Abstract: The invention provides biodegradable polymeric hydrogel matrices having excellent durability and swellability. The matrices are formed from a combination of poly-?(1?4)glucopyranose macromer and a biocompatible biostable hydrophilic macromer. The matrices can be used in association with a medical device or alone. In some methods the polymeric matrix is placed or formed at a target site in which the matrix swells and occludes the target area, and is able to be degraded at the target site after period of time.

Abstract: Biodegradable ocular implants are described. The ocular implants include a bioactive agent that can be released within the eye to treat an ocular condition or indication. The implants can be used for the administration of a bioactive agent over prolonged periods of time. In some aspects the implants are formed of a matrix of natural biodegradable polysaccharides.

Abstract: Insertable medical articles with a shape memory property having a body member formed of crosslinked hydrophilic polymers are described.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for treating an orthopedic condition using a hydrogel-forming composition, which forms a hydrogel in situ at a target location and at least bio-mechanically treats the condition. The invention also provides a hydrogel forming composition designed to form a hydrogel with desirable biocompatible and biomechanical properties. In some aspects the hydrogel is formed in a water-permeable casing, which is delivered to an orthopedic joint in a minimally invasive manner. In particular, the system and method can be used for intervertebral disc replacement or repair.

Abstract: A grafting reagent and related method of using the reagent to form a polymeric layer on a support surface, and particularly a porous support surface, in a manner that provides and/or preserves desired properties (such as porosity) of the surface. The reagent and method can be used to provide a thin, conformable, uniform, uncrosslinked coating having desired properties onto the surface of a preformed, and particularly a porous, polymeric substrate.

Abstract: Medical implants formed of hydrophobic derivatives of natural biodegradable polysaccharides and that include bioactive agent are described. The implants demonstrate desirable bioactive agent release profiles and can be prepared to have high drug loading. The implants can be used to treat medical conditions, such as those requiring prolonged administration of the bioactive agent at a target location in the body.

Abstract: In vivo formed matrices including natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The matrix is formed from a plurality of natural biodegradable polysaccharides having pendent coupling groups. The matrix can also include a bioactive agent that can be released to provide a therapeutic effect to a patient. The formed matrices are particularly useful for treatment of the eye.

Abstract: Medical articles having a body member including natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The body member is formed from a plurality of natural biodegradable polysaccharides having pendent coupling groups. The body member can also include a bioactive agent which can be released to provide a therapeutic effect to a patient.

Abstract: Biodegradable coatings and articles that include natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The coatings and articles are formed from a plurality of natural biodegradable polysaccharides having pendent coupling groups.

Abstract: In situ formed biodegradable occlusions including natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The matrix is formed from a plurality of natural biodegradable polysaccharides having pendent coupling groups.

Abstract: In vivo formed matrices including natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The matrix is formed from a plurality of natural biodegradable polysaccharides having pendent coupling groups. The matrix can also include a bioactive agent which can be released to provide a therapeutic effect to a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides medical articles that include more than one biocompatibility-promoting function. In one aspect, the invention provides a medical articles that include a polymeric matrix including more than one biocompatible agent, wherein each biocompatible agent is provided at a distinct portion of the medical article surface. Methods of making medical articles, as well as methods of using the same, are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions that include macromers and visible light-activated polymerization initiators, and methods for forming a matrix using these compositions in conjunction with a light source that emits light primarily in the visible light spectrum.

Abstract: A crosslinkable macromer system and related methods of preparing the system and using the system in the form of a crosslinked matrix between a tissue site and an implant article such as a tissue implant or on the porous surface of a prosthetic device. The macromer system includes two or more polymer-pendent polymerizable groups and one or more multifunctional initiator groups. The polymerizable groups and the initiator group(s), when polymer-pendent, can be pendent on the same or different polymeric backbones. The macromer system provides advantages over the use of polymerizable macromers and separate, low molecular weight initiators, including advantages with respect to such properties as nontoxicity, efficiency, and solubility. A macromer system of the invention can be used as an interface between the tissue site and implant article in a manner sufficient to permit tissue growth through the crosslinked matrix and between the tissue site and implant.

Abstract: A coating composition, in both its uncrosslinked and crosslinked forms, for use in delivering a medicament from the surface of a medical device positioned in vivo. Once crosslinked, the coating composition provides a gel matrix adapted to contain the medicament in a form that permits the medicament to be released from the matrix in a prolonged, controlled, predictable and effective manner in vivo. A composition includes a polyether monomer, such as an alkoxy poly(alkylene glycol), a carboxylic acid-containing monomer, such as (meth)acrylic acid, a photoderivatized monomer, and a hydrophilic monomer such as acrylamide.

Abstract: Pro-fibrotic coatings for medical articles are described that include a pro-fibrotic polymer such as collagen. The pro-fibrotic coatings can also include a thromboresistant polymer. The coatings can be formed by activation of photoreactive groups pendent or independent of the coating materials.

Abstract: A coating composition for use in coating implantable medical devices to improve their ability to release bioactive agents in vivo. The coating composition is particularly adapted for use with devices that undergo significant flexion and/or expansion in the course of their delivery and/or use, such as stents and catheters. The composition includes the bioactive agent in combination with a mixture of a first polymer component such as poly(butyl methacrylate) and a second polymer component such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate).

Abstract: Polymeric coatings that include coupled biomolecules are formed on the surface of articles, such as medical devices. A coated layer that includes a synthetic polymer including a reactive group is formed on a surface and then a biomolecule is attached to the reactive group. The synthetic polymer can be an acrylate polymer or an amine-containing polymer having pendent photoreactive groups.

Abstract: A coating composition for use in coating implantable medical devices to improve their ability to release bioactive agents in vivo. The coating composition is particularly adapted for use with devices that undergo significant flexion and/or expansion in the course of their delivery and/or use, such as stents and catheters. The composition includes the bioactive agent in combination with a mixture of a first polymer component such as poly(butyl methacrylate) and a second polymer component such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate).

Abstract: Biodegradable coatings that include natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The coating is formed from a plurality of natural biodegradable polysaccharides having pendent coupling groups.