Hydrogels and composite material containing hydrogels and liposomes dispersed therein, which exhibit a reduced friction coefficient compared to neat hydrogels or composites containing hydrogels, processes for preparing the same, and methods for using the same are disclosed.

A hemostatic tissue sealant sponge and a spray for acute wounds are disclosed. The sponge comprises hydrophobically modified polymers that anchor themselves within the membrane of cells in the vicinity of the wound. The seal is strong enough to substantially prevent the loss of blood inside the boundaries of the sponge, yet weak enough to substantially prevent damage to newly formed tissue upon recovery and subsequent removal of the sponge. In examples, the polymers inherently prevent microbial infections and are suitable for oxygen transfer required during normal wound metabolism. The spray comprises hydrophobically modified polymers that form solid gel networks with blood cells to create a physical clotting mechanism to prevent loss of blood. In an example, the spray further comprises at least one reagent that increases the mechanical integrity of the clot. In another example, the reagent prevents microbial infection of the wound.

The apparatuses and methods described herein relates generally to the field of active agent (drug) release from surgical grafts useful for soft tissue reconstruction, regeneration, or repair. More particularly, described herein are surgical grafts for soft tissue repair that include an active agent that is released over time while advantageously matching the biomechanical properties of tissue during healing and recovery.

Devices and methods for treating a vascular disease in a subject are disclosed that involve acute administration of a statin locally to a diseased segment of a blood vessel in the subject.

Catheter lock solutions contain liposomes which encapsulate a nitric oxide releasing precursor material. The catheter lock solutions release nitric oxide under physiologic conditions to provide antithrombotic and antimicrobial properties. The liposomes may be lyophilized for stable storage to maintain their nitric oxide releasing capacity. A kit for preparing a catheter lock solution includes a quantity of lyophilized liposomes which encapsulate a nitric oxide releasing precursor material and a volume of an aqueous rehydrating solution. A catheter lock solution may be prepared by rehydrating a quantity of lyophilized liposomes which encapsulate a nitric oxide releasing precursor material with an aqueous rehydrating solution in a volume sufficient to fill a catheter.

Disclosed are methods of delivering an agent to the lumen of the vas deferens under guidance of ultrasound imaging. The methods include vas-occlusive contraception in which the vas deferens is non-surgically isolated and an occlusive substance is percutaneously administered into the lumen of the vas deferens under ultrasound. Also disclosed are methods of reversal of vas-occlusive contraception and methods of delivering an agent to the lumen of the vas deferens. Also disclosed are compositions for use in the methods of the invention.

A biocompatible and biodegradable medical device patch actuating primarily as soft tissue structural reinforcement. The device has a layered architecture, where the primary serves as suturing layer and mechanical support to a thick porous scaffold which can be coated with a mimic-like extra cellular matrix (ECM). The device can be provided to the end user under the format of independent layers that can be cut and assembled to the specific need to the end user and patient. The layers are assembled without the need of any adhesive. Totally haemocompatible and of behavior superior to polytetrafluoroethylene used for any soft tissue repaired, the field of this invention is demonstrated for cardiovascular therapy but should not be limited to it. It is of practical relevance of vein, tendon and hernias and dermal treatments.

An intraocular lenses having a plurality of drug-containing microspheres attached to the intraocular lens. The intraocular lenses can be used for patients undergoing cataract surgery and reduces the need for recurrent surgery, follow-up treatment or postoperative eye-drops. Also provides a method for manufacturing such an intraocular lens and the use of an intraocular lens in the treatment of cataract.

Devices and methods for balloon delivery of rapamycin and other hydrophobic compounds to the wall of blood vessels. Balloon catheters, such as those used for balloon angioplasty, are modified with the addition of a reservoir of dry micelles. The micelle preparation is reconstituted and the micelles are mobilized when the aqueous solution used to inflate the balloons is injected into the catheter. The micelles are infused into tissue surrounding the balloon when pressurized fluid within the balloon leaks through the wall of the balloon.

A hemostatic tissue sealant sponge and a spray for acute wounds are disclosed. The sponge comprises hydrophobically modified polymers that anchor themselves within the membrane of cells in the vicinity of the wound. The seal is strong enough to substantially prevent the loss of blood inside the boundaries of the sponge, yet weak enough to substantially prevent damage to newly formed tissue upon recovery and subsequent removal of the sponge. In examples, the polymers inherently prevent microbial infections and are suitable for oxygen transfer required during normal wound metabolism. The spray comprises hydrophobically modified polymers that form solid gel networks with blood cells to create a physical clotting mechanism to prevent loss of blood. In an example, the spray further comprises at least one reagent that increases the mechanical integrity of the clot. In another example, the reagent prevents microbial infection of the wound.