Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers modified to increase their resorbability. In particular, the polymers of the invention have phenyl ester side chains which are good leaving groups and which thereby increase the resorption rate of the polymer relative to the same polymer, for example, bearing a comparable amount of an alkyl ester side chain. Such polymers are generally water insoluble, but when modified are able to solubilize drugs and upon degradation and resorption, release those in a physiological environment in a controlled and/or sustained manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical prostheses and methods of manufacturing those devices. In particular, the prostheses are temporarily stiffened meshes with particular coatings to provide initial stiffness and thereby permit easier surgical handling for treatment or reconstruction of soft tissue defects. Preferred embodiments include surgical meshes coated with one or more biodegradable polymers that can act as a stiffening agent by coating the filaments or fibers of the mesh to temporarily immobilize the contact points of those filaments or fibers and/or by increasing the stiffness of the mesh by at least 1.1 times its original stiffness. The devices of the invention can also provide relief from various post-operative complications associated with their implantation, insertion or surgical use.

Abstract: The invention provides biocompatible resorbable polymers, comprising monomer units having formula (I), formula (II), formula (III) or formula (IV). The polymers degrade over time when implanted in the body, and are useful as components of implantable medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coatings comprising polyethylene glycol and at least one polyphenolic polymer. In particular, the polyphenolic polymer could be selected from the group consisting of tyrosine-derived polyarylates, linear polyesteramides, dihydroxybenzoate polymers, and resorcinol-derived polymers. The coating of the present invention may also include a drug, such as an antibiotic. The coatings of the present invention are suitable for use as coatings for medical devices, such as orthopedic pins or stents.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to compositions and methods for preventing sternal wound infections, such as mediastinitis. In certain embodiments, the invention provides an antimicrobial composition including at least one bioresorbable polymer, such as a tyrosine-derived polyesteramide, and at least one antimicrobial agent, in which the composition is adapted to be topically applied to an esophageal perforation in a subject or a median sternotomy incision site in the subject, and in which the at least one antimicrobial agent is present in an amount effective to inhibit development of mediastinitis in the subject.

Abstract: This invention provides biodegradable, sustained-release pharmaceutical compositions of a psychoactive drug formulated with biocompatible, biodegradable tyrosine-derived polyarylates.

Abstract: This invention provides biodegradable, sustained-release pharmaceutical compositions of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) formulated with biocompatible, biodegradable tyrosine-derived polyarylates. The compositionsare particularly suitable for localized delivery of NSAIDs for various disease states. For example, implantation of the compositions at the site of surgery leads to relatively high local concentrations of the NSAID to reduce or alleviate post-surgical pain. Long term zero order release of certain NSAIDs can also be provided by with certain polymer formulations.

Abstract: The invention provides biocompatible resorbable polymers, comprising monomer units having formula (I), formula (II), formula (III) or formula (IV). The polymers degrade over time when implanted in the body, and are useful as components of implantable medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical prostheses and methods of manufacturing those devices. In particular, the prostheses are temporarily stiffened meshes with particular coatings to provide initial stiffness and thereby permit easier surgical handling for treatment or reconstruction of soft tissue defects. Preferred embodiments include surgical meshes coated with one or more biodegradable polymers that can act as a stiffening agent by coating the filaments or fibers of the mesh to temporarily immobilize the contact points of those filaments or fibers and/or by increasing the stiffness of the mesh by at least 1.1 times its original stiffness. The devices of the invention can also provide relief from various post-operative complications associated with their implantation, insertion or surgical use.

Abstract: A biodegradable, flexible covering for a breast implant is provided which comprises one or more biodegradable polymer layers dimensioned and shaped to cover at least a portion of the breast implant. The implant can be inserted into an opening of the covering immediately prior to surgery, but alternate configurations and times of insertion are contemplated as well as open or sheet type devices. The coverings can optionally contain one or more drugs for delivery at the surgical site, particularly for treating or preventing infection, pain, inflammation, capsular contracture, scarring or other complications associated with breast augmentation or breast reconstruction.

Abstract: Biodegradable and resorbable polymer pouches are described for use with cardiac rhythm mamagent devices (CRMs) and other implantable medical devices (IMDs), i.e., a pouch, covering, or other receptacle capable of encasing, surrounding and/or holding the CRM or other IMD for the purpose of securing it in position, inhibiting or reducing bacterial growth, providing pain relief and/or inhibiting scarring or fibrosis on or around the CRM or other IMD. Optionally, the biodegradable and resorbable pouches of the invention include one or more drugs in the polymer matrix to provide prophylactic effects and alleviate side effects or complications associated with the surgery or implantation of the CRM or other IMD.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymer-coated surgical meshes formed into pouches are described for use with cardiac rhythm management devices (CRMs) and other implantable medical devices. Such meshes are formed into a receptacle, e.g., a pouch or other covering, capable of encasing, surrounding and/or holding the cardiac rhythm management device or other implantable medical device for the purpose of securing it in position, inhibiting or reducing bacterial growth, providing pain relief and/or inhibiting scarring or fibrosis on or around the CRM or other implantable medical device. Preferred embodiments include surgical mesh pouches coated with one or more biodegradable polymers that can act as a stiffening agent by coating the filaments or fibers of the mesh to temporarily immobilize the contact points of those filaments or fibers and/or by increasing the stiffness of the mesh by at least 1.1 times its original stiffness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical prostheses and methods of manufacturing those devices. In particular, the prostheses are temporarily stiffened meshes with particular coatings to provide initial stiffness and thereby permit easier surgical handling for treatment or reconstruction of soft tissue defects. Preferred embodiments include surgical meshes coated with one or more biodegradable polymers that can act as a stiffening agent by coating the filaments or fibers of the mesh to temporarily immobilize the contact points of those filaments or fibers and/or by increasing the stiffness of the mesh by at least 1.1 times its original stiffness. The devices of the invention can also provide relief from various post-operative complications associated with their implantation, insertion or surgical use.