Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid polymer composition which can be implanted into a living mammal and which forms a solid hydrogel by in situ polymerization upon contact with body fluid and tissue. The composition also can be used as a coating on a medical device, or for the formation of a medical device. Formation of a solid implant or coating involves crosslinking of the adhesive with itself and with surrounding tissue. The liquid implant, by itself or in conjunction with various prostheses, can be used for many purposed, including fixation of the urethra for providing treatment for incontinence, and repair of herniations in the abdominal cavity, including rectocele, cystocele, enterocele, and inguinal hernia. The adhesive may be used to establish adhesion prevention during such repairs, in part by coating or being the material of a repair mesh.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue-bonding adhesive composition having a polyol of functionality N. The polyol being terminated has at least one polyisocyanate in solution with at least (N?1)% of the solution having free polyisocyanate. N may be in the range 1.5-8. The polyol may be a branched polypropylene/polyethylene oxide copolymer.

Abstract: A composite prosthesis and method for limiting the incidence of postoperative adhesions. The composite includes a non-inflammatory or coated mesh and a barrier material which prevents exposure of tissue elsewhere in the body to tissue covered by the composite prosthesis. The barrier material is absorbable which allows tissue through-growth and localization of the composite prosthetic. In use, the composite prosthesis is positioned over the tissue defect and may be positioned with the barrier material oriented against the tissue defect or repair site.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue-bonding adhesive composition having a polyol of functionality N. The polyol being terminated has at least one polyisocyanate in solution with at least (N?1)% of the solution having free polyisocyanate. N may be in the range 1.5-8. The polyol may be a branched polypropylene/polyethylene oxide copolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating a defect in a spinal disc nuclear space, comprising: (a) creating an opening by open, percutaneous or laparoscopic techniques to access the defect in the nuclear space; (b) removing a desired amount of tissue from the nuclear space; (c) positioning a delivery catheter through the opening; (d) fluidically isolating the nuclear space by blocking the opening with a blocking component of the catheter; (e) delivering an in-situ curable liquid material through a lumen of the catheter to the nuclear space; and (f) maintaining the isolating until the liquid material has cured. Also disclosed are treatment systems and materials for prostheses.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue-bonding adhesive composition having a polyol of functionality N. The polyol being terminated has at least one polyisocyanate in solution with at least (N?1)% of the solution having free polyisocyanate. N may be in the range 1.5-8. The polyol may be a branched polypropylene/polyethylene oxide copolymer.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue-bonding adhesive composition comprising a polyol of functionality N. The polyol being terminated has at least one polyisocyanate in solution with at least (N?1)% of the solution comprising free polyisocyanate. N may be in the range 1.5-8. The polyol may be a branched polypropylene/polyethylene oxide copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite prosthesis including a coated mesh having at least one opening through a first surface and a second surface of the coated mesh; the coated mesh comprising a mesh and a biocompatible coating substantially surrounding each filament of the mesh, wherein the biocompatible coating is formed by coating the mesh with a polyol prepolymer and curing the prepolymer, the prepolymer comprising a polyalkylene oxide polyol end capped with isocyanate, the polyalkylene oxide polyol having from about 70% to about 95% ethylene oxide groups and the remainder propylene oxide; and a barrier material comprising a biocompatible membrane constructed and arranged to cover at least one surface of the coated mesh, wherein the barrier material comprises a biologic material.

Abstract: A new reversibly gelling polyurethane (RGP) polymer composition is described, as well as novel processes for its preparation, and its medical uses for filling spaces in tissue, or bulking tissue, or for restoring organ function. The novel RGP polymer forms a gel on standing, liquefies during shear and reversibly reforms a macroscopic gel on standing after being sheared. Methods of use include delivering the improved gel to a site on the body to fill voids or to augment local tissue bulk.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating a defect in a spinal disc nuclear space, comprising: (a) creating an opening by open, percutaneous or laparoscopic techniques to access the defect in the nuclear space; (b) removing a desired amount of tissue from the nuclear space; (c) positioning a delivery catheter through the opening; (d) fluidically isolating the nuclear space by blocking the opening with a blocking component of the catheter; (e) delivering an in-situ curable liquid material through a lumen of the catheter to the nuclear space; and (f) maintaining the isolating until the liquid material has cured. Also disclosed are treatment systems and materials for prostheses.

Abstract: Stilbene-polyalkylene oxide prepolymers which include a polyalkylene oxide backbone with two or more isocyanate substituents and at least one hydroxystilbene or methoxystilbene substituent are useful as one component adhesives and biocompatible device coatings. Stilbene-polyalkylene compositions useful as a two component adhesive contain: a) a polyalkylene oxide having two or more amine substituents with b) a stilbene polyisocyanate compound, or alternatively contain: a) a polyethylene oxide having two or more isocyanate substituents with b) a stilbene diamine compound, or, alternatively contain: a) a bioabsorbable group in addition to a stilbene group attached to a polyalkylene backbone and b) a diamine compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrated, biocompatible tissue-augmentation compound and methodology for its implantation into mammalian tissue. The tissue-augmentation compound is comprised of: living tissue, optionally body derived fluids, and at least one NCO-terminated hydrophilic urethane prepolymer derived from an organic polyisocyanate, and oxyethylene-containing diols or polyols in which essentially all of hydroxyl groups are capped with polyisocyanate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are spinal disc implants comprising a foam adapted to completely or partially replace a nucleus pulposus within a spinal disc cavity, the foam being a nonabsorbable, closed cell and having a Poisson ratio of less than 0.5. Also disclosed are methods of implanting a foam, either as an in-situ curable material or as a preformed foam.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating a defect in a spinal disc nuclear space, comprising: (a) creating an opening by open, percutaneous or laparoscopic techniques to access the defect in the nuclear space; (b) removing a desired amount of tissue from the nuclear space; (c) positioning a delivery catheter through the opening; (d) fluidically isolating the nuclear space by blocking the opening with a blocking component of the catheter; (e) delivering an in-situ curable liquid material through a lumen of the catheter to the nuclear space; and (f) maintaining the isolating until the liquid material has cured. Also disclosed are treatment systems and materials for prostheses.

Abstract: Surgical methods of repairing defects and deficiencies in the spine are disclosed. The methods involve delivering a single part in-situ polymerizing fluid to (i) close a weakened segment or fissure in the annulus fibrosus, (ii) strengthen the annulus, (iii) replace or augment the disc nucleus, or (iv) localize a disc prosthesis. The methods may include placing a delivery conduit adjacent to the repair site and providing a liquid tissue adhesive to bond to and repair a disc defect or deficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid polymer composition which can be implanted into a living mammal and which forms a solid hydrogel by in situ polymerization upon contact with body fluid and tissue. The composition also can be used as a coating on a medical device, or for the formation of a medical device. Formation of a solid implant or coating involves crosslinking of the adhesive with itself and with surrounding tissue. The liquid implant, by itself or in conjunction with various prostheses, can be used for many purposed, including fixation of the urethra for providing treatment for incontinence, and repair of herniations in the abdominal cavity, including rectocele, cystocele, enterocele, and inguinal hernia. The adhesive may be used to establish adhesion prevention during such repairs, in part by coating or being the material of a repair mesh.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a prosthetic sheet with improved tissue healing characteristics useful in reinforcing tissue defects is disclosed. Generally the prosthetic may be comprised of any material that does not promote fibrosis and inflammation. In particular, the prosthetic may be comprised of non-absorbable hydrogel reinforced with fiber, so that the fiber reinforcement is encapsulated and shielded from interaction with tissue. The prosthetic may contain pores that pass through it to encourage tissue through-growth. These pores may be made by removing material from a sheet of reinforced hydrogel or the reinforcement means may contain a porosity around which the hydrogel is formed and the porosity is maintained.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating a defect in a spinal disc nuclear space, comprising: (a) creating an opening by open, percutaneous or laparoscopic techniques to access the defect in the nuclear space; (b) removing a desired amount of tissue from the nuclear space; (c) positioning a delivery catheter through the opening; (d) fluidically isolating the nuclear space by blocking the opening with a blocking component of the catheter; (e) delivering an in-situ curable liquid material through a lumen of the catheter to the nuclear space; and (f) maintaining the isolating until the liquid material has cured. Also disclosed are treatment systems and materials for prostheses.

Abstract: Surgical methods of repairing defects and deficiencies in the spine are disclosed. The methods involve delivering a single part in-situ polymerizing fluid to (i) close a weakened segment or fissure in the annulus fibrosus, (ii) strengthen the annulus, (iii) replace or augment the disc nucleus, or (iv) localize a disc prosthesis.

Abstract: A system includes an implantable polymer for increasing the dimensions of layers of tissue. In one embodiment, the implantable polymer is delivered transorally using a scope and injection needle. The system allows for visualization and injection of polymer into the lower esophageal sphincter. Methods of treating gastroesophageal reflux disease include insertion of the distal portion of the injection needle into the esophageal tissue and injection of a polymer liquid to enlarge tissue dimensions. The polymer can be injected at several sites to distribute localized pressures and attain better distribution of the tissue bulking effect.