Abstract: Described are peritoneal dialysis systems and methods that involve the use of crossflow filtration of a used dialysate withdrawn from the peritoneal space of a patient. The filtration forms a retentate containing amounts of an osmotic agent and a permeate containing amounts of water and nitrogen-containing waste products of the patient. The retentate, or a fraction thereof, can be returned to the peritoneal space of the patient to return osmotic agent to the patient. The permeate, or a fraction thereof, can be discarded to discard nitrogen-containing waste products of the patient.

Abstract: Tissue fixation systems and tissue manipulators are described herein. In addition, methods of using a tissue fixation system and a tissue manipulator, methods of manufacturing a tissue manipulator, and kits that include a tissue fixation system and a tissue manipulator are described herein. An example embodiment of a tissue fixation system includes a mounting plate, a mounting jaw releasably attached to the mounting plate, a mounting clamp releasably attached to the mounting plate, and a plurality of fasteners.

Abstract: Tissue fixation systems, delivery tools, kits that include a tissue fixation system, and methods of treatment that use a tissue fixation system are described herein. An example embodiment of a tissue fixation system includes an anchor, a set screw, and a tissue manipulator. The anchor has a shaft and a head attached to the shaft. The set screw is partially disposed within a passageway defined by the anchor and is moveable between a first position and a second position. The tissue manipulator is partially disposed within the passageway defined by the anchor and is removable from the anchor when the set screw is in the first position and is releasably attached to the anchor when the set screw is in the second position.

Abstract: Described are peritoneal dialysis systems and methods that involve the use of crossflow filtration of a used dialysate withdrawn from the peritoneal space of a patient. The filtration forms a retentate containing amounts of an osmotic agent and a permeate containing amounts of water and nitrogen-containing waste products of the patient. The retentate, or a fraction thereof, can be returned to the peritoneal space of the patient to return osmotic agent to the patient. The permeate, or a fraction thereof, can be discarded to discard nitrogen-containing waste products of the patient.

Abstract: Described are peritoneal dialysis systems and methods that involve the use of first and second stage filtration of a used dialysate withdrawn from the peritoneal space of a patient. The first filtration stage forms a first retentate containing an osmotic agent and a first permeate containing water and nitrogen-containing waste products of the patient. The second filtration stage acts on the first permeate to form a second retentate containing nitrogen-containing waste products of the patient and a second permeate containing water. At least some of the water from the second permeate is combined with the first retentate to form a regenerated peritoneal dialysis medium containing an amount of the osmotic agent. The regenerated peritoneal dialysis medium can be returned to the peritoneal space of the patient.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a medical device comprising a base material and a bioactive in contact with the base material, the bioactive having a proton binding site with a non-ionic form and an ionic form, the bioactive being less soluble in water when the proton binding site is in the non-ionic form than when the proton binding site is in the ionic form, wherein at least 5% w/w of the bioactive is present with the proton binding site in the non-ionic form and wherein the bioactive is not an anesthetic. Another embodiment provides such a medical device where the bioactive is an anesthetic and where the device is not a ureteral stent. Another aspect provides method of manufacturing such devices.

Abstract: Non-metallic implantable medical devices including an anesthetic having a proton binding site with a non-ionic form and an ionic form. At least 5% w/w of the anesthetic is present with the proton binding site in the non-ionic form and the remainder of the anesthetic is present with the proton binding site in the ionic form. Methods of preparing such devices are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable medical device comprising a bioactive agent and poly(alkyl cyanoacrylate) polymer. In one embodiment of the invention, the bioactive agent is a water-soluble material, such as an antisense agent.