Abstract: The present invention relates generally to synthetic polymer compositions that form interpenetrating polymer networks. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions comprise two multifunctionally activated synthetic polymers, along with a tensile strength enhancer. Such compositions form matrices that exhibit superior cohesive strength and in many instances can serve as adequate replacements for surgical means of attaching tissues, such as sutures, sponges and medical staples.

Abstract: A method of tissue repair is provided using a biocompatible nonimmunogenic adhesive composition. The adhesive composition comprises collagen and a plurality of crosslinkable components having reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to enable inter-reaction between the components, i.e., crosslinking. Kits for use in carrying out the method of the invention are also provided, as are pretreated surgically acceptable patches that have been coated with the aforementioned adhesive composition.

Abstract: Crosslinkable compositions are provided that readily crosslink in situ to provide biocompatible, nonimmunogenic crosslinked materials that may be used as adhesive compositions. The compositions comprise collagen and a plurality of crosslinkable components having reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to enable inter-reaction between the components, i.e., crosslinking. Methods for preparing and using the compositions are also provided. Exemplary uses include tissue augmentation, biologically active agent delivery, bioadhesion, prevention of adhesions following surgery or injury, and coating of surgically acceptable patches and solid implants, the latter including sutures.

Abstract: Crosslinkable compositions are provided that readily crosslink in situ to provide biocompatible, nonimmunogenic crosslinked materials that may be used as adhesive compositions. The compositions comprise collagen and a plurality of crosslinkable components having reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to enable inter-reaction between the components, i.e., crosslinking. Methods for preparing and using the compositions are also provided. Exemplary uses include tissue augmentation, biologically active agent delivery, bioadhesion, prevention of adhesions following surgery or injury, and coating of surgically acceptable patches and solid implants, the latter including sutures.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to synthetic polymer compositions that form interpenetrating polymer networks. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions comprise two multifunctionally activated synthetic polymers, along with a tensile strength enhancer. Such compositions form matrices that exhibit superior cohesive strength and in many instances can serve as adequate replacements for surgical means of attaching tissues, such as sutures, sponges and medical staples.

Abstract: A method of tissue repair is provided using a biocompatible nonimmunogenic adhesive composition. The adhesive composition comprises collagen and a plurality of crosslinkable components having reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to enable inter-reaction between the components, i.e., crosslinking. Kits for use in carrying out the method of the invention are also provided, as are pretreated surgically acceptable patches that have been coated with the aforementioned adhesive composition.

Abstract: A method of tissue repair is provided using a biocompatible nonimmunogenic adhesive composition. The adhesive composition comprises collagen and a plurality of crosslinkable components having reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to enable inter-reaction between the components, i.e., crosslinking. Kits for use in carrying out the method of the invention are also provided, as are pretreated surgically acceptable patches that have been coated with the aforementioned adhesive composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to synthetic polymer compositions that form interpenetrating polymer networks. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions comprise two multifunctionally activated synthetic polymers, along with a tensile strength enhancer. Such compositions form matrices that exhibit superior cohesive strength and in many instances can serve as adequate replacements for surgical means of attaching tissues, such as sutures and medical staples.

Abstract: Medical devices, and more particularly, devices, methods and compositions for sealing tissue puncture openings of patients after surgical operations are provided. A puncture wound sealing apparatus includes a positioning device having a depth sensing mechanism capable of providing feedback to an operator for the precise placement of an implant that is preferably resorbable and swellable after implantation. Such an implant provides for efficient sealing of the tissue puncture opening thus avoiding complications after surgical procedures in which blood vessels are punctured.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are uniformly shaped swellable devices comprising polymeric materials, as well as apparatuses and processes for their manufacture. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to load bearing implant devices for use in tissue repair. The implants consist of a resorbable, swellable implant body which is formed from a dehydrated crosslinked biocompatible polymer. As such, the implants are capable of swelling after insertion to become anchored in place. The implants function to enhance the structural integrity of the hard tissue into which they are placed, and thereby improve the load bearing capacity of such tissues. The implants are particularly well suited for use in attaching a second (hard or soft) tissue to the first (hard) tissue into which the implant is inserted. They may also be used as a site for attachment of a surgical device such as a screw, rod or pin.

Abstract: Collagen-based compositions useful in the attachment of tissues, or the attachment of tissues to synthetic implant materials, are disclosed. The compositions comprise collagen crosslinked using a multifunctionally activated synthetic hydrophilic polymer. A particularly preferred composition comprises fibrillar collagen, a fiber disassembly agent, and a multifunctionally activated synthetic hydrophilic polymer. Methods are disclosed for using the compositions to effect the attachment of a native tissue to the surface of another native tissue, a non-native tissue, or a synthetic implant. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions to prevent the formation of surgical adhesions.

Abstract: Collagen-based compositions useful in the attachment of tissues, or the attachment of tissues to synthetic implant materials, are disclosed. The compositions comprise collagen crosslinked using a multifunctionally activated synthetic hydrophilic polymer. A particularly preferred composition comprises fibrillar collagen, a fiber disassembly agent, and a multifunctionally activated synthetic hydrophilic polymer. Methods are disclosed for using the compositions to effect the attachment of a native tissue to the surface of another native tissue, a non-native tissue, or a synthetic implant. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions to prevent the formation of surgical adhesions.

Abstract: Methods for completely or partially blocking, augmenting, sealing, or filling various biological lumens and voids within the body of a patient are disclosed. Lumens include arteries, veins, intestines, Fallopian tubes, and trachea. Voids include various lesions, fissures, diverticulae, cysts, fistulae, aneurysms, or other undesirable voids that may exist within a patient's body. In the most general method of the invention, an effective amount of a biomaterial is administered (e.g., via injection, catheter, or surgical implantation) into the lumen or void. Preferred biomaterial compositions for use in the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Collagen-based compositions useful in the attachment of tissues, or the attachment of tissues to synthetic implant materials, are disclosed. The compositions comprise collagen crosslinked using a multifunctionally activated synthetic hydrophilic polymer. A particularly preferred composition comprises fibrillar collagen, a fiber disassembly agent, and a multifunctionally activated synthetic hydrophilic polymer. Methods are disclosed for using the compositions to effect the attachment of a native tissue to the surface of another native tissue, a non-native tissue, or a synthetic implant. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions to prevent the formation of surgical adhesions.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, stabilized dispersions of collagen fibers that have been treated in order to inactivate infectious agents and methods of stabilizing such collagen fibers are provided.

Abstract: Collagen-based compositions useful in the attachment of tissues, or the attachment of tissues to synthetic implant materials, are disclosed. The compositions comprise collagen crosslinked using a multifunctionally activated synthetic hydrophilic polymer. A particularly preferred composition comprises fibrillar collagen, a fiber disassembly agent, and a multifunctionally activated synthetic hydrophilic polymer. Methods are disclosed for using the compositions to effect the attachment of a native tissue to the surface of another native tissue, a non-native tissue, or a synthetic implant.

Abstract: Anti-adhesion films useful for the prevention of surgical adhesions are disclosed. These films comprise substrate materials (such as collagen) and hetero-bifunctional anti-adhesion binding agents, wherein the substrate material is covalently linked to receptive tissue within the body of a patient via the binding agent. Preferred binding agents comprise substrate-reactive and tissue-selective functional groups. Anti-adhesion compositions useful for the formation of such films are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various forms of chemically modified collagen are covalently crosslinked with activated synthetic hydrophilic polymers to form optically clear biocompatible conjugates useful in a variety of medical applications, particularly in ophthalmic devices. The chemically modified collagen is in substantially nonfibrillar form at pH 7 and is preferably succinylated or methylated collagen. The synthetic hydrophilic polymer is preferably an activated polymeric glycol, most preferably, a di- or multifunctionally activated polyethylene glycol. Materials and devices formed with the chemically modified collagen-synthetic polymer conjugates have good optical clarity, mechanical strength, and moldability.

Abstract: A measuring gauge for measuring both inside and outside diameters. The inventive device includes a main body having a plurality of extension members telescopingly received therein which may be extended therefrom to various lengths. The device further includes a pair of pivotally mounted OD legs operable to engage the outside surfaces of an object being measured, and a pair of pivotally mounted ID legs operable to engage the interior surfaces of the measured object. The OD legs and the ID legs are aligned such that indicia provided along the device can be used for both inside and outside measuring operations.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation of compositions used in conductive bone repair are disclosed. The compositions contain a mixture consisting essentially of either a calcium phosphate particulate mineral component or particulate hydroxyapatite in admixture with atelopeptide reconstituted fibrillar collagen. The method is comprised of mixing a dispersion of the collagen and mineral, the latter which is present in dry particulate form, followed by molding and drying the composition in a mold to obtain a dried composition.