Abstract: A nozzle for use in delivering a mixture of aerosol propellant and drug formulation. The nozzle includes a drug product inlet configured to receive a mixture of aerosolized propellant and an intranasal dosage form. The inlet is disposed at the proximal end. A nozzle body is secured to the drug product inlet. Two or more channels are disposed within the body. Two or more orifice apertures are disposed at the distal end of the nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed are composite implantable tissue attachment devices comprising a mechanical reinforcing component and a cellular scaffold component. Disclosed devices include a wide, relatively flat portion for supporting long term repair of tissue. Disclosed devices can include a tapered portion at the end of the wide portions that can lead into a narrower elongated extension for aiding in placement of the device during a surgical procedure. The wide portion of the device can provide tensile strength along the longitudinal axis of the device as well as porosity. The wide devices can cover a larger surface area of a delivery site than standard suture. Disclosed materials can be utilized in, e.g., soft tissue repair such as tendon and ligament reconstruction and repair.

Abstract: Disclosed are fixation devices that can be utilized to approximate and hold a soft tissue in, at, or near a bony insertion site. Disclosed devices can define an oblong cross-section, and can include ribs defining sharp edges on the periphery of one aspect of the cross section that can tightly fix the device to surrounding bone so as to avoid pull out of the device. Devices can also include ribs defining rounded ridges on the periphery of a second, perpendicular aspect of the cross section that can allow soft tissue or a portion of an approximation device, for instance a soft tissue graft or cellular scaffolding material, to be fixed within a bone without damage to the soft tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are fixation devices that can be utilized to approximate and hold a soft tissue in, at, or near a bony insertion site. Disclosed devices can define an oblong cross-section, and can include ribs defining sharp edges on the periphery of one aspect of the cross section that can tightly fix the device to surrounding bone so as to avoid pull out of the device. Devices can also include ribs defining rounded ridges on the periphery of a second, perpendicular aspect of the cross section that can allow soft tissue or a portion of an approximation device, for instance a soft tissue graft or cellular scaffolding material, to be fixed within a bone without damage to the soft tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are composite implantable tissue attachment devices comprising a mechanical reinforcing component and a cellular scaffold component. Disclosed devices include a wide, relatively flat portion for supporting long term repair of tissue. Disclosed devices can include a tapered portion at the end of the wide portions that can lead into a narrower elongated extension for aiding in placement of the device during a surgical procedure. The wide portion of the device can provide tensile strength along the longitudinal axis of the device as well as porosity. The wide devices can cover a larger surface area of a delivery site than standard suture. Disclosed materials can be utilized in, e.g., soft tissue repair such as tendon and ligament reconstruction and repair.

Abstract: Disclosed are biocompatible implants that combine a scaffold material for supporting long term repair of a soft tissue with an elongated member such as a suture for aiding in placement of the scaffold during a surgical procedure as well as for immediate mechanical reinforcement of a repair site. The components of an implant are combined such that a longitudinal load placed upon a composite structure can be borne primarily by the elongated member and the scaffold material is isolated from the longitudinal load. Thus, the scaffold material of a composite can be protected from damage due to applied loads and stresses during and following a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A novel surgical instrument for holding a flexible implant is provided, as is a novel flexible implant to be held by such instrument. The novel surgical instrument comprises flexible implant hooks. The flexible implant comprises one or more apertures, which are used to hang the flexible implant on the flexible implant hooks of the instrument. The instrument is adapted to hold the implant, deliver it to a tissue and hold it in place while a surgeon makes a surgical repair using the flexible implant.

Abstract: Tissue fixation devices are provided. The devices include a first component and a second component, the components having different rates of in vivo degradation. The first component and second component are arranged so that, upon degradation of one of the components, the other component provides a scaffold into which bone can grow.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on studies we conducted with biocompatible compositions that contain a copolymer and a filler material. Accordingly, the invention features compositions that include a copolymer (e.g., a copolymer that includes lactic acid and/or glycolic acid monomers) and a filler such as calcium carbonate (e.g., about 30-40% CaCO3 by weight (i.e., by weight of the composition as a whole)).

Abstract: Tissue fixation devices are provided. The devices include a first component and a second component, the components having different rates of in vivo degradation. The first component and second component are arranged so that, upon degradation of one of the components, the other component provides a scaffold into which bone can grow.