Apparatus and method for local application of polymeric material to tissue

US6468520B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Focal, Inc · US

Inventors

• Stephen C. Rowe · Wellesley, US
• Jeffrey A. Hubbell · Austin, US
• Stephen J. Herman · Evergreen, US
• Vae Sun · Palo Alto, US
• Michael F. Lang · North Andover, US
• George E. Selecman · Marblehead, US
• Frederick F. Ahari · Newton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 20, 1999
• Grant date: Oct 22, 2002
• Expiry date: Dec 20, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/0816
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for applying to a surface of mammalian tissue including soft, living tissue an initially fluent material and then activating the material by exposure to an energy source. The material may be a liquid capable of polymerization to a non-fluent state by exposure to actinic light. The device, and methods that may be practiced in association with the device, enable a wide range of medical conditions to be treated including, for example, the application of a barrier to soft tissue to prevent post-surgical adhesions.