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: A device for dispensing a multicomponent composition composed of a mixture of different fluid components includes a first and at least a second fluid component inlet. The device also includes a mixing area located downstream from the fluid component inlets and an outlet extending from the mixing area. Each of the fluid component inlets is adapted to communicate with a source of a different fluid component. The mixing area is adapted to receive a flow of a first and at least second fluid component. Within the mixing area, the flow of the first fluid component is disrupted to allow mixing with the flow of a second fluid component to form a flow of multicomponent composition. The mixing area is further adapted to disrupt the flow of the multicomponent composition before the flow of the multicomponent composition exits through the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to self-retaining systems for surgical procedures, methods of manufacturing self-retaining systems for surgical procedures, and their uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to self-retaining systems for surgical procedures, methods of manufacturing self-retaining systems for surgical procedures, and their uses.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are provided for a minimally-invasive mastoplasty procedure. In the procedure, barbed sutures are used to accomplish the mastoplasty through puncture wounds by deploying the sutures caudally from stable anatomical features into the breast tissue.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are provided for a minimally-invasive mastoplasty procedure. In the procedure, barbed sutures are used to accomplish the mastoplasty through puncture wounds by deploying the sutures caudally from stable anatomical features into the breast tissue.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are provided for a minimally-invasive mastoplasty procedure. In the procedure, barbed sutures are used to accomplish the mastoplasty through puncture wounds by deploying the sutures caudally from stable anatomical features into the breast tissue.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are provided for a minimally-invasive mastoplasty procedure. In the procedure, a plurality of barbed sutures are used to accomplish the mastoplasty through puncture wounds by deploying the sutures caudally from stable anatomical features into the breast tissue and then advancing the tissues relative to the sutures.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are provided for a minimally-invasive mastoplasty procedure. In the procedure, barbed sutures are used to accomplish a nipple-lift by deploying the sutures cranially from the nipple-areolar complex to stable anatomical features higher on the chest. Additional barbed sutures may be used to accomplish a breast-lift and/or breast contouring by deploying the sutures caudally from stable anatomical features into the breast tissue.

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: This invention relates generally to compositions and systems for forming biomaterials containing a transient colorant for visualizing tissue or surgical materials coated with such biomaterials, to methods of using such compositions as bioadhesives, for tissue augmentation, in the prevention of surgical adhesions, for coating surfaces of synthetic implants, as drug delivery matrices, for ophthalmic applications, and in other applications.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer compositions comprise a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (—NH2)or thiol (—SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer which contains, or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further comprise other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

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: 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: Provided are crosslinked polymer compositions that include a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (—NH2) or thiol (—SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer, which contains or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further include other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

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 paclitaxel. 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 paclitaxel. 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: Biodegradable polymeric implants can provide a safe and efficient means to deliver drugs in the treatment of various diseases. Although a polymeric drug delivery system can be implanted as a solid device within a subject, it is also possible to administer such a system as an injectable liquid which solidifies in vivo. An improved formulation of a polymeric drug delivery system comprises a water insoluble copolymer that is a solid or wax at 37° C., a water soluble polymer that is a liquid at 25° C., and a hydrophobic drug. These drug delivery systems can be administered by injection, and do not require the use of a toxic curing agent or inconvenient temperature manipulations.