Focal, Inc.

Other

Genzyme Corporation

Fei Yao

Amarpreet S Sawhney

Luis Z Avila

Arthur J Coury

Shikha P Barman

Stephen D Goodrich

Ronald S Rudowsky

Douglas J Weaver

Peter K Jarrett

David J Enscore

William C Nason

Michelle D Powell

Michelle D Lyman

Xiaowei Sun

There is provided a microcatheter with a tapering wall thickness shaft having varying stiffness/flexibility along its length from proximal end near the medical practitioner to the distal end near the target site in the patient, such as with at least three segments. The shaft is prepared of a thermoplastic material having varying composition along its length. The distal end may be shaped according to the required use just prior to the medical procedure. The microcatheter is particularly adapted for the delivery of microspheric compositions for treatment of tumors or fibroids by embolization of peripheral blood vessels of the tumor or fibroid.

Vascular microcatheter

Water-soluble macromers including at least one hydrolysable linkage formed from carbonate or dioxanone groups, at least one water-soluble polymeric block, and at least one polymerizable group, and methods of preparation and use thereof are described. The macromers are preferably polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light or visible light excitation. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. The macromers can be used to encapsulate cells, deliver prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic agents in a controlled manner, plug leaks in tissue, prevent adhesion formation after surgical procedures, temporarily protect or separate tissue surfaces, and adhere or seal tissues together.

Polymerizable biodegradable polymers including carbonate or dioxanone linkages

Polymerizable biodegradable polymers including carbonate or dioxanone

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North Andover, MA, United States of America

Fei Yao