Abstract: Devices and methods for cutting of soft tissue using radio frequency and suitable for use in minimally invasive procedures are disclosed. The device generally includes an electrode housed in a housing, the electrode being flexible and/or extendable out of and/or retractable into the housing, and an insulating layer partially surrounding the electrode to expose at least a portion of the electrode to define at least one cutting area so as to focus energy from the energy source to the cutting area to facilitate initiation of a cut with the cutting area in contact with tissue. The cutting area(s) may extend and/or be aligned in a direction along a length of the electrode and may include a sharpened and/or serrated edge. The tissue cutting device may include an automated electrode oscillator coupled to the electrode and configured to oscillate the electrode along an axis or plane generally defined by the electrode.

Abstract: A system and method for percutaneous removal of a sentinel lymph node using a radiological contrast agent for identification and guidance of the procedure are disclosed. The method generally includes injecting a radiological contrast agent detectable by an imaging modality into an area of interest, identifying a sentinel lymph node in at least one area of draining lymph nodes that receive lymphatic fluid from the area of interest by imaging the area(s) of draining lymph nodes utilizing the imaging modality, introducing a percutaneous excision device into the area(s) of the draining lymph nodes, and excising the identified sentinel lymph node in the area(s) of draining lymph nodes using the percutaneous excision device, where the introducing and/or the excising is performed under guidance by imaging at least portions of the identified sentinel lymph node and the percutaneous excision device. A second agent may be injected with the radiological contrast agent for increased sensitivity of identification.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a drug delivery material and device comprising cross-linking a biological polymer with a cross-linking agent and loading the cross-linked biopolymer with a bioactive agent. Preferred embodiments are disclosed wherein the drug delivery material is used in a catheter securing, drug delivery device, in a wound dressing, and in a wound dressing for percutaneous catheters.

Abstract: A method is provided for site specific delivering therapeutic or diagnostic agents to a region in a fluid-filled cavity, vessel or tissue using an agent-loaded microbubble population. The population has controlled fragility characterized by a uniform wall thickness to diameter ratio which defines the discrete threshold intensity value of ultrasonic power where microbubble rupture occurs in the population. The location of the microbubble population may be monitored by ultrasound to determine its presence at the region prior to application of the ultrasonic power to rupture to microbubbles.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a drug delivery material and device comprising cross-linking a biological polymer with a cross-linking agent and loading the cross-linked biopolymer with a bioactive agent. Preferred embodiments are disclosed wherein the drug delivery material is used in a catheter securing, drug delivery device, in a wound dressing, and in a wound dressing for percutaneous catheters.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a drug delivery material and device comprising cross-linking a biological polymer with a cross-linking agent and loading the cross-linked biopolymer with a bioactive agent. Preferred embodiments are disclosed wherein the drug delivery material is used in a catheter securing, drug delivery device, in a wound dressing, and in a wound dressing for percutaneous catheters.

Abstract: A bioresorbable and hemostatic plug for embolization made from a collagen piece is compressed so as to be longitudinally insertable into a tubular biological vessel such as a blood vessel to be occluded. The collagen piece is capable of expanding radially inside the vessel by absorbing fluid such as the blood and thereby providing mechanical fixation in and occlusion of the vessel. Two such collagen pieces may be used with a spacer of a different material in between. Different kinds of therapeutic agents can be bonded to or physically absorbed by the collagen pieces so as to be delivered to the site of occlusion.

Abstract: An antimicrobial catheter shield is provided comprising an elastomeric catheter collar and a planar porous elastomeric peripheral flange, with an absorbent patch containing an antimicrobial agent attached to the surface of the flange opposite to the collar. A radial slit extends through the collar, flange and patch and the collar is adapted with a means for securing a catheter to prevent longitudinal motion of the catheter through the collar. The catheter shield provides an antimicrobial patch, as well as a longitudinal and lateral anchor for the catheter, which is easily applied and readily replaced.

Abstract: An antimicrobial orthopedic pin percutaneous protection kit is provided comprising a shield and a pad and patch combination. The shield comprises a central elastomeric collar having a longitudinal orifice and having one end of the collar substantially orthogonally disposed to an elastomeric peripheral flange, the flange extending around the end of the collar, with a radial slit extending through the collar and flange from the longitudinal orifice of the collar to the outer edge of the flange. The shield is adapted with a means for securing the collar around an orthopedic pin to prevent longitudinal motion of the pin. The patch contains an antimicrobial agent and is centrally attached to a porous pad. The pad and patch have a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating on the exposed surfaces.

Abstract: A method is provided for protecting renatured collagen against bacterial and fungal attack by contacting the collagen with a silver ion-containing solution at a pH from 4.0 to 9.0 and exposing the silver-chelated collagen to ultraviolet radiation.