Abstract: In accordance with the present invention it has been found that a fibrin polymer film formed by applying materials most closely resembling the natural clotting materials to a surgical adhesion formation. Preferred embodiments involve application of a fibrin monomer under polymerizing conditions to the surgical wound site. Unexpectedly, in addition to this improved prevention of adhesions, the more chemically-natural clots, especially the fibrin-monomer based fibrin polymer, also functions as a fibrin sealant, i.e., has adherence, provides hemostasis and promotes wound healing while also functioning as a barrier. In preferred embodiments the novel methods of this invention conveniently use one or more plasma proteins derived from the patient's own blood as to be autologous. Further, the sealant material is preferably substantially free of any added or exogenous enzymes, e.g., thrombin, etc., which catalyze the cleavage of fibrinopeptides A and/or B from fibrinogen.

Abstract: A laparoscopic applicator device for the selective directional application of one or more liquids to a surgical site is disclosed. The device comprises a handle with liquid inlets at one end, discrete channels within one or more tubes connecting with said inlet and exteding through said handle to a nozzle, and a dual injection shaft at the nozzle end for inserting the shaft and nozzle through a surgical trocar. The dual shaft comprises s rigid portion immediately adjacent the handle and a flexible portion near the nozzle tip. Means are provided, preferably within the handle, for the controlled articulation of the flexible shaft/nozzle assembly, thereby providing application of the liquids in a desired direction. The present invention is particularly useful in the application of surgical sealants, e.g., fibrin sealants. Methods of applying such components are also a part of the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to achieve hemostasis along a staple line by utilizing a pledget material positioned adjacent at least one surface of tissue. A line of staples extends through the tissue and the pledget material. The pledget material substantially uniformly distributes pressure along the staple line and thereby causes substantial hemostasis along the tissue cut. The pledget material may also absorb blood that may escape from a partially open blood vessel.