Abstract: Provided is a composition comprising a pre-formed, hydrolytically susceptible non-addition polyanionic polymer comprising polymer strands formed from at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and linking the polymer strands by at least one linking moiety comprising a hydrolytically susceptible bond, wherein at least one of which monomers has: i) one or more functional groups that can be titrated with base to form negatively charged functional groups; or ii) one or more precursor groups that are precursors of the functional groups that can be titrated with base; which precursor groups are converted to the functional groups.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating an area affected by a trauma, such as a corneal wound or internal trauma, comprising administering to the affected area a trauma treating effective amount of a composition comprising a polyanionic polymer.

Abstract: A composition exhibiting reverse thermal gellation properties comprises a block polymer having the structure: {[An(BCB)An]}m wherein A is a polyester unit, B is a poly(ethylene oxide) unit, C is a poly(propylene oxide) unit, E is a chain extender unit, n=0-20, and m is greater than 2. The ethylene oxide:propylene oxide ratio ranges from about 0.2:1 to about 40:1. The composition has a final viscosity at a final temperature of more than twice the initial viscosity at an initial temperature wherein the final temperature is at least 10° C. higher than the initial temperature. The composition is combined with either a cellular material for tissue engineering, a cellular material for effecting repair or healing in a patient, or a bioactive agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing adhesions associated with post-operative surgery. The present method comprises administering or affixing a polymeric composition preferably comprising chain extended, coupled or crosslinked polyester/poly(oxyalkylene) ABA triblocks or AB diblocks having favorable EO/LA ratios to a site in the body which has been subjected to trauma, e.g. by surgery, excision or inflammatory disease. In the present invention, the polymeric material provides a barrier to prevent or reduce the extent of adhesions forming.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing adhesions associated with post-operative surgery. The present method comprises administering or affixing a polymeric composition preferably comprising chain extended, coupled or crosslinked polyester/poly(oxyalkylene) ABA triblocks or AB diblocks having favorable EO/LA ratios to a site in the body which has been subjected to trauma, e.g. by surgery, excision or inflammatory disease. In the present invention, the polymeric material provides a barrier to prevent or reduce the extent of adhesions forming.

Abstract: A composition exhibiting reverse thermal gellation properties comprises a block polymer having the structure: {[An(BCB)An]}m wherein A is a polyester unit, B is a poly(ethylene oxide) unit, C is a poly(propylene oxide unit, E is a chain extender or crosslinking agent unit, n ranges from 0 to 20, and m is greater than 2, said block polymer possessing an EO (ethylene xide):PO (propylene oxide) ratio ranging from about 0.2:1 to about 40:1, said composition having a final viscosity at a final temperature of more than twice the initial viscosity at an initial temperature, said final temperature being at least 10° C. higher than said initial temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bioabsorbable polymeric compositions based upon AB polyester polyether or related diblocks and triblocks. Compositions according to the present invention may be used in medical applications, for example, for reducing or preventing adhesion formation subsequent to medical procedures such as surgery, for producing surgical articles including stents and grafts, as coatings, sealants, lubricants, as transient barriers in the body, for materials which control the release of bioactive agents in the body, for wound and bum dressings and producing biodegradable articles, among numerous others.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bioabsorbable polymeric compositions based upon AB polyester polyether or related diblocks and triblocks. Compositions according to the present invention may be used in medical applications, for example, for reducing or preventing adhesion formation subsequent to medical procedures such as surgery, for producing surgical articles including stents and grafts, as coatings, sealants, lubricants, as transient barriers in the body, for materials which control the release of bioactive agents in the body, for wound and bum dressings and producing biodegradable articles, among numerous others.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing adhesions associated with post-operative surgery. The present method comprises administering or affixing a polymeric composition preferably comprising chain extended, coupled or crosslinked polyester/poly(oxyalkylene) ABA triblocks or AB diblocks having favorable EO/LA ratios to a site in the body which has been subjected to trauma, e.g. by surgery, excision or inflammatory disease. In the present invention, the polymeric material provides a barrier to prevent or reduce the extent of adhesions forming.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars by covering the scar with a gas-or gel-filled cushion made of smooth or textured silicone sheeting. It relates particularly to a cushion in the form of a hollow bag filled with completely dry air, inert gel or an inert gas. The invention also relates to a silicone sheeting cushion enclosing silicone beads, polymeric pieces or bodies made of polyfluoroethylene sheeting or a related polymer which produces a negative static charge or, preferably, a silicone sponge or hydrophobic gel, most preferably silicone gel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing adhesions associated with post-operative surgery. The present method comprises administering or affixing a polymeric composition comprising chain-extended poly(hydroxy-carboxylic acid)/poly(oxyalkylene) ABA triblocks to a site in the body which has been subjected to trauma, e.g. by surgery, excision or inflammatory disease. In the present invention, the polymeric material provides a barrier to prevent or reduce the extent of adhesions forming.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for enhancing the success of autologous fat grafting in a patient. The compositions according to the present invention are useful for enhancing autologous fat grafting by improving the survival rate of lipocytes which are injected into a patient as part of a fat grafting procedure. These compositions comprise a fat grafting effective amount of autologous lipocytes in combination with a lipocyte growth effective amount of a non-steroidal anabolic hormone selected from insulin, triiodothyronine/thyroxine (T.sub.3 or T.sub.4), mixtures thereof, and optionally, growth hormone, most preferably a mixture of all three hormones because of the favorable effect these three hormones exhibit in combination to promote autologous fat grafting, the hormones being further combined with a lipocyte growth effective amount of a nutrient medium, preferably a serum free nutrient medium as at least a minimum essential medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wound treatment formulations and methods for treating wounds utilizing these formulations. The formulations according to the present invention are useful for treating wounds by accelerating wound healing. These formulations generally comprise an effective amount of a non-steroidal anabolic hormone such as insulin, growth hormone, triiodothyronine, thyroxine or mixtures thereof, in combination with a cellular nutrient medium, preferably MCDB 153.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations and methods for treating wounds utilizing these formulations. The formulations according to the present invention are useful for treating wounds by accelerating wound healing. These formulations comprise an effective amount of a serum free cellular nutrient medium in combination with an effective amount of at least one cellular growth stimulating compound, e.g. a natural anabolic hormone or transforming growth factor.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing wide skin defects may include two long pins for insertion underneath the skin close to the margins of the defect. Two U-shaped members may also be provided. Each U-shaped member may include a sharp hook at the end of each leg adapted to pierce the skin and to engage one pin each in two places. A contracting screw may connect the two members and approximate the pins and the skin margins until final closure of the defect. A parallel alignment mechanism may also be provided to maintain the U-shaped members in parallel alignment.