A tympanostomy tube containing a polymeric material and a drug is described. The polymeric material may comprise a non-resorbable polymer and a water-soluble polymer. The drug may be released when the device is contacted by an aqueous liquid such as middle ear exudate during otitis media. The implant may contain sufficient drug to treat multiple episodes of otitis media or to catch subsequent episodes in their early stages as a prophylactic. The device may be hydrophilic and further may contain a surfactant. The implant may be porous. The implant may have enhanced surface area at places exposed to middle ear liquid and may have enlarged mass so as to contain an increased total amount of drug. Intentional reorientation of the patient's head may aid in moving drug-containing liquid around the middle ear cavity. Similar implants can be used in other mucosal cavities.

Novel methods and materials particularly useful for ophthalmic applications and to methods for making and using the same are disclosed herein. More particularly, relatively soft, optically transparent, foldable, high refractive index materials particularly suited for use in the production of intraocular lenses, contact lenses, and other ocular implants and to methods for manufacturing and implanting IOLs made therefrom are disclosed.

The present invention relates to the preparation of a membrane for use in the repair of the middle ear including perforations and damage to the tympanic membrane. The invention also provides for compositions and methods for preparing composite silk fibroin and glycerol membranes using formic acid, where the membranes have improved mechanical and vibroacoustic properties.

Provided is a tympanic membrane or ear canal regeneration agent comprising a combination of a gelatin sponge that carries basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and a covering material. The covering material is used not only to fix the gelatin sponge to the affected portion, but also for the purpose of preventing drying and infections to provide a culturing environment that is favorable for regenerating tissue isolated from the outside. To promote tissue regeneration, the margin of the tympanic membrane or ear canal defect is preferably freshened in advance.

A process of forming a cross-linked electronically active hydrophilic co-polymer comprising the steps of: providing a co-monomer solution comprising at least one hydrophobic monomer, at least one hydrophilic monomer, water, at least one amino acid and at least one cross-linker; and polymerising the co-monomer solution.

A composite material that is a copolymer of at least (i) a functionalised carbon nanoparticle, (ii) a polyol, (iii) a compound comprising at least two isocyanate groups, wherein the functionalised carbon nanoparticle and the polyol are covalently bonded by a urethane and optionally a urea and/or an amide linkage, and a process for producing the same. The composite materials are suitable for use in moulded articles for implantation within a mammal.

Provided is a tympanic membrane or ear canal regeneration agent comprising a combination of a gelatin sponge that carries basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and a covering material. The covering material is used not only to fix the gelatin sponge to the affected portion, but also for the purpose of preventing drying and infections to provide a culturing environment that is favorable for regenerating tissue isolated from the outside. To promote tissue regeneration, the margin of the tympanic membrane or ear canal defect is preferably freshened in advance.

Antibacterial coatings and methods of making the antibacterial coatings are described herein. In particular, a method for forming an organocatalyzed polythioether coating is provided in which a first solution including a bis-silylated dithiol and a fluoroarene is prepared. A second solution including an organocatalyst is prepared. The first solution and the second solution are mixed to form a mixed solution. The mixed solution is applied to a substrate, and the substrate is cured.

A foam earplug for reception at least partially within the ear canal and including a body portion formed of resilient foam plastic material having a multiple open cell structure and having a size and shape for at least partial reception within the ear canal. A transdermal material having a particular beneficial action, and with an outer layer of the foam earplug infused with the transdermal material so that the benefits of the transdermal material is in transdermal contact with the ear canal. One example is a humectant material and, specifically, a moisturizer/lubricating material, for providing an increase to the lubrication and moisturizing in the ear canal. A second example is where the beneficial action is provided by systemic distribution such as a sleep aid, i.e., Melatonin, so that when the earplugs are worn during sleep, the earplugs will provide a sleep aid to the wearer.

A skeletal structure for an artificial pinna includes a base portion formed in a flat shape with a fibrous structural body using a bioabsorbable material, and a helix portion and an antihelix portion disposed on the front surface of the base portion. In the skeletal structure, the base portion is provided with a two-dimensional elastic structure, and the helix portion and the antihelix portion are provided with a three-dimensional fiber structure formed with the fibrous structural bodies. Thus, a flexible skeletal structure can be provided.