Abstract: The present invention relates to a bio-stable hydrogel for use in the treatment and prevention of incontinence and vesicouretal reflux. The hydrogel is obtainable by combining acrylamide and methylene bis-acrylamide in amounts to provide about 0.5 to 25% by weight polyacrylamide, based on the total weight of the hydrogel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a probe for insertion in the anal canal (canalis analis) and rectum of a body for the purpose of examining and treating patients suffering from diseases therein. More specifically, the invention relates to a probe for use in treatment of patients suffering from anal incontinence by injection of a bulking agent for obtaining a restricted fecal/flatus passageway in the anal canal.

Abstract: A hydrogel for use as a prosthetic device for supplementing, augmenting or replacing cartilage in the intra-articular cavity of a joint and for treatment or prevention of arthritis. The hydrogel may be a polyacrylamide hydrogel obtained by combining acrylamide and methylene bis-acrylamide. A prosthetic device comprising the polyacrylamide hydrogel is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bio-stable hydrogel for use in the treatment and prevention of incontinence and vesicouretal reflux. The hydrogel is obtainable by combining acrylamide and methylene bis-acrylamide in amounts to provide about 0.5 to 25% by weight polyacrylamide, based on the total weight of the hydrogel.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis comprised of a resorbable outer shell or coating material housing a filling material provides practical and cosmetic advantages. The outer shell or coating is resorbed back into the body within 12 months of implantation. Materials such as polyurethane, at an appropriate thickness, serve as an outer shell and provide the endoprosthesis with a shape as well as rendering the endoprosthesis implantable and easily handled by the surgeon. Once implanted, the outer shell or coated is resorbed into the body. The filling material, on the other hand, is biostable and biocompatible. The filling material is in the form of a hydrogel with a viscosity suited for the purpose. Polyacrylamide is a well suited hydrogel since it is biocompatible and can be formulated to the appropriate viscosity. The endoprosthesis of the invention can be used for soft-tissue replenishment such as in the face and breasts, or in the joints for support, or in an internal conduit to provide bulking.

Abstract: A BIOCOMPATIBLE HYDROGEL, is provided for use in the treatment of humans for cosmetic and functional defects (e.g. in mammas, vocal cords, penis, etc. as endoprostheses), in the provision of intratissue storage sites the prolonged-action medicinal preparations, in various applications as electroconductive immersion media, and in the life-long tamponing of caverns. It contains an acrylamide-based polymer produced in the presence of an initiator of radical polymerization in apyrogenic water as the dispersion medium. An increase in elasticity, shape retention capability, and stability of bulky implants, as well as corresponding therapeutic and cosmetic efficacy, mainly in the endoprosthetic applications is achieved due to the hydrogel containing cross-linked polyacrylamide produced by using a biocompatible cross-linking agent, such as methylene-bis-acrylamide, and preferably a mixture of ammonium persulfate and tetramethylethylenediamine as the initiator of polymerzation.