Abstract: Naphthalimide compounds are used in tissue bonding and protein cross-linking applications. When activated by an activating agent, such as light in the 400-500 nm absorption range, the naphthalimide compounds form chemically-reactive species that cross-link proteins, bond connective tissues together, and bond tissues and other biomaterials together. A naphthalimide-labeled biomolecule, such as a naphthalimide-labeled chitosan, is also capable of bonding tissues without subsequent direct illumination of the contacted tissue area. The naphthalimide compounds may be used in tissue or arterial repair, stabilization of an expanded arterial wall after angioplasty, tethering pharmaceutical agents to tissue surfaces to provide local drug delivery, and for chemically bonding skin care products, sunscreens, and cosmetics to the skin.

Abstract: A method for bonding a polymeric medical device to tissue is provided which includes providing a polymeric medical device having a plurality of reactive members of a specific binding pair attached on a surface of the medical device, and providing tissue with a plurality of complementary reactive members of the specific binding pair, wherein upon contact of the reactive members on the surface of the medical device with the complimentary reactive members on the tissue, covalent bonds are formed between the reactive members and the complementary reactive members, thus adhering the device to the tissue.

Abstract: An anvil assembly for a circular stapling apparatus, is disclosed. The anvil assembly includes an anvil head configured to support an anvil plate thereon; a shaft extending from the anvil head and configured to selectively engage a connection member of the circular stapling apparatus; an anvil plate operatively connected to the anvil head, the anvil plate defining a plurality of staple forming pockets therein; and a wound treatment material disposed in each staple forming pocket of the anvil plate. The wound treatment material is at least one of an adhesive, a sealant, a hemostat and a medicament.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyurea system comprising as component A) isocyanate-functional prepolymers which can be obtained by reacting aliphatic isocyanates A1) with polyols A2) that can have a number-average molecular weight of =400 g/mol and an average OH functionality of 2 to 6 in particular; and as component B) amino-functional aspartic acid esters of the general formula (I) in which X is an organic group containing a secondary amino function, R1, R2 are the same or different organic groups that do not have Zerewitinoff-active hydrogen, and n is a whole number of at least 2, in particular for sealing, bonding, gluing, or covering cell tissue. The invention also relates to a metering system for the polyurea system according to the invention.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a non-natural polymer comprising a plurality of pendant nucleophilic groups and a crosslinker comprising at least two pendant electrophilic groups. Another aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a non-natural polymer comprising a plurality of pendant electrophilic groups and a crosslinker comprising at least two pendant nucleophilic groups. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method for reducing lung volume in a patient comprising the step of administering a hydrogel composition as described herein. Further, hydrogels of the invention may be used to achieve pleurodesis, seal brochopleural fistulas, seal an air leak in a lung, achieve hemostasis, tissue sealing (e.g., blood vessels, internal organs), or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods described herein are intended for use in the treatment of patients with emphysema.

Abstract: The perivascular leak repair system, and method of using the same, of the present invention provides a sealant reservoir with a repair catheter operably attached; a flow control device disposed between the sealant reservoir and the repair catheter, and the flow control device responsive to a flow control signal; a heart phase detector generating a diastole phase signal; an injection switch generating a injection signal; and a flow controller responsive to the diastole phase signal and the injection signal, and generating the flow control signal. A method of sealing a perivascular leak comprises identifying the perivascular leak; inserting a repair catheter to the perivascular leak; injecting sealant at the perivascular leak; and removing the repair catheter. The sealant can be injected when the heart is in diastole to sweep the sealant into the perivascular leak.

Abstract: Wound closure methods and apparatuses are provided which utilize blood fluid by activating the clotting cascade of the blood fluid outside the body within a substantially enclosed sterile container then introducing the blood fluid to the wound site. Methods and apparatuses for providing ways of inhibiting anticoagulants and slowing fibrin clot degradation are also disclosed. Kits for practicing the invention singularly or in combination with and/or associated with preferred procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying sealant to a target tissue of a surgical site is provided. The apparatus includes a handle, conduit and an end effector. The handle has means configured and adapted for operating the end effector and dispensing biological sealant to the surgical site via the end effector. The conduit stores and/or carries sealant towards the end effector. The end effector is configured to clamp around a body organ or tissue and apply and confine biological sealant in a substantially uniform manner thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, methods, and kits for joining together non-conjoined lumens in a patient's body including vascular lumens. More particularly, in various aspects, this invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for joining such non-conjoined lumens, including small lumens typically requiring microsurgical technique.

Abstract: Methods for sealing a puncture communicating with a blood vessel are provided that include introducing a porous carrier formed from lyophilized hydrogel or other material into the puncture. The plug may include at least first and second hydrogel precursors and a pH adjusting agent carried by the porous carrier in an unreactive state prior to exposure to an aqueous physiological environment. Once exposed to bodily fluids, the carrier expands as the lyophilized material hydrates to enhance and facilitate rapid hemostasis of the puncture. When the plug is placed into the puncture, the natural wetting of the plug by bodily fluids (e.g., blood) causes the first and second precursors to react and cross-link into an adhesive or “sticky” hydrogel that aids in retaining the plug in place within the puncture.

Abstract: A sprayer which inhibits or prevents clogging from occurring in a nozzle when a liquid is ejected from the nozzle includes a nozzle having a first internal tube through which a first liquid passes, and a second internal tube through which a second liquid passes. An external tube is provided in which the first internal tube and the second internal tube are positioned so that the gas passes therebetween. In the sprayer, each distal end part of the first internal tube and the second internal tube includes a gas permeable film impermeable to each liquid, and permeable to the gas.

Abstract: An adhesive applicator for biological tissue (100) includes a nozzle body (1), a gas inlet (2), medical fluid inlets (3a, 3b), medical fluid outlets (4a, 4b), medical fluid tubes (5a, 5b), a gas outlet (6), communication paths (8a, 8b), and a check valve (7b). The gas outlet (6) is located close to the medical fluid outlets (4a, 4b), and configured to eject gas loaded through the gas inlet (2) in the nozzle body (1) to thereby atomize medical fluids and mix them together. The communication paths (8a, 8b) communicate between inside of the nozzle body (1) and inside of the medical fluid tube (5b). The check valve (7b) is located between the communication paths (8a, 8b) and the medical fluid inlet (3b). The check valve (7b) only allows one-way flow of the medical fluid from the medical fluid inlet (3b) into the medical fluid tube (5b).

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a puncture through a vessel wall including a positioning assembly, a sheath releasably engaged with the positioning assembly, and a support member axially advanceable through the sheath. The positioning assembly includes a positioning element positioned at a distal portion of the positioning assembly and a sealant disposed at a distal portion of the positioning assembly. The sheath guides the sealant and positioning assembly to the puncture in the vessel wall.

Abstract: A surgical tape applicator includes a dispenser housing, a protective liner, and a surgical tape. The dispenser housing has a proximal end and a distal end and defines a passageway therethrough. The protective liner is disposed within the passageway of the housing. The surgical tape is at least partially disposed within the dispenser housing and protected by the protective liner. The surgical tape has a first surface and a second surface each having at least one tissue reactive component.

Abstract: This invention provides, in certain aspects, unique devices and methods for treating fistulae. In one embodiment, an inventive device includes an elongate graft body having a proximal end and a distal end. The graft body is configurable to a first condition and a second condition, the second condition including the distal end deflected laterally relative to its position in the first condition of the body. The device also includes a tether, which is connected to the graft body, and is configured to traverse proximally along the body. The tether is manipulable to convert the graft body from the first condition to the second condition. Such a device may also include one or more additional tethers connected to the graft body. For instance, a second tether can be configured to extend distally from the distal end of the graft body, and may be effective in pulling the graft body along a fistula tract.

Abstract: A method is provided for preventing leakage of blood from a vessel. The method includes inserting a portion of an apparatus into a puncture tract extending through tissue to a puncture in the vessel; the apparatus including a thrombogenic matrix disposed in a distal portion of the apparatus. The method also includes deploying the thrombogenic matrix from the distal portion of the apparatus and into the puncture tract, the thrombogenic matrix being exposed to blood and compressively engaging the tissue surrounding the vessel to prevent leakage of blood.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating pleural disease comprising a providing a low dosage of a sclerosing agent over a period of time. Certain examples include catheter with a sclerosing agent that is inserted into the pleural space. The sclerosing agent is released in a sustained-release manner over a period of time to achieve diffuse pleurodesis of the pleural layers.

Abstract: A sealant is provided for sealing a puncture through tissue that includes an elongate first section including a proximal end, a distal end, and a cross-section sized for delivery into a puncture through tissue, and a second section fused to and extending from the distal end of the first section. The first section may be formed from a freeze-dried hydrogel that expands when exposed to physiological fluid within a puncture. The second section may be formed from a solid mass of non-freeze-dried, non-crosslinked hydrogel precursors, the precursors remaining in an unreactive state until exposed to an aqueous physiological, whereupon the precursors undergo in-situ crosslinking with one another to provide an adhesive layer bonded to the first section. Apparatus and methods for delivering the sealant into a puncture through tissue are also provided.

Abstract: An adhesive applicator for applying medical adhesives, particularly cyanoacrylates, to incisions such as those made during minimally invasive surgery. The applicator employs a pipette tip or similar narrow flow restrictor tip to close the incision and a body of foam to seal the incision. Methods of using the applicator are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a polymer or oligomer formed from one or more polycarboxylic acids, one or more alcohols, and one or more catechol-containing species. In another aspect, methods of making a composition are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of making a composition comprises providing a polycarboxylic acid; providing an alcohol; combining the polycarboxylic acid with the alcohol; adding a catechol-containing species to the combination of the polycarboxylic acid and the alcohol; and forming a polymer or oligomer from the polycarboxylic acid, the alcohol, and the catechol-containing species. In some embodiments, the catechol-containing species comprises an amine moiety, a carboxylic acid moiety, or a hydroxyl moiety that is not part of the catechol group.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device comprising two elongate arms, an attachment means to secure the elongate arms to each other, adhesive pads on at least a portion of the elongate arms to anchor the tissue approximation device to the skin, and a locking means to lock the elongate arms in place relative to each other.

Abstract: Wound closure methods and apparatuses are provided which utilize blood fluid by activating the clotting cascade of the blood fluid outside the body within a substantially enclosed sterile container then introducing coagulated blood to the wound site. Methods and apparatuses for providing ways of inhibiting anticoagulants and slowing fibrin clot degradation are also disclosed. Kits for practicing the invention singularly or in combination with and/or associated with preferred procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vascular closure system includes an expandable anchor, a sealing material, a sealing tip, and a sealing tip release member. The expandable anchor is temporarily positioned through a vessel puncture within a vessel. The sealing material is positioned outside of the vessel and configured to seal the vessel puncture. The sealing tip is positioned distal of the anchor and releasable within the sealing material upon removal of the anchor and sealing tip through the sealing material. The sealing tip release member is operable to release the sealing tip without application of a tactile force.

Abstract: A vessel puncture closure device includes a housing, an inflation tube, a balloon member, an indicator member, and a delivery tube. The inflation tube defines an inflation lumen and extends from the housing. The balloon member is positioned at a distal end of the inflation tube and is arranged in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. The indicator member is positioned in and movable relative to the housing in response to a pressure condition in the balloon member. The delivery tube is connected to the indicator member and balloon member, and extends through the housing and inflation tube.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of occluding a vascular site in a mammal, comprising the step of introducing into the vasculature of a mammal at or proximal to a surgical site, a composition comprising at least one optionally purified inverse thermosensitive polymer, wherein said inverse thermosensitive polymer gels in said vasculature, thereby temporarily occluding a vascular site of said mammal, wherein said temporarily occluded vasculature site is kept in a substantially cylindrical shape.

Abstract: A method of repairing an inner vessel wall includes the step of inserting at least a portion of a microwave ablation device into a vessel. The microwave ablation device includes an inner conductor disposed within an outer conductor and defines a longitudinal axis. The method also includes the steps of inserting a repairing sealant into the vessel such that the repairing sealant is disposed between an inner vessel wall and the outer conductor and expanding at least a portion of the outer conductor relative to the longitudinal axis to force at least a portion of the repairing sealant into the inner vessel wall. The method also includes the step of delivering energy to at least one of the inner conductor and the outer conductor to activate the repairing sealant to repair the inner vessel wall.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are described for treating venous insufficiency in which the vein is compressed at least partially along a treatment zone. A system can be provided including an injection device, such as a glue gun, that is operably connected to a delivery catheter that can be advanced across a treatment zone in the vein. The delivery catheter can be used to deliver one, two, or more boluses of media (e.g., cyanoacrylate) to occlude the vein along different spaced-apart sections of the treatment zone. External compression can also be applied to the vein by a compression element, such as a hand or multifunctional ultrasound transducer, to occlude portions of the vein along the treatment zone prior to or during the introduction of the boluses of media.

Abstract: Naphthalimide compounds are used in tissue bonding and protein cross-linking applications. When activated by an activating agent, such as light in the 400-500 nm absorption range, the naphthalimide compounds form chemically-reactive species that cross-link proteins, bond connective tissues together, and bond tissues and other biomaterials together. A naphthalimide-labeled biomolecule, such as a naphthalimide-labeled chitosan, is also capable of bonding tissues without subsequent direct illumination of the contacted tissue area. The naphthalimide compounds may be used in tissue or arterial repair, stabilization of an expanded arterial wall after angioplasty, tethering pharmaceutical agents to tissue surfaces to provide local drug delivery, and for chemically bonding skin care products, sunscreens, and cosmetics to the skin.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying sealant to a target tissue of a surgical site is provided. The apparatus includes a handle, conduit and an end effector. The handle has means configured and adapted for operating the end effector and dispensing biological sealant to the surgical site via the end effector. The conduit stores and/or carries sealant towards the end effector. The end effector is configured to clamp around a body organ or tissue and apply and confine biological sealant in a substantially uniform manner thereto.

Abstract: A seal element for sealing between tissue lumens includes a first material for allowing tissue ingrowth and a second sealant material.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering multiple components that is assembled using snap-fit assembly and threadless engagement of syringes and associated parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure sensitive adhesive composition for skin application. The adhesive composition comprises 10-50% (w/w) based on the total adhesive composition of a polar part; 10-50% (w/w) based on the total adhesive composition of an apolar part; and 0-60% (w/w) based on the total adhesive composition of hydrocolloid.

Abstract: Systems and methods employ functional instruments to close incisions and wounds using a suture knot in combination with a biocompatible material composition. The systems and methods are well suited for use, for example, at a vascular puncture site following a vascular access procedure.

Abstract: Devices, kits and methods described herein may be for wound healing, including the treatment, amelioration, or prevention of scars and/or keloids by applying and/or maintaining a predetermined strain in an elastic skin treatment device that is then affixed to the skin surface using skin adhesives to transfer a generally planar force from the bandage to the skin surface. Applicators are used to apply and/or maintain the strains, and some of the applicators are further configured to provide at least some mechanical advantage to the user when exerting loads onto the skin treatment device.

Abstract: A medical device has a structure made of a first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material and a second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material. The first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material has a degradation rate that is faster than a degradation rate of the second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material. And, the structure experiences a period of accelerated degradation upon exposure of the first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material.

Abstract: The invention comprises an embolization device for insertably sealing a cannula. The embolization device comprises a sealing cap at a first end and a carrier surface at a second end. The carrier surface is adapted to carry a coagulating material and induces an embolism at a position proximal to the second end and an elongate stem adapted to be inserted within the cannula.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a puncture through a vessel wall including an elongate tubular body, a balloon carried by the body, an outer tubular member carried over the tubular body, and a sealant carried by the tubular body adjacent the balloon. Retracting the outer tubular member exposes the sealant.

Abstract: A method for sealing a puncture through a vessel wall using a sealing device including an elongate tubular body, a balloon carried by the body, an outer tubular member carried over the elongate tubular body, and a sealant carried by the elongate tubular body adjacent the balloon. Retracting the outer tubular member exposes the sealant.

Abstract: A method mixes a first component, a second component, and a buffer material. The first component includes an electrophilic polymer material comprising poly(ethylene glycol) having a functionality of at least three. The second component includes a nucleophilic material comprising a natural or synthetic protein at a concentration of about 25% or less that, when mixed with the first component within a reaction pH range, cross-links with the first component to form a non-liquid, three-dimensional barrier. The buffer material includes tris-hydroxymethylaminomethane having a pH within the reaction pH range. The method applies the mixture to adhere to a tissue region.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous closure of cardiac openings and obliteration of the cardiac cul-de-sacs. In one embodiment, a closure device includes a patch with an adhesive and/or a removable frame. The patch may be placed across a cardiac opening, such as a patent foramen ovale, or across a cardiac cul-de-sac, such as a left atrial appendage. In another embodiment, a closure device includes a balloon together with adhesives and/or substances for stimulating tissue growth coated on, or contained within, the balloon. The balloon may be inserted into a cardiac opening, such as the patent foramen ovale, or into a cardiac cul-de-sac, such as a left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A method of treating tissue defects includes placing at least one polymeric sheet over a tissue defect, in embodiments a lumen defect, to define a defect volume and filling the defect volume with at least one hydrogel precursor including at least one reactive functional group.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to an applicator, and methods of use thereof, which can house multiple component formulations in separate material receptacles, which components can then be easily combined at the time of use without assembly by the user. In certain embodiments, a device of the invention can be used for, but is not limited to, applying hydrogel formulations to dura mater, abdominal tissue in hernia repair, tissues near the spine, lung tissue, intestinal tissue, or any of the internal tissues. In certain embodiments, a device of the invention can be configured to apply a spray or a stream of a liquid formulation to a surface. In certain embodiments, a device of the invention can be configured to deliver the formulation through an endoscope or laparoscope.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing two separate tissue adhesives includes a generally elongate body having two distinct interior regions, each containing one of the two tissue adhesives. Hinged levers associated with each region selectively force the expulsion of the adhesive from the end portions of the applicator in response to application of force by the operator.

Abstract: Vessel wound closure systems and method for sealing a puncture wound in a target vessel, such as those puncture wounds that occur from interventional procedures. The vessel wound closure system generally comprises an introducer, and a hydratable hemostatic membrane dislodgable from over a portion of the introducer to seal a vessel wound upon hydration of the membrane. The membrane may include a glaze on an outside surface thereof to help control hydration of the membrane.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for closure of vascular punctures or other openings in bodily tissues. The apparatuses and methods described herein are configured for everting a portion of tissue around a puncture site for wound closure on the external surface of the wound. For example, the tissue eversion apparatus may be configured for drawing up a portion of a vessel surrounding a venous or arterial puncture and orienting the inner surface of the vessel at least partially outward so that a closure element may be placed around the inverted region on the exterior surface of the vessel. In some embodiments, the devices are bioabsorbable.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a spray device can be configured to maintain a viscous fluid in isolation from a propellant fluid until after the viscous fluid exits from a nozzle of the spray device. For example, the viscous fluid may include an adhesive such as surgical adhesive. When the spray device is actuated, the surgical adhesive can exit the nozzle so that the propellant fluid acts upon the surgical adhesive to break it into droplets for application on a targeted site.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a non-natural polymer comprising a plurality of pendant nucleophilic groups and a crosslinker comprising at least two pendant electrophilic groups. Another aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a non-natural polymer comprising a plurality of pendant electrophilic groups and a crosslinker comprising at least two pendant nucleophilic groups. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method for reducing lung volume in a patient comprising the step of administering a hydrogel composition as described herein. Further, hydrogels of the invention may be used to achieve pleurodesis, seal brochopleural fistulas, seal an air leak in a lung, achieve hemostasis, tissue sealing (e.g., blood vessels, internal organs), or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods described herein are intended for use in the treatment of patients with emphysema.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus is provided which utilizes blood fluid by activating the clotting cascade of blood fluid outside the body within a substantially enclosed sterile container then introducing, the blood fluid to the wound site to complete clotting. An apparatus for providing ways of inhibiting anticoagulating agents, and slowing fibrin clot degradation are also disclosed. Kits for practicing the invention singularly or in combination with, and/or associated with preferred procedures are also disclosed. The invention provides a clotting cascade initiation apparatus (1) including a substantially enclosed sterile containment chamber within which an aliquot of blood fluid, either autologous or from donor sources can be received, and retained. In preferred embodiments, the sterile containment chamber further includes a heparin binding agent which will bind heparin and remove it from the blood fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods of applying dynamic force to tissues to promote healing. Systems of this invention may be applied to tissue to bolster the tissues, move the tissues, or expand the tissue. Systems of this invention may also include a tension indication feature, allowing measured application of dynamic force to the tissue.

Abstract: A biological adhesive formulation comprising dextrin, at least one adhesiveness modifier agent, and at least one antibiotic is suitable for promoting healing of tissue in a patient, for example, to prevent anastomosis of a surgical wound in the digestive system of a patient, and for affixing prosthesis during a hernia operation in a patient and occluding a fistula within a patient.