Apparatus or methods specifically adapted for use in treating air either:

Apparatus or methods of general applicability for use in destroying noxious microorganisms on or otherwise rendering completely aseptic articles or materials, e.g. destroying bacteria or fungus.

Apparatus or methods that are not covered as a whole in another subclass and are specially adapted for use in destroying noxious microorganisms on or otherwise rendering completely aseptic specific articles, e.g. contact lenses, or specific materials, e.g. refuse.

Materials that are specially adapted for devices that are to be affixed to, placed on, placed within, or cover either:

Chemical compounds or compositions that are used in conjunction with, or compose a portion of, the above type of specially adaptive devices or their materials and increase their effectiveness by:

Materials specially adapted to be used in devices that:

Adhesives specially adapted for surgical uses.

Materials specially adapted for forming devices used as substitutes for a part of the body that is missing or non-functional or materials specially adapted for coating these devices, e.g. skin grafts.

Materials specially adapted to be used in:

Materials specially adapted for use within the structure of hollow flexible tubes that are intended to be:

Materials specially adapted to be used for other surgical uses or devices, e.g. stents, materials for adhesion prevention.

Materials specially adapted for use as antithrombogenic treatments for at least one of the above type of devices or materials or the chemical compounds or compositions that form, or compose a portion of, these antithrombogenic treatments.

Specially adapted components or steps for at least one of the above types of apparatus, methods, or devices.

Auxiliary appliances or accessories specially adapted for use with at least one of the above types of apparatus or devices, e.g. devices for testing effectiveness of sterilization.

Looping references between A61L and A61K have been identified. CPC will be updated/corrected once this inconsistency is resolved in IPC. The current classification practice in CPC is as follows: Both A61L and A61K will be considered limiting reference.

Within each one of the following sets of groups, at each hierarchical level, in the absence of an indication to the contrary, classification is made in the last appropriate place:

A61L 15/08-A61L 15/12

A61L 15/18-A61L 15/40

A61L 17/04-A61L 17/14

A61L 24/02-A61L 24/04

A61L 27/02-A61L 27/40

A61L 29/02-A61L 29/12

A61L 31/02-A61L 31/12

A61L 33/02-A61L 33/18

Secondary classification based on use of materials characterised by particular function or physical properties when of interest.

When the inventive thing is classified based upon its chemical composition within one of the sets of groups A61L 15/08-A61L 15/12 , A61L 15/18-A61L 15/40 , A61L 27/02-A61L 27/40 , A61L 29/02-A61L 29/12, or A61L 31/02-A61L 31/12; classification of this subject matter is also made to cover its function or physical properties for each set of groups into their corresponding group, (i.e. respectively group A61L 15/14, A61L 15/42, A61L 27/50, A61L 29/14, or A61L 31/14) when this aspect is of interest.

Secondary classification based on use of materials with antithrombogenic properties.

When the inventive thing is fully provided for and classified within groups A61L 17/00, A61L 24/00, A61L 26/00, A61L 27/00, A61L 28/00, A61L 29/00, and A61L 31/00 classification should also be made within group A61L 33/00 if a material used is antithrombogenic in nature.

Use of Indexing symbols.

When classifying in groups A61L 2/00 - A61L 12/00, it is desirable to add the Indexing symbols of group A61L 2101/00, relating to the chemical composition of materials used in disinfecting, sterilising or deodorising.

Processes and devices used for biocidal treatment of entities other than foodstuffs or contact lenses

The substance which has a biocidal action is classified according to its state, liquid,, gaseous or solid. E.g. hydrogen peroxide may be used in liquid or gaseous form, it's then classified in group A61L 2/186 or A61L 2/208.

Treatment of pharmaceuticals, biologicals or living parts for removing or inactivating microorganism, i.e. disinfection or sterilisation, by filtration.

Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs, contact lenses, pharmaceuticals, biological or living parts by filtration

Direct and indirect sterilisation by electrolysis, irrespective of the location of biocidal action in or downstream the electrolysis cell.

Biocidal treatment using e.g. sprayed substances.

Devices, which are used in methods or apparatuses for disinfection or sterilisation.

Devices to indicate that sterilisation is complete or effective

Methods and devices for biocidal or deodorising treatment of air.

Chemical compounds and compositions for use in deodorising air by covering or binding malodorous substances.

The groups A61L 9/01-A61L 9/015 are only given to documents, which relate to counter-acting malodorous substances in the air.

Deodorant composition characterised by specific physical form, e.g. gels, emulsions

Deodorant composition containing sorbent material, e.g. carbon

Both chemical deactivating / covering malodorous substances, and disinfecting / sterilising by the use of gaseous counteragents, e.g. perfumes, gaseous hydrogen peroxide, ozone.

Apparatus for disinfection, sterilisation of air using substances evaporated in the air by heating or combustion

Disinfection, sterilisation of air using substances evaporated in the air without heating specially adapted to be released contact with a liquid

Apparatus for disinfection, sterilisation of air using substances evaporated in the air without heating

Disinfection, sterilisation of air processes using sprayed or atomised substances

Disinfection, sterilisation of air processes with air-liquid contact

Disinfection, sterilisation of air processes using physical phenomena other than the ones of the subgroups.

Disinfection, sterilisation of air processes by ultraviolet radiation using a photocatalyst or photosensitiser

Methods and apparatuses for sterilisation or disinfection of refuse, e.g. from medical facilities, food industry.

Devices and processes for the biocidal treatment of contact lenses of different types.

Chemical composition of materials used, or use of such materials, for stiffening bandages such as splints and orthopaedic casts for long-term immobilizing broken or deformed body parts (A61L 15/07 - A61L 15/14).

Chemical composition of materials used, or use of such materials, for articles intended to be in contact with the human skin and absorb physiological fluids such as blood, urine and faeces. This includes wound dressings and bandages adapted to be attached to the injured parts of the body, and articles worn by the patient for reception of urine, faeces, catamenial or other discharge such as sanitary napkins, tampons and diapers (A61L 15/16 - A61L 15/64).

This group covers wound dressings and bandages having a solid part or backing.

Polymers are classified in C08L.

Non-chemical aspects of absorbent pads, bandages or dressings are classified in A61F 13/00.

Adhesives in general are classified in C09J.

Polymer foams and post-treatment of polymers are classified in C08J 9/00.

Laminates, layered materials are classified in B32B.

Peptides are classified in C07K.

Cosmetic preparations are classified in A61K 8/00.

Preparations for care of the skin are classified in A61Q 19/00.

When classifying in groups A61L 15/08 - A61L 15/12, classification is also made in group A61L 15/14 if the use of materials characterised by their function or physical properties is of interest.

When classifying in groups A61L 15/18 - A61L 15/40, classification is also made in groups A61L 15/42 - A61L 15/64 if the use of materials characterised by their function or physical properties is of interest.

In group A61L 15/12 and subgroups, the use of specific polymers is indicated using the relevant classification symbols of subclass C08L preceded by a "comma", e.g. stiffening bandage based on polyurethane A61L 15/12, C08L 75/04.

In groups A61L 15/22 - A61L 15/30 the use of specific polymers is indicated using the relevant classification symbols of subclass C08L preceded by a "comma", e.g. absorbent pad containing starch A61L 15/22, C08L 3/02.

Mixtures of macromolecular compounds are only classified in A61L 15/225 and not in each individual subgroups A61L 15/24, A61L 15/26, A61L 15/28, A61L 15/30, A61L 15/32, A61L 15/34.

Each of the polymeric components of the mixture is classified in its correspondent C08L group, e.g. a wound dressing comprising a mixture of polyacrylate and polylactide A61L 15/225, C08L 33/04 and A61L 15/225, C08L 67/04.

In group A61L 15/58 and subgroups, the use of specific polymers as adhesives is indicated using the relevant classification symbols of subclass C08L preceded by a "comma",, e.g. adhesive bandage based on polyurethane A61L 15/58, C08L 75/04.

In group A61L 15/60, the use of specific polymers is indicated using the relevant classification symbols of subclass C08L preceded by a "comma", e.g. absorbent pad comprising superabsorbent particles of polyacrylates A61L 15/60, C08L 33/04.

When using combination classes for specifying the macromolecular materials the following rules apply:

Compositions of polysaccharides are combined with C08L 1/00 - C08L 5/16.

Compositions of rubber are combined with C08L 7/00 - C08L 21/02.

Compositions of macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds are combined with C08L 23/00 - C08L 57/12.

Compositions of macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds are combined with C08L 59/00 - C08L 87/00.

Compositions of natural macromolecular compounds or of derivatives thereof are combined with C08L 89/00 - C08L 89/06.

The use of liquid or gel materials which may or may not contain a solid support are classified in both groups A61L 15/00 and A61L 26/00.

Gelatin and Collagen are classified in A61L 15/325.

Wetting agents are classified in A61L 15/48.

Absorbent products containing enzymes are classified in A61L 15/38 and not in A61L 15/32.

Antimicrobial substances such as antibiotics are only classified in A61L 15/46.

Growth factors are classified in A61L 15/44 as medicaments and not in A61L 15/32.

For the concerned medicaments (A61L 15/44 and A61L 15/46) as additional information, a classification symbol in A61L 2300/00 is given.

A61L 15/40 covers ingredients of undetermined constitution or reaction products thereof such as products of natural origin (from plants or animals) and cells. This group will cover products such as natural silk derived from Bombyx mori, nacre, bees wax, honey, shellac, blood and blood.

A61L 15/34 covers oils, fats, waxes and natural resins including emollients, lotions, skin care compositions, lanolin, paraffin, petroleum jelly.

Additional information concerning materials characterized by their function or physical properties, materials and methods for coating medical devices and materials for tissue regeneration are also classified in A61L 2400/00-A61L 2430/40.

Materials for surgical sutures or for ligaturing blood vessels.

Polymers are classified in C08L.

Processes and apparatus for the production of yarns or threads are classified in D02G 3/00.

When classifying in group A61L 17/00, classification is also made in A61L 33/00 if the materials used are antithrombogenic.

For the concerned medicaments (A61L 17/005) as additional information, a classification symbol in A61L 2300/00 is given.

Additional information concerning materials characterized by their function or physical properties, materials and methods for coating medical devices and materials for tissue regeneration are also classified in A61L 2400/00-A61L 2430/40.

Adhesives or sealants for surgical use and surgical cements to anchor prostheses.

Adhesives for colostomy devices.

Embolizing / Occluding compositions and haemostatic compositions (surgical sponges or foams to stop bleeding)

Bone wax to mechanically control bleeding from bone surfaces during surgical procedures.

Viscoelastic compositions/agents for use in surgery.

Adhesives in general are classified in C09J.

Cements in general are classified in C04B

When classifying in group A61L 24/00, classification is also made in A61L 33/00 if the materials used are antithrombogenic.

In groups A61L 24/046 - A61L 24/12, the use of specific polymers is indicated by using the relevant classification symbols of subclass C08L preceded by a "comma", e.g. surgical adhesives based on polymethylmethacrylate: A61L 24/06, C08L 33/12.

In groups A61L 24/0047 - A61L 24/0094, the use of specific polymers is indicated by using the relevant classification symbols of subclass C08L preceded by a "comma", e.g. composite surgical adhesives with a matrix of polyhydroxy butyrate containing chitosan particles: A61L 24/0094, C08L 5/08 and A61L 24/0094, C08L 67/04.

When using combination classes for specifying the macromolecular materials the following rules apply:

Compositions of polysaccharides are combined with C08L 1/00 - C08L 5/16

Compositions of rubber are combined with C08L 7/00 - C08L 21/02.

Compositions of macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds are combined with C08L 23/00 - C08L 57/12.

Compositions of macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds are combined with C08L 59/00 - C08L 87/00.

Compositions of natural macromolecular compounds or of derivatives thereof are combined with C08L 89/00 - C08L 89/06.

Mixtures of macromolecular compounds are only classified in A61L 24/043 and not in each individual subgroups A61L 24/046, A61L 24/06, A61L 24/08, A61L 24/10.

Each of the polymeric components of the mixture is classified in its correspondent C08L group, e.g. a surgical adhesive comprising a mixture of cyanoacrylate and polylactide A61L 24/043, C08L 35/04 and A61L 24/043, C08L 67/04.

Growth factors are classified in A61L 24/0015 as medicaments.

For the concerned medicaments (A61L 24/0015) as additional information, a classification symbol in A61L 2300/00 is given.

Additional information concerning materials characterized by their function or physical properties, materials and methods for coating medical devices and materials for tissue regeneration are also classified in A61L 2400/00-A61L 2430/40.

A61L 24/0005 covers ingredients of undetermined constitution or reaction products thereof such as products of natural origin (from plants or animals) and cells. This group will cover products such as natural silk derived from Bombyx mori, nacre, bees wax, honey, shellac, blood and blood.

Chemical composition of materials used, or use of such materials, for wound dressings or bandages in liquid, gel or powder form.

This group covers wound dressings and bandages not having a solid part or backing.

Sprayable compositions.

Wound covering materials such as foams, for external use.

Polymers are classified in C08L

When classifying in group A61L 26/00, classification is also made in A61L 33/00 if the materials used are antithrombogenic.

In groups A61L 26/0009 and subgroups and A61L 26/0095, the use of specific polymers is indicated by using the relevant classification symbols of subclass C08L preceded by a "comma", e.g. liquid bandages on alginates: A61L 26/0023, C08L 5/04.

When using combination classes for specifying the macromolecular materials the following rules apply:

Compositions of polysaccharides are combined with C08L 1/00 - C08L 5/16.

Compositions of rubber are combined with C08L 7/00 - C08L 21/02.

Compositions of macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds are combined with C08L 23/00 - C08L 57/12.

Compositions of macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds are combined with C08L 59/00 - C08L 87/00.

Compositions of natural macromolecular compounds or of derivatives thereof are combined with C08L 89/00 - C08L 89/06.

Mixtures of macromolecular compounds are only classified in A61L 26/0052 and not in each individual subgroups A61L 26/0014 - A61L 26/0047.

Each of the polymeric components of the mixture is classified in its correspondent C08L group, e.g. a liquid bandage comprising a mixture of chitosan and polyethylene glycol A61L 26/0052, C08L 5/08 and A61L 26/0052, C08L 71/02.

Compositions of block copolymers are classified in C08L 53/00.

Growth factors are classified in A61L 26/0066 as medicaments.

A61L 26/0057 covers ingredients of undetermined constitution or reaction products thereof such as products of natural origin (from plants or animals) and cells. This group will cover products such as natural silk derived from Bombyx mori, nacre, bees wax, honey, shellac, blood and blood-derived products (e.g. plasma, Platelet Rich Plasma [PRP], platelet concentrate), tissue fragments, Extracellular matrix (ECM), Submucosa (e.g. SIS), Essential oils, algae, diatomaceous earth.

For the concerned medicaments (A61L 26/0066) as additional information, a classification symbol in A61L 2300/00 is given.

Additional information concerning materials characterized by their function or physical properties, materials and methods for coating medical devices and materials for tissue regeneration are also classified in A61L 2400/00-A61L 2430/40.

Chemical composition of materials used, or use of such materials, for prostheses or grafts or for coating prostheses or grafts.

Artificial blood vessels, vascular patches, artificial valves, annuloplasty rings (A61L 27/507).

Materials for tissue engineering such as scaffolds.

Artificial skin, skin grafts (A61L 27/60)

Fillers for tissue regeneration and augmentation such as bone and soft tissue fillers, cosmetic fillers.

Injectable compositions, e.g. for regenerating cartilage.

Chemical aspects of surface treatment or modification of prostheses or grafts.

Spinal implants, e.g. spinal spacers, fusion cages, intervertebral discs.

Nerve implants, nerve conduits, nerve regeneration devices.

Undifferentiated human, animal or plant cells, e.g. cell lines; Tissues; Cultivation or maintenance thereof; Culture media therefore are classified in C12N 5/00.

Medicinal preparations containing material or reaction products thereof with undetermined constitution is classified in A61K 35/00.

Electrotherapy is classified in A61N 1/00.

Magnetotherapy is classified in A61N 2/00.

Radiation Therapy is classified in A61N 5/00.

Ultrasound Therapy is classified in A61N 7/00.

Preparations for dentistry are classified in A61K 6/00.

Dentistry: Dental implants, Fixation tools, Implanting tools are classified in A61C 8/00 and A61C 13/00.

Shape or structure of prostheses is classified in A61F.

When classifying in groups A61L 27/02 - A61L 27/48, classification is also made in groups A61L 27/50 - A61L 27/60 if the use of materials characterised by their function or physical properties is of interest.

When classifying in group A61L 27/00, classification is also made in A61L 33/00 if the materials used are antithrombogenic.

In group A61L 27/00, the use of specific polymers is indicated using the relevant classification symbols of subclass C08L preceded by a "comma",, e.g. prosthesis based on polyvinylchloride A61L 27/16, C08L 27/06.

When using combination classes for specifying the macromolecular materials the following rules apply:

Compositions of polysaccharides are combined with C08L 1/00 - C08L 5/16.

Compositions of rubber are combined with C08L 7/00 - C08L 21/02.

Compositions of macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds are combined with C08L 23/00 - C08L 57/12.

Compositions of macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds are combined with C08L 59/00 - C08L 87/00.

Compositions of natural macromolecular compounds or of derivatives thereof are combined with C08L 89/00 - C08L 89/06.

Mixtures of macromolecular compounds are only classified in A61L 27/26 and not in each individual subgroups A61L 27/16 - A61L 27/227.

Each of the polymeric components of the mixture is classified in its correspondent C08L group, e.g. a bone graft comprising a mixture of chitosan and polyethylene glycol A61L 27/26, C08L 5/08 and A61L 27/26, C08L 71/02.

Compositions of block copolymers are classified in C08L 53/00.

Growth factors are classified in A61L 27/54 as medicaments.

For the concerned medicaments (A61L 27/54) as additional information, a classification symbol in A61L 2300/00 is given.

Additional information concerning materials characterized by their function or physical properties, materials and methods for coating medical devices and materials for tissue regeneration are also classified in A61L 2400/00-A61L 2430/40.

A61L 27/36 covers ingredients of undetermined constitution or reaction products thereof such as products of natural origin (from plants or animals). This group will cover products such as natural silk derived from Bombyx mori, nacre, bees wax, honey, shellac, blood and blood-derived products (e.g. plasma, Plasma Rich Plasma [PRP], platelet concentrate), tissue fragments, Extracellular matrix (ECM), Submucosa (e.g. SIS), Essential oils, algae, diatomaceous earth.

A61L 27/38 covers materials for prostheses or grafts containing added animal cells, e.g. scaffolds containing seeded or cultured cells.

Materials for coating prostheses containing macromolecular materials are classified in A61L 27/34, the use of specific polymers is indicated using the relevant classification symbols of subclass C08L preceded by a "comma",, e.g. prosthesis coated with polyvinylchloride A61L 27/34, C08L 27/06.

Materials for ostomy pouching systems (colostomy bags) that provide a means for the collection of waste from a surgically diverted colon.

Polymers are classified in C08L.

When classifying in group A61L 28/00, classification is also made in A61L 33/00 if the materials used are antithrombogenic.

In groups A61L 28/0011 and subgroups and A61L 28/0026, the use of specific polymers is indicated by using the relevant classification symbols of subclass C08L preceded bya "comma",, e.g. colostomy bag containing PVC, A61L 28/0011, C08L 27/06.

When using combination classes for specifying the macromolecular materials the following rules apply:

Compositions of polysaccharides are combined with C08L 1/00 - C08L 5/16.

Compositions of rubber are combined with C08L 7/00 - C08L 21/02.

Compositions of macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds are combined with C08L 23/00 - C08L 57/12.

Compositions of macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds are combined with C08L 59/00 - C08L 87/00.

Compositions of natural macromolecular compounds or of derivatives thereof are combined with C08L 89/00 - C08L 89/06.

Mixtures of macromolecular compounds are only classified in A61L 28/0026 and not in each individual subgroups A61L 28/0011 - A61L 28/0023.

Each of the polymeric components of the mixture is classified in its correspondent C08L group, e.g. a colostomy bag comprising a mixture of polyurethane and polysiloxane A61L 28/0026, C08L 75/04 and A61L 28/0026, C08L 83/04.

Compositions of block copolymers are classified in C08L 53/00.

Growth factors are classified in A61L 28/0038 as medicaments.

For the concerned medicaments (A61L 28/0038) as additional information, a classification symbol in A61L 2300/00 is given.

Additional information concerning materials characterized by their function or physical properties, materials and methods for coating medical devices and materials for tissue regeneration are also classified in A61L 2400/00-A61L 2430/40.

A61L 28/003 covers ingredients of undetermined constitution or reaction products thereof such as products of natural origin (from plants or animals) and cells. This group will cover products such as natural silk derived from Bombyx mori, nacre, bees wax, honey, shellac, blood and blood-derived products (e.g. plasma, Platelet Rich Plasma [PRP], platelet concentrate), tissue fragments, Extracellular matrix (ECM), Submucosa (e.g. SIS), Essential oils, algae, diatomaceous earth.

Chemical composition of materials used, or use of such materials, for catheters and catheter balloons or for coating catheters and catheter balloons and for medical tubing, cannulae or endoscopes.

Medical tubing comprises Feeding tubes, Nasogastric tubes, (Endo)Tracheal tubes, Drainage tubes, Dialysis tubing.

Catheter lock solutions for infusion into an indwelling intravascular catheter to inhibit infection related to the presence of the catheter.

Polymers are classified in C08L.

Lubricating compositions are classified in C10M.

Biocides are classified in A01N.

Non-chemical aspects of catheters and medical tubing are classified in A61M.

Production of tubular articles is classified in B29D 23/00.

Medical tubing for diagnosis, measuring or testing is classified in A61B.

When classifying in groups A61L 29/02 - A61L 29/126, classification is also made in groups A61L 29/14 - A61L 29/18 if the use of materials characterised by their function or physical properties is of interest.

When classifying in group A61L 29/041, A61L 29/042, A61L 29/043, A61L 29/049, A61L 29/06, A61L 29/085, A61L 29/12, A61L 29/123 and A61L 29/126, the use of specific polymers is indicated using the relevant classification symbols of subclass C08L preceded by,, a "comma" e.g. a catheter based on polyvinylchloride A61L 29/041, C08L 27/06.

When using combination classes for specifying the macromolecular materials the following rules apply:

Compositions of polysaccharides are combined with C08L 1/00 - C08L 5/16.

Compositions of rubber are combined with C08L 7/00 - C08L 21/02.

Compositions of macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds are combined with C08L 23/00 - C08L 57/12.

Compositions of macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds are combined with C08L 59/00 - C08L 87/00.

Compositions of natural macromolecular compounds or of derivatives thereof are combined with C08L 89/00 - C08L 89/06 classification is also made in A61L 33/00 if the materials used are antithrombogenic.

Compositions of block copolymers are classified in C08L 53/00.

Mixtures of macromolecular compounds are only classified in A61L 29/049 and not in each individual subgroups A61L 29/041 - A61L 29/06.

Each of the polymeric components of the mixture is classified in its correspondent C08L group, e.g. a catheter comprising a mixture of polyacrylate and polylactide A61L 29/049, C08L 33/04 and A61L 29/049, C08L 67/04.

Growth factors are classified in A61L 29/16 as medicaments.

For the concerned medicaments (A61L 29/16) as additional information, a classification symbol in A61L 2300/00 is given.

Additional information concerning materials characterized by their function or physical properties, materials and methods for coating medical devices and materials for tissue regeneration are also classified in A61L 2400/00-A61L 2430/40.

In group A61L 29/18 materials at least partially X-ray or laser opaque include all kind of medical imaging material such as MRI contrast agents, ultrasound imaging agents, echogenic agents.

A61L 29/005 covers ingredients of undetermined constitution or reaction products thereof such as products of natural origin (from plants or animals) and cells. This group will cover products such as natural silk derived from Bombyx mori, nacre, bees wax, honey, shellac, blood and blood-derived products (e.g. plasma, Platelet Rich Plasma [PRP], platelet concentrate), tissue fragments, Extracellular matrix (ECM), Submucosa (e.g. SIS), Essential oils, algae, diatomaceous earth.

Materials for coating catheters containing macromolecular materials are classified in A61L 29/085, the use of specific polymers is indicated using the relevant classification symbols of subclass C08L preceded by a "comma",, e.g. catheters coated with polydimethyl siloxane A61L 29/085, C08L 83/04.

Chemical composition of materials used, or use of such materials, for stents, stent-grafts, shunts, surgical drapes, guide wires, adhesion barriers (Membranes for Guided Tissue Regeneration, GTR), coils (occluding devices), surgical gloves, condoms, medical needles, trocars, dialysis ports, plugs (fistula blockers, bone plugs...), surgical cutting devices including biopsy devices, tissue fixation devices (clamps, clips, nails, plates, plugs, screws, suture anchors...), meshes (hernia meshes), devices for surgical treatment of incontinence (e.g. urethral slings), filters (e.g. vena cava filters), stent covers, vascular access ports (e.g. dialysis ports).

Polymers are classified in C08L.

Surgical instruments, devices or methods are classified in A61B 17/00.

Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents, are classified in A61F 2/82.

Growth factors are classified in A61L 31/16 as medicaments.

For the concerned medicaments (A61L 31/16) as additional information, a classification symbol in A61L 2300/00 is given.

Additional information concerning materials characterized by their function or physical properties, materials and methods for coating medical devices and materials for tissue regeneration are also classified in A61L 2400/00-A61L 2430/40.

In group A61L 31/18 materials at least partially X-ray or laser opaque include all kind of medical imaging material such as MRI contrast agents, ultrasound imaging agents, echogenic agents.

A61L 31/005 covers ingredients of undetermined constitution or reaction products thereof such as products of natural origin (from plants or animals) and cells. This group will cover products such as natural silk derived from Bombyx mori, nacre, bees wax, honey, shellac, blood and blood-derived products (e.g. plasma, Platelet Rich Plasma [PRP], platelet concentrate), tissue fragments, Extracellular matrix (ECM), Submucosa (e.g. SIS), Essential oils, algae, diatomaceous earth.

When classifying in groups A61L 31/02 - A61L 31/129, classification is also made in groups A61L 31/14 - A61L 31/18 if the use of materials characterised by their function or physical properties is of interest.

When classifying in group A61L 31/00, classification is also made in A61L 33/00 if the materials used are antithrombogenic.

In group A61L 31/00, the use of specific polymers is indicated using the relevant classification symbols of subclass C08L preceded bya "comma", e.g. surgical clamp based on polyvinylchloride A61L 31/048, C08L 27/06.

When classifying in group A61L 31/041, A61L 31/042, A61L 31/048, A61L 31/049, A61L 31/06, A61L 31/10, A61L 31/125, A61L 31/126, A61L 31/127, A61L 31/127, A61L 31/128 and A61L 31/129, the use of specific polymers is indicated using the relevant classification symbols of subclass C08L preceded by a "comma", e.g. a stent based on polyurethane A61L 31/06, C08L 75/04.

When using combination classes for specifying the macromolecular materials the following rules apply:

Compositions of polysaccharides are combined with C08L 1/00 - C08L 5/16.

Compositions of rubber are combined with C08L 7/00 - C08L 21/02.

Compositions of macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds are combined with C08L 23/00 - C08L 57/12.

Compositions of macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds are combined with C08L 59/00 - C08L 87/00.

Compositions of natural macromolecular compounds or of derivatives thereof are combined with C08L 89/00 - C08L 89/06 classification is also made in A61L 33/00 if the materials used are antithrombogenic.

Compositions of block copolymers are classified in C08L 53/00.

Mixtures of macromolecular compounds are only classified in A61L 31/041 and not classified in each individual subgroups A61L 31/042 - A61L 31/06.

Each of the polymeric components of the mixture is classified in its correspondent C08L group, e.g. a stent comprising a mixture of polyacrylate and polylactide A61L 31/041, C08L 33/04 and A61L 31/041, C08L 67/04.

Materials for coating other surgical articles containing macromolecular materials are classified in A61L 31/10, the use of specific polymers is indicated using the relevant classification symbols of subclass C08L preceded by a "comma", e.g. stent coated with polylactide A61L 31/10, C08L 67/04.

Chemical composition of materials, or use of materials, for antithrombogenic treatment of surgical articles, e.g. sutures, catheters, prostheses, or of articles for the manipulation or conditioning of blood.

When classifying in groups A61L 33/02 - A61L 33/122, classification is also made in group A61L 33/0005 if of interest.

In group A61L 33/00, the use of specific polymers is indicated using the relevant classification symbols of subclass C08L preceded by a "comma", e.g. antithrombogenic treatment with the help of polyvinylchloride A61L 33/064, C08L 27/06.