Abstract: This invention relates generally to compositions and systems for forming biomaterials containing a transient colorant for visualizing tissue or surgical materials coated with such biomaterials, to methods of using such compositions as bioadhesives, for tissue augmentation, in the prevention of surgical adhesions, for coating surfaces of synthetic implants, as drug delivery matrices, for ophthalmic applications, and in other applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in a method of contraception, in treatment of benign gynecological disorders, and in hormone replacement. The improved method includes administering intranasally an estrogenic compound and an androgenic compound, and in some embodiments an optional progestin compound, in a once-daily bolus formulation comprised of the two or three steroids complexed with a cyclodextrin. An intranasal delivery system for administration of the formulation is also described.

Abstract: An improvement in a method of treating benign gynecological disorders is described. In the method, treatment of a benign gynecological disorder with a composition comprised of a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) compound and an estrogenic compound, and optionally, an androgenic compound, is extended to premenopausal women who are not receiving an exogenously supplied progestin on a regular or periodic basis. Treatment in accord with the invention does not increase significantly the risk of endometrial hyperplasia. The method is also suitable for contraception.

Abstract: A nasal spray formulation for use in female contraception or in the treatment of benign gynecological disorders is described. The nasal preparation is comprised of a GnRH compound and an estrogenic compound in the form of a water-soluble complex with a water-soluble cyclodextrin. The preparation effectively suppresses ovarian estrogen and progesterone production, and prevents signs and symptoms of estrogen deficiency, without a significant increase in the risk of endometrial hyperplasia.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to compositions and systems for forming biomaterials containing a transient colorant for visualizing tissue or surgical materials coated with such biomaterials, to methods of using such compositions as bioadhesives, for tissue augmentation, in the prevention of surgical adhesions, for coating surfaces of synthetic implants, as drug delivery matrices, for ophthalmic applications, and in other applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in a method of contraception, in treatment of benign gynecological disorders, and in hormone replacement. The improved method includes administering intranasally an estrogenic compound and an androgenic compound, and in some embodiments an optional progestin compound, in a once-daily bolus formulation comprised of the two or three steroids complexed with a cyclodextrin. An intranasal delivery system for administration of the formulation is also described.

Abstract: A nasal spray formulation for use in female contraception or in the treatment of benign gynecological disorders is described. The nasal preparation is comprised of a GnRH compound and an estrogenic compound in the form of a water-soluble complex with a water-soluble cyclodextrin. The preparation effectively suppresses ovarian estrogen and progesterone production, and prevents signs and symptoms of estrogen deficiency, without a significant increase in the risk of endometrial hyperplasia.

Abstract: An improvement in a method of treating benign gynecological disorders is described. In the method, treatment of a benign gynecological disorder with a composition comprised of a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) compound and an estrogenic compound, and optionally, an androgenic compound, is extended to premenopausal women who are not receiving an exogenously supplied progestin on a regular or periodic basis. Treatment in accord with the invention does not increase significantly the risk of endometrial hyperplasia. The method is also suitable for contraception.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for use in preventing conception or treating benign gynecological disorders, wherein an effective amount of an antiprogestational agent [e.g., progesterone (progestin, progestogen, gestagen) antagonist or progesterone synthesis inhibitor] administered over a first period of time is combined with an effective amount of a progestogen for a second period of time. The antiprogestational agent is selected from single agents or mixtures thereof. The progestogen is selected from single agents or mixtures of natural or synthetic progestogens. The formulations are effective as contraceptive agents and for treatment of benign gynecological disorders including uterine fibroids, premenstrual syndrome, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for use in preventing conception or treating benign gynecological disorders, wherein an effective amount of an antiprogestational agent [e.g., progesterone (progestin, progestogen, gestagen) antagonist or progesterone synthesis inhibitor] administered over a first period of time is combined with an effective amount of a progestogen for a second period of time. The antiprogestational agent is selected from single agents or mixtures thereof. The progestogen is selected from single agents or mixtures of natural or synthetic progestogens. The formulations are effective as contraceptive agents and for treatment of benign gynecological disorders including uterine fibroids, premenstrual syndrome, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis.

Abstract: A temporarily implantable organ displacement implant is comprised of a bladder with a one-way valve for being filled with a fluid for displacement of a healthy organ from a tissue site desired to be irradiated by radiation therapy. This organ displacement implant is substantially radiolucent which thereby facilitates its placement and minimizes its interference with the radiation therapy.

Abstract: Process for the remanufacture of transformers of the type having a coil/core assembly immersed in a tank of mineral oil. Contaminants such as water, air and dirt are removed from the coil/core assembly by means of a hot mineral oil bath which is maintained in a temperature range between the boiling point of water and the boiling point of the mineral oil, typically 212.degree. F. to 295.degree. F.

Abstract: A catheter device for accessing an internal body site along a small-diameter vessel path containing branch points in which the path may follow either the larger of smaller-diameter branch vessels. The device includes a catheter having a distal-end inflatable balloon and an distal-end aperture. A guide wire in the device is designed to partially block the aperture at one or more axial wire positions, allowing the balloon to be inflated by fluid infusion into the catheter. In a catheter placement operation, the catheter is advanced along the vessel path toward the selected target site. When the leading end of the catheter encounters a branch point at which the path follows the larger-diameter vessel, the guide wire is moved to a position which partially blocks the catheter aperture, and fluid is infused into the catheter to inflate the balloon. The catheter is then carried by hydrodynamic flow into the larger-diameter vessel.

Abstract: A catheter device for accessing an internal body site along a small-diameter vessel path containing branch points in which the path may follow either the larger of smaller-diameter branch vessels. The device includes a catheter having a distal-end inflatable ballon and a distal-end aperture. A guide wire in the device is designed to block the aperture at one or more axial wire positions, allowing the balloon to be inflated by fluid infusion into the catheter. In a catheter placement operation, the catheter is advanced along the vessel path toward the selected target site. When the leading end of the catheter encounters a branch point at which the path follows the larger-diameter vessel, the guide wire is moved to a position which blocks the catheter aperture, and fluid is infused into the catheter to inflate the balloon. The catheter is then carried by hydrodynamic flow into the larger-diameter vessel.

Abstract: Collagen membranes with desired properties are prepared by using a variety of gel-forming techniques in combination with methods for converting the gels to solid forms. The properties of these membranes or other solid forms may be further altered by cross-linking the collagen preparation either after formation of the membrane or gel, or most preferably by mixing cross-linked collagen with solubilized collagen in the original mixture used to create the gel.

Abstract: A method of treating a solid tumor, including the steps of localizing the tumor and the arterial vessel that supplies it, and injecting into the vessel, a vaso-occlusive collagen material adapted to produce occlusion of vessels having lumen diameters between about 10 and 150 microns. The injected material is effective to produce occlusion of the secondary and tertiary vessels supplying the tumor, distal to the collateral blood vessels which may also supply the tumor. The region of the occluded tumor is heated under conditions that produce tissue necrosis selectively in the occluded tumor tissue.

Abstract: A catheter device for transferring fluid material to or from one or more selected-length segment of a vessel. The device includes first and second catheters, each having a tube with distal and proximal ends, an inflatable balloon carried on the tube, adjacent the distal tube end, and a fluid conduit for supplying the balloon, with such operatively positioned in the vessel. A central region of the second-catheter tube is axially shiftable within the first-catheter tube, allowing the balloons to be placed at desired relative positions in the vessel. Fluid is injected into the region between the two balloons through a fluid passageway formed in a channel in the first-catheter tube.

Abstract: Collagen, available from domestic animals, is freed of noncollagen proteins, glycosaminoglycans and lipids by enzymatic treatment with a proteolytic enzyme to yield a product which is soluble in dilute acidic aqueous solutions (collagen in solution--CIS). The naturally occurring collagen is modified by removal of certain terminal peptide chains, which are described as telopeptides. The modified collagen, so derived, is described as atelopeptide collagen. Native collagen is immunogenic, while atelopeptide collagen is nonimmunogenic or possessed of a negligibly low level of immunogenicity.The collagen in solution is then treated according to a specific regimen under conditions whereby the collagen slowly separates from solution while exposed to mild shear forces. This procedure results in the formation of a fibrous precipitate composed of regularly ordered fibers of collagen possessed of a rope-like structure. These resulting aggregates are referred to as native fibrous micropolymers (NFM).

Abstract: Method for decontaminating proteinaceous host materials from microorganisms, while retaining chemical, physical and physiological properties of said host proteinaceous materials, said method comprising substantially dehydrating said host proteinaceous material, preferably by lyophilization, and subjecting said host material to a lethal dosage of microwave energy while said host material is maintained in substantially ambient conditions.

Abstract: Collagen, available from domestic animals, is freed of noncollagen proteins, glycosaminoglycans and lipids by enzymatic treatment with a proteolytic enzyme to yield a product which is soluble in dilute acidic aqueous solutions (collagen in solution--CIS). The naturally occurring collagen is modified by removal of certain terminal peptide chains, which are described as telopeptides. The modified collagen, so derived, is described as atelopeptide collagen. Native collagen is immunogenic, while atelopeptide collagen is nonimmunogenic or possessed of a negligibly low level of immunogenicity.The collagen in solution is then treated according to a specific regimen under conditions whereby the collagen slowly separates from solution while exposed to mild shear forces. This procedure results in the formation of a fibrous precipitate composed of regularly ordered fibers of collagen possessed of a ropelike structure. These resulting aggregates are referred to as native fibrous micropolymers (NFM).