Abstract: Ablation devices useful for removing nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a cannula having an opening at a distal tip of the cannula, the opening configured for suction of a surgical site, and a movable tissue capture member having a portion disposed within the opening or adjacent to the cannula, the movable tissue capture member configured to capture tissue when moved in a first position. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure describes biodegradable stents and methods for selectively guided tissue regeneration in treating a periodontal defect adjacent to a root of a tooth. The biodegradable stents and methods have a coronal portion and a transverse portion or shelf, which reduce unwanted migration of gingival epithelium, gingival connective tissue, and soft tissue and enable the cementum and periodontal ligament cells to re-establish the periodontal ligament in a proper sequence resulting in a new periodontal attachment.

Abstract: Flowable compositions and methods are provided for delivering a therapeutic agent at or near a target tissue site beneath the skin of a patient, the flowable composition comprising (i) a solvent, (ii) a polymer and (iii) an effective amount of the therapeutic agent, the flowable composition being capable of setting to form a substantially non-flowable composition at a physiological temperature or as the solvent contacts bodily fluid at or near the target tissue site, wherein the substantially non-flowable composition is capable of releasing the therapeutic agent over a period of at least one day and the target tissue site comprises at least one muscle, ligament, tendon, cartilage, spinal disc, spinal foraminal space near the spinal nerve root, facet or synovial joint, or spinal canal.

Abstract: Methods for treating bulk bone tissue are provided. The methods comprise contacting bulk bone tissue or frozen bulk bone tissue with an effective amount of a supercritical fluid so as to dry the bulk bone tissue. In various embodiments, the supercritical fluid destroys contaminants such that the frozen bulk bone tissue is 99.9% substantially pure. In various embodiments, contaminants removed from the frozen bulk bone tissue include lipids, viruses, bacteria, pyrogens, prions, micro-organisms and/or pathogens. In some embodiments, the supercritical fluid causes a 3 log reduction of bacteria within the frozen bulk bone tissue.

Abstract: Described are malleable medical compositions such as pastes or putties that include solids combined with a liquid carrier. The solids can include particulate collagen and particulate demineralized bone matrix. The liquid carrier includes an aqueous medium comprising one or more polysaccharides. Also described are methods for making and using such medical compositions.

Abstract: A system for delivering a surgical tack in tissue includes a driver, comprising: a shaft having a slot and a channel; and a handle slidably connected to said shaft and having a driving mechanism, said driving mechanism having a driving pin for providing a downward force through said shaft; and a tack cartridge having a plurality of tacks and adapted to be received in said slot and further adapted to feed said tacks between said driving mechanism and said channel.

Abstract: A system for delivering a surgical tack in tissue includes a driver, including: a shaft having a slot and a channel; and a handle slidably connected to the shaft and having a driving mechanism, the driving mechanism having a driving pin for providing a downward force through the shaft; and a tack cartridge having a plurality of tacks and adapted to be received in the slot and further adapted to feed the tacks between the driving mechanism and the channel.

Abstract: Flowable compositions and methods are provided for delivering a therapeutic agent at or near a target tissue site beneath the skin of a patient, the flowable composition comprising (i) a solvent and (ii) an effective amount of the therapeutic agent, the flowable composition being capable of hardening to form a drug depot at a physiological temperature or as solvent contacts bodily fluid at or near the target tissue site, wherein the drug depot is capable of releasing the therapeutic agent over a period of at least one day and the target tissue site comprises at least one muscle, ligament, tendon, cartilage, spinal disc, spinal foraminal space near the spinal nerve root, facet or synovial joint, or spinal canal.

Abstract: A covering for delivering a therapeutic agent to a surgical site is provided. The covering may include a single or multi-compartment structure configured to at least partially retain the therapeutic agent until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the therapeutic agent to the surgical site. In some embodiments, the covering comprises an antimicrobial agent, a hemostatic agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, and/or a growth factor.

Abstract: Flowable compositions and methods are provided for delivering a therapeutic agent at or near a target tissue site beneath the skin of a patient, the flowable composition comprising (i) a solvent and (ii) an effective amount of the therapeutic agent, the flowable composition being capable of hardening to form a drug depot at a physiological temperature or as solvent contacts bodily fluid at or near the target tissue site, wherein the drug depot is capable of releasing the therapeutic agent over a period of at least one day and the target tissue site comprises at least one muscle, ligament, tendon, cartilage, spinal disc, spinal foraminal space near the spinal nerve root, facet or synovial joint, or spinal canal.

Abstract: Effective methods of treating back pain from an intervertebral disc are provided. The methods of treatment include administering an immediate release analgesic at or near the intervertebral disc; administering a bulking agent or sealing agent within the intervertebral disc; and administering a sustained release analgesic within the intervertebral disc, wherein the sustained release analgesic releases the analgesic over a period of at least one day.

Abstract: A covering for delivering a therapeutic agent to a surgical site is provided. The covering may include a single or multi-compartment structure configured to at least partially retain the therapeutic agent until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the therapeutic agent to the surgical site. In some embodiments, the covering comprises an antimicrobial agent, a hemostatic agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, and/or a growth factor.

Abstract: Effective compositions and methods for treating an intervertebral disc are provided. The compositions and methods comprise a bulking agent or sealing agent, the bulking agent or sealing agent adapted to be administered at or within the intervertebral disc, the bulking or sealing agent having a drug depot comprising an effective amount of a therapeutic agent disposed therein, wherein the drug depot is capable of releasing an effective amount of the therapeutic agent over a period of at least one day.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the preservation, storage, and transport of living biological tissues, organs, and populations of isolated cells. In particular, the disclosed compositions and processes permit mammalian cells, tissues, and organs to be harvested from suitable donor animals, stored for prolonged periods, and transported to the site of recipient implantation, all without significant loss of cell viability, biological activity, and/or tissue integrity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an adhesive strip, particularly an adhesive strip or bandage for use in periodontal treatments. The biocompatible adhesive strip comprises a flexible barrier with a biocompatible adhesive for use in an oral environment, wherein the adhesive is in a non-tacky state when dry and becomes adherent upon contact with liquids.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for alleviating discogenic pain by administering a therapeutic agent that disrupts neuronal and/or vascular elements in the disc, which is typically a degenerated disc. Disruption of neuronal elements in the disk includes destroying nerve endings without substantially affecting the central body of the nerve, suppressing activation of the nerve endings, and inhibiting the growth of nerve endings into the disk. Disruption of vascular elements includes causing the vascular extensions to retract from the disk, or suppressing the formation of such extensions. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally via an interbody pump, a bolus or a depot, or may be administered systemically.

Abstract: A covering for delivering a substance or material to a surgical site is provided. The covering, with substance provided therein, may be referred to as a delivery system. Generally, the covering may be formed of polymers for providing extended shelf life and/or increased moisture and radiation resistance, and may include a single or multi-compartment structure capable of at least partially retaining a substance provided therein until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the substance or surrounding materials. For example, the substance may be released (actively or passively) to the surgical site. The covering may participate in, control, or otherwise adjust the release of the substance. In various embodiments, the covering may be formed of a biocompatible material and is suitable for a variety of procedure specific uses.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the preservation, storage, and transport of living biological tissues, organs, and populations of isolated cells. In particular, the disclosed compositions and processes permit mammalian cells, tissues, and organs to be harvested from suitable donor animals, stored for prolonged periods, and transported to the site of recipient implantation, all without significant loss of cell viability, biological activity, and/or tissue integrity.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for alleviating discogenic pain by administering a therapeutic agent that disrupts neuronal and/or vascular elements in the disc, which is typically a degenerated disc. Disruption of neuronal elements in the disk includes destroying nerve endings without substantially affecting the central body of the nerve, suppressing activation of the nerve endings, and inhibiting the growth of nerve endings into the disk. Disruption of vascular elements includes causing the vascular extensions to retract from the disk, or suppressing the formation of such extensions. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally via an interbody pump, a bolus or a depot, or may be administered systemically.

Abstract: A dental implant system includes bone growth promoting material configured for disposal within a body cavity about an implant. A protective element is configured to overlay the bone growth promoting material. Methods of use are also disclosed.