Systems, methods and compositions relating to delivering synthetic polymer formulations to the body are described, which can be used by a range of medical personnel including those with minimal experience and training. Under some embodiments, the present invention relates to systems and devices for delivering polymer formulations to a body cavity (e.g. peritoneal cavity) to reduce or stop bleeding. Under some embodiments, an initial percutaneous access pathway is first formed using a delivery device with a probe and needle mechanism that automatically stops the advance of the device upon insertion into a body cavity or space, thus minimizing user error and improving patient safety. The hollow probe then allows transmission of polymer, mixed with gas and/or additional substances, from a holding chamber or canister to flow through the device and hollow probe into the patient's anatomic cavity or space of interest, stopping expansion when the device senses the appropriate pressure. Once reaching the body cavity, the polymer formulation functions to reduce and/or stop bleeding.

A wound dressing material includes a particle having a crosslinked gelatin derivative, the gelatin derivative having the structure represented by the following formula (1):
GltnNHCHR.sup.1R.sup.2(1)
wherein Gltn represents a gelatin residue, R.sup.1 represents an alkyl group having 1-17 carbon atoms, and R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1-17 carbon atoms, and the particle having a particle size ranging from 1 to 1,000 ?m.

A sprayable polymeric foam hemostat for both compressible and non-compressible (intracavitary) acute wounds is disclosed. The foam comprises hydrophobically-modified polymers, such as hm-chitosan, or other amphiphilic polymers that anchor themselves within the membrane of cells in the vicinity of the wound. By rapidly expanding upon being released from a canister pressurized with liquefied gas propellant, the foam is able to enter injured body cavities and staunch bleeding. The seal created is strong enough to substantially prevent the loss of blood from these cavities. Hydrophobically-modified polymers inherently prevent microbial infections and are suitable for oxygen transfer required during normal wound metabolism. The amphiphilic polymers form solid gel networks with blood cells to create a physical clotting mechanism that prevent loss of blood.

Provided herein are a biocompatible hemostatic product and a tissue sealant, including polyethylene oxide particles with a viscosity-average molecular weight ranging from 100,000 to 7,000,000 Daltons, a particle size ranging from 0.5 m to 2000 m and a water absorbency capacity ranging from 1 to 500 times of its own weight. Also provided herein is a method for preparing biocompatible hemostatic product and tissue sealant and the use of the biocompatible hemostatic product and tissue sealant in hemostasis, preventing adhesion, avoiding infection, promoting tissue healing, and sealing wound of tissues and organs either on animal's body surface, or inside body's cavity.

Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems useful for detecting leaks in pleural tissue. Also disclosed are methods of detecting and sealing such leaks. Indicator dye or stain is aerosolized and delivered to the lung via anesthetic equipment, oxygen tube, endoscope, or other suitable equipment, the dye is allowed to travel through the lung along the path or paths of least resistance emerging at the surface of the lung, staining the tissue indicative of a leak. Some embodiments include introducing one part of a two part sealant with the dye, and applying the second part of the sealant to the stain identified leak locations.

A tissue adhesive with healing promotion properties formed from a mixture of natural polymers and an activating agent that enhances the adhesive properties of the natural polymer mixture is described. Use of an activating agent and a combination of the natural polymers is unique. The natural polymer tissue adhesive may be useful as a post-operative application for tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy surgery, as an internal tissue adhesive for surgery or wound repair or for application to a burn or skin donor site. For internal use, an optional treatment to improve resistance of the activated adhesive to body fluids is also described. The adhesive described not only functions as an adhesive but would also serve as a protective barrier when applied to surgery or skin sites. In addition, the natural polymers would promote healing due to the inherent properties of the polymers selected.

Systems, methods and compositions relating to delivering synthetic polymer formulations to the body are described, which can be used by a range of medical personnel including those with minimal experience and training. Under some embodiments, the present invention relates to systems and devices for delivering polymer formulations to a body cavity (e.g. peritoneal cavity) to reduce or stop bleeding. Under some embodiments, an initial percutaneous access pathway is first formed using a delivery device with a probe and needle mechanism that automatically stops the advance of the device upon insertion into a body cavity or space, thus minimizing user error and improving patient safety. The hollow probe then allows transmission of polymer, mixed with gas and/or additional substances, from a holding chamber or canister to flow through the device and hollow probe into the patient's anatomic cavity or space of interest, stopping expansion when the device senses the appropriate pressure. Once reaching the body cavity, the polymer formulation functions to reduce and/or stop bleeding.

A tissue adhesive for contacting a tissue site, the tissue adhesive comprising: a mixture of natural polymers; and an activating agent enhancing the adhesive properties of the mixture of natural polymers. And a tissue adhesive for contacting a tissue site, the tissue adhesive comprising: a mixture of natural polymers; and an aqueous solution of a water soluble starch or a water soluble starch derivative which forms a gel with the addition of the mixture of natural polymers.

Adhesive compositions and patches, and associated systems, kits, and methods, are generally described. Certain of the adhesive compositions and patches can be used to treat tissues (e.g., in hemostatic or other tissue treatment applications), according to certain embodiments.

Systems, methods and compositions relating to delivering synthetic polymer formulations to the body are described, which can be used by a range of medical personnel including those with minimal experience and training. Under some embodiments, the present invention relates to systems and devices for delivering polymer formulations to a body cavity (e.g. peritoneal cavity) to reduce or stop bleeding. Under some embodiments, an initial percutaneous access pathway is first formed using a delivery device with a probe and needle mechanism that automatically stops the advance of the device upon insertion into a body cavity or space, thus minimizing user error and improving patient safety. The hollow probe then allows transmission of polymer, mixed with gas and/or additional substances, from a holding chamber or canister to flow through the device and hollow probe into the patient's anatomic cavity or space of interest, stopping expansion when the device senses the appropriate pressure. Once reaching the body cavity, the polymer formulation functions to reduce and/or stop bleeding.