Abstract: A biodegradable polymer is provided for use in providing syringeable, in-situ forming, solid biodegradable implants for animals. The polymer is placed into the animal in liquid form and cures to form the implant in-situ. A thermoplastic system to form said implant comprises the steps of dissolving a non-reactive polymer in biocompatible solvent to form a liquid, placing the liquid within the animal, and allowing the solvent to dissipate to produce the implant. An alternative, thermosetting system comprises mixing together effective amounts of a liquid acrylic ester terminated, biodegradable prepolymer and a curing agent, placing the liquid mixture within an animal and allowing the prepolymer to cure to form the implant. Both systems provide a syringeable, solid biodegradable delivery system by the addition of an effective level of biologically active agent to the liquid before injection into the body.

Abstract: A prosthetic ligament assembly includes a nonaugmented prosthetic ligament for permanently replacing a natural ligament spanning first and second body members, such as the femur and tibia, and a bone screw adapted for tensioning the prosthetic ligament during implantation. The prosthetic ligament includes a load bearing member intertwined into a plain braid from a plurality of biocompatible, high strength, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene yarns. Each yarn includes at least fifty fibers and has a tensile strength greater than or equal to about 100,000 psi. The load bearing member has a gage section and a loop at each end thereof for anchoring the load bearing member to the body members. The load bearing member is preloaded to remove slack therefrom. The load bearing member may be used alone or may be formed into a hollow braid having a core disposed within the hollow portion of the braid to permit radiographic visualization of the prosthetic ligament.

Abstract: The controlled first-order release of either an antithrombotic or thrombolytic agent from a sutures at an anastomosis site is disclosed which prevents postoperative thrombosis and improves vascular patency in animals. A suitable polymer, such as polycaprolactone, is blended with prostacyclin or analogues of prostacyclin to form the suture material.

Abstract: A method for making an adhesive for use in joining soft living tissue including the steps of preparing a hydroxyl-terminated polyester by reacting a biodegradable monomer with a polyhydroxy polymerization initiator in the presence of an amount up to about 2.0 weight percent of a catalyst, and then preparing a diisocyanate-terminated prepolymer adhesive by reacting about 24 to 92 weight percent of the hydroxy-terminated polyester with about 8 to 76 weight percent excess aromatic diisocyante. The polyester and the diisocyanate are preferably dissolved in an organic solvent prior to the mixture thereof in a ratio of solids to solvent of about 60:40. The polyester is a polymer or copolymer of lactide, glycolide or .epsilon.-caprolactone. The initiator is ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, pentaerythritol or 1,1,1-tris (hydroxymethyl) ethane. The catalyst is stannous octoate, a zinc compound, an aliphatic tertiary amine, dibutyltin diacetate or 1,4-diazabicyclo [2,2,2] octane.

Abstract: A prosthetic ligament assembly includes a nonaugmented prosthetic ligament for permanently replacing a natural ligament spanning first and second body members, such as the femur and tibia, and a bone screw adapted for tensioning the prosthetic ligament during implantation. The prosthetic ligament includes a load bearing member intertwined into a plain braid from a plurality of biocompatible, high strength, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene yarns. Each yarn includes at least fifty fibers and has a tensile strength greater than or equal to about 100,000 psi. The load bearing member has a gage section and a loop at each end thereof for anchoring the load bearing member to the body members. The load bearing member is preloaded to remove slack therefrom. The load bearing member may be used alone or may be formed into a hollow braid having a core disposed within the hollow portion of the braid to permit radiographic visualization of the prosthetic ligament.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for decontaminating military nerve agents and blister agents. The process involves contacting the nerve agent and blister agent, particularly clothing and other items contaminated therewith, with gaseous ozone or chlorine dioxide, whereby the agents are oxidized to non-toxic products and thereby decontaminated rapidly, e.g. within a few minutes. The treatment with ozone or chlorine dioxide does not seriously affect the mechanical properties of the contaminated materials, such as fabrics.

Abstract: A nonaugmented prosthetic ligament for permanently replacing a natural ligament spanning first and second body members, such as the femur and tibia includes a load bearing member formed from a plurality of biocompatible polyolefin fibers positioned at angles of from 0.degree. to 55.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of the load bearing member. Each fiber is less than 100 microns in diameter and has a tensile strength greater than or equal to about 50,000 psi. The load bearing member may be used alone or may be formed into a hollow braid having a core disposed within the hollow portion of the braid to provide shape for the load bearing member. A sheath may be friction fit or molded onto the exterior of the load bearing member to prevent abrasion of the fibers.

Abstract: Method of producing biodegradable prostheses comprising a composite of resorbable fibers reinforcing a biodegradable polymer matrix and the use thereof in medical applications such as bone plates and other orthopedic devices. The fibers include ceramic powders, .beta.-TCP and CaAl and a biodegradable glass, CMP.

Abstract: A prosthetic device formed of a biodegradable material and useful as a ventilation tube for insertion between the middle ear and the outer ear. The device includes a shaft with an axial passage, an inner flange and an outer flange. At least a portion of the outer surface of the shaft is tapered, with the taper increasing from the inner to the outer flange. The larger diameter outer flange and any attached portion of the shaft are, therefore, forced outwardly when the tapered portion of the shaft is in contact with animal tissue biodegrades before other portions of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A disposable, spermicide-releasing intravaginal contraceptive barrier formed from a homogeneous blend mixture of a thermoplastic polymer, a water-soluble polymer and a spermicide which is released at a controlled rate sufficient to provide contraceptive action for a period of up to 48 hours and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A fibrous article is formed of a polymer composition which incorporates povidone-iodine and provides for its sustained release.

Abstract: A contraceptive device for intravaginal use comprising a bioinsoluble, biocompatible polyurethane and an acrosin inhibitor.