Fragmented polymeric compositions and methods for their use

Abstract

Cross-linked hydrogels comprise a variety of biologic and non-biologic polymers, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and synthetic polymers. Such hydrogels preferably have no free aqueous phase and may be applied to target sites in a patient's body by extruding the hydrogel through an orifice at the target site. Alternatively, the hydrogels may be mechanically disrupted and used in implantable articles, such as breast implants. When used in vivo, the compositions are useful for controlled release drug delivery, for inhibiting post-surgical spinal and other tissue adhesions, for filling tissue divots, tissue tracts, body cavities, surgical defects, and the like.

1 . A kit comprising:
 a composition comprising a sterile biocompatible resorbable molecular cross-linked gel;   written instructions to apply the gel onto a target site on tissue; and   a container holding the composition and the written instructions.   
     
     
         2 . A kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the gel is dehydrated. 
     
     
         3 . A kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the gel is hydrated. 
     
     
         4 . The kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the gel biodegrades in a patient's body in a time period ranging from 2 to 30 days. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the gel has an equilibrium swell ranging from 500% to 1100%. 
     
     
         7 . The kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the kit further comprises a bioactive component. 
     
     
         8 . The kit according to  claim 7 , wherein the bioactive component is a hemostatic agent. 
     
     
         9 . The kit according to  claim 8 , wherein the hemostatic agent is thrombin. 
     
     
         10 . The kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the kit further comprises an aqueous medium. 
     
     
         11 . The kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the kit further comprises a tray. 
     
     
         12 . A kit comprising:
 (a) a sterile package;   (b) a device present inside of the sterile package, wherein the device consists of:
 (i) a syringe; and 
 (ii) an amount of a resorbable fragmented cross-linked gelatin gel present in the syringe, wherein the gel biodegrades in a patient's body in a time period ranging from 1 to 90 days and has an equilibrium swell ranging from 400% to 1300%; and 
   (c) written instructions for use.   
     
     
         13 . The kit according to  claim 12 , wherein the gel biodegrades in a patient's body in a time period ranging from 2 to 30 days. 
     
     
         14 . The kit according to  claim 12 , wherein the gel has an equilibrium swell ranging from 500% to 1100%. 
     
     
         15 . The kit according to  claim 12 , wherein the kit further comprises a bioactive component. 
     
     
         16 . The kit according to  claim 15 , wherein the bioactive component is a hemostatic agent. 
     
     
         17 . The kit according to  claim 16 , wherein the hemostatic agent is thrombin. 
     
     
         18 . The kit according to  claim 12 , wherein the kit further comprises an aqueous medium. 
     
     
         19 . The kit according to  claim 12 , wherein the kit further comprises a tray.