Abstract: Biocompatible crosslinked polymers, and methods for their preparation and use, are disclosed in which the biocompatible crosslinked polymers are formed from water soluble precursors having electrophilic and nucleophilic groups capable of reacting and crosslinking in situ. Methods for making the resulting biocompatible crosslinked polymers biodegradable or not are provided, as are methods for controlling the rate of degradation. The crosslinking reactions may be carried out in situ on organs or tissues or outside the body. Applications for such biocompatible crosslinked polymers and their precursors include controlled delivery of drugs, prevention of post-operative adhesions, coating of medical devices such as vascular grafts, wound dressings and surgical sealants.

Abstract: Proteinaceous gels having visualization agents and methods of use thereof are disclosed herein. Further, polymeric crosslinking agents are disclosed that have an inert water soluble polymeric component, biodegradable components, functional components reactive with chemical groups on a protein, for example, amine or thiol groups. The inert polymeric component may be flanked at each end with a biodegradable component which is flanked at each end with a protein reactive functional component. A polymeric crosslinking agent is disclosed having a biodegradable component, polyalkylene oxide, and at least three reactive functional groups that are each capable of forming a covalent bond in water with at least one functional group such as an amine, thiol, or carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming hydrogel barriers in situ that adhere to tissue and prevent the formation of post-surgical adhesions or deliver drugs or other therapeutic agents to a body cavity. The hydrogels are crosslinked, resorb or degrade over a period of time, and may be formed by free radical polymerization initiated by a redox system or thermal initiation, or electrophilic-neutrophilic mechanism, wherein two components of an initiating system are simultaneously or sequentially poured into a body cavity to obtain widespread dispersal and coating of all or most visceral organs within that cavity prior to gelation and polymerization of the regional barrier. The hydrogel materials are selected to have a low stress at break in tension or torsion, and so as to have a close to equilibrium hydration level when formed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and/or performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises one or more support hoops connected near a distal end of a guide wire, each support hoop having an articulation region, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop or hoops to form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. The mouth of the sac closes when the apparatus is collapsed for removal to prevent material from escaping from the sac.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises a support hoop having an articulation region connected near a distal end of a guide wire, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop so that the support hoop forms a mouth of the blood permeable sac. The articulation region comprises a reduced thickness region of the support hoop that prevents kinks from forming in the support hoop when the apparatus is contracted to its delivery state, and curved regions that close the mouth of the sac to prevent material escaping from the sac when the apparatus is collapsed for removal.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming hydrogel barriers in situ that adhere to tissue and prevent the formation of post-surgical adhesions or deliver drugs or other therapeutic agents to a body cavity. The hydrogels are crosslinked, resorb or degrade over a period of time, and may be formed by free radical polymerization initiated by a redox system or thermal initiation, or electrophilic-nucleophilic mechanism, wherein two components of an initiating system are simultaneously or sequentially poured into a body cavity to obtain widespread dispersal and coating of all or most visceral organs within that cavity prior to gelation and polymerization of the regional barrier. The hydrogel materials are selected to have a low stress at break in tension or torsion, and so as to have a close to equilibrium hydration level when formed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aspirating emboli from a vascular filter or stent within a patient's circulatory system are provided. A filter sac of the vascular filter permits blood flow and captures emboli from the flow. The aspiration device removes emboli from within or proximal to the vascular filter or stent to reduce the risk to the ischemia during retrieval of the vascular filter and during a treatment procedure. Retrieval of the vascular filter may be accomplished using either the aspiration catheter or a separate retrieval catheter.

Abstract: Biocompatible crosslinked polymers, and methods for their preparation and use, are disclosed in which the biocompatible crosslinked polymers are formed from water soluble precursors having electrophilic and nucleophilic functional groups capable of reacting and crosslinking in situ. Methods for making the resulting biocompatible crosslinked polymers biodegradable or not are provided, as are methods for controlling the rate of degradation. The crosslinking reactions may be carried out in situ on organs or tissues or outside the body. Applications for such biocompatible crosslinked polymers and their precursors include controlled delivery of drugs, prevention of post-operative adhesions, coating of medical devices such as vascular grafts, wound dressings and surgical sealants. Visualization agents may be included with the crosslinked polymers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel such as the ascending aorta, wherein a vascular device comprises a support hoop having an articulation region connected near a distal end of an elongated member, a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop so that the support hoop forms a mouth of the blood permeable sac, a guide wire, and a delivery sheath. The articulation region comprises a reduced thickness region of the support hoop that prevents kinks from forming in the support hoop when the apparatus is contracted to its delivery state, and curved regions that close the mouth of the sac to prevent material escaping from the sac when the apparatus is collapsed for removal.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for preparing protein concentrates from protein comprising aqueous compositions. In the subject methods, an initial protein comprising aqueous compositions, such as whole blood or a derivative thereof, is contacted with a non-protein denaturant hydrogel under conditions sufficient for a substantial amount of water present in the composition to be absorbed by the hydrogel, resulting in the production of a protein concentrate, such as a fibrinogen rich composition. Of particularl interest is the use of the subject methods to prepare fibrinogen rich compositions, where such compositions produced according to the subject invention are useful in fibrin sealants, drug delivery vehicles and in a number of other diverse applications.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of forming hydrogel systems in situ are provided using a delivery system configured to deliver two or more fluent prepolymer solutions without premature crosslinking. The delivery system comprises separate first and second lumens coupling first and second inlet ports and first and second outlet ports, respectively, and may include a balloon, flexible distal region, mixing chamber or steerable distal end. Multi-component hydrogel systems suitable for use with the inventive methods and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel such as the ascending aorta, wherein a vascular device comprises a support hoop having an articulation region connected near a distal end of an elongated member, a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop so that the support hoop forms a mouth of the blood permeable sac, a guide wire, and a delivery sheath. The articulation region comprises a reduced thickness region of the support hoop that prevents kinks from forming in the support hoop when the apparatus is contracted to its delivery state, and curved regions that close the mouth of the sac to prevent material escaping from the sac when the apparatus is collapsed for removal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises one or more support hoops, each having an articulation region connected near a distal end of a guide wire, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the one or more support hoops so that the support hoops form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. Each articulation region comprises a reduced thickness region of the support hoop that prevents kinks from forming in the support hoop when the apparatus is contracted to its delivery state, and curved regions that close the mouth of the sac to prevent material escaping from the sac when the apparatus is collapsed for removal.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided comprising a coiled sheet having a plurality of flaps mounted on its interior surface that project radially inward into a lumen formed by the interior surface of the apparatus when it is deployed. The flaps lie parallel to the interior surface of the sheet during transluminal delivery, but project radially inward once the apparatus is deployed. The flaps may comprise a fine mesh for use as a filter, or alternatively may be covered with a biocompatible material that is substantially impermeable, so as to partially or completely occlude the lumen. In a further alternative embodiment, the flaps may comprise a resilient biocompatible plastic or polymer, so that the flaps move in response to the flow and function as a pressure-based or directional valve.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in deploying and retrieving a vascular device suited for filtering emboli from a vessel and performing thrombectomy and embolectomy. The vascular device comprises a support hoop having an articulation region connected near a distal end of a guide wire, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop so that the support hoop forms a mouth of the blood permeable sac. A specialized delivery system allows precise control over deployment and retrieval of the vascular device, and the introduction or withdrawal of fluids from an operative site.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in removing thrombus from a vessel, wherein a vascular device comprises an thrombectomy element for excising or ablating thrombus and a vascular filter for capturing emboli generated during removal of the thrombus. The vascular filter comprises a support hoop having an articulation region connected near a distal end of a guide wire, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop so that the support hoop forms a mouth of the blood permeable sac. In a preferred embodiment, the thrombectomy element comprises a second support hoop and blood permeable sac attached to the guide wire proximal of the vascular filter support hoop.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises one or more support hoops, each having an articulation region connected near a distal end of a guide wire, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop or hoops to form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. The mouth of the sac closes when the apparatus is collapsed for removal to prevent material from escaping from the sac.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of forming in situ tissue adherent barriers are provided using a sprayer capable of applying two or more viscous crosslinkable components to tissue. The sprayer comprises separate spray nozzles for each of two or more crosslinkable solutions, with each nozzle surrounded by an annular gas flow outlet. Crosslinkable solutions are stored in separate compartments and communicated under pressure to the spray nozzles. In the presence of gas flow through the annular gas flow outlets, the crosslinkable solutions are atomized and mixed in the gas flow to form a spray. Multi-component hydrogel systems suitable for use with the inventive methods and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of forming in situ tissue adherent barriers are provided using a sprayer capable of applying two or more viscous crosslinkable solutions to tissue. The sprayer comprises separate spray nozzles for each of two or more crosslinkable solutions, wherein each nozzle is either surrounded by an annular gas flow outlet or in communication with a gas-pressurized chamber, and also may include valves that prevent backflow through the supply lines carrying the crosslinkable solutions, and a venting system for venting excess pressure for laparoscopic applications In the presence of gas flow, the crosslinkable solutions are atomized and mixed to form a spray. Multi-component hydrogel systems suitable for use with the inventive methods and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of forming hydrogel systems in situ are provided using a delivery system configured to deliver two or more fluent prepolymer solutions without premature crosslinking. The delivery system comprises separate first and second lumens coupling first and second inlet ports and first and second outlet ports, respectively, and may include a balloon, flexible distal region, mixing chamber or steerable distal end. Multi-component hydrogel systems suitable for use with the inventive methods and apparatus are also described.