Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an ocular drainage device that includes a stability system. The stability system includes a plate, and can further include a material comprising collagen covering at least a portion of a top surface of the plate, and/or a viscoelastic substance covering at least a portion of the plate's top surface. The plate is formed of a flexible material and includes a tube retaining structure integrally formed therewith, wherein the tube retaining structure is configured to hold a tube that is at least partially surrounded by the tube retaining structure to the plate when the tube is moved. The tube retaining structure can include a low profile ridge, and/or a channel having an undercut or horseshoe shape. The plate has at least one plate channel, including a plate channel configured for carrying the tube. The plate can further include a reservoir.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an ocular drainage device that includes a stability system. The stability system includes a plate, and can further include a material comprising collagen covering at least a portion of a top surface of the plate, and/or a viscoelastic substance covering at least a portion of the plate's top surface. The plate is formed of a flexible material and includes a tube retaining structure integrally formed therewith, wherein the tube retaining structure is configured to hold a tube that is at least partially surrounded by the tube retaining structure to the plate when the tube is moved. The tube retaining structure can include a low profile ridge, and/or a channel having an undercut or horseshoe shape. The plate has at least one plate channel, including a plate channel configured for carrying the tube. The plate can further include a reservoir.

Abstract: A trocar comprising a hollow barrel having an open side extending along the hollow barrel, the hollow barrel terminating at a first end with a pointed tip for incision of the trocar through tissue and having a needle connecting part. The open side may extend through the needle connecting part. The needle connecting part may be a collar. The trocar is used in combination with a needle. A method of use of the trocar is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising: at least one viscosity-enhancing agent; and at least one macromonomer. In particular, the composition may be a bone cement composition and/or a dental cement composition. The composition may be used in medicine. The composition may be used in orthopedic and/or periodontal applications. The present invention also provides uses of the composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing chitin films and novel chitin films produced by the method of the invention. In the invention, chitin solution is coagulated to form a gel which is then pressed to form a film. The film, still under press is further processed to remove residual solvent and the film is then washed. An absorbent-matrix may be introduced into the chitin solution to form a swellable film and the invention also provides a method of preparing an absorbent-matrix by mixing two or more polymer solutions to form a precipitate, dispersion or coacervate which is then isolated and dried to form the absorbent matrix.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of preparing a form of chitin that has consistent shape in the dry form, is treated chemically such that it will swell when exposed to water to form a gel. The gel can be dried to give the dry form. The gel formation upon absorption/swelling in the presence of water and drying to give the dried form is reversible. The extent of swelling can be varied by suitably varying the chemical treatment.

Abstract: Biological materials are treated with an organic chemical agent, dimethyl sulfoxide, to delay the onset of in vivo calcification. The biological materials so treated become resistant to calcification over a prolonged period with no known deleterious effects to the host. The procedure involves the incubation of the natural biological materials in the chemical agent, prior to or after glutaraldehyde fixation, at room temperature or at temperatures up to 60.degree. C. Materials that can be treated with this process include biological materials intended for bioprostheses use, such as porcine aortic valves, porcine aortic valve leaflets, bovine, equine and porcine pericardium, aortic homografts, reconstituted collagen, and the like suitable for invasive, or in-dwelling use in a human or animal body.

Abstract: The method relates to the preparation of dry chitin forms of consistent shape that incorporates an advantageous additive such as fillers or reinforcement during the preparation process to give dry forms of chitin with consistent shape typically known as filler containing chitin or chitin composites.