Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are described for treating venous insufficiency in which the vein is compressed at least partially along a treatment zone. A system can be provided including an injection device, such as a glue gun, that is operably connected to a delivery catheter that can be advanced across a treatment zone in the vein. The delivery catheter can be used to deliver one, two, or more boluses of media (e.g., cyanoacrylate) to occlude the vein along different spaced-apart sections of the treatment zone. External compression can also be applied to the vein by a compression element, such as a hand or multifunctional ultrasound transducer, to occlude portions of the vein along the treatment zone prior to or during the introduction of the boluses of media.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an adhesive strip, particularly an adhesive strip or bandage for use in periodontal treatments. The biocompatible adhesive strip comprises a flexible barrier with a biocompatible adhesive for use in an oral environment, wherein the adhesive is in a non-tacky state when dry and becomes adherent upon contact with liquids.

Abstract: A light activated collagen-flavin composite layer incorporating riboflavin is applied as treatment for infected lesions. These composites have also been found to be strong tissue adheives that are effective in closing and sealing wounds, fixation of grafts/ implants and anastomoses. Advantages include speed of closure, reduced infection due to the elimination of foreign matter, evidence of accelerated wound healing and the ease of use in complex surgery, especially when watertight seals, limited access or small repair size are important factors. The riboflavin in the collagen layer is exposed to light (e.g., light having a wavelength between 360-375 nm or 440-480 nm), decomposing the riboflavin to form reactive oxygen species (ROS). Strong crosslinks between the collagen composite and tissue results. In addition, similar exposures eradicate pathogens in the wound.

Abstract: A hemostatic tablet preferably including potassium ferrate and a cation ion exchange resin pressure formed into a tablet for delivery to a bleeding wound. The tablet improves the rate of adhesion to a bleeding wound surface, and allows a significantly greater and more uniform pressure to be exerted by manual compression of the tablet on the wound site, as compared to that of a thin layer of scattered hemostatic powder. After the seal is formed from the interaction of blood or exudates with the immediate contacting surface of the tablet, the bulk of the unused tablet easily delaminates from the seal making clean up facile. If the unused portion of the tablet is not removed from the wound site, a reservoir of hemostatic dressing stops further bleeding and to provide antimicrobial protection and healing. The tablet may be applied to any surface orientation and take any shape and thickness possible.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying sealant to a target tissue of a surgical site is provided. The apparatus includes a handle, conduit and an end effector. The handle has means configured and adapted for operating the end effector and dispensing biological sealant to the surgical site via the end effector. The conduit stores and/or carries sealant towards the end effector. The end effector is configured to clamp around a body organ or tissue and apply and confine biological sealant in a substantially uniform manner thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel internal fixation devices, such as bone plates, generally and novel craniomaxillofacial bone plates more specifically and systems for bonding the same. More specifically, the invention relates to bone plates made of a polymer blend of (poly)lactic acid and Ecoflex as well as a novel hot-melt adhesive polymer blend of the same material.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for repairing an abnormality in the wall of a body lumen, the method comprising isolating the abnormality in the wall of the body lumen from flow in the body lumen; positioning flowable forming material adjacent to the abnormality in the wall of the body lumen; and transforming the flowable forming material into a substantially stationary state so as to repair the abnormality in the wall of the body lumen, and the apparatus comprising a supply of flowable forming material; zone isolation apparatus for isolating the abnormality in the wall of the body lumen from flow in the body lumen; and positioning apparatus for positioning the flowable forming material adjacent to the abnormality in the wall of the body lumen so as to repair the abnormality in the wall of the body lumen.

Abstract: A hemostatic system includes a first tube defining a first lumen configured to channel a fluid therethrough, a second tube housing at least a portion of the first tube and at least partially defining a second lumen configured to channel a hemocoagulant agent therethrough, a hopper coupled to the second tube, and an injection device. The hopper defines a cavity in fluid communication with the second lumen and is configured to retain the hemocoagulant agent therein. The injection device is selectively positionable within the second lumen and/or the cavity to facilitate channeling the hemocoagulant agent from the cavity through the second lumen.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to devices and methods for repairing an aperture in biological tissue. In certain embodiments the invention provides as system for closing an aperture in a biological tissue including a handle, an elongate shaft connected to the handle, a deployment scaffold connected to the shaft, in which the scaffold is configured to releasably retain a surgical implant, and at least one adhesive dispensing system.

Abstract: Retractor cannula systems may be used for accessing and visualizing the spine and related methods of treatment, including a forward-looking retractor cannula system for creating a working space and the retractor cannula system having atraumatic dissection capability to allow visualization in spine. The devices and methods described may be used, for example, to perform annulus repair, herniated disc excision, and denervation of neurological tissue; to dispense pharmacological agents and/or cell or tissue therapy agents; to diagnose disc degeneration and bony degeneration, spinal stenosis, and nucleus decompression, and to perform disc augmentation.

Abstract: A hemostatic device is provided for sealing a puncture of a vessel. The hemostatic device includes a locator device and an injection tube coupled to the locator device. The locator device includes a device valve that is actuatable to selectively restrict access to a portion of the locator device. The hemostatic device is advanced into the vessel until a first fluid is channeled through the locator device. The device valve is actuated to selectively restrict the first fluid from being channeled through the locator device. A second fluid is injected through the injection tube to facilitate sealing a puncture of the vessel. The hemostatic device is withdrawn from the vessel.

Abstract: An exemplary anastomosis device comprises a proximal ring, a distal ring, and a middle ring. The middle ring has apertures configured to communicate a fluid such as an adhesive. The exemplary anastomosis device also has arms joining the proximal ring to the center member and arms joining the distal ring to the center member. The anastomosis device is configured to move from an unactuated position, where it has a generally cylindraceous configuration, to an actuated position, where it has a generally rivet-like configuration. The anastomosis device may be used to provide and secure an anastomosis between adjacent tissue walls. Adhesive may be communicated through the apertures of the middle ring of the anastomosis device to seal or strengthen the anastomosis. An applier may be used to deploy the anastomosis device and to communicate the adhesive through the apertures.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly has a plurality of blades which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade to expand the operative corridor adjacent to the operative site.

Abstract: A device includes an elongated cannula with an opening positioned at its distal end. A tissue engagement structure is affixed proximate the distal end of the cannula and surrounds the opening. The tissue engagement structure includes a tissue engaging portion to engage and control tissue. An adhesive is dispensed through the cannula opening to repair tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure sensitive adhesive composition for skin application. The adhesive composition comprises 10-50% (w/w) based on the total adhesive composition of a polar part; 10-50% (w/w) based on the total adhesive composition of an apolar part; and 0-60% (w/w) based on the total adhesive composition of hydrocolloid.

Abstract: An emergency medical device and method is provided for treatment of open wounds by enhancing clotting and arresting hemorrhaging, particularly in the area of the neck, abdomen, chest or groin. The devices includes an elongated delivery tube for insertion into a wound cavity and subsequent delivery of a space filling, sponge-like mass containing a polymerizable liquid sealant that polymerizes upon contact with body fluids after which the delivery tube is removed.

Abstract: An acellular matrix glue and a method of making is disclosed. Specifically, an acellular matrix glue that is useful in preparing a reinforced acellular matrix for medical applications including tissue engineering and hernia repair.

Abstract: Fluid applicators utilizing a cutter and an ampule containing fluids, such as topical adhesives, and methods for safe, sterile, one-time use of fluid applicators for expressing fluids, such as wound sealing adhesives, are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for delivery of a biological material using a gas-assisted delivery, including a gas entry port at the proximal end of the delivery system, particularly useful for the delivery of a two-part biological component.

Abstract: A method and devices for accomplishing the successful anastomosis of two hollow organ structures are disclosed. The method includes bringing the structures together, applying at least one fastener to hold the structures together and form a connection site, and applying, as alternatives or in conjunction, an adhesive, a wrap and/or a buttress about the connection site. Various examples of fasteners, fastener appliers, adhesives, adhesive initiators and buttress rings also are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an injection device and a dosing device. These devices are designed such that a predetermined amount of an adhesive or an adhesive containing filler can be injected into a sealing section of the blood vessel. The blood vessel can then be cut at the filled point and is sealed on both sides.

Abstract: A sealant for sealing a puncture through tissue includes a first section, e.g., formed from freeze-dried hydrogel, and a second section extending from the distal end. The second section may be formed from PEG-precursors including PEG-ester and PEG-amine, e.g., in an equivalent ratio of active group sites of PEG-ester/PEG-amine greater than one-to-one, e.g., such that excess esters may provide faster activation upon contact with physiological fluids and enhance adhesion of the sealant within a puncture. At least some of the precursors remain in an unreactive state until exposed to an aqueous physiological environment, e.g., within a puncture, whereupon the precursors undergo in-situ cross-linking to provide adhesion to tissue adjacent the puncture. For example, the PEG-amine precursors may include the free amine form and the salt form. The free amine form at least partially cross-links with the PEG-ester and the salt form remains in the unreactive state in the sealant before introduction into the puncture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape memory polymers (SMP) and especially to shape memory polymer containing a water soluble non-reactive plasticiser and to uses thereof.

Abstract: A device for producing anastomoses between a first hollow organ and a second hollow organ including a sheath and an adhesive applicator that can be positioned next to the sheath in order to apply an adhesive to the adhesive bonding section. A method for producing anastomoses between a first hollow organ and a second hollow organ includes folding the first hollow organ over a sheath, positioning the second hollow organ over the first hollow organ, producing a first connection between the hollow organs by applying a high frequency (RF) voltage, and producing a second connection between the hollow organs by applying a tissue adhesive.

Abstract: Methods for treating a wound at a surgical target site are provided which includes utilizing a surgical access device having a plurality of reactive members of a specific binding pair releasably contained on a surface of the access device, the reactive members having affinity for binding a cellular component of tissue cells located at the target site; contacting the surface of the access device with the tissue cells, wherein upon contact of the reactive members on the surface of the access device with the tissue cells, the reactive members are released from the surface of the access device and bind to the tissue. A surgical access device for use in the minimally invasive surgery is also provided.

Abstract: A device for delivering an incision sealant includes a housing, a seal, and a cannula. The housing at least partially encloses a chamber that holds a quantity of a sealant. The seal is located on one end of the housing and contains the sealant in the chamber. Likewise, a similar seal may be located at the tip end of the fan-shaped cannula. The cannula is fluidly coupled to the chamber, is disposed along an axis, and has a generally fan-shaped end. The generally fan-shaped end has a top surface and an opening for dispensing the sealant. The shape of the generally fan-shaped end is configured to apply sealant to an incision geometry or to conform to the geometry of an eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments and a method for applying an adhesive or sealant to an anastomosis site immediately prior and/or during anastomotic surgical stapling. The present invention further relates to surgical instruments, devices, and methods for applying sealant to a target tissue of a surgical site being anastomotically joined so as to prevent leakage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of cyanoacrylate monomer, a method of improving the viscosity and the curing speed with a single additive and a process of providing sterilized cyanoacrylate adhesive compositions for application in the medical field.

Abstract: A fibrin wound dressing is made by mixing quantities of fibrinogen solution and thrombin solution with air. The resulting foam is very light weight, and with the proper attention to the amount of thrombin, is also sufficiently viscous to rest on a vertical surface without dripping. The wound dressing may also be formulated for its ability to continue migration of healing substances, such as PDGF, from the dressing to the wound site. Thrombin substitutes, such as other clotting proteins, may be used instead of thrombin. The resulting foam may also be lyophilized or ground and lyophilized for later reconstitution. A therapeutic drug or other additive may also be added to the wound dressing.

Abstract: Cyanoacrylate adhesive compositions comprise a mixture of two cyanoacrylate monomers, including 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl cyanoacrylate. The monomers are stabilized and sterilized by irradiation, and do not substantially increase in viscosity after sterilization or after two years of shelf storage. These compositions have anti-microbial properties, and may be used to close wounds as well as secure catheters inserted into the body in place.

Abstract: Drug eluting vascular closure devices and methods for closing a blood vessel puncture site disposed at a distal end of a tissue tract are described. The devices and methods rely on a combination of the body's own natural mechanism to achieve hemostasis with bio-chemical agents to accelerate the hemostatic process. One method includes the steps of introducing a closure device through the tissue tract and deploying an expansible member at a distal end of the device within the blood vessel to occlude the puncture site. A bio-chemical sealing member disposed proximal the expansible member is then displaced so as to expose a bio-chemical region or release region of the device. At least one bio-chemical agent is thereafter released from the device and into the tissue tract to accelerate the occlusion process in the tract.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a clip includes an introducer sheath including an outer surface extending between its proximal and distal ends. A clip is carried on the outer surface, e.g., on a carrier assembly that is slidable along the outer surface from the proximal end towards the distal end. A skin overlies the outer surface of the sheath and the carrier assembly that is separable from the outer surface as the carrier assembly is advanced from the proximal end towards the distal end of the sheath. During use, the distal end of the sheath is inserted into an opening through tissue, e.g., into a puncture communicating with a blood vessel. The carrier assembly is advanced towards the distal end of the sheath, causing the skin to separate from the outer surface of the elongate member, and the clip is deployed from the carrier to seal the opening.

Abstract: A manifold for the delivery of bioadhesive sealant may comprise an inlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, and at least one valve positioned and configured to facilitate selective fluid communication between the inlet and the first outlet and the inlet and the second outlet. A syringe for delivering a bioadhesive sealant may comprise at least one barrel, at least one plunger, and at least one feature positioned and configured to prevent movement of the at least one plunger relative to the at least one barrel after a first predetermined quantity of bioadhesive sealant has been delivered. A bioadhesive sealant delivery system may comprise a manifold, a syringe, and a catheter, wherein a first lumen of the catheter is coupled to a first outlet of the manifold and a second lumen of the catheter coupled to a second outlet of the manifold.

Abstract: A bioadhesive mixing assembly includes first and second syringes and an adapter. The first syringe includes first and second chambers holding a first sealant component and an activator, respectively. The second syringe includes third and fourth chambers holding a second sealant component and one of an activator or a third sealant component, respectively. The adapter is mounted to the first syringe and includes first and second channels in flow communication with the first and second chambers, a first seal member providing sealed access to the first and second channels, first and second needles connected in flow communication with the third and fourth chambers, and a second seal member enclosing the first and second needles. Connecting the adapter to the second syringe punctures the first and second seal members with the first and second syringes to create flow communication between the first and third chambers and the second and fourth chambers.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing a liquid and a gas from a tip includes a support structure, a control unit, and a drive unit. The liquid is held within a container. The support structure is adapted to hold the container. The control unit directs the drive unit to expel liquid from the container according to a predetermined rate. The control unit further directs the drive unit according to first, second, and third modes of operation. During the first mode, neither gas nor liquid is dispensed from the device. During the second mode, only gas is dispensed from the device. During the third mode, both gas and liquid are dispensed from the device. Furthermore, the control unit is only selectable and operable by a user through the first, second, and third modes in a sequential manner.

Abstract: A system for harvesting a fibrin clot and depositing that fibrin clot into a wound site during a surgical procedure, the system comprising: (i) blood drawing apparatus for drawing blood; (ii) extraction apparatus for extracting fibrin from blood so as to form a fibrin clot; (iii) configuring apparatus for molding, cutting and shaping the fibrin clot into a desired configuration; and (iv) dispensing apparatus for reliably and controllably dispensing the fibrin clot at a selected location in the body.

Abstract: An adhesive applicator for applying medical adhesives, particularly cyanoacrylates, to incisions such as those made during minimally invasive surgery. The applicator employs a pipette tip or similar narrow flow restrictor tip to close the incision and a body of foam to seal the incision. Methods of using the applicator are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fluid applicators utilizing a cutter and an ampule containing fluids, such as topical adhesives, and methods for safe, sterile, one-time use of fluid applicators for expressing fluids, such as wound sealing adhesives, are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device suitable for application of a curable fluid composition to encircle a bodily organ. The device comprises a monolithic piece of a flexible material having a length dimension with an inner surface and an outer surface, a first end and a second end, a width dimension, and two spaced-apart sides, wherein a portion of the length dimension proximal to the first end is configured to contact a portion of the length dimension proximal to the second end, the inner surface defining a hollow area between the two spaced-apart sides; and at least one inlet providing fluid communication between the outer surface and the inner surface, for introduction of the fluid into the hollow area.

Abstract: A surgical mesh maker applicator for applying an in situ forming material to subdermal tissue is disclosed and includes a handle and an outer tube extending from the handle. The outer tube defines a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal slot along a distal portion of the outer tube. An inner tube containing a pattern extends at least partially through the outer tube. A rotational mechanism rotates the inner tube with respect to the longitudinal axis to dispense the in situ forming material into a patterned structure for strengthening the subdermal tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gels which gelate in situ and are suitable for nucleus (gel bodies of the intervertebral disks) replacement, and to a process and to an apparatus for administration thereof, to the use thereof and to a vessel which comprises an inventive PVA gel.

Abstract: Devices, kits and methods described herein may be for wound healing, including the treatment, amelioration, or prevention of scars and/or keloids by applying and/or maintaining a pre-determined strain in an elastic skin treatment device that is then affixed to the skin surface using skin adhesives to transfer a generally planar force from the bandage to the skin surface. Applicators are used to apply and/or maintain the strains, and some of the applicators are further configured to provide at least some mechanical advantage to the user when exerting loads onto the skin treatment device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyurea system encompassing as component A) isocyanate-functional prepolymers obtainable by reaction of aliphatic isocyanates A1) with polyols A2), which can in particular have a number average molecular weight of ?400 g/mol and an average OH functionality of 2 to 6, as component B) amino-functional compounds of general formula (I) in which X is an organic residue comprising a tertiary amino function, having no Zerewitinoff active hydrogen, R1 is a CH2—COOR3 residue, in which R3 is an organic residue having no Zerewitinoff active hydrogen, a linear or branched C1 to C4 alkyl residue, a cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl residue or H, R2 is an organic residue having no Zerewitinoff active hydrogen, n is an integer ?2 or ?3, in particular for closing, binding, bonding or covering cell tissue, and to a metering system for the polyurea system according to the invention.

Abstract: A system including an implantable fastener for fastening layers of tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fastener includes a proximal anchor member and a distal anchor member each being movable from a reduced profile position to a deployed position. The anchor members are mesh structures capable of moving to the deployed position by reducing the axial spacing between opposite ends of the anchor members. Methods of treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are also disclosed. One of the methods includes placing the distal anchor member through a hole formed in the wall of the esophagus and through a hole formed in the gastric wall. The distal anchor member and the proximal anchor member are then placed in their deployed positions to fasten the wall of the esophagus and the gastric wall together between the anchor members.

Abstract: A bioadhesive sealant storage and preparation system may comprise a plurality of containers and an adapter. The plurality of containers may comprise a first container having a first bioadhesive sealant component therein, and a second container having a second bioadhesive sealant component therein. The adapter may comprise a manifold comprising a plurality of channels formed therein, an inlet region sized and configured to receive the plurality of containers and facilitate fluid communication between each container of the plurality of containers and a respective channel of the plurality of channels, and an outlet region sized and configured to receive a syringe and provide fluid communication between the syringe and the plurality of channels.

Abstract: A device for closing an opening in a wall of a body lumen includes a closure element with a first flange and a second flange. Both the first flange and the second flange may have a delivery cross-sectional dimension and a deployed cross-sectional dimension. The device for closing an opening further includes a first coupler element disposed on the first flange and a second coupler element disposed on the second flange, the first and second coupler elements cooperating to couple the first flange to the second flange.

Abstract: Wound closure methods and apparatuses are provided which utilize blood fluid by activating the clotting cascade of the blood fluid outside the body within a substantially enclosed sterile container then introducing coagulated blood to the wound site. Methods and apparatuses for providing ways of inhibiting anticoagulants and slowing fibrin clot degradation are also disclosed. Kits for practicing the invention singularly or in combination with and/or associated with preferred procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Wound closure methods and apparata are provided which utilize blood fluid by activating the clotting cascade of the blood fluid outside the body within a substantially enclosed sterile container then introducing the blood fluid to the wound site to complete clotting. Methods and apparata for providing ways of inhibiting anticoagulants and slowing fibrin clot degradation are also disclosed. Kits for practicing the invention singularly or in combination with and/or associated with preferred procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device, system and method for occlusion of the left atrial appendage. A device is described with respect to non-surgically occluding the left atrial appendage with minimal invasiveness. Additionally, a system and method are described for using the device to perform the left atrial appendage occlusion procedure.

Abstract: Thoracostomy devices and methods of use are provided herein. In some embodiments, a device may include a seal pad, a petroleum jelly augmented material disposed on the seal pad, a slit formed through both the seal pad and the petroleum jelly augmented layer, the slit being configured to receive and overlap at least a portion of a chest tube extending therethrough, and a securement member extending from an edge of the seal pad, the securement member having a surface that is provided with an adhesive, the securement member being configured to wrap around at least a portion of the chest tube to prevent removal of the chest tube from a patient.