| abstract |
"POLYMERIC THERMOGELIFICATION COMBINATIONS FOR BIOMATERIAL APPLICATIONS". Poly (n-isopropyl acrylamide) containing thermogelization polymers are described. Solutions of that polymer, copolymers or mixtures of the polymer with a second polymer such as poly (ethylene glycol), poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) or poly (vinyl alcohol) are liquid to room temperature and solid at body temperature. Thus, processes are also provided for implanting a hydrogel in a mammal by injecting the solution as a liquid at a temperature below body temperature at a selected site in the mammal at a temperature below body temperature, which then undergoes phase transition. to form a solid hydrogel in situ in the body as the implant warms to body temperature. Processes are also provided for use of these thermal gelling materials in various applications including flaccid core replacement / augmentation, wound care, vertebral disc replacement, cartilage replacement, joint replacement, surgical barriers, gastrointestinal devices, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, and breast augmentation. |