Biodegradable polymer for marking tissue and sealing tracts

• US 7,972,619 B2
• Filed: 04/06/2007
• Issued: 07/05/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Biopsy Sciences LLC
• Original Assignee: Biopsy Sciences LLC
• Inventors: Fisher, John S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Azpuru; Carlos A
• Application Number:
  US11/784,310
• Publication Number:
  US 20080161848A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,551 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 424/444
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00004 (bio)absorbable, (bio)resorbable or resorptive
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00893 pharmaceutically effective
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00898 expandable upon contact with fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/39 Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2300/406 Antibiotics
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2300/41 Anti-inflammatory agents, e.g. NSAIDs
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2300/416 Anti-neoplastic or anti-proliferative or anti-restenosis or anti-angiogenic agents, e.g. paclitaxel, sirolimus
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2300/44 Radioisotopes, radionuclides
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2300/604 Biodegradation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 24/0015 Medicaments; Biocides
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 24/0031 Hydrogels or hydrocolloids
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 24/0042 Materials resorbable by the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 31/18 Materials at least partially X-ray or laser opaque

Abstract

A tissue marker formed of a biodegradable polymer having drug-delivery capabilities is combined with a sealant that encapsulates the tissue marker and which serves to help anchor the tissue marker against migration. The sealant is delivered to a site in dehydrated form and moisture inherent in tissue at the site expands the sealant. The expanded sealant is formed of a hydrogel and is therefore more compatible to the surrounding tissue than the material of the tissue marker. The sealant and the tissue marker are both bioabsorbed over time.

Claims

1. An implant for insertion into a lumen or void during a surgical procedure comprising:

a polymer plug and

a sealant covering at least a portion of the polymer plug, wherein the sealant comprises a hydrogel and anchors the implant against migration after insertion into the lumen or void.

2. The implant of claim 1, wherein the sealant ensleeves the polymer plug.

3. The implant of claim 1, wherein the sealant completely encapsulates the polymer plug.

4. The implant of claim 1, wherein the sealant expands when contacted by water.

5. The implant of claim 1, wherein the hydrogel comprises a biodegradable monomer selected from the group consisting of glycolide, lactide, c-caprolactone, p-dioxanone, trimethylene carbonate, and mixtures thereof.

6. The implant of claim 1, wherein the hydrogel comprises a non-biodegradable polymer selected from the group consisting of poly(hydroxyalkyl methylacrylates), poly(acrylamide), poly(methacrylamide), poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone), anionic hydrogels, cationic hydrogels, poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(ethylene glycol) and its derivatives, and mixtures thereof.

7. The implant of claim 1, wherein the polymer plug has a cylindrical cross section.

8. The implant of claim 1, wherein the polymer plug has an annular cross section.

9. The implant of claim 1, wherein the polymer plug comprises poly(lactide), poly(glycolide), poly(caprolactone), poly(dioxanone), poly(ethylene glycol), collagen, gelatin, copolymers of the foregoing, and mixtures of the foregoing.