This invention relates to imageable polymers, particularly those comprising poly vinylalcohol and to methods for making them as well as to embolic microspheres comprising the polymers. The microspheres are imageable during embolization procedures and can be loaded with drugs or other therapeutic agents to provide an imageable drug delivery system.

In accordance with one aspect, embolic particles are provided which comprise sub-particles that comprise a therapeutic agent of low solubility dispersed in a matrix that comprises a biodegradable polymer. Other aspects pertain to injectable compositions that comprise such particles and to methods of treatment that employ such injectable compositions. Still other aspects pertain to methods of making such particles.

A vaso-occlusion system for occluding an aneurysm includes a delivery catheter having a delivery lumen extending therethrough, a pusher member at least partially extending through the delivery lumen, and a vaso-occlusive device loaded within the delivery lumen, the vaso-occlusive device comprising an expandable braid formed out of a plurality of elongate braid filaments, the elongate braid elements having respective proximal end portions that are formed into a flexible transition section having a proximal end portion attached to a distal end of the pusher member and/or to an elongate central member coupled to, and extending distally of, the pusher member.

An embolic device for treating aneurysms or other vascular disorders may be more compliant than conventional devices, while still achieving desired porosity. In particular, the device may achieve the desired porosity only at discrete sections along the length of the device where such a porosity is required (e.g., sections that will block the neck of the aneurysm upon deployment). The remaining sections of the device can be configured to increase the device's compliance. For example, the remaining sections can be formed from less material than the sections with the desired porosity. In some instances, the sections with the desired porosity are formed from mesh-screen segments and the remaining sections are formed from coil segments. In some instances, the mesh-screen segments are configured to further enhance the device's compliance. For example, the mesh-screen segment can be formed from a layered structure that achieves greater compliance than conventional braided structures.

An embodiment includes a system comprising a thermoset polyurethane shape memory polymer (SMP) foam that includes at least one antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may include at least one phenolic acid that is a pendent group chemically bonded to a polyurethane polymer chain of the SMP foam. Other embodiments are described herein.

A microsphere includes a cross-linked hydrophilic substrate, a lipophilic substrate, and a surfactant. The cross-linked hydrophilic substrate includes cross-linked sodium alginate and gelatin. The lipophilic substrate includes iodized oil, C16-C18 alkyl alcohol, and polycaprolactone. The surfactant includes polyoxyethylene stearate. The microsphere is dry or substantially solid. Prior to being used for embolization, the microsphere can be immersed in a drug containing mixture to allow the microsphere to absorb the mixture and expand, thereby loaded with the drug. A method for preparing the microsphere and a method for embolizing tumor in a subject by using the microsphere are also provided.

A fallopian biocompatible plug can include differently expandable portions. A method of treating a uterine abnormality of a patient includes: providing an endoscope having a working channel; inflating a uterine cavity with a fluid; delivering a biocompatible plug into an ostium of a fallopian tube of the patient, wherein the biocompatible plug is substantially cylindrical in form and configured to be radially expandable, wherein the biocompatible plug is configured to expand in the ostium of the fallopian tube to seal the fallopian tube from the uterine cavity; delivering a resection device through the working channel; and resecting the uterine abnormality.

Described herein are formulations that transition from a liquid state to a solid state for use in the embolization of arteriovenous malformations (AVM's) and solid tumors.

Provided herein are methods, compositions, and devices for occluding cavities or passageways in a patient, in particular cavities or passageways in the cardiovascular system of a patient, such as the LAA of a patient's heart. The methods, compositions, and devices can be used to percutaneously occlude the LAA, decreasing the risk of thromboembolic events associated with AF.

Radiopaque hydrogels, in particular radiopaque hydrogel microspheres, comprising a polymer having 1,2-dil or 1,3-diol groups acetalized with radiopaque species.