Abstract: Bioerodible, sustained release preparations are provided for placement into the bladder through the urethra which provide sustained release of drugs. Configurations are provided which are insertable through a catheter, such as a coiled filament, patch or a flowable gel. The device is bioeroded during or after the sustained release of the drug such that there is no blockage of the urinary tract while the device is in place within the bladder.

Abstract: A porous three-dimensional bone grafting matrix is provided which is biodegradable. The matrix is preferably formed from mineralized collagen where the mineral comprises particulate calcium phosphate immobilized in the matrix and having a particle size of 5 microns or less.

Abstract: Microparticles are provided comprising a shell of an outer layer of a biologically compatible material and an inner layer of biodegradable polymer. The core of the microparticles contain a gas, liquid or solid for use in drug delivery or as a contrast agent for ultrasonic contrast imaging. The microparticles are capable of passing through the capillary systems of a subject.

Abstract: Flowable polymeric microparticulate surgical adhesive formulations are provided which can be activated at the site of the repair to produce cohesive material with tissue bonding properties to adjacent tissues. The formulation may be activated at the site of repair by mechanical shear forces, heat, ultrasound, UV, or other site.

Abstract: Bioerodible, sustained release preparations are provided for placement into the bladder through the urethra which provide sustained release of drugs. Configurations are provided which are insertable through a catheter, such as a coiled filament, patch or a flowable gel. The device is bioeroded during or after the sustained release of the drug such that there is no blockage of the urinary tract while the device is in place within the bladder.

Abstract: Microparticles are provided comprising a shell of an outer layer of a biologically compatible material and an inner layer of biodegradable polymer. The core of the microparticles contain a gas, liquid or solid for use in drug delivery or as a contrast agent for ultrasonic contrast imaging. The microparticles are capable of passing through the capillary systems of a subject.

Abstract: A porous three-dimensional bone grafting matrix is provided which is biodegradable. The matrix is preferably formed from mineralized collagen where the mineral comprises particulate calcium phosphate immobilized in the matrix and having a particle size of 5 microns or less.

Abstract: Bioerodible, sustained release preparations are provided for placement into the bladder through the urethra which provide sustained release of drugs. Configurations are provided which are insertable through a catheter, such as a coiled filament, patch or a flowable gel. The device is bioeroded during or after the sustained release of the drug such that there is no blockage of the urinary tract while the device is in place within the bladder.

Abstract: Flowable polymeric microparticulate surgical adhesive formulations are provided which can be activated at the site of the repair to produce a cohesive material with tissue bonding properties to adjacent tissues. The formulation may be activated at the site of repair by mechanical shear forces, heat, ultrasound, UV, or other forms of energy directed at the site.

Abstract: A porous three-dimensional bone grafting matrix is provided which is biodegradable. The matrix is preferably formed from mineralized collagen where the mineral comprises particulate calcium phosphate immobilized in the matrix and having a particle size of 5 microns or less.

Abstract: Biological materials are joined, repaired or fused by heating the material in proximity to a mechanical support. Preferably, the mechanical support comprises a patch or bridge structure. In the most preferred embodiment, the patch is formed from collagen having a thickness from between 2 to 30 mils, and most preferably from 2 to 15 mils thick. Preferably, the patch or support structure contains holes or interlock vias which permit the coagulum to form a mechanical bond therewith, whether preformed or generated by an electrical energy source during welding. The preferred method comprises the steps of: first, placing the patch in contact with the materials to be joined, supplying energy to the tissue in an amount sufficient to form a coagulum at the surface of the patch, and finally, permitting the coagulum to form a mechanical bond with the support or patch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sustained-release delivery composition for ophthalmic drugs comprising cross-linked hydrogel microspheres having a binding affinity for the drug.

Abstract: A method for forming a controlled release polymeric substrate is provided by contacting a polymeric substrate with a liquid mixture containing a cross-linking agent at least partially soluble therein comprising water and an organic liquid, for a period of time and at a temperature and concentration of the agent sufficient for the agent to penetrate the substrate to form cross-linking bridges in the substrate in a decreasing concentration gradient beneath the surface.

Abstract: Cationic polysaccharide polymers and anionic therapeutic agents delivery systems are disclosed which have been found to be substantive to mucosal surfaces. The present delivery system is well suited for the delivery of anionic ophthalmic pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A percutaneous access device for aseptically introducing catheters or other tubes into the body, is disclosed. In one aspect, the device comprises a valve housing having a tapered inner bore; a tapered tubular valve means which is inserted into the valve housing bore and comprises one or two valves; and a valve cap which is screwed into the valve housing behind the valve. The valve means, housing and cap have bores along a common axis to permit the insertion of a tube such as a catheter through the device and into the body. The cap and valve housing cooperatively compress the valve means to selectively seal the valve bore about the catheter, close the valve bore when the catheter is removed, and provide anti-microbial wiping action of the catheter during insertion. The valve means may comprise two valves, a hemostatic sealing valve and an anti-bacterial squeegee valve which provides accelerated release of the anti-bacterial agent under mechanical compression.

Abstract: A surgical cutter device for producing a skin incision of controlled length and depth at a guidewire skin puncture location is described. The cutter is particularly useful for making incisions for the insertion of catheters. In addition, there is described a device which takes full advantage of such precisely formed skin incisions, comprising a subcutaneous cuff for sealing the entrance incision for a catheter and providing antimicrobial action at the sealed entrance, and an introducer for inserting the cuff subcutaneously along the associated catheter. A preferred method for using the cutter, cuff and introducer is also described.

Abstract: This invention is a sleeve-like tissue-interface device designed to reduce the incidence of nosocomial infection related to percutaneous conduits by promoting a tissue seal where the conduit and skin interface, and by the expression of antibacterial activity to reduce the possibility of bacteria advancing along the conduit into deeper tissues. In particular, the positionability of the invention allows it to be placed onto a catheter-like device, in the dermal and subcutaneous tissue below the catheter exit site, although this position relative to catheter length is variable at different anatomical sites, and from patient to patient. The positionability feature also allows the invention to be used in conjunction with existing percutaneous access devices such as catheters and wound drains, as an optional measure against bacterial infection.

Abstract: A self-sealing subcutaneous injection site for implantation in the body includes a housing having a bottom wall and a generally resilient dome-shaped wall which defines an interior chamber within the housing. The interior chamber has a durometer and shape for providing compressive forces within the dome-shaped wall for sealing punctures extending through the dome-shaped wall upon fluid pressurization of the interior chamber. A conduit extends through the dome-shaped wall into the interior chamber to provide a fluid-flow passageway to the chamber.