Abstract: A cured non-polymeric gel including a plurality of non-polymeric cross-links. The non-polymeric cross-links result from curing an oil or oil composition at selected curing conditions to achieve a desired amount of cross-linking to form the non-polymeric get. The desired amount of cross-linking is selected based on a desired rate of degradation of the gel after the gel is implanted. The oil or oil composition comprises one or more of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or alphalinolenic acid (ALA).

Abstract: A method of UV curing and corresponding resulting non-polymeric cross-linked gel are provided. The cross-linked gel can be combined with a medical device structure. The cross-linked gel can provide anti-adhesion characteristics, in addition to improved healing and anti-inflammatory response. The cross-linked gel is generally formed of a naturally occurring oil, or an oil composition formed in part of a naturally occurring oil, that is at least partially cured forming a cross-linked gel derived from at least one fatty acid compound. In addition, the oil composition can include a therapeutic agent component, such as a drug or other bioactive agent. The curing method can vary the application of UV light in both intensity and duration to achieve a desired amount of cross-linking forming the gel.

Abstract: A prosthesis includes an enclosure. A flexible support structure is situated at least partially within the enclosure and is removable therefrom. The flexible support structure occupies a total circumferential area and has a stiffness that is sufficient to allow the prosthesis to assume a deployed (e.g., generally planar) configuration. A tab is adjoined with the flexible support structure and extends external to the enclosure. Pulling the tab directionally away from the prosthesis causes a reconfiguration of the flexible support structure sufficient to enable the flexible support structure to pass through an opening in the prosthesis having a total circumferential area that is less than the total circumferential area occupied by the flexible support structure when the prosthesis is in the deployed (e.g., generally planar) configuration, enabling removal of the flexible support structure from the enclosure.

Abstract: A deployment device, system, and method for deploying a prosthesis. The deployment device includes a housing, a rod disposed within the housing and adapted to rotate relative to the housing, and one or more support members (e.g., bushings, bearings, etc.) rotatably supporting the rod within the housing. An elongate slit is disposed in and entirely through the housing and is positioned in a way that enables the prosthesis to pass therethrough from a loaded, rolled configuration on the rod. The deployment device is generally flexible, e.g., has a bending stiffness of at most about 0.87 N/mm (e.g., about 0.05 N/mm to about 0.87 N/mm). Furthermore, the deployment device enables a user to deploy (e.g., unroll) a prosthesis therefrom at a rate determined manually by the user and in a piece-by-piece fashion.

Abstract: A pleural drainage system having an inflatable membrane and a method of using the system are disclosed. The pleural drainage system includes a pleural drainage catheter system. The pleural drainage catheter system includes an inflatable membrane and a drainage catheter integrally coupled to the inflation membrane, the drainage catheter defining a drainage lumen through which fluid is drawn from the pleural cavity, and an inflation lumen coupled for flow of inflation fluid to and from an interior of the inflatable membrane. The pleural drainage system further includes a suction system coupled to the drainage catheter and a fluid collector coupled to receive fluid from the drainage catheter. The pleural drainage system further includes an inflation system connected to deliver inflation fluid to the interior of the inflatable membrane. The pleural drainage system may be used to monitor an associated airleak in the pleural cavity of a patient.

Abstract: Devices, computer readable programs and methods determine a patient parameter, including volume and/or flow rate of a fluid draining through a drain tube from a chest cavity of a patient, by using at least one pressure value at an end of the drain tube associated with a fluid collection canister and at least one pressure value within the drain tube at a location distant from the collection canister. The pressure values are processed with a non-linear solver to determine the patient parameter.

Abstract: A coating material including a bio-absorbable cross-linked material and a cellular uptake inhibitor. The bio-absorbable cross-linked material includes two or more fatty acids cross-linked into a substantially random configuration by ester bonds. The coating material may be adhered to a medical device. A medical device system including a medical device and a coating is also included.

Abstract: A method of curing and corresponding resulting non-polymeric cross-linked gel are provided. The cross-linked gel can be combined with a medical device structure. The cross-linked gel can provide anti-adhesion characteristics, in addition to improved healing and anti-inflammatory response. The cross-linked gel is generally formed of a naturally occurring oil, or an oil composition formed in part of a naturally occurring oil, that is at least partially cured forming a cross-linked gel derived from at least one fatty acid compound. In addition, the oil composition can include a therapeutic agent component, such as a drug or other bioactive agent. The curing method can vary the application of heat in both temperature and duration to achieve a desired amount of cross-linking forming the gel.

Abstract: A stand-alone film is derived at least in part from fatty acids. The stand-alone film can have anti-adhesive, anti-inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and wound healing properties, and can additionally include one or more therapeutic agents incorporated therein. Corresponding methods of making the stand-alone film include molding, casting, or otherwise applying a liquid or gel to a substrate, and curing or otherwise treating to form the stand-alone film. The resulting stand-alone film is bioabsorbable.

Abstract: A coated medical device and a method of providing a coating on an implantable medical device result in a medical device having a bio-absorbable coating. The coating includes a bio-absorbable carrier component. In addition to the bio-absorbable carrier component, a therapeutic agent component can also be provided. The coated medical device is implantable in a patient to effect controlled delivery of the coating, including the therapeutic agent, to the patient.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the provision of a coating on an implantable medical device. The coating includes a bio-absorbable carrier component. In addition to the bio-absorbable carrier component, a therapeutic agent component can also be provided. The methods and devices provide a coating having improved uniformity and coverage which in turn allow for greater control of the amount and dosage of the coating.

Abstract: A deployment device for a flexible implant includes a housing and one or two chambers formed therein. When two chambers are included, the housing can have two elongate openings formed in its outer sides, each providing side access to one of the chambers, and the flexible implant can be rolled into a double-rolled configuration and placed in the chambers of the deployment device in such a way that a middle portion of the flexible implant is external to the housing. When the flexible implant is rolled and loaded in the deployment device, the flexible implant can extend out through open end(s) of the chamber(s) or can be encapsulated within the chamber(s). The flexible implant can be provided separate from the deployment device. The flexible implant can include a flexible base sheet including a body portion and a tab. A flexible separable layer can be removably disposed on the body portion.

Abstract: A deployment device, system, and method for deploying a prosthesis. The deployment device includes a housing, a rod disposed within the housing and adapted to rotate relative to the housing, and one or more support members (e.g., bushings, bearings, etc.) rotatably supporting the rod within the housing. An elongate slit is disposed in and entirely through the housing and is positioned in a way that enables the prosthesis to pass therethrough from a loaded, rolled configuration on the rod. The deployment device is generally flexible, e.g., has a bending stiffness of at most about 0.87 N/mm (e.g., about 0.05 N/mm to about 0.87 N/mm). Furthermore, the deployment device enables a user to deploy (e.g., unroll) a prosthesis therefrom at a rate determined manually by the user and in a piece-by-piece fashion.

Abstract: A bio-absorbable stand-alone film is derived at least in part from fatty acids. The bio-absorbable stand-alone film can have anti-adhesive, anti-inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and wound healing properties, and can additionally include one or more therapeutic agents incorporated therein. The stand-alone film has one or more perforations or depressions formed therein. Corresponding methods of making the bio-absorbable stand-alone film with one or more perforations or depressions include molding, cutting, carving, puncturing or otherwise suitable methods to create the perforations or depressions in the bio-absorbable stand-alone film. The resulting stand-alone film is bioabsorbable.

Abstract: A surgical mesh is formed of a biocompatible mesh structure with a coating that provides anti-inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and anti-adhesion functionality for a implantation in a patient. The coating is generally formed of a fish oil, can include vitamin E, and may be at least partially cured. In addition, the coating can include a therapeutic agent component, such as a drug or other therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Coatings for medical devices, methods of making the coatings, and methods of using them are described.

Abstract: A hernia patch supporting tissue in-growth conforms to a tissue wall upon surgical installation and fixation within a patient. The hernia patch can include a base and positioning straps. The base is formed of two layers that are affixed to each other around the perimeter of the patch, for example by stitching. A stabilizing washer is provided between the two layers, and the stitch is provided peripherally around the stabilizing washer, keeping the washer free-floating between the layers. The base, positioning straps, and stabilizing washer are formed of a structure that does not separate the layers of the implant or form a space in the form of a pocket, and promotes more uniform and confluent tissue incorporation or in-growth after implantation. The hernia patch may further include a hydrolysable bioabsorbable cross-linked coating of a fatty acid based material, such as an omega-3 fatty acid based material.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis can have a three-dimensional shape that is invertible, so as to assume either a right configuration or a left configuration, which can be substantially mirror images of each other, so as to eliminate the need for separately manufacturing a left prosthesis and a right prosthesis. An implantable prosthesis can be preformed to independently assume a contoured three-dimensional shape that more adequately fits the extraperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal space, while simultaneously maintaining a relatively large area for fixation of the prostheses (e.g., through suturing or integration with the surrounding tissue). An implantable prosthesis can have a three-dimensional contoured shape that is formed from a single piece of continuous material, such as a mesh, and can possess substantially uniform rigidity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intraluminal device, in particular an intraluminal prosthesis, shunt, catheter or local drug delivery device. In order to increase the bio-compatibility of this device, it is provided with at least one coating. The coating contains a therapeutic agent which is comprised in a matrix that sticks to the intraluminal device. Instead of being formed by a little bio-compatible polymer, the matrix is formed by a bio-compatible oil or fat, such as cod-liver oil or olive oil. Preferably, the bio-compatible oil or fat further comprises alfa-tocopherol.