Abstract: A method of at least partially removing the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc comprising the nucleus and an annulus surrounding the nucleus is described. The method comprises the steps of: insonating the nucleus with ultrasound thereby to cause at least partial fragmentation of the nucleus; and extracting at least part of the fragmented nucleus. A system for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: A method for lubricating a joint of a mammal by administering into a cavity of the joint a composition of liposomes that are multilamellar vesicles (MLV) dispersed in a fluid medium, the liposomes having a mean diameter of between about 0.8 ?m to about 10 ?m and including membranes of at least one glycerophospholipid (GPL) having two C12-C16 hydrocarbon chains which are the same or different. These membranes have a phase transition temperature in which solid ordered (SO) to liquid disordered (LD) phase transition occurs, the phase transition temperature being at a temperature of about 20° C. to about 39° C. and being lower than the temperature of the joint.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods of joint lubrication and/or prevention of cartilage wear making use of liposomes having membranes with at least one phospholipid (PL) of the group consisting of a glycerophospholipid (GPL) having two, being the same or different, C12-C16 hydrocarbon chain and a sphingolipid (SPL) having a C12-C15 hydrocarbon chain, the one or more membranes having a phase transition temperature in which solid ordered (SO) to liquid disordered (LD) phase transition occurs, the phase transition temperature being within a temperature of about 20° C. to about 39° C. for lubrication of joints.

Abstract: A method of at least partially removing the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc comprising the nucleus and an annulus surrounding the nucleus is described. The method comprises the steps of : insonating the nucleus with ultrasound thereby to cause at least partial fragmentation of the nucleus; and extracting at least part of the fragmented nucleus. A system for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an aqueous gel in the repair of or prevention of damage to soft tissue, the gel comprising an aqueous gel obtainable by polymerizing one or more olefinically unsaturated monomers comprising one or more phosphate, phosphonate, borate, sulphate and/or sulphonate groups. This is preferably used for intervertebral discs or a lens of an eye. Kits and syringes containing the components are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods of joint lubrication and/or prevention of cartilage wear making use of liposomes having membranes with at least one phospholipid (PL) of the group consisting of a glycerophospholipid (GPL) having two, being the same or different, C12-C16 hydrocarbon chain and a sphingolipid (SPL) having a C12-C15 hydrocarbon chain, the one or more membranes having a phase transition temperature in which solid ordered (SO) to liquid disordered (LD) phase transition occurs, the phase transition temperature being within a temperature of about 20° C. to about 39° C. for lubrication of joints.

Abstract: Intravascular apparatus and method for locally treating a patient's blood vessel, are provided. The apparatus includes an implanted carrier (2) for insertion into the vessel; and a biologically active agent (8) immobilized to the carrier (2), said biologically active agent (8) reacting with a first substance to produce a second substance. The second substance is preferably a therapeutic agent, such as nitric oxide, for locally treating the vessel. The biologically active agent (8) is preferably an enzyme such as nitrogen oxide synthase, and the first substance is preferably arginine introduced to the patient's body as part of a diet. According to another embodiment, the biologically active agent (8) is a catalytic antibody and the first substance is a prodrug. Alternatively, the biologically active agent (8) is a ribozyme.

Abstract: lntravascular apparatus and method for locally treating a patient's blood vessel, are provided. The apparatus includes an implanted carrier (2) for insertion into the vessel, and a biologically active agent (8) immobilized to the carrier (2), said biologically active agent (8) reacting with a first substance to produce a second substance. The second substance is preferably a therapeutic agent, such as nitric oxide, for locally treating the vessel. The biologically active agent (8) is preferably an enzyme such as nitrogen oxide synthase, and the first substance is preferably arginine introduced to the patient's body as part of a diet. According to another embodiment, the biologically active agent (8) is a catalytic antibody and the first substance is a prodrug. Alternatively, the biologically active agent (8) is a ribozyme. The method includes introducing into a patient's vessel an implantable carrier including a biologically active agent immobilized thereto.