Abstract: A catgut suture includes a cross linked gelatin coating which is substantially insoluble in tubing or storage solution. The gelatin coating is formed by immersing the gut suture in aqueous gelatin solution, fixing the gelatin in a solution of cross linking agent such as glutaraldehyde, buffering the coating, then drying the suture at a temperature of at least about 50.degree. C.

Abstract: A gut suture is coated with a bioabsorbable copolymer obtained by polymerizing a major amount of .epsilon.-caprolactone and a minor amount of at least one other copolymerizable monomer in the presence of polyhydric alcohol as initiator. The coated gut suture can be packaged in the absence of conventional tubing fluid, i.e., in the dry state, while at the same time retaining flexibility, pliability and resistance to fray. In an alternative embodiment, a gut suture is coated with a pre-coating composition prior to being coated with the bioabsorbable copolymer.

Abstract: A coated gut suture is prepared by applying a moisture-retaining substance to the gut suture, followed by coating the suture with a synthetic bioabsorbable polymer. A particularly useful moisture-retaining substance is glycerol. The synthetic bioabsorbable polymer contains a epsilon-caprolactone as the major constituent. The gut suture can be packed in the absence of conventional tubing fluid while retaining flexibility, pliability, and resistance to fray.

Abstract: A catgut suture includes a dehydrothermal cross-linked collagen coating which is insoluble in tubing solution. The collagen coating is formed by immersing the gut suture in a solution of collagen in acidified water. Optionally, a plasticizer may be included in the coating solution. The suture is then heated in a vacuum to effect cross-linking of the collagen.

Abstract: Surgical adhesion barriers and methods of using such surgical adhesion barriers are provided. Surgical adhesion barriers according to the present invention have at least one layer of a bioabsorbable material comprising copolymers and/or block copolymers derived from trimethylene carbonate. Alternatively, a multilayer surgical structure having one or more bioabsorbable layers superimposed on a non-absorbable layer is useful for minimizing or preventing formation of fibrous adhesions between a healing trauma site and adjacent surrounding tissue. Alternatively, a bioabsorbable non-woven fabric in adherent contact with at least one bioabsorbable layer of foam, film, mesh, web or woven fabric is also provided. One or more medicinal agents may be interposed between or disposed within any of the aforementioned layers.

Abstract: A method of treating a polymer involves contacting the polymer with a supercritical fluid under conditions of temperature and pressure to incorporate the supercritical fluid in the polymer and thereby effectuate an increase in plasticity and/or elasticity of the polymer. In a particular embodiment, the treated polymer is a biocompatible polymer which is fabricated into a medical device or part thereof.

Abstract: A polymeric composition for use in medicine includes a hydrophobic bioabsorbable polymer admixed with a hydrophilic liquid polymer wherein the polymeric composition undergoes macroscopic phase separation on contact with aqueous media. The polymeric composition optionally includes a medicinal agent. The polymeric composition may be deposited as a permeable, semipermeable or occlusive irregular mass, regular mass, film or foam over a suitable surface such viable body tissue. Bioabsorbable implants formed from the polymeric composition may assume a variety of three dimensional configurations such as planar, spherical, cylindrical, rectangular and polygonal.

Abstract: A coating and tubing fluid for sutures, especially gut sutures, is provided. The coating composition includes linseed oil, an organic solvent and a catalyst. The tubing fluid includes water, a softening agent, a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alcohol and a lubricant of fatty acids, fatty acid alcohols and/or triglycerides of fatty acids. Gut sutures coated with the coating composition may be stored or packaged in the tubing fluid to provide sutures with improved flexibility, pliability, run-down performance and superior resistance to fraying and breaking.

Abstract: A coating and tubing fluid for sutures, especially gut sutures, is provided. The coating composition includes linseed oil, an organic solvent and a catalyst. The tubing fluid includes water, a softening agent, a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alcohol and a lubricant of fatty acids, fatty acid alcohols and/or triglycerides of fatty acids. Gut sutures coated with the coating composition may be stored or packaged in the tubing fluid to provide sutures with improved flexibility, pliability, run-down performance and superior resistance to fraying and breaking.

Abstract: Methods for preventing and/or eliminating fogging of endoscope lenses during an endoscopic procedure which include the steps of introducing an endoscope into a body cavity and contacting the endoscope lens with a biocompatible and biodegradable composition containing a polyalkylene oxide while the lens is positioned within the body. Alternatively, the endoscope may be coated with a biocompatible polyHEMA coating which is activated by a biocompatible solution, such as water or saline, which may be introduced during use through a fluid conduit on the endoscope. Devices for preventing and/or eliminating fogging of endoscope lenses during endoscopic procedures and conveying antifogging solutions to the distal end of the endoscope are also provided, and may include a distensible applicator.

Abstract: A method for purifying a material containing a bioabsorbable polymer involves contacting the polymer with an extractant under supercritical conditions of temperature and pressure to extract residual impurities from the polymer and thereafter recovering the purified polymer. The method sharply reduces residual monomer levels in bioabsorbable polymers without altering polymer viscosity or melting point.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving the in vivo strength retention of a bioabsorbable implantable medical device such as a suture.

Abstract: Filaments or sutures are coated with a dimethylsiloxane-alkylene oxide copolymer to improve the handling characteristics of the filament or suture.

Abstract: A suture-pledget combination is improved by applying a stiffening agent to at least a portion of the suture adjacent to the pledget to decrease the probability of tangling or twisting of the suture during use.

Abstract: Method for forming polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) into surgical elements include forming a mixture of PVA and water into a film by vacuum pressing with a first force, heating, applying a second force two to two hundred times the firs force, drying the film to remove water to a content of less than about 10% by weight based on the weight of the film, and molding the film into a desired shape.

Abstract: Block copolymers have a first copolymer block wherein lactide is the predominant component and a second copolymer block wherein trimethylene carbonate is the predominant component. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical devices, including monofilament sutures.

Abstract: An absorbable composition for application to a surgical suture to improve the knot tie-down and/or knot security characteristics thereof is obtained from the reaction of a poly(oxypropylene) glycol and a lactide/glycolide copolymer, optionally, in the presence of an initiator and/or catalyst.

Abstract: Block copolymers have a first polymer block wherein glycolide is the predominant component and a second block having glycolide, lactide and trimethylene carbonate linkages. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical devices, including monofilament sutures.