Abstract: Hydroxamic acid polymers which are comprised of hydroxamic groups and carboxylic acid groups wherein the carboxylic acid groups constitute less than about 3% of the functional groups. The polymers hereof are also especially useful in biomedical applications because, for example, the low concentration of carboxylic acid groups decreases the incidence of bioincompatibility. Additionally, the polymers exhibit anticoagulant activity, urease inhibition activity, metal chelating activity and ion exchange activity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for cryogenically ablating a predetermined portion of tissue in the body of a patient. Cryoablation is accomplished by a cryoblation catheter having a hollow shaft insertable into the blood vessel of a patient. The shaft has a closed tip portion and a fluid flow passage for directing a flow of cryogenic fluid to the tip. Cryogenic cooling is effected by a liquid-to-gas fluid phase change adjacent the catheter tip. Electrical signal activity may be monitored by an electrode formed integral with the tip to confirm treatment of the paper tissue site.

Abstract: A method for preparing hydroxamic acid polymers from primary amide polymers wherein polyvinyl monomers such as polyacrylamide are reacted with hydroxyl amine in aqueous solution at room temperature. The low reaction temperature is crucial to producing a high yield (70%) of polymer with hydroxamic acid groups and having a low carboxylic acid content (less than 15%, preferably less than 3%). The polymers display high metal affinity over a broad pH range.The polymers are particularly useful for biomedical applications due to the low carboxylic acid content and for the removal and purification of metals due to the high binding constants and rapid reaction rates.