Abstract: A surgically implantable reservoir is provided for implantation into a patient for use in an iontophoresis system for local drug delivery through a target site of internal body tissue. The reservoir comprises a housing having an inner surface defining an enclosed chamber and an inlet opening and an outlet opening for flow of fluid including the drug through the chamber. The housing is capable of interacting with a localized electric field to release the drug. A platform holding an electrode extends inwardly into the chamber from the inner surface of the housing such that the platform and an adjacent portion of the inner surface of the housing define a trough surrounding the platform. Fluid flow through the reservoir from the inlet opening to the outlet opening moves gas bubbles formed by electrolysis from the surface of the electrode and carries the bubbles through the outlet opening.

Abstract: Devices with improved biomechanical properties and methods for treating tissue are provided. The compositions may comprise acellular tissue matrices specifically shaped and sized for facial and neck implantation and having variations in mechanical and/or biological properties. Also provided are methods for treating tissue using these devices.

Abstract: Laminate or knitted medical devices and methods using such devices to support soft tissues and/or to reduce formation of post-operative adhesions. The medical devices can comprise a layer of a knitted silk mesh to which has been fused a water soluble or insoluble silk film or silk sponge, and/or a layer of a knitted silk mesh which was co-knitted with one, two or three layers of silk or non-silk fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a surgical instrument having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may comprise a handle. The distal end may comprise a cutter and a stapler. The apparatus may further comprise a staple for use with the stapler. The staple may comprise an inner channel extending along at least a portion of the length of the staple. The apparatus may further comprise an agent contained in the inner channel, which may be used to coagulate a surgical site where surgical instrument is used. The agent may facilitate coagulation of the fluids at a surgical site once the staples are anchored to the surgical site.

Abstract: An apparatus for endosurgical use includes an instrument having an end effector and a staple cartridge insertable into the end effector. The staple cartridge includes staples, staple apertures, a resistive member, and a medical fluid. When coupled to a power source, the medical fluid is vaporized by the resistive member and expelled out the staple apertures onto the stapled tissue. The power source may be contained within the instrument. In one configuration, a resistive strip with strip contacts may electrically couple to a conductor in the end effector. The medical fluid may also be divided into a plurality of sealant pads corresponding to the staple apertures, and the medical fluid may be a depolymerizable cyanoacrylate, a sprayable thermoplastic urethane, or any vaporizable medicament or pharmaceutical. The staple drivers may include one or more apertures to permit the medical fluid to pass through or around the staple drivers.

Abstract: Laminate or knitted medical devices and methods using such devices to support soft tissues and/or to reduce formation of post-operative adhesions. The medical devices can comprise a layer of a knitted silk mesh to which has been fused a water soluble or insoluble silk film or silk sponge, and/or a layer of a knitted silk mesh which was co-knitted with one, two or three layers of silk or non-silk fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a surgical instrument having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may comprise a handle. The distal end may comprise a cutter and a stapler. The apparatus may further comprise a staple for use with the stapler. The staple may comprise an inner channel extending along at least a portion of the length of the staple. The apparatus may further comprise an agent contained in the inner channel, which may be used to coagulate a surgical site where surgical instrument is used. The agent may facilitate coagulation of the fluids at a surgical site once the staples are anchored to the surgical site.

Abstract: An apparatus for endosurgical use includes an instrument having an end effector and a staple cartridge insertable into the end effector. The staple cartridge includes staples, staple apertures, a resistive member, and a medical fluid. When coupled to a power source, the medical fluid is vaporized by the resistive member and expelled out the staple apertures onto the stapled tissue. The power source may be contained within the instrument. In one configuration, a resistive strip with strip contacts may electrically couple to a conductor in the end effector. The medical fluid may also be divided into a plurality of sealant pads corresponding to the staple apertures, and the medical fluid may be a depolymerizable cyanoacrylate, a sprayable thermoplastic urethane, or any vaporizable medicament or pharmaceutical. The staple drivers may include one or more apertures to permit the medical fluid to pass through or around the staple drivers.