Abstract: Methods and devices for treating female urinary incontinence by injecting bulking material into the female urethral wall. Some devices include a handle, an elongate member attached to the handle, and a vacuum generating syringe removably secured to the handle. The elongate member can include a distal portion projecting distally from the handle, the distal portion having a wide proximal region, a narrowing shoulder, and a narrow distal region. The elongate member can include one or more vacuum ports on either side of the shoulder region. The shoulder can include a distally facing needle aperture allowing passage of a needle for injecting bulking agent. A rotatable connection between the elongate member and the handle facilitates rotatable positioning of the elongate member to permit injection of bulking material at different locations around the urethral wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coated medical device including a biocompatible coating. The biocompatible coating includes a phenolic resin and at least one particulate material dispersed within the resin that affects a functional property of the coating. For example, the particulate material may affect surface properties of the coating, such as lubricity, sorption and surface area. The biocompatible coating of the present invention is biocompatible and adheres well to a variety of medical devices. The biocompatible coating may be enhanced by the incorporation of lubricants or bioactive agents into or onto the coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biocompatible injectable material that may be used in a variety of medical applications, including tissue marking, tissue modifying and embolizing procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating disorders of the swallowing system, including injecting a modifier composed of biocompatible particles and a biocompatible carrier into one or more desired tissue sites. The present invention may be injected at a tissue site of a patient's mouth, pharynx, nasal passages, esophagus, trachea or other suitable tissue sites to treat snoring and other tissue disorders.

Abstract: This invention provides biocompatible, load bearing compositions adapted for bone filling and restorative applications or purposes. One embodiment of this invention includes curable compositions comprising carbon coated composite particles in a polymerizable mixture. Another comprises carbon coated composite particles combined with autogenous bone. These mixtures may be adhered to metals, ceramics, and natural bone tissues. Embodiments of this invention are highly compatible with natural bone tissue and are capable of bearing significant loads.

Abstract: An improved Luer-lock fitting for hypodermic needles and methods for using the fitting to inject suspended solids into a body. The improved fitting includes a lumen having a curvedly tapered, distally decreasing throat region, which is believed to provide improved flow of suspended solids into the hypodermic needles. One fitting includes at least two threads to provide a more secure fitting able to withstand higher injection pressures. Another fitting includes rounded wings better able to withstand jarring by endoscope eyepieces and resisting being dislodged from position. One method includes injecting suspended solids into soft tissue such as sphincter mechanisms. One method includes injecting suspended solids into tissue surrounding a mechanism to correct defects.