Abstract:
A composition and a method for increasing the permeability of membrane junctions or cell membranes for delivery of a drug to target tissues are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and devices for local drug delivery.
Abstract:
Brief periods of occlusion of blood flow in an otherwise open target vessel adjacent to vessels supplying blood to an ischemic region are caused by periodic administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a vasoconstrictor. It is anticipated these brief periods of occlusion will induce the enlargement of collateral vessels, causing increased blood flow to the ischemic region.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a directional drug delivery stent which includes an elongated or tubular member having a cavity containing a biologically active agent. In one embodiment, the active agent is diffused from the reservoir directly to the walls of a body lumen, such as a blood vessel, through directional delivery openings arranged on an outer surface of the elongated member. Another variation of the stent includes an osmotic engine assembly for controlling the delivery of the active agent from the reservoir. The drugs which may be applied by the directional delivery stent include, but are not limited to, steroids, anti-inflammatory agents, restenosis preventing drugs, anti-thrombotic drugs, and tissue growth regulating drugs. The invention also relates to a method of using the directional drug delivery stent.
Abstract:
This invention resides in the field of bioerodible polymers for use as drug delivery vehicles. In particular, this invention addresses means for controlling the rate of biodegradation and degradation in general of such polymers.
Abstract:
Controlled-release particles containing biologically effective agents such as therapeutic drugs and local anesthetics are suspended in a liquid suspending vehicle which has an elevated viscosity, the viscosity being substantially higher than that of water. Preferred vehicles are non-aqueous liquids and aqueous media which contain a dissolved polymer to increase the viscosity of the vehicle. Regardless of the composition of the media, however, the increased viscosity permits the use of particles of a relatively large size without a loss of suspension stability or localized application. The large particles offer the advantage of a longer release profile, and thus more prolonged activity of the agent.
Abstract:
A needle removal device is provided for removing needles from suturing devices and/or systems. In an embodiment, the needle removal device may be intended for use with a suturing device having one or more needle lumens. The needle removal device may include a first member having a first plurality of needle receptacles extending therethrough. The first needle receptacles may be configured and positioned to correspond to one or more of the one or more needle lumens of the suturing device. The needle removal device may also include a second member having a second plurality of needle receptacles extending therethrough. At least one of the first member or the second member may be moveable between a first position, wherein the first needle receptacles and the second needle receptacles are substantially aligned, and a second position, wherein the first needle receptacles and the second needle receptacles substantially unaligned.
Abstract:
A closure device for closing an opening in tissue is provided. The closure device includes an elongate member through which needles may be deployed. The closure device also includes a foot portion having one or more feet slidably mounted relative thereto. The feet are movable between a deployed position and a delivery position. The feet include cuffs removably mounted therein, with sutures connected between the cuffs. When the feet are in the deployed position and the needles are advanced, the needles securely engage the cuffs and draw the cuffs and suture through the lumen wall so that the opening in the lumen wall can be closed with the sutures.
Abstract:
A suture applying device includes a shaft which carries a pair of needles near its distal end. The needles are joined by a length of suture, and the shaft is used to both introduce the needles into a lumen of a body structure and to draw the needles back through tissue on either side of the puncture site. After the needles have passed through the tissue, they are captured by a needle receiver and drawn outward through the tract, leaving a loop of suture behind to close the puncture site near the body lumen. The suture can then be tied or otherwise secured to close the puncture site.
Abstract:
A method of preparing a stable chitosan hemostatic implant including preparing a lyophilizable solution of chitosan polymers and freezing the solution to obtain a frozen chitosan composition. The method further includes placing the frozen chitosan composition under vacuum so as to substantially dry the chitosan composition and curing the dried chitosan composition by first exposing it to a relative humidity and then curing the dried chitosan composition under heat so as to crosslink the chitosan polymers.
Abstract:
A closure system for closing openings in tissue that includes a closure device and a fastener. The closure device includes shafts that are configured to deploy a fastener to close an opening in tissue. The closure device can deploy the fastener as a knot pusher to close the opening with sutures or as a knot replacement to close the opening with sutures.