The present invention provides for nanostructured fibrin and agarose hydrogels, preferably type VII agarose hydrogels, (NFAH) or non-nanostructured or pre-nanostructured fibrin and agarose hydrogels, preferably type VII agarose hydrogels, (FAH), as hemostatic agents designed for use as an adjunct or primary treatment in moderate intraoperative hemorrhage and in trauma. These hydrogels can be applied topically to the wound either on the skin in a laparotomy or as non-invasive manner in surgical procedures. Its nanostructure technology generates an adhesive stable fibrin clot required for hemostasis. The attachment properties of the hydrogel, as well as the rapid formation of a fibrin clot, ensures that a strong stable fibrin clot is formed shortly after application.

A biocompatible membrane comprised of alginate and hyaluronate. The membrane may be used to prevent unwanted scarring after surgery. The tissue adherence and the rate of bioresorption of the membrane may be modified through an external stimulus comprising a sequestering agent and a viscosity modifier.

A sheet structure comprising two joined extracellular matrix (ECM) tissue or sheet layers and a physiological sensor disposed therebetween; the ECM tissue being derived from a mammalian tissue source that includes small intestine submucosa (SIS), urinary bladder submucosa (UBS), stomach submucosa (SS), urinary basement membrane (UBM), liver basement membrane (LBM), amniotic membrane, mesothelial tissue, placental tissue and cardiac tissue.

A sheet structure comprising two joined extracellular matrix (ECM) tissue or sheet layers and a physiological sensor disposed therebetween; the ECM tissue being derived from a mammalian tissue source that includes small intestine submucosa (SIS), urinary bladder submucosa (UBS), stomach submucosa (SS), urinary basement membrane (UBM), liver basement membrane (LBM), amniotic membrane, mesothelial tissue, placental tissue and cardiac tissue.

There is provided a composition for topical application to the penis for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, the composition being free of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), sildenafil and an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and comprising volatile and non-volatile solvents, the volatile solvents comprising a lower alcohol and water and the non-volatile solvents comprising a polyhydric alcohol and a glycol. Preferably, the composition does not contain any pharmaceutically active ingredients for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Also provided is a method of determining the cooling ability of a test composition, such as the composition described above.

There is provided a composition for topical application to the penis for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, the composition being free of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), sildenafil and an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and comprising volatile and non-volatile solvents, the volatile solvents comprising a lower alcohol and water and the non-volatile solvents comprising a polyhydric alcohol and a glycol. Preferably, the composition does not contain any pharmaceutically active ingredients for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Also provided is a method of determining the cooling ability of a test composition, such as the composition described above.

An intraluminal endoprosthesis has a biodegradable metallic supporting structure and a biodegradable sleeve surrounding the supporting structure. The sleeve includes fibres applied to the outer side of the supporting structure. The sleeve can be formed from fibres that each have a polymer core and a hydrogel casing. The sleeve can the sleeve be formed from a fibre mixture of polymer fibres and hydrogel fibres.

An object is to provide a zwitterionic compound having an excellent protein adsorption inhibitory effect. The zwitterionic compound is a polymer comprising a unit represented by the following formula (1):

##STR00001##

wherein R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R.sup.2 is OH or O.sup.−, X.sup.1 is —O— or —N(Q.sup.1)-, Q.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-6 alkyl group, m is an integer of 1 to 12, and n is an integer of 1 to 4.

A method of manufacturing a therapeutic material incorporating a soft thermoformable elastomer with a phase change material exhibiting high latent heat of fusion. The compound provides elasticity, softness, formability, and heat over an extended duration and to facilitate prolonged skin contact at elevated temperatures. Used in combination with active ingredients the increased temperature and formability provides enhanced transdermal delivery through the skin. Thermoplastic elastomers may be manufactured by mixing together plasticizing oil, a triblock copolymer, a paraffinic substance and one or more additives, e.g., an antioxidant, an antimicrobial agent, and/or other additives to form a mixture which melted then cooled into the thermoplastic elastomer. During cooling, the thermoplastic elastomer may be molded or otherwise formed into any number of articles including, but not limited to, prosthetic liners, prosthetic sleeves, external breast prostheses, breast enhancement bladders, masks, wound dressing sheets, wound dressing pads, socks, gloves, malleolus pads, metatarsal pads, shoe insoles, urinary catheters, vascular catheters, and balloons for medical catheters both vascular as well as urinary. Active ingredients are preferably added to the cooling thermoplastic elastomer when the temperature is below 100° F. to prevent heat degradation and/or breakdown of vital proteins.

The disclosure pertains to implantable medical devices for controlled delivery of therapeutic agents. Some devices according to the disclosure have a titanium reservoir, and a porous titanium oxide based membrane to control the rate of release of the therapeutic agent. The reservoir contains a formulation of the active agent, including a stabilizer for the active agent, wherein the stabilizer is provided in an extended-release configuration or a sustained release carrier.