Abstract:
An embolization device (10)for occluding a body cavity includes one or more elongated, expansible, hydrophilic embolizing elements (12) non-releasably carried along the length of an elongated filamentous carrier (16) that is preferably made of a very thin, highly flexible filament or microcoil of nickel/titanium alloy. At least one expansile embolizing element is non-releasably attached to the carrier. A first embodiment includes a plurality of embolizing elements (12) fixed to the carrier (16) at spaced-apart intervals along its length. In second, third and fourth embodiments, an elongate, continuous, coaxial embolizing element is non-releasably fixed to the exterior surface of the carrier, extending along a substantial portion of the length of the carrier proximally from a distal tip, and optionally includes a lumenal reservoir for delivery of therapeutic agents. Exemplary methods for making these devices include skewering and molding the embolizing elements. In any of the embodiments, the embolizing elements may be made of a hydrophilic, macroporous, polymeric, hydrogel foam material. In the second, third and fourth embodiments, the elongate embolizing element is preferably made of a porous, environmentally-sensitive, expansile hydrogel, which can optionally be made biodegradable and/or bioresorbable, having a rate of expansion that changes in response to a change in an environmental parameter, such as the pH or temperature of the environment.
Abstract:
Described herein are apparatus, compositions, systems and associated methods to occlude structures and malformations with radiopaque hydrogel filaments with delayed controlled rates of expansion permitting the repositioning of the device once inside the structure or malformation. Further described is a device for implantation in an animal comprising a difunctional, low molecular weight ethylenically unsaturated shapeable macromer; an ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and a radiopaque element, wherein said device contains no support members. Methods of forming such devices are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Radiation-crosslinked, biodegradable, synthetic hydrogels and their use in various applications, including certain medical applications wherein the hydrogel(s) are implanted on or in the body of a human or animal patient. Radiation-crosslinked, biodegradable, synthetic hydrogels of this invention may be prepared by irradiating monomers (e.g., ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbons such as acrylic monomers and methacrylic monomers) or polymers, some of which are biodegradable or which contain biodegradable units or subunits. Specific medical applications of these radiation-crosslinked, biodegradable, synthetic hydrogels include applications wherein the hydrogel is used for hemostasis, tissue augmentation, tissue engineering, embolization, closure of vascular punctures or wounds and other medical applications.
Abstract:
Described herein are apparatus, compositions, systems and associated methods to occlude structures and malformations with radiopaque hydrogel filaments with delayed controlled rates of expansion permitting the repositioning of the device once inside the structure or malformation. Further described is a device for implantation in an animal comprising a difunctional, low molecular weight ethylenically unsaturated shapeable macromer; an ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and a radiopaque element, wherein said device contains no support members. Methods of forming such devices are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Biodegradable, cross-linked polymer films and methods of making the same are described. The polymer films can be used for preventing adhesions following surgery and/or delivering therapeutic agents.