Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating a defect in a spinal disc nuclear space, comprising: (a) creating an opening by open, percutaneous or laparoscopic techniques to access the defect in the nuclear space; (b) removing a desired amount of tissue from the nuclear space; (c) positioning a delivery catheter through the opening; (d) fluidically isolating the nuclear space by blocking the opening with a blocking component of the catheter; (e) delivering an in-situ curable liquid material through a lumen of the catheter to the nuclear space; and (f) maintaining the isolating until the liquid material has cured. Also disclosed are treatment systems and materials for prostheses.

Abstract: A device and method for forming an adaptive optic in the capsule of a human eye is disclosed, comprising a capsular interface enclosing an optically acceptable medium. The device establishes a physiologic range of optical power in response to a range of ciliary contractile states. The preferred bi-phasic medium of the device is comprised of a solid three dimensional polymeric network suspended in a liquid aqueous phase and bonded to a capsular interface. The polymeric network provides shape to the capsular interface, optical power, and a physiologic response to the suspensory ligament. The three dimensional network of the bi-phasic medium mimics the stacked fiber configuration and elasticity of a natural lens. An alternative embodiment utilizing a single phase medium is also disclosed with associated structural features provided in the capsular interface.

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: Stilbene-polyalkylene oxide prepolymers which include a polyalkylene oxide backbone with two or more isocyanate substituents and at least one hydroxystilbene or methoxystilbene substituent are useful as one component adhesives and biocompatible device coatings. Stilbene-polyalkylene compositions useful as a two component adhesive contain: a) a polyalkylene oxide having two or more amine substituents with b) a stilbene polyisocyanate compound, or alternatively contain: a) a polyethylene oxide having two or more isocyanate substituents with b) a stilbene diamine compound, or, alternatively contain: a) a bioabsorbable group in addition to a stilbene group attached to a polyalkylene backbone and b) a diamine compound.

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: Disclosed herein are spinal disc implants comprising a foam adapted to completely or partially replace a nucleus pulposus within a spinal disc cavity, the foam being a nonabsorbable, closed cell and having a Poisson ratio of less than 0.5. Also disclosed are methods of implanting a foam, either as an in-situ curable material or as a preformed foam.

Abstract: A resorbable thin membrane is applied over a treatment site before a treatment is applied over the resorbable thin membrane to the site. In a particular implementation, a resorbable thin membrane is adhesively applied over a treatment site of tissue before a treatment is conducted onto the tissue whereby the treatment is performed through the resorbable thin membrane. The treatment can be an incision that is made through both the resorbable membrane and into or through the tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating a defect in a spinal disc nuclear space, comprising: (a) creating an opening by open, percutaneous or laparoscopic techniques to access the defect in the nuclear space; (b) removing a desired amount of tissue from the nuclear space; (c) positioning a delivery catheter through the opening; (d) fluidically isolating the nuclear space by blocking the opening with a blocking component of the catheter; (e) delivering an in-situ curable liquid material through a lumen of the catheter to the nuclear space; and (f) maintaining the isolating until the liquid material has cured. Also disclosed are treatment systems and materials for prostheses.

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: Disclosed herein are methods for treating a defect in a spinal disc nuclear space, comprising: (a) creating an opening by open, percutaneous or laparoscopic techniques to access the defect in the nuclear space; (b) removing a desired amount of tissue from the nuclear space; (c) positioning a delivery catheter through the opening; (d) fluidically isolating the nuclear space by blocking the opening with a blocking component of the catheter; (e) delivering an in-situ curable liquid material through a lumen of the catheter to the nuclear space; and (f) maintaining the isolating until the liquid material has cured. Also disclosed are treatment systems and materials for prostheses.

Abstract: A new reversibly gelling polyurethane (RGP) polymer composition is described, as well as novel processes for its preparation, and its medical uses for filling spaces in tissue, or bulking tissue, or for restoring organ function. The novel RGP polymer forms a gel on standing, liquefies during shear and reversibly reforms a macroscopic gel on standing after being sheared. Methods of use include delivering the improved gel to a site on the body to fill voids or to augment local tissue bulk.

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 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: A system includes an implantable polymer for increasing the dimensions of layers of tissue. In one embodiment, the implantable polymer is delivered transorally using a scope and injection needle. The system allows for visualization and injection of polymer into the lower 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: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for attaching cardiac devices onto a natural heart by employing arrays of gripping elements, such as hooks or barbs. The gripping elements are designed to penetrate and lodge themselves in the epicardial tissue in order to secure the device to at least a portion of the surface of the heart muscle. The gripping elements, although designed to penetrate the surface of the heart, have limited depth penetration so as to avoid puncture of blood vessels. The attachment mechanisms disclosed herein can also permit both attachment and detachment of device.

Abstract: Isocyanate-capped biocompatible and optionally biodegradable polymers provide a liquid polymer composition, which can be implanted into a living mammal and which forms an adhesive, a coating, or a solid implant by in situ polymerization and crosslinking upon contact with body fluid or tissue. Formation of the polymerized material typically also involves crosslinking with surrounding tissue and formation of a tissue bond. Methods of using the novel liquid polymers of the invention in mammals are disclosed for providing wound sealing and bonding, formation of a protective barrier to prevent post-surgical adhesions, formation of tissue implants, and release of biologically active agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrated, biocompatible tissue-augmentation compound and its methodology for implantation into mammalian tissue.

Abstract: A system including an implantable polymer for increasing the dimensions of layers of tissue. In one embodiment, the implantable polymer is delivered transorally using a scope and injection needle. The system allows for visualization and injection of polymer into the lower esophageal sphincter. Methods of treating gastroesophageal reflux disease includes 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: A flow-balanced cardiac wrap that assists the right and left ventricles of an affected heart to differing, and adjustable degrees is provided. The wrap generally applies an assist to the left ventricle that is greater than that applied to the right, or that reduces blood output from the right relative to the left. In one embodiment, the wrap comprises a material covering that is applied around the right and left ventricles of the heart, so that the left ventricle is assisted over a larger surface area than the right. The positioning of the right ventricular portion or the wrap is chosen so that desired pumping characteristics for the right ventricle are achieved.

Abstract: A unified, non-blood contacting, implantable heart assist system surrounds the natural heart and provides circumferential contraction in synchrony with the heart's natural contractions. The pumping unit is composed of adjacent tube pairs arranged along a bias with respect to the axis of the heart and bound in a non-distensible sheath forming a heart wrap. The tube pairs are tapered at both ends such that when they are juxtaposed and deflated they approximately follow the surface of the diastolic myocardium. Inflation of the tube pairs causes the wrap to follow the motion of the myocardial surface during systole. A muscle-driven or electromagnetically powered energy converter inflates the tubes using hydraulic fluid pressure. An implanted electronic controller detects electrical activity in the natural heart, synchronizes pumping activity with this signal, and measures and diagnoses system as well as physiological operating parameters for automated operation.