Abstract: A method, kits, and devices for performing the method of immediately improving and/or restoring the mechanical integrity and material properties of thermally shrunk collagenous tissue through delivery of a non-toxic protein crosslinker to the tissue. A thermal energy device shrinks the target tissue using controlled application of thermal energy. A non-toxic protein crosslinker is injected and/or topically applied to the target tissue before, during, and/or after thermal shrinkage. A dual applicator may comprise a thermal energy probe and injection needle. The thermal energy probe may apply thermal energy to the target tissue and the injection needle may apply the non-toxic protein crosslinker to the target tissue. A kit for use in performing the method may provide various components used for applying thermal energy and applying the non-toxic protein crosslinker to the target tissue.

Abstract: An intradiscal shield and an exterior shield configured to prevent re-herniation and to provide structural integrity to a spinal defect within or on a spinal disc. An insertion instrument to insert the intradiscal shield within the spinal defect and attach the intradiscal shield or exterior shield to the spinal disc. The insertion instrument having a distal tip for spraying a protein crosslinking reagent within the spinal defect. The exterior shield configured for attaching to the exterior wall of the spinal disc and blocking an exterior opening of the spinal defect.

Abstract: An intradiscal shield and an exterior shield configured to prevent re-herniation and to provide structural integrity to a spinal defect within or on a spinal disc. An insertion instrument to insert the intradiscal shield within the spinal defect and attach the intradiscal shield or exterior shield to the spinal disc. The insertion instrument having a distal tip for spraying a protein crosslinking reagent within the spinal defect. The exterior shield configured for attaching to the exterior wall of the spinal disc and blocking an exterior opening of the spinal defect.

Abstract: An intradiscal shield and an exterior shield configured to prevent re-herniation and to provide structural integrity to a spinal defect within or on a spinal disc. An insertion instrument to insert the intradiscal shield within the spinal defect and attach the intradiscal shield or exterior shield to the spinal disc. The insertion instrument having a distal tip for spraying a protein crosslinking reagent within the spinal defect. The exterior shield configured for attaching to the exterior wall of the spinal disc and blocking an exterior opening of the spinal defect.

Abstract: A method of treating snoring and/or OSA in a subject in need of such treatment. The method includes crosslinking proteins of the subject's soft palate tissue or pharynx tissue. The crosslinking can occur by contacting the soft palate or pharynx tissue with a crosslinking reagent. In addition, the crosslinking can occur without heating, contracting or denaturing of the tissue, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to administration or application of a crosslink inducing agent to a subject following a stiffening procedure to the respiratory system. The present invention has identified that such application or administration of a crosslinking reagent to fibrotic tissue allows for improved stability and strength of the tissue.

Abstract: A method of treating a tear in a knee meniscus of a patient. The method includes exposing the torn knee meniscus to a protein crosslinker during surgery to repair the tear. Also provided is a fixation device for the surgical repair of tears of the meniscus of the knee, where the device contains one or more protein crosslinking reagents.

Abstract: A method of treating snoring and/or OSA in a subject in need of such treatment. The method includes crosslinking proteins of the subject's soft palate tissue or pharynx tissue. The crosslinking can occur by contacting the soft palate or pharynx tissue with a crosslinking reagent. In addition, the crosslinking can occur without heating, contracting or denaturing of the tissue, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of treating snoring and/or OSA in a subject in need of such treatment. The method includes crosslinking proteins of the subject's soft palate tissue or pharynx tissue. The crosslinking can occur by contacting the soft palate or pharynx tissue with a crosslinking reagent. In addition, the crosslinking can occur without heating, contracting or denaturing of the tissue, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of improving the resistance of collagenous tissue to mechanical degradation in accordance with the present invention comprises the step of contacting at least a portion of a collagenous tissue with an effective amount of a crosslinking reagent. The crosslinking reagent includes a crosslinking agent such as genipin and/or proanthrocyanidin. Further, the crosslinking reagent may include a crosslinking agent in a carrier medium. The collagenous tissue to be contacted with the crosslinking reagent is preferably a portion of an intervertebral disc or articular cartilage. The contact between the tissue and the crosslinking reagent is effected by injections directly into the select tissue using a needle. Alternatively, contact between the tissue and the crosslinking reagent is effected by placement of a time-release delivery system such as a gel or ointment, or a treated membrane or patch directly into or onto the target tissue. Contact may also be effected by, for instance, soaking.

Abstract: A method of treating a tear in a knee meniscus of a patient. The method includes exposing the torn knee meniscus to a protein crosslinker during surgery to repair the tear. Also provided is a fixation device for the surgical repair of tears of the meniscus of the knee, where the device contains one or more protein crosslinking reagents.

Abstract: A method of improving the resistance of collagenous tissue to mechanical degradation in accordance with the present invention comprises the step of contacting at least a portion of a collagenous tissue with an effective amount of a crosslinking reagent. The crosslinking reagent includes a crosslinking agent such as genipin and/or proanthrocyanidin. Further, the crosslinking reagent may include a crosslinking agent in a carrier medium. The collagenous tissue to be contacted with the crosslinking reagent is preferably a portion of an intervertebral disc or articular cartilage. The contact between the tissue and the crosslinking reagent is effected by injections directly into the select tissue using a needle. Alternatively, contact between the tissue and the crosslinking reagent is effected by placement of a time-release delivery system such as a gel or ointment, or a treated membrane or patch directly into or onto the target tissue. Contact may also be effected by, for instance, soaking.

Abstract: A method of improving the resistance of collagenous tissue to mechanical degradation in accordance with the present invention comprises the step of contacting at least a portion of a collagenous tissue with an effective amount of a crosslinking reagent. Methods and devices for enhancing the body's own efforts to stabilize discs in scoliotic spines by increasing collagen crosslinks. This stability enhancement is caused by reducing the bending hysteresis and increasing the bending stiffness of scoliotic spines, by injecting non-toxic crosslinking reagents into the convex side of discs involved in the scoliotic curve. Alternatively, contact between the tissue and the crosslinking reagent is effected by placement of a time-release delivery system directly into or onto the target tissue.

Abstract: A method of treating snoring and/or OSA in a subject in need of such treatment. The method includes crosslinking proteins of the subject's soft palate tissue or pharynx tissue. The crosslinking can occur by contacting the soft palate or pharynx tissue with a crosslinking reagent. In addition, the crosslinking can occur without heating, contracting or denaturing of the tissue, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of treating a tear in a knee meniscus of a patient. The method includes exposing the torn knee meniscus to a protein crosslinker during surgery to repair the tear. Also provided is a fixation device for the surgical repair of tears of the meniscus of the knee, where the device contains one or more protein crosslinking reagents.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for the treatment of native tissues with crosslinkers are provided. The methods and compositions will find particular use in increasing resistance to tearing, fissuring, rupturing, and/or delamination.

Abstract: A method of treatment of native, non-denatured tissue to increase resistance to tearing, fissuring, rupturing, and/or delamination, comprising the step of: contacting at least a portion of the tissue with an effective amount of a reagent that increases crosslinks in the tissue.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for the treatment of native tissues with crosslinkers are provided. The methods and compositions will find particular use in increasing resistance to tearing, fissuring, rupturing, and/or delamination.

Abstract: A method of improving the resistance of collagenous tissue to mechanical degradation in accordance with the present invention comprises the step of contacting at least a portion of a collagenous tissue with an effective amount of a crosslinking reagent. Methods and devices for enhancing the body's own efforts to stabilize discs in scoliotic and other progressively deforming spines by increasing collagen crosslinks. This stability enhancement is caused by reducing the bending hysteresis and increasing the elasticity and bending stiffness of progressively deforming spines, by injecting non-toxic crosslinking reagents into the convex side of discs involved in the potential or progressing deformity curve. Alternatively, contact between the tissue and the crosslinking reagent is effected by placement of a time-release delivery system directly into or onto the target tissue.

Abstract: A method of treatment of native, non-denatured tissue to increase resistance to tearing, fissuring, rupturing, and/or delamination, comprising the step of: contacting at least a portion of the tissue with an effective amount of a reagent that increases crosslinks in the tissue.