Abstract: A nozzle includes a tubular, temperature-controlled outer casing, centered on an axis. For a more compact and efficient design, the nozzle also includes an inner member coaxially arranged inside the outer casing and mounted rotatably about the axis relative to the outer casing, such that a downstream portion of the inner member extends outside the outer casing and engages with a drive motor to rotate about the axis, and such that a channel having an annular cross section and centered on the axis is defined between the outer casing and the inner member. The channel has an upstream end and a downstream end between which the material flows into the channel when it is pushed through the nozzle such that, when the material is pushed through the nozzle, the material moves through the channel from the upstream end to the downstream end whereby the material axially exits the channel.

Abstract: Methods for making biomaterials for augmentation of soft and hard tissues, kits containing precursors for forming the biomaterials, and the resulting biomaterials are described herein. The biomaterials are formed from at least a first and a second precursor component. The first precursor component contains at least two nucleophilic groups, and the second precursor component contains at least two electrophilic groups. The nucleophilic and electrophilic groups of the first and second precursor components form covalent linkages with each other at physiological temperatures. The precursors are selected based on the desired properties of the biomaterial. In the preferred embodiment, the first precursor is a siloxane. Optionally, the biomaterials contain additives, such as thixotropic agents, radiopaque agents, or bioactive agents. In the preferred embodiment, the biomaterials are used to augment at least one vertebra of the spine (vertebroplasty).

Abstract: Injectable radio-opaque compositions for tissue augmentation and in particular hard tissue augmentation, and kits and methods of using thereof are described herein. The injectable compositions form porous, biologically degradable, fibrin matrices. The compositions are formed from fibrinogen, thrombin or another agent that causes the fibrinogen to crosslink, and strontium salts. Optionally an iodinated contrast agent is further incorporated in the composition. In certain aspects, the compositions have substantially no exothermicity when forming the matrix and the resulting matrices exhibit mechanical properties typically seen in elastomers. Adequate radio-opacity is achieved through the incorporation of strontium salts in combination or not with iodinated contrast agents.

Abstract: Methods for making biomaterials for augmentation of soft and hard tissues, kits containing precursors for forming the biomaterials, and the resulting biomaterials are described herein. The biomaterials are formed from at least a first and a second precursor component. The first precursor component contains at least two nucleophilic groups, and the second precursor component contains at least two electrophilic groups. The nucleophilic and electrophilic groups of the first and second precursor components form covalent linkages with each other at physiological temperatures. The precursors are selected based on the desired properties of the biomaterial. In the preferred embodiment, the first precursor is a siloxane. Optionally, the biomaterials contain additives, such as thixotropic agents, radiopaque agents, or bioactive agents. In the preferred embodiment, the biomaterials are used to augment at least one vertebra of the spine (vertebroplasty).