Abstract: Disclosed are hydrogel compositions formed by the mixture of a tetramethylmethane substituted with one or more polyethylene glycols, and wherein each polyethylene glycol substituent is independently further substituted with one or more electrophilic groups, and a tetramethylmethane substituted with one or more polyethylene glycols, and wherein each polyethylene glycol substituent is independently further substituted with one or more nucleophilic groups. Disclosed are also methods of preparing the above hydrogels. The hydrogel compositions can further comprise pharmaceuticals, such as analgesics or local anesthetics. Disclosed are also methods of sealing a wound, preventing post-surgical adhesion, and reducing post-surgical pain using the disclosed hydrogels.

Abstract: Multifunctional compounds are provided that readily crosslink in situ to provide crosslinked biomaterials. The multifunctional compounds contain a single component having at least three reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to be non-reactive in an initial environment and inter-reactive in a modified environment. Reaction of a plurality of the multifunctional compounds results in a three-dimensional crosslinked matrix. In one embodiment, a first functional group is nucleophilic, a second functional group is electrophilic, and at least one additional functional group is nucleophilic or electrophilic. Methods for preparing and using the multifunctional compounds, and kits including the multifunctional compounds are also provided. Exemplary uses for the multifunctional compounds include tissue augmentation, biologically active agent delivery, bioadhesion, and prevention of adhesions following surgery or injury.

Abstract: Medical implants are provided which release a fluoropyrimidine or an analog thereof, thereby inhibiting or reducing the incidence of infection associated with the implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an anti-angiogenic factor, and a polymeric carrier. Representative examples of anti-angiogenic factors include Anti-Invasive Factor, Retinoic acids and derivatives thereof, and paclitaxel. Also provided are methods for embolizing blood vessels, and eliminating biliary, urethral, esophageal, and tracheal/bronchial obstructions.

Abstract: A method of tissue repair is provided using a biocompatible nonimmunogenic adhesive composition. The adhesive composition comprises collagen and a plurality of crosslinkable components having reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to enable inter-reaction between the components, i.e., crosslinking. Kits for use in carrying out the method of the invention are also provided, as are pretreated surgically acceptable patches that have been coated with the aforementioned adhesive composition.

Abstract: Multifunctional compounds are provided that readily crosslink in situ to provide crosslinked biomaterials. The multifunctional compounds contain a single component having at least three reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to be non-reactive in an initial environment and inter-reactive in a modified environment. Reaction of a plurality of the multifunctional compounds results in a three-dimensional crosslinked matrix. In one embodiment, a first functional group is nucleophilic, a second functional group is electrophilic, and at least one additional functional group is nucleophilic or electrophilic. Methods for preparing and using the multifunctional compounds, and kits including the multifunctional compounds are also provided. Exemplary uses for the multifunctional compounds include tissue augmentation, biologically active agent delivery, bioadhesion, and prevention of adhesions following surgery or injury.

Abstract: Multifunctional compounds are provided that readily crosslink in situ to provide crosslinked biomaterials. The multifunctional compounds contain a single component having at least three reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to be non-reactive in an initial environment and inter-reactive in a modified environment. Reaction of a plurality of the multifunctional compounds results in a three-dimensional crosslinked matrix. In one embodiment, a first functional group is nucleophilic, a second functional group is electrophilic, and at least one additional functional group is nucleophilic or electrophilic. Methods for preparing and using the multifunctional compounds, and kits including the multifunctional compounds are also provided. Exemplary uses for the multifunctional compounds include tissue augmentation, biologically active agent delivery, bioadhesion, and prevention of adhesions following surgery or injury.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an anti-angiogenic factor, and a polymeric carrier. Representative examples of anti-angiogenic factors include Anti-Invasive Factor, Retinoic acids and derivatives thereof, and paclitaxel. Also provided are methods for embolizing blood vessels, and eliminating biliary, urethral, esophageal, and tracheal/bronchial obstructions.

Abstract: A method and device for anchoring a length of self-retaining suture. The method of anchoring includes providing for an assembly having a length of self-retaining suture and a suture insertion device. The length of suture includes at least a portion of the length having a plurality of retainers thereon extending in a first direction. The insertion device has a length and a recess to receive a portion of the suture length. The method further includes placing a portion of the suture length in the recess and inserting the device into the body of a mammal until the recess reaches a predetermined location thereby forming an insertion pathway. The method further includes retrieving the insertion device from the body by moving the insertion device in a direction substantially opposed to the insertion pathway.

Abstract: A self-retaining suture comprises a composite filament. The filament has retainers on the surface such that the filament can engage and retain tissue without knots. The filament comprises at least two materials having different properties. A surface material of the filament has properties which enhance the formation, elevation and/or deployment of the retainers. A core material of the filament has properties which enhance the tensile strength of the filament. The surgical filament is thin and flexible and may be used for suturing. Methods for manufacturing the filament and retainers are also described.

Abstract: A marked heterofunctional suture thread has two or more sections having different features. One or more sections of the suture thread are provided with laser-marked and non-laser marked indicia in order that they may be identified and differentiated from other sections. The suture thread may have retainers on the surface of one or more sections such that the suture thread can engage and retain tissue without knots. The markers may be used to indicate fixed features of a section of suture thread such as the presence and/orientation of retainers. In particular embodiments, laser-marked and non-laser marked indicia are used to identify the transition section of a bidirectional self-retaining suture.

Abstract: Sutures are used in combination with fibrosing agents to induce or stimulate fibrosis that between the sutures and the host tissues into which the sutures are inserted. Compositions and methods are described for use in lifting tissue, closing wound, and other applications.

Abstract: A marked heterofunctional surgical filament. The filament comprises two or more sections having different features, and the different sections of the filament are provided with markers in order that they may be identified and differentiated. The filament may have retainers on the surface of one or more sections such that the filament can engage and retain tissue without knots. The markers may be used to indicate fixed features of a section of filament such as the presence and/orientation of retainers. The markers may be utilized to indicate conditions of the filament such as tension. The markers may be directly readable or be machine-readable. The surgical filament is thin and flexible and may be used for suturing.

Abstract: An embodiment of a suture for use in a surgical procedure applied to tissue comprises an elongated body having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of retainers arranged along a portion of the elongated body. The retainers substantially yield to motion of the elongated body within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the first end and resist motion of the elongated within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the second end. The retainers include an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface extending from a periphery of the elongated body and the lower surface having at least two facets.

Abstract: A method of repairing damaged cartilage and soft tissue in a patient is provided using a biocompatible, non-immunogenic composition. The composition comprises a hydrophilic polymer and a plurality of crosslinkable components having reactive functional groups. The composition used in the method may be loaded with biologically active agents for delivery to the damaged tissues. Kits for use in carrying out the method of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an anti-angiogenic factor, and a polymeric carrier. Representative examples of anti-angiogenic factors include Anti-Invasive Factor, Retinoic acids and derivatives thereof, and paclitaxel. Also provided are methods for embolizing blood vessels, and eliminating biliary, urethral, esophageal, and tracheal/bronchial obstructions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting retainers on a continuous strand is provided. The apparatus may include a rotary head member configured to be rotatably driven about a longitudinal axis. The rotary head member may include a center hole substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis and configured to receive the strand. A retainer forming member may be supported on the rotary head member and may include a cutting edge directed substantially inward toward the longitudinal axis. When the rotary head member rotates about the longitudinal axis and the strand is continuously pulled through the center hole along the longitudinal axis, the cutting edge may intermittently or continuously cuts retainers about an outer surface of the strand.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an anti-angiogenic factor, and a polymeric carrier. Representative examples of anti-angiogenic factors include Anti-Invasive Factor, Retinoic acids and derivatives thereof, and taxol. Also provided are methods for embolizing blood vessels, and eliminating biliary, urethral, esophageal, and tracheal/bronchial obstructions.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an anti-angiogenic factor, and a polymeric carrier. Representative examples of anti-angiogenic factors include Anti-Invasive Factor, Retinoic acids and derivatives thereof, and taxol. Also provided are methods for embolizing blood vessels, and eliminating biliary, urethral, esophageal, and tracheal/bronchial obstructions.

Abstract: Suture packaging and methods of use related thereto, wherein sutures are stored in suture packaging (100) having a panel (102) with apertures (104), needle parks (106, 500) removably or fixedly and selectively inserted into the apertures, and wrapping pegs (108, 400) removably or fixedly and selectively inserted into the apertures. The suture package can further comprise a tab (716) and a tab slot (718) for closing the package.