Abstract: A drug-eluting self-retaining suture comprises a filament, a plurality of retainers, and a drug impregnated in or coated on the filament. The shape and distribution of retainers modifies the in vivo release kinetics of the drug. The drug release kinetics may be modified uniformly or region by region. The self-retaining suture may for example be used for reattaching severed nerves and release nerve growth factor or other regeneration accelerating agents into the region of the nerve injury.

Abstract: Methods and devices for use in reducing the appearance of dimpled skin or other undesirable appearance of skin in a cellulitic region of a patient are provided. The methods include the steps of disrupting fibrous septae located beneath the skin of a cellulitic region and introducing a composition beneath the skin, the composition being effective to reduce or prevent regrowth of the fibrous septae.

Abstract: Methods and devices for use in reducing the appearance of dimpled skin or other undesirable appearance of skin in a cellulitic region of a patient are provided. The methods include the steps of disrupting fibrous septae located beneath the skin of a cellulitic region and introducing a composition beneath the skin, the composition being effective to reduce or prevent regrowth of the fibrous septae.

Abstract: A suture delivery tool releasably secures a self-retaining suture to permit delivery of the self-retaining suture to a surgical site in a patient through an access port. Suture delivery tools are disclosed suitable for manual operation and operation using robotically-assisted surgical systems. In some embodiments, a suture spool is part of a cartridge which is releasably attached to the suture delivery tool. Cartridges is, in some embodiments, replaced after deployment of the self-retaining suture and different cartridges having different self-retaining suture are, in some embodiments, selected and attached to the suture delivery tool as required for a procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydrogel compositions formed by the mixture of a tetramethylmethane substituted with one or more polyethylene glycols, and wherein each polyethylene glycol substituent is independently further substituted with one or more electrophilic groups, and a tetramethylmethane substituted with one or more polyethylene glycols, and wherein each polyethylene glycol substituent is independently further substituted with one or more nucleophilic groups. Disclosed are also methods of preparing the above hydrogels. The hydrogel compositions can further comprise pharmaceuticals, such as analgesics or local anesthetics. Disclosed are also methods of sealing a wound, preventing post-surgical adhesion, and reducing post-surgical pain using the disclosed hydrogels.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydrogel compositions formed by the mixture of a tetramethylmethane substituted with one or more polyethylene glycols, and wherein each polyethylene glycol substituent is independently further substituted with one or more electrophilic groups, and a tetramethylmethane substituted with one or more polyethylene glycols, and wherein each polyethylene glycol substituent is independently further substituted with one or more nucleophilic groups. Disclosed are also methods of preparing the above hydrogels. The hydrogel compositions can further comprise pharmaceuticals, such as analgesics or local anesthetics. Disclosed are also methods of sealing a wound, preventing post-surgical adhesion, and reducing post-surgical pain using the disclosed hydrogels.

Abstract: Methods and devices for use in reducing the appearance of dimpled skin or other undesirable appearance of skin in a cellulitic region of a patient are provided. The methods include the steps of disrupting fibrous septae located beneath the skin of a cellulitic region and introducing a composition beneath the skin, the composition being effective to reduce or prevent regrowth of the fibrous septae.

Abstract: A marked heterofunctional suture thread has two or more sections having different features. One or more sections of the suture thread are provided with laser-marked and non-laser marked indicia in order that they may be identified and differentiated from other sections. The suture thread may have retainers on the surface of one or more sections such that the suture thread can engage and retain tissue without knots. The markers may be used to indicate fixed features of a section of suture thread such as the presence and/orientation of retainers. In particular embodiments, laser-marked and non-laser marked indicia are used to identify the transition section of a bidirectional self-retaining suture.

Abstract: The present specification discloses methods of assessing the extent of capsular contracture around an implantable device and methods of monitoring fibrous capsular formation relating to an implantable device.

Abstract: A suture delivery tool releasably secures a self-retaining suture to permit delivery of the self-retaining suture to a surgical site in a patient through an access port. Suture delivery tools are disclosed suitable for manual operation and operation using robotically-assisted surgical systems. In some embodiments, a suture spool is part of a cartridge which is releasably attached to the suture delivery tool. Cartridges is, in some embodiments, replaced after deployment of the self-retaining suture and different cartridges having different self-retaining suture are, in some embodiments, selected and attached to the suture delivery tool as required for a procedure.

Abstract: A drug-eluting self-retaining suture comprises a filament, a plurality of retainers, and a drug impregnated in or coated on the filament. The shape and distribution of retainers modifies the in vivo release kinetics of the drug. The drug release kinetics may be modified uniformly or region by region. The self-retaining suture may for example be used for reattaching severed nerves and release nerve growth factor or other regeneration accelerating agents into the region of the nerve injury.

Abstract: A self-retaining braided suture comprises a braided suture with tissue retainers formed on the surface such that the suture can engage and retain tissue without knots. The suture includes a plurality of braided fibers which may be covered by a non-braided sheath of a material which enhances the formation, elevation and/or deployment of the retainers. The retainers can be formed so as not to disrupt the braided fibers. The self-retaining braided suture has properties which enhance the tensile strength of the suture while preserving flexibility and durability. Methods for manufacturing and using self-retaining braided suture are also described.

Abstract: A tissue retaining device includes a flexible suture thread having a surface microtexture and/or nanotexture. The surface microtexture and/or nanotexture filament is directional in that the resulting suture thread has a lower resistance to moving through tissue in the direction of intended deployment than in the reverse direction. A variety of alternative asymmetric textural elements and/or distributions of textural elements are disclosed. Methods for manufacturing the surface microtexture and/or nanotexture are also described.

Abstract: Compositions comprising anti-fibrotic agent(s) and/or polymeric compositions can be used in various medical applications including the prevention of surgical adhesions, treatment of inflammatory arthritis, treatment of scars and keloids, the treatment of vascular disease, and the prevention of cartilage loss.

Abstract: A marked heterofunctional suture thread has two or more sections having different features. One or more sections of the suture thread are provided with laser-marked and non-laser marked indicia in order that they may be identified and differentiated from other sections. The suture thread may have retainers on the surface of one or more sections such that the suture thread can engage and retain tissue without knots. The markers may be used to indicate fixed features of a section of suture thread such as the presence and/orientation of retainers. In particular embodiments, laser-marked and non-laser marked indicia are used to identify the transition section of a bidirectional self-retaining suture.

Abstract: Sutures are used in combination with fibrosing agents to induce or stimulate fibrosis that between the sutures and the host tissues into which the sutures are inserted. Compositions and methods are described for use in lifting tissue, closing wound, and other applications.

Abstract: A marked heterofunctional surgical filament. The filament comprises two or more sections having different features, and the different sections of the filament are provided with markers in order that they may be identified and differentiated. The filament may have retainers on the surface of one or more sections such that the filament can engage and retain tissue without knots. The markers may be used to indicate fixed features of a section of filament such as the presence and/orientation of retainers. The markers may be utilized to indicate conditions of the filament such as tension. The markers may be directly readable or be machine-readable. The surgical filament is thin and flexible and may be used for suturing.

Abstract: A method of repairing damaged cartilage and soft tissue in a patient is provided using a biocompatible, non-immunogenic composition. The composition comprises a hydrophilic polymer and a plurality of crosslinkable components having reactive functional groups. The composition used in the method may be loaded with biologically active agents for delivery to the damaged tissues. Kits for use in carrying out the method of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Packaging and dispenser embodiments for sutures including bi-directional sutures are used to reduce catching and tangling of the sutures.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydrogel compositions formed by the mixture of a tetramethylmethane substituted with one or more polyethylene glycols, and wherein each polyethylene glycol substituent is independently further substituted with one or more electrophilic groups, and a tetramethylmethane substituted with one or more polyethylene glycols, and wherein each polyethylene glycol substituent is independently further substituted with one or more nucleophilic groups. Disclosed are also methods of preparing the above hydrogels. The hydrogel compositions can further comprise pharmaceuticals, such as analgesics or local anesthetics. Disclosed are also methods of sealing a wound, preventing post-surgical adhesion, and reducing post-surgical pain using the disclosed hydrogels.