical tissue sealing apparatus during application of energy to the tissue.

[0051] Specific aspects of the electrosurgical tissue sealing instrument are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely examples of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or structures are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limitations, but merely as a basis for the claims, and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the concept of the present disclosure in various ways in substantially any appropriately detailed structure.

[0052] Like reference numbers may refer to like or identical elements throughout the description of the figures. When referring to relative positioning on a surgical instrument as shown in the figures and explained throughout the following description, as is conventional, the term "proximal" refers to the end of the instrument closer to the user and the term "distal" refers to the end of the instrument further away from the user. The term "clinician" refers to any medical professional (i.e., doctor, surgeon, nurse, etc.) who performs a medical procedure involving the use of the embodiments described herein.

[0053] As described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure relates to electrosurgical instruments having a non-stick coating disposed on one or more components (e.g., tissue sealing plates, jaw members, electrical leads, insulators, etc.) The thickness of the non-stick coating is carefully controlled to enable desired electrical performance while reducing tissue adhesion while sealing tissue.

[0054] Any material that can provide the desired functionality (i.e., reducing tissue adhesion while at the same time maintaining sufficient electrical conductivity to allow tissue sealing) with suitable biocompatibility may be used as the non-stick coating.

[0055] Previously disclosed materials have disclosed the use and application of HMDSO in similar energy delivery devices, including other materials such as TMDSO and plasma deposition systems to achieve non-stick performance of modified devices in contact with tissue.

[0056] These coatings, when used in such processes and at the thicknesses claimed, are "superhydrophobic" coatings. Superhydrophobic coatings are different from just typical low surface energy materials because their function requires depositing a coating structure that creates hydrophobic pillars that repel water, oil, and blood in a way that low surface energy alone cannot.

[0057] In currently known technology, a hydrophilic coating is one that has a water contact angle of less than 90°. A hydrophobic surface is one that has a water contact angle between 90° and 150°, and a superhydrophobic surface (also known as an ultrahydrophobic surface) is one that has a water contact angle of 150° or more. See Figures 1A-1C. HMDSO, when applied to a surface, can help to achieve a superhydrophobic state (depending on the application settings) or at least exceed the superhydrophobic state typically achieved by the same materials applied in the hydrophilic pillar generation process or by other chemical assemblies of these materials that are not combined to create this polymeric structure. Figure 1B is a diagram of the "Cassie state" of the hydrophobic pillars, and Figure 1C is a diagram of the "Wenzel state" of the hydrophobic pillars.

[0058] Electrical properties may determine the usable thickness of a coating on a surface intended to be used to deliver electrical energy or receive electrical feedback from contacted tissue. Coating thickness is important but varies with the electrical modality employed. High frequency electrical AC output requires different considerations than lower frequencies. In the example provided, the coating thickness used for microwave transmission is different from that required for radio frequency (RF) transmission, which also differs from other energy modalities such as ultrasound modalities where vibration transmission and absorption require different coating thicknesses.

[0059] An example used in this disclosure is a pair of jaw members, each having an electrically conductive sealing plate configured to operably couple to a source of electrosurgical energy. The tissue sealing plates are configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue based on at least one sensed tissue parameter. The electrosurgical instrument includes a non-stick coating disposed on at least a portion of each tissue sealing plate. The non-stick coating has a controlled thickness to reduce adhesion of the electrically conductive sealing plate during delivery of electrosurgical energy to tissue and enable sensing of at least one tissue parameter. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness of about 35 nm to about 2000 nm and is disposed on at least a portion of the first surface of the stainless steel layer. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a thickness of about 1000 nm. In another embodiment of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating has a non-uniform thickness. In another embodiment of this disclosure, the hydrophobic coating is discontinuous. In another embodiment of this disclosure, the at least one tissue parameter is selected from the group consisting of temperature, resistance, light, and impedance.

[0060] In this case, the limit on the thickness parameter is limited by the desired ability to deliver RF electrical energy and possibly obtain feedback through such a coating: thicknesses of about 2000 nm or more become so excessive that the fidelity of energy delivery and feedback is lost, which is undesirable and unnecessary given the expected normal operating life of such devices.

[0061] At about 1000 nm, the disclosed hydrophobic coatings have an acceptable level of electrical performance while providing hydrophobicity, i.e., non-stickiness, that enhances their use in clinical procedures.

[0062] Figure 4 compares the electrical performance at a frequency of 400 kHz (RF) of 1) an uncoated steel conductive sealing plate (which has surface impurities and contaminants typical of the manufacturing methods for this type of device), 2) a steel conductive sealing plate with a HMDSO coating approximately 85 nm thick, and 3) a hydrophobic coating approximately 1000 nm thick as shown in Figure 3.

[0063] One of ordinary skill in the art will understand how these thicknesses may need to be modified depending on the wavelength (frequency) of the energy delivered, and how the hydrophobic coating electrically relates to the previously disclosed non-stick HMDSO technology or to no coating.

[0064] Figures 5-12 include other devices that may incorporate hydrophobic coatings and are included to demonstrate the various energy delivery and tissue modification device types that can be improved by the inclusion of this type of technology. In these examples, it is anticipated that the hydrophobic coating will be disposed partially or completely on the energy application element and, in some cases, within the surrounding device structure where contact with tissue may occur, partially or completely, and in the thicknesses previously described in this disclosure.

[0065] To better illustrate the methods and apparatus disclosed herein, a non-limiting list of embodiments is provided here.

[0066] Example 1 includes a surgical device, the surgical device including a surgical device component and a coating at least partially covering the surgical device component, the coating configured according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0067] Example 2 includes a surgical device. The surgical device includes a component of the surgical device and a hydrophobic coating at least partially covering the component of the surgical device. The hydrophobic coating is formed from a coating molecule including a substrate-bound molecular chain, a hydrophobic molecule attached to a first end of the substrate-bound molecular chain, and a reactive end attached to a second end of the substrate-bound molecular chain, the substrate-bound molecular chain being longer than the hydrophobic molecule.

[0068] Example 3 includes the surgical device of Example 2, wherein the substrate-bound molecular chain includes a carbon atom backbone.

[0069] Example 4 includes the surgical device according to any one of Examples 2-3, wherein the substrate-bound molecular chain includes a silicon atom backbone.

[0070] Example 5 includes the surgical device of any one of Examples 2-4, wherein the hydrophobic molecule includes a fluoropolymer.

[0071] Example 6 includes the surgical device of any one of Examples 2-5, wherein the hydrophobic molecule includes a siloxane backbone.

[0072] Example 7 includes a surgical device. The surgical device includes a component of the surgical device and a hydrophobic coating at least partially covering the component of the surgical device. The hydrophobic coating is formed from coating molecules including a substrate-bound molecular chain, a hydrophobic molecule attached to a first end of the substrate-bound molecular chain, and a reactive end attached to a second end of the substrate-bound molecular chain, the substrate-bound molecular chains being attached to a surface of the component at the reactive end and being attached to each other at a bonding region adjacent the surface of the component.

[0073] Example 8 includes the surgical device of Example 7, wherein the substrate-bound molecular chain includes a carbon atom backbone.

[0074] Example 9 includes the surgical device of any one of Examples 7-8, wherein the substrate-bound molecular chain includes a carbon atom backbone.

[0075] Example 10 includes the surgical device of any one of Examples 7-9, wherein the substrate-bound molecular chains are bonded to one another by siloxane bonds.

[0076] Example 11 includes the surgical device of any one of Examples 7-10, wherein the substrate-binding molecular chains are bound to the substrate by siloxane bonds.

[0077] Example 12 includes the surgical device of any one of Examples 7-11, wherein the hydrophobic molecule includes a fluoropolymer.

[0078] Example 13 includes the surgical device of any one of Examples 7-12, wherein the substrate-bound molecular chain is longer than the hydrophobic molecule.

[0079] Throughout this specification, multiple instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed simultaneously, and the operations need not be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functions presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as combined structures or components. Similarly, structures and functions presented as single components may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are within the scope of the subject matter of this specification.

[0080] Although the present subject matter has been generally described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader scope of the disclosed embodiments. Such embodiments of the present subject matter may be referred to herein, individually or collectively, by the term "invention" for convenience only, and without the intention of intentionally limiting the scope of this application to any single disclosure or inventive concept when in fact more than one disclosure or inventive concept is disclosed.

[0081] The embodiments shown herein are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosed teachings. Other embodiments can be used and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0082] As used herein, the term "or" may be interpreted in an inclusive or exclusive sense. Moreover, multiple instances may be provided for resources, operations, or structures described herein as a single instance. Moreover, boundaries between various resources, operations, modules, engines, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and certain operations are described in the context of certain example configurations. Other allocations of functionality are contemplated and may be included within the scope of various embodiments of the disclosure. In general, structures and functions presented as separate resources in example configurations may be implemented as combined structures and resources. Similarly, structures and functions presented as a single resource may be implemented as separate resources. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are within the scope of the embodiments of the disclosure as expressed by the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative and not a restrictive sense.

[0083] The above description has been set forth with reference to specific example embodiments for purposes of illustration. However, the above exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the possible example embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles involved and their practical application, so that those skilled in the art may best utilize the various exemplary embodiments with various modifications as appropriate for the particular uses contemplated.

[0084] It will also be understood that terms such as "first", "second" and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, but these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact can be called a second contact, and similarly, a second contact can be called a first contact, without departing from the scope of the present embodiment. Although a first contact and a second contact are both contacts, they are not the same contact.

[0085] The terms used in the description of the exemplary embodiments herein are intended to describe only the specific exemplary embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the exemplary embodiments and the accompanying examples, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" as used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0086] As used herein, the term "if" may be interpreted to mean "when" or "upon" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "if it is determined" or "if [a stated condition or event] is detected" may be interpreted to mean "upon determining" or "in response to determining" or "upon detecting [the stated condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [the stated condition or event]," depending on the context.

Claims

1. 1. A surgical device comprising: A component of a surgical device; a hydrophobic coating at least partially covering the component of the surgical device; Equipped with The hydrophobic coating comprises: A substrate-bound molecular chain; a hydrophobic molecule attached to a first end of the substrate-bound molecular chain; a reactive end attached to a second end of the substrate-bound molecular chain; Including, A surgical device formed from coating molecules, the substrate-binding molecular chains being longer than the hydrophobic molecules.

2. The surgical device of claim 1 , wherein the substrate-bound molecular chain comprises a carbon atom backbone.

3. The surgical device of claim 1 , wherein the substrate-bound molecular chains comprise a silicon atom backbone.

4. The surgical device of claim 1 , wherein the hydrophobic molecules comprise a fluoropolymer.

5. The surgical device of claim 1 , wherein the hydrophobic molecules comprise a siloxane backbone.

6. 1. A surgical device comprising: A component of a surgical device; a hydrophobic coating at least partially covering the component of the surgical device; Equipped with The hydrophobic coating comprises: A substrate-bound molecular chain; a hydrophobic molecule attached to a first end of the substrate-bound molecular chain; a reactive end attached to a second end of the substrate-bound molecular chain; Including, A surgical device, wherein the substrate-bound molecular chains are formed from coating molecules that are bonded to the surface of the component at the reactive ends and to each other at bond regions adjacent the surface of the component.

7. The surgical device of claim 6 , wherein the substrate-bound molecular chains comprise a silicon atom backbone.

8. The surgical device of claim 6 , wherein the substrate-bound molecular chain comprises a carbon atom backbone.

9. The surgical device of claim 6 , wherein the substrate-bound molecular chains are bonded to one another by siloxane bonds.

10. The surgical device of claim 9 , wherein the substrate-binding molecular chains are bound to the substrate by siloxane bonds.

11. The surgical device of claim 10 , wherein the hydrophobic molecules comprise a fluoropolymer.

12. The surgical device of claim 11 , wherein the substrate-bound molecular chains are longer than the hydrophobic molecules.

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