Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for reducing pain and organ dysfunction using bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, multivalent cations and/or polycations. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then either dried into membranes or sponges, or are used as gels, fluids or microspheres. Compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions. The compositions are designed to breakdown in-vivo, and thus be removed from the body. Membranes are inserted during surgery either dry or optionally after conditioning in aqueous solutions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for delivering bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions. Antiadhesion compositions can be made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, multivalent cations and/or polycations. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then used as fluids, gels or foams. By providing a product bag, the compositions can be delivered as gels or as sprays. By dissolving propellant gases in the compositions, the materials can be delivered as foams, which have decreased density, and therefore can adhere to surfaces that previously have been difficult to coat with antiadhesion gels. Delivery systems can also provide mechanisms for expelling more product, and for directing the flow of materials leaving the delivery system. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, antiadhesion, and/or hemostatic compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in affixing material to a location under repair includes a material retention member and an anchor. The anchor is configured to be inserted into a cavity in bone tissue, the anchor having a first end and a second end. The anchor also includes one or more raised ribs. The material retention member extends radially from the first end of the anchor in a plurality of directions, the material retention member including at least one contact surface adapted to exert a retention force on material that is interposed between the material retention device and the bone tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for delivering bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions. Antiadhesion compositions can be made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, multivalent cations and/or polycations. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then used as fluids, gels or foams. By providing a product bag, the compositions can be delivered as gels or as sprays. By dissolving propellant gases in the compositions, the materials can be delivered as foams, which have decreased density, and therefore can adhere to surfaces that previously have been difficult to coat with antiadhesion gels. Delivery systems can also provide mechanisms for expelling more product, and for directing the flow of materials leaving the delivery system. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion, and/or hemostatic compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions.

Abstract: Unitary surgical devices are disclosed. One group of the illustrated devices has a pair of biocompatible, bioresorbable anchors connected to fixed lengths suture. The anchors and fixed length of suture are connected to each other prior to surgery. Another group of unitary surgical devices has a pair of fixating mechanisms connected to a base prior to surgery. The second group of illustrated devices generally includes extracellular matrix material either as part of the base or supported on the base. The extracellular matrix material serves as tissue regenerating material. In the second group of unitary surgical devices, the fixating mechanisms illustrated generally comprise suture, anchors or pre-formed holes in the base. All of the illustrated unitary surgical devices are useful in repairing a damaged meniscus. The first group of unitary surgical devices can be used to approximate inner surfaces of a tear in the meniscus.

Abstract: A method of making an implantable scaffold for repairing damaged or diseased tissue includes the step of suspending pieces of an extracellular matrix material in a liquid. The extracellular matrix material and the liquid are formed into a mass. The liquid is subsequently driven off so as to form interstices in the mass. The scaffold may further comprise biological agents that promote tissue repair and healing. Porous implantable scaffolds fabricated by such a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making an implantable scaffold for repairing damaged or diseased tissue includes the step of suspending pieces of an extracellular matrix material in a liquid. The extracellular matrix material and the liquid are formed into a mass. The liquid is subsequently driven off so as to form interstices in the mass. Porous implantable scaffolds fabricated by such a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopaedic device for repairing and regenerating cartilage includes a plug configured to be positioned in a hole formed in the cartilage and an anchor configured to support the plug. One or both of the plug and the anchor may be formed from naturally occurring extracellular matrix such as small intestine submucosa. A method for repairing and regenerating cartilage is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in affixing material to a location under repair includes a material retention member and an anchor. The anchor is configured to be inserted into a cavity in bone tissue, the anchor having a first end and a second end. The anchor also includes one or more raised ribs. The material retention member extends radially from the first end of the anchor in a plurality of directions, the material retention member including at least one contact surface adapted to exert a retention force on material that is interposed between the material retention device and the bone tissue.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a device for locking a suture in place without the need for tying knots once the suture is placed within tissue. The device comprises an anchor having a cannula and a locking mechanism for securing the suture within the cannula.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a device for locking a suture in place without the need for tying knots once the suture is placed within tissue. The device comprises a locking ring, the locking ring comprising a series of laminated sheets having an aperture formed to allow the suture to pass when pulled in a first direction, but formed to lock the suture in place when the suture is pulled in an opposite direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for delivering bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions. Antiadhesion compositions can be made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, multivalent cations and/or polycations. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then used as fluids, gels or foams. By providing a product bag, the compositions can be delivered as gels or as sprays. By dissolving propellant gases in the compositions, the materials can be delivered as foams, which have decreased density, and therefore can adhere to surfaces that previously have been difficult to coat with antiadhesion gels. Delivery systems can also provide mechanisms for expelling more product, and for directing the flow of materials leaving the delivery system. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion, and/or hemostatic compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for making and using hemostatic, bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, and optionally including multivalent cations and/or polycations and/or hemostatic agents. The polymers can be associated with each other, and are then either dried into membranes or sponges, or are used as fluids, gels, or foams. Hemostatic, bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion compositions are useful in surgery to prevent bleeding and the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions. The compositions are designed to breakdown in-vivo, and thus be removed from the body.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a device for locking a suture in place without the need for tying knots once the suture is placed within tissue. The device comprises a locking ring, the locking ring comprising a series of laminated sheets having an aperture formed to allow the suture to pass when pulled in a first direction, but formed to lock the suture in place when the suture is pulled in an opposite direction.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a device for locking a suture in place without the need for tying knots once the suture is placed within tissue. The device comprises anchor having a front section and a rear section, a cannula extending through the front and rear sections through which the suture extends, and a locking mechanism for locking the suture within the cannula.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a device for repairing a soft tissue defect, particularly a defect in the meniscus of a knee. The device comprises an outer wall anchor for engaging against an outside wall of the meniscus on a first side of the defect, an inner meniscal anchor engaging an inner surface of the meniscus on a second side of the defect, the inner meniscal anchor having a locking mechanism, and a suture adjustably connecting the outer wall anchor to the inner meniscal anchor. Tension on the suture pulls the defect together and the locking mechanism then locks the suture in place.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a device for locking a suture in place without the need for tying knots once the suture is placed within tissue. The device comprises anchor having a front section and a rear section, a cannula extending through the front and rear sections through which the suture extends, and a bead positioned adjacent an end of the suture for locking the suture within the cannula.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a device for locking a suture in place without the need for tying knots once the suture is placed within tissue. The device comprises anchor having a front section and a rear section, a cannula extending through the front and rear sections through which the suture extends, and a bead positioned adjacent an end of the suture for locking the suture within the cannula.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a device for repairing a soft tissue defect, particularly a defect in the meniscus of a knee. The device comprises an outer wall anchor for engaging against an outside wall of the meniscus on a first side of the defect, an inner meniscal anchor engaging an inner surface of the meniscus on a second side of the defect, the inner meniscal anchor having a locking mechanism, and a suture adjustably connecting the outer wall anchor to the inner meniscal anchor. Tension on the suture pulls the defect together and the locking mechanism then locks the suture in place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for making and using-bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides and polyethers, and to the resulting compositions. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then either dried or are used as fluids. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation of post-surgical adhesions. The compositions are designed to breakdown in-vivo, and thus be removed from the body. Membranes are inserted during surgery either dry or optionally after conditioning in aqueous solutions. The anti-adhesion, bioadhesive, bioresorptive, antithrombogenic and physical properties of such membranes can be varied as needed by carefully adjusting the pH of the polymer casting solutions, polysaccharide composition, the polyether composition, or by conditioning the membranes prior to surgical use.