Abstract: Compositions and methods thereof, for preventing or minimizing skin penetration and that promote surface-layer fixation of dermatological molecules in a human body are disclosed. The molecules of the present invention and compositions containing said molecules comprise a tissue-reactive part, an amphiphilic part, a light-functional part and optionally a detachment mechanism for releasing said tissue-reactive part from said light-functional part. The methods include ways of combining the tissue-reactive part, amphiphilic part, light-functional part and optionally synthesizing a detachment mechanism therein. The parts when combined form molecular structures possessing novel photobiological persistence and efficacy.

Abstract: Bio-selective textured surfaces are described which mediate foreign body response, bacterial adhesion, and tissue adhesion on devices implanted in a mammalian body. Hierarchical levels of texture, some capable of establishing a Wenzel state others a Cassie state, are employed to interface with living structures, either to promote or discourage a particular biological response/interaction. Since a gaseous state is traditionally required to establish a Cassie or Wenzel state, and gases do not remain long in living tissue, described are tissue/device interactions analogous to the above states with the component normally represented by a gas replaced by a bodily constituent, wherein separation of tissue constituents develops and a desired interaction state evolves.

Abstract: Bio-adhesive textured surfaces are described which allow implants to be localized within a living body. Hierarchical levels of texture on an implantable medical device, some capable of establishing a Wenzel state and others a Cassie state, are employed to interface with living structures to provide resistance to device migration. Since a gaseous state is traditionally required to establish a Cassie or Wenzel state, and gases do not remain long in living tissue, described are tissue/device interactions analogous to the above states with the component normally represented by a gas replaced by a bodily constituent, wherein separation of tissue constituents develops and an analogous Cassie, Wenzel or Cassie-Wenzel state evolves.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions A composition comprising a polymerization product of an anionic polysaccharide, a diisocyanate, and a linker, wherein the linker comprises i) an ether group, an ester group, or a combination thereof and, ii) a chain extender comprising a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, an amine group, or a combination thereof. The disclosure further relates to medical devices comprising the aforementioned compositions, and to methods of using the compositions and devices. More particularly, the compositions, devices and methods described herein are useful for preventing protein adhesions in vivo, particularly the Vroman effect.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medical assembly comprising a surgical barrier aspect comprising polylactic acid, and a hydrophilic mucoadhesive aspect, wherein the surgical barrier aspect is provided on a first side of the assembly and the mucoadhesive aspect is provided on a second side of the assembly. The disclosure also relates to a medical assembly comprising a surgical barrier aspect, a short term mucoadhesive aspect, an intermediate term protein polymerization adhesive aspect, and a long term tissue ingrowth implant localization aspect. The aforementioned medical assemblies may be provided as layered sheet structures. Also provided are methods for preparing a medical assembly.

Abstract: A device for extra-cardiac actuation for the support of a failing heart is provided that utilizes the inertial component of a driving fluid to provide separately adjustable quantities of supportive energy to the left and right ventricles. By partitioning the inertial and baric forms of energy delivered to a single chamber, heart encircling assist device, and by localizing the heart to minimize lateral and axial displacement a device and method for achieving balanced left-right flow is disclosed that restores the Frank-Starling mechanism to a failing heart and assists recovery by enabling the heart to achieve physiologic cardiovascular equilibrium.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a prosthetic sheet with improved tissue healing characteristics useful in reinforcing tissue defects is disclosed. Generally the prosthetic may be comprised of any material that does not promote fibrosis and inflammation. In particular, the prosthetic may be comprised of non-absorbable hydrogel reinforced with fiber, so that the fiber reinforcement is encapsulated and shielded from interaction with tissue. The prosthetic may contain pores that pass through it to encourage tissue through-growth. These pores may be made by removing material from a sheet of reinforced hydrogel or the reinforcement means may contain a porosity around which the hydrogel is formed and the porosity is maintained.

Abstract: A composite prosthesis and method for limiting the incidence of postoperative adhesions. The composite includes a non-inflammatory or coated mesh and a barrier material which prevents exposure of tissue elsewhere in the body to tissue covered by the composite prosthesis. The barrier material is absorbable which allows tissue through-growth and localization of the composite prosthetic. In use, the composite prosthesis is positioned over the tissue defect and may be positioned with the barrier material oriented against the tissue defect or repair site.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a prosthetic sheet with improved tissue healing characteristics useful in reinforcing tissue defects is disclosed. Generally the prosthetic may be comprised of any material that does not promote fibrosis and inflammation. In particular, the prosthetic may be comprised of non-absorbable hydrogel reinforced with fiber, so that the fiber reinforcement is encapsulated and shielded from interaction with tissue. The prosthetic may contain pores that pass through it to encourage tissue through-growth. These pores may be made by removing material from a sheet of reinforced hydrogel or the reinforcement means may contain a porosity around which the hydrogel is formed and the porosity is maintained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrated, biocompatible tissue-augmentation compound and methodology for its implantation into mammalian tissue. The tissue-augmentation compound is comprised of: living tissue, optionally body derived fluids, and at least one NCO-terminated hydrophilic urethane prepolymer derived from an organic polyisocyanate, and oxyethylene-containing diols or polyols in which essentially all of hydroxyl groups are capped with polyisocyanate.

Abstract: A method for repairing a defect in living mammalian tissue comprising: covering a tissue defect and surrounding tissue with a prosthetic by placing the prosthetic over the defect and against the surrounding tissue. The method includes applying a surgical adhesive to the prosthetic on the surrounding tissue on at least one location on the prosthetic and the surrounding tissue so that surrounding tissue and the prosthetic adhere to each other.

Abstract: A system includes an implantable polymer for increasing the dimensions of layers of tissue. In one embodiment, the implantable polymer is delivered transorally using an endoscope and an injection needle. The system allows for visualization and injection of polymer into an esophageal sphincter. Methods of treating gastroesophageal reflux disease include insertion of the distal portion of the injection needle into the esophageal tissue and injection of a polymer liquid to enlarge tissue dimensions. The polymer can be injected at several sites to distribute localized pressures and attain better distribution of the tissue bulking effect.

Abstract: This application describes specific ratios of raw ingredients and methods of combining and reacting those ingredients to obtain polyurethane prepolymers optimized for the special purpose of forming bonds to living tissue, or of bulking or sealing it. Preferred prepolymers are based on polyalkylene oxides, particular copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Important method steps are rigorous drying and deionization, and rigorous control of temperature during synthesis and use.

Abstract: A tissue reinforcement therapy to make the vaginal vault smaller and possibly increase and/or restore sexual gratification is described. The therapy involves augmenting the distal third of the vagina, the orgasmic platform, the external vaginal opening and the perineal area with an injectable in situ polymerizing liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid polymer composition which can be implanted into a living mammal and which forms a solid hydrogel by in situ polymerization upon contact with body fluid and tissue. The composition also can be used as a coating on a medical device, or for the formation of a medical device. Formation of a solid implant or coating involves crosslinking of the adhesive with itself and with surrounding tissue. The liquid implant, by itself or in conjunction with various prostheses, can be used for many purposed, including fixation of the urethra for providing treatment for incontinence, and repair of herniations in the abdominal cavity, including rectocele, cystocele, enterocele, and inguinal hernia. The adhesive may be used to establish adhesion prevention during such repairs, in part by coating or being the material of a repair mesh.

Abstract: Surgical methods of repairing defects and deficiencies in the spine are disclosed. The methods involve delivering a single part in-situ polymerizing fluid to (i) close a weakened segment or fissure in the annulus fibrosus, (ii) strengthen the annulus, (iii) replace or augment the disc nucleus, or (iv) localize a disc prosthesis.

Abstract: A method for repairing a defect in living mammalian tissue comprising: covering a tissue defect and surrounding tissue with a prosthetic by placing the prosthetic over the defect and against the surrounding tissue. The method includes applying a surgical adhesive to the prosthetic on the surrounding tissue on at least one location on the prosthetic and the surrounding tissue so that surrounding tissue and the prosthetic adhere to each other.