Abstract: Methods are provided that better describe, and localize the pain generator or suspected pain generator in and around spinal discs in relation to neck or back pain so as to improve the diagnosis of degenerative disc disease. In some embodiments, there are methods for diagnosing a pain generator or a suspected pain generator in a patient suffering from back pain, the methods comprise labeling an inflammatory, vascular, neuronal, and/or metabolic pain marker at a location inside of or adjacent to an intervertebral disc in the patient suffering from back pain to increase an image of the pain marker with an imaging procedure; and imaging the labeled inflammatory, vascular, neuronal, and/or metabolic pain marker in a manner sufficient to diagnose the pain generator or suspected pain generator.

Abstract: Effective treatments of pain for extended periods of time are provided. Through the administration of an effective amount of clonidine and a gamma-aminobutyric acid compound at or near a target site, one can relieve pain caused by diverse sources, including but not limited to spinal disc herniation (i.e. sciatica), spondilothesis, stenosis, discogenic back pain and joint pain, as well as pain that is incidental to surgery. When appropriate formulations are provided within biodegradable polymers, this relief can be continued for at least three days. In some embodiments, the relief can be for at least twenty-five days, at least fifty days, at least one hundred days, at least one hundred and thirty-five days or at least one hundred and eighty days.

Abstract: Methods for identifying defects in blood vessels and treating such defects are provided. The methods comprise administering to a patient a composition comprising a labeled delivery ligand capable of preferentially accumulating at or near blood vessels defects. In some embodiments, the delivery ligand may carry one or more active agents to the defect.

Abstract: A biodegradable drug implant for reducing, preventing or treating pain and/or inflammation in a patient is provided. The biodegradable drug implant comprises dexamethasone and a polylactic acid polyglycolic acid (PLGA) copolymer matrix, wherein the dexamethasone comprises from about 50% to about 80% by weight of the drug implant. Methods of treating pain in a patient are also provided.

Abstract: An ablation device and method for monitoring and controlling temperature, pressure and position of an ablation probe for precise destruction of unwanted one of nerve tissue and soft tissue. The ablation device includes a probe configured to generate pressure and temperature for ablating the unwanted soft tissue and nerve tissue The device can also include a monitoring device, an imaging device, and a computer system. The probe includes at least two prongs, the at least two prongs each including distal ends, the distal ends being configured to define, in combination, a probe geometry substantially matching an anatomical tissue geometry of the unwanted one of nerve tissue and soft tissue.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions, methods and kits for treatment of neuronal injury. In one embodiment, the composition comprises polyethylene glycol (PEG), and magnesium in one composition. In another embodiment, the composition comprises PEG, and magnesium, where the PEG is in separate composition and the magnesium is in a separate composition. In yet another embodiment, the PEG and/or the magnesium may be administered to treat spinal cord injury.

Abstract: A container supplies a medicinal formulation that includes a hydrophilic polymer and an active agent capable of bonding to the polymer. The container includes a first compartment for storing the polymer and a second compartment fluidly isolated from the first compartment for storing the active agent. A frangible barrier is shared between the compartments. A fluidic outlet is disposed on the container to dispense the medicinal formulation. Dispensing of the medicinal formulation includes rupturing the frangible barrier, mixing the polymer and active agent together to form the medicinal formulation, and administering the medicinal formulation provided from the fluidic outlet to a patient. The polymer can be PEG, while the active agent can be magnesium.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for treatment of neuronal injury. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a biomembrane sealing agent, such as PEG, and a bioactive agent, such as a magnesium compound. The biomembrane sealing agent and/or the bioactive agent an intravenous administration, an intramuscular administration, an intrathecal administration, a subcutaneous administration, an epidural administration, a parenteral administration, a direct application onto or adjacent to a site of the pathological condition, and any combinations thereof. Alternatively, the biomembrane sealing agent and/or the bioactive agent may be delivered from a pump or an implant.

Abstract: Methods of preparing compositions for preferential distribution of active agents to injury sites are provided. The compositions may comprise a polymer with hydrophilic properties and one or more active agents, such as compounds comprising hydrophilic metal ions. Because the delivery ligand and the active agent are specifically selected so the interactions between them are mainly of an ionic nature. Methods of identifying suitable components for such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the preservation, storage, and transport of living biological tissues, organs, and populations of isolated cells. In particular, the disclosed compositions and processes permit mammalian cells, tissues, and organs to be harvested from suitable donor animals, stored for prolonged periods, and transported to the site of recipient implantation, all without significant loss of cell viability, biological activity, and/or tissue integrity.

Abstract: In the present invention, the applicants describe methods and compositions of treating damaged cardiovascular elements and cardiovascular conditions including hypotension, atherosclerotic lesions, vulnerable plaque, and acute myocardial infarct. The applicants demonstrate the ability of a biomembrane sealing agent to accumulate on the walls of damaged blood vessels and help improving mean arterial pressure following tissue injury. The applicants describe the use of formulations comprising at least one biomembrane sealing agent and one bioactive agent for prophylactic treatment such as they could be administered concurrently to an invasive therapeutic intervention or after the insult (i.e. post-injury or post-surgery). Alternatively, these methods and compositions could be used to reduce the severity of cardiovascular diseases after onset.

Abstract: Ablation devices useful for removing nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a plurality of probes each comprising an interior surface defining an internal passage and an exterior surface comprising a tip. The internal passage has a filament comprising an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the probe so as to cool the exterior surface of the probe to a selected temperature. A plurality of introducers are provided each comprising an interior surface configured for engagement with the probe where at least one air gap is produced by the introducer and probe engagement and an exterior surface comprising a heat conductive tip where the probe tip is snap fixed with the introducer tip in a configuration for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for alleviating discogenic pain by administering a therapeutic agent that disrupts neuronal and/or vascular elements in the disc, which is typically a degenerated disc. Disruption of neuronal elements in the disk includes destroying nerve endings without substantially affecting the central body of the nerve, suppressing activation of the nerve endings, and inhibiting the growth of nerve endings into the disk. Disruption of vascular elements includes causing the vascular extensions to retract from the disk, or suppressing the formation of such extensions. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally via an interbody pump, a bolus or a depot, or may be administered systemically.

Abstract: Methods of preparing compositions for preferential distribution of active agents to injury sites are provided. The compositions may comprise a polymer with hydrophilic properties and one or more active agents, such as compounds comprising hydrophilic metal ions. Because the delivery ligand and the active agent are specifically selected so the interactions between them are mainly of an ionic nature. Methods of identifying suitable components for such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for treatment of neuronal injury. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a biomembrane sealing agent, such as PEG, and a bioactive agent, such as a magnesium compound. The biomembrane sealing agent and/or the bioactive agent an intravenous administration, an intramuscular administration, an intrathecal administration, a subcutaneous administration, an epidural administration, a parenteral administration, a direct application onto or adjacent to a site of the pathological condition, and any combinations thereof. Alternatively, the biomembrane sealing agent and/or the bioactive agent may be delivered from a pump or an implant.

Abstract: Compositions are provided for preferential distribution of active agents to injury sites. Such compositions may comprise a ligand with hydrophilic properties and one or more active agents, such as compounds comprising hydrophilic metal ions. Because the delivery ligand and the active agent are specifically selected so the interactions between them are mainly of an ionic nature so that binding of the active agent to the delivery ligand and release of the active agent into the target site are not dependent on enzymatic activity. Methods of using such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of treating hemorrhage are provided, comprising diagnosing one or more hemorrhaging or potentially hemorrhaging vessels in a patient and administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a vessel closing compound at a concentration between about 0.1% and about 45%. The vessel closing compound may comprise a polymer with hydrophilic properties, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG). The composition may also comprise one or more active agent such as a blood flow modifier with a potential to form ionic bonds with the vessel closing agent.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for treatment of pain or inflammation. In one embodiment, the kit comprises a biomembrane sealing agent, such as PEG, and a bioactive agent, such as a magnesium compound. The biomembrane sealing agent and/or the bioactive agent an intravenous administration, an intramuscular administration, an intrathecal administration, a subcutaneous administration, an epidural administration, a parenteral administration, an intra-articular administration, a direct application onto or adjacent to a site of the pathological condition, and any combinations thereof. Alternatively, the biomembrane sealing agent and/or the bioactive agent may be delivered from a pump or an implant.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the preservation, storage, and transport of living biological tissues, organs, and populations of isolated cells. In particular, the disclosed compositions and processes permit mammalian cells, tissues, and organs to be harvested from suitable donor animals, stored for prolonged periods, and transported to the site of recipient implantation, all without significant loss of cell viability, biological activity, and/or tissue integrity.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for alleviating discogenic pain by administering a therapeutic agent that disrupts neuronal and/or vascular elements in the disc, which is typically a degenerated disc. Disruption of neuronal elements in the disk includes destroying nerve endings without substantially affecting the central body of the nerve, suppressing activation of the nerve endings, and inhibiting the growth of nerve endings into the disk. Disruption of vascular elements includes causing the vascular extensions to retract from the disk, or suppressing the formation of such extensions. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally via an interbody pump, a bolus or a depot, or may be administered systemically.