Abstract: Disclosed is a device for delivering tissue adhesives and/or sealant patches to a surface which covers or surrounds a lumen, cavity or organ, or potential lumen or cavity, within a human or other animal. Also disclosed is a method of delivering tissue adhesives and/or sealant patches to a surface which covers or surrounds a lumen, cavity or organ, or potential lumen or cavity. The method is particularly suited to sealing perforations in vascular walls, such as after arterial access for Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA), Percutaneous Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Atherectomy and similar diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: Methods for effective chondrocyte and/or cartilage transplantation to articulating joint surfaces are taught, and a kit providing materials for the practice of the method is described.

Abstract: Methods for completely or partially blocking, augmenting, sealing, or filling various biological lumens and voids within the body of a patient are disclosed. Lumens include arteries, veins, intestines, Fallopian tubes, and trachea. Voids include various lesions, fissures, diverticulae, cysts, fistulae, aneurysms, or other undesirable voids that may exist within a patient's body. In the most general method of the invention, an effective amount of a biomaterial is administered (e.g., via injection, catheter, or surgical implantation) into the lumen or void. Preferred biomaterial compositions for use in the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved barrier or drug delivery system which is highly adherent to the surface to which it is applied is disclosed, along with methods for making the barrier. In the preferred embodiment, tissue is stained with a photoinitiator, then the polymer solution or gel having added thereto a defined amount of the same or a different photoinitator is applied to the tissue. On exposure to light, the resulting system polymerizes at the surface, giving excellent adherence, and also forms a gel in the rest of the applied volume. Thus a gel barrier of arbitrary thickness can be applied to a surface while maintaining high adherence at the interface. This process is referred to herein as "priming". The polymerizable barrier materials are highly useful for sealing tissue surfaces and junctions against leaks of fluids. In another embodiment, "priming" can be used to reliably adhere preformed barriers to tissue or other surfaces, or to adhere tissue surfaces to each other.

Abstract: Biological materials are joined, repaired or fused by heating the material in proximity to a mechanical support. Preferably, the mechanical support comprises a patch or bridge structure. In the most preferred embodiment, the patch is formed from collagen having a thickness from between 2 to 30 mils, and most preferably from 2 to 15 mils thick. Preferably, the patch or support structure contains holes or interlock vias which permit the coagulum to form a mechanical bond therewith, whether preformed or generated by an electrical energy source during welding. The preferred method comprises the steps of: first, placing the patch in contact with the materials to be joined, supplying energy to the tissue in an amount sufficient to form a coagulum at the surface of the patch, and finally, permitting the coagulum to form a mechanical bond with the support or patch.

Abstract: This invention is directed to prosthesis, which, when implanted into a mammalian patient, serve as a functioning replacement for a body part, or tissue structure, and will undergo controlled biodegradation occurring concomitantly with bioremodeling by the patient's living cells. The prosthesis of this invention, in its various embodiments, thus has dual properties. First, it functions as a substitute body part, and second, it functions as bioremodeling template for the ingrowth of host cells.

Abstract: A method for hemostasis of an artery having a puncture after arterial catheterization, the catheterization using an introducer sheath, the method including the steps of inserting a catheter with a first balloon into the introducer sheath, positioning the first balloon against an outside surface of a wall of the artery at the puncture, inflating the first balloon against the outside surface of the artery at the puncture, and maintaining the first balloon against the puncture so that the first balloon substantially seals blood flow from the puncture so as to achieve hemostasis.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a trocar assembly including a cannula and a trocar. The medical apparatus also includes a sleeve having a number of sealing members extending therefrom, and a passageway extending therethrough, with the trocar assembly being positioned within the passageway of the sleeve. The medical apparatus further includes a sealing member which defines a flexible, gas impervious bag having an interior void and a charge of beads confined within the interior void. The medical apparatus still further includes a lock member, and a sealing member having a biologically active compound disposed thereon. The sleeve is positionable within an opening defined in a wall of a body cavity.

Abstract: Methods for tissue welding using solders incorporating biologically active agents, such as growth factors or hemostatic agents, have been developed. Improved solder compositions have also been defined, yielding greater bursting strength as a function of protein concentration, and through the use of protein unfolding prior to laser-mediated denaturation and coupling. A method for repair of fistulas has been discovered, using water as a chromophore, in combination with solder concentration, to form columns to fill defects where tissue apposition is not possible. Methods have also been adapted for use with other forms of directed energy, including bipolar electrosurgery and light. Examples demonstrate increased strength of repairs by incorporation of growth factors into solders, alone and as a function of solder concentration. Increased adhesion is obtained through prevention of bleeding by incorporation of hemostatic agents such as thrombin or epinephrine, a vasoconstrictor.

Abstract: Wounds in lung tissue are closed in a two step method consisting essentially of applying fasteners to a region adjacent to the wound, wherein the fasteners may cause penetrations. The fasteners are present in a preformed layer of collagen, fibrin, fibrinogen, elastin, albumin, or a combination thereof, and energy is applied to the region to fuse the material to the tissue and seal perforations in the tissue.

Abstract: A method for joining or restructuring tissue consists essentially of providing a preformed film or sheet of a solid filler material which fuses to tissue upon the application of energy. The material comprises collagen, gelatin, mixtures thereof, optionally combined with a plasticizer, and the film may be cut prior to placing over the tissue. Radiofrequency energy is then applied at between about 20 and 120 Watts to the filler material and the tissue after the filler material has been placed over the tissue for about 1 to 60 seconds so that about 20 to 1800 joules are delivered to the filler material and tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for delivering tissue adhesives and/or sealant patches to a surface which covers or surrounds a lumen, cavity or organ, or potential lumen or cavity, within a human or other animal. Also disclosed is a method of delivering tissue adhesives and/or sealant patches to a surface which covers or surrounds a lumen, cavity or organ, or potential lumen or cavity. The method is particularly suited to sealing perforations in vascular walls, such as after arterial access for Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA), Percutaneous Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Atherectomy and similar diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for delivering tissue adhesives and/or sealant patches to a surface which covers or surrounds a lumen, cavity or organ, or potential lumen or cavity, within a human or other animal. Also disclosed is a method of delivering tissue adhesives and/or sealant patches to a surface which covers or surrounds a lumen, cavity or organ, or potential lumen or cavity. The method is particularly suited to sealing perforations in vascular walls, such as after arterial access for Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA), Percutaneous Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Atherectomy and similar diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for delivering tissue adhesives and/or sealant patches to a surface which covers or surrounds a lumen, cavity or organ, or potential lumen or cavity, within a human or other animal. Also disclosed is a method of delivering tissue adhesives and/or sealant patches to a surface which covers or surrounds a lumen, cavity or organ, or potential lumen or cavity. The method is particularly suited to sealing perforations in vascular walls, such as after arterial access for Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA), Percutaneous Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Atherectomy and similar diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable assembly for sealing an incision or puncture in the body of the patient including a first member which is positioned generally along the wall of the blood vessel, duct, body cavity or lumen of the patient and a gelatinous material which is injected into the incision or puncture around a filament or clip member which is associated with the first member to seal the incision or puncture from the flow of fluids through the blood vessel, duct or lumen of the patient and the method therefore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hemostatic plug having its own vessel wall locating system. The hemostatic plug allows accurate positioning of itself within an access incision, e.g., to a blood vessel, so that it is adjacent to, but does not extend beyond the vessel wall into the vessel lumen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for delivering tissue adhesives to a surface which covers or surrounds a lumen, cavity or organ, or potential lumen or cavity, within a human or animal. Also disclosed is a method of delivering tissue adhesives to a surface which covers or surrounds a lumen, cavity or organ, or potential lumen or cavity, within a human or animal. The method is particularly suited to sealing perforations in vascular walls, such as after arterial access for Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA), Percutaneous Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Atherectomy and similar diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: Method for fusing bone. The present invention is a method for joining hard tissue which includes chemically removing the mineral matrix from a thin layer of the surfaces to be joined, placing the two bones together, and heating the joint using electromagnetic radiation. The goal of the method is not to produce a full-strength weld of, for example, a cortical bone of the tibia, but rather to produce a weld of sufficient strength to hold the bone halves in registration while either external fixative devices are applied to stabilize the bone segments, or normal healing processes restore full strength to the tibia.

Abstract: A wound closure device employs a porous bonding member which receives a flowable adhesive capable of providing long term wound support. The bonding member is positioned by a carrier member that is used to achieve initial apposition of the wound and which may later be removed. An intermediate barrier may be provided between the bonding pad and the wound site. Alternatively, a rigid applicator may be utilized for positioning the bonding pad at the wound site. The closure device can include a supply of flowable adhesive for adhering the bonding member to the skin of the patient. Suitable flowable adhesives are cyanoacrylates. A form of packaging supports the wound closure member for preapplication of the adhesive and can serve as a part of a sterile barrier package. In one embodiment, strips are placed on opposite margins of a wound which have porous portions.

Abstract: A method is provided for closing a puncture in a wall of an artery made for the purpose of moving an elongated cardiovascular catheter into the artery. The method includes the steps of withdrawing the cardiovascular catheter from the artery while ensuring that the location of the puncture remains identified, and introducing a thrombogenic, hemostatic material so as to contact the wall of the artery at the puncture location, enabling the material to precipitate clot formation and seal the puncture. A device is also provided to employ the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved device for inserting collagen or other hemostatic materials into a puncture wound made during a percutaneous procedure. The device permits precise location of the collagen relative to the artery wall and also enables insertion of the collagen at the outset of the percutaneous procedure, when the area is anaesthetized.

Abstract: A method of sealing the corneal incision resulting from cataract surgery is presented. The edges of the incision are maneuvered under a keratoscope until an undistorted corneal surface is obtained. Biological glue is then applied to the maneuvered incision. The seal provides for greatly reduced postoperative astigmatism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for delivering tissue adhesives to surface which covers or surrounds a lumen, cavity or organ, or potential lumen or cavity, within a human or animal. Also disclosed is a method of delivering tissue adhesives to a surface which covers or surrounds a lumen, cavity or organ, or potential lumen or cavity, within a human or animal. The method is particularly suited to sealing perforations in vascular walls, such as after arterial access for Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA), Percutaneous Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Atherectomy and similar diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the formulation of fibrin sealant in a single delivery system. The method involves mixing a fibrinogen/Factor XIII precipitate solution with thrombin under conditions such that thrombin clotting activity is inhibited and said mixture is applied to a body site under conditions which activate the thrombin to convert fibrinogen into fibrin sealant. A single device, syringe or container, can be used to apply the fibrin sealant formulation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the application of gelatin-resorcinol aldehyde glue to a surface, wherein a solution of gelatin-resorcinol is applied to the surface to obtain a gelatin-resorcinol coated surface. Subsequently, a solution of an aldehyde is aerosolized onto the gelatin-resorcinol coated surface. The mixture of gelatin-resorcinol and the aldehyde is then allowed to polymerize on the surface. The methods of the invention may be conveniently and efficiently used to apply gelatin-resorcinol aldehyde glue to high porosity vascular prostheses, either before or after implantation, to provide improved hemostasis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for bonding separated tissues together or for coating tissues or prosthetic materials including at least one natural or synthetic peptide and at least one support material which may be activated by energy and to methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A surgical dressing 10 for surgical closing a wound includes a pair of locating members 12, 14, the locating members 12, 14, in use, being placed on opposed sides of the wound. A manipulating means 22 interconnects the locating members 12, 14, the manipulating means 22 and the locating members 12, 14 being a one piece article and the manipulating means 22 being operable to draw the locating members 12, 14 towards each other to close the wound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for closing and covering suturable wounds under sterile conditions by using sutures or staples initially, in combination with cyanoacrylate adhesives as an adjunct covering and closure material.

Abstract: A method for use in performing an anastomosis includes the steps of juxtaposing free ends of two sections of a ressected tubular organ of a patient so as to form a continuous lumen through the sections, placing a strip of a biocompatible material over the sections along a seam therebetween, and bonding the strip to outer surfaces of the sections so as to form a seal about the sections at the seam. The juxtaposition of the organ sections is facilitated by inserting an inflatable balloon made of bioabsorbable material into the sections at their free ends, inflating the ballon and pulling the sections over the inflated balloon.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for one-step preparation of fibrinogen adhesive by polyethylene glycol-mediated precipitation from plasma are disclosed. The methods and apparatus of the invention permit preparation of autologous fibrinogen adhesive composition from the patient during surgery, and can be applied generally to provide such compositions. Also disclosed are an apparatus and method for application of sealant comprising this fibrinogen adhesive composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the formulation of fibrin sealant in a single delivery system. The method involves mixing a fibrinogen/Factor XIII precipitate solution with thrombin under conditions such that thrombin clotting activity is inhibited and said mixture is applied to a body site under conditions which activate the thrombin to convert fibrinogen into fibrin sealant. A single device, syringe or container, can be used to apply the fibrin sealant formulation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for bonding separated tissues together or for coating tissues or prosthetic materials including at least one natural or synthetic peptide and at least one support material which may be activated by energy.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a synthetic adhesive composition for use in aqueous environments. The composition comprises polypeptide chains having an .alpha.-helical structure in aqueous environments and capable of cohesive and adhesive interactions. The polypeptide chains comprise polar and apolar amino acids, the apolar and polar amino acids being arranged to define apolar and polar vertical spiraling stripes on the helix surface. The apolar stripes allow the polypeptide chains to aggregate into superhelical structures and the polar stripes allow interchain crosslinking within and between the superhelical structures.

Abstract: A method of sealing the corneal incision resulting from cataract surgery is presented. The edges of the incision are maneuvered under a keratoscope until an undistorted corneal surface is obtained. Biological glue is then applied to the maneuvered incision. The seal provides for greatly reduced postoperative astigmatism.

Abstract: A method of joining or reconstructing biological tissue which comprises applying optical energy to the biological tissue while providing a collagen filler material thereto; denaturing the collagen filler material and biological tissue with the optical energy to cause joining of the collagen filler material and biological tissue, thus joining or reconstructing such tissue.

Abstract: A skin closure dressing for eyelids comprising a thin backing material, a layer of adhesive on one face of the backing material, a multi-layer pad covering a portion of the face of the backing material, at least one of the layers of the multi-layer pad being an absorbent material, and an outer layer of the multi-layer pad being a non-adhesive material. The dressing is thin and narrow enough to not cause occlusion of the eye. A pair of side tabs are provided to assist in removal of the dressing.

Abstract: A dissolvable anastomosis stent comprises a first member for receiving a first vessel stump, a second member for receiving a second vessel stump, and engaging means for engaging the first and second members where the engaging means and members are constructed of a biocompatible, non-toxic material which substantially completely dissolves mammalian bodily fluids. In addition, methods for preparing the dissolvable anastomosis stent and methods for surgical mammalian anastomoses using the dissolvable anastomosis stent are disclosed.

Abstract: A material for connecting members for soft tissues and inner organs which consists of a copolymer of N-vinylpyrrolidone and alkyl esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid containing in the alkyl group 2 to 8 carbon atoms at the following proportions of the components, molar percent:______________________________________ N-vinylpyrrolidone 40-90 alkyl esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid 10-60.

Abstract: A biocompatible material for treatment of tissular or organic defects is composed of a graft copolymer of alpha-cyanacrylate and polyacrylic acid having a molecular weight of 200,000 to 600,000, obtained by interaction of alpha-cyanacrylate with polyacrylic acid in the presence of a cross-linking agent, the weight percentage ratio of the aforesaid components being as follows:______________________________________ alpha-cyanacrylate 14 to 34 polyacrylic acid having a molecular weight of 200,000 to 600,000 15 to 43 cross-linking agent 71 to 23 ______________________________________ .

Abstract: A surgical method and apparatus for opening and closing surgical wound utilizes an elastic member which is adhered across the patient's skin at the treatment site. The wound is opened by cutting through the elastic member and through the patient's skin to permit a surgical procedure to be conducted. The wound is then closed by reapproximating the patient's skin at the treatment site and by bringing the cut edges of the elastic member together and adhering a relatively inelastic sealing member over the elastic member to maintain the cut edges while the wound heals.