Flowable collagen material for dural closure

Abstract

Flowable graft materials are provided which comprise collagen powder and a liquid in an amount sufficient to impart a flowable consistency to the material. The graft materials are sufficiently formable and pliable so as to provide both superior contact with and easier access to a surgical site than typical, more rigid grafts such as collagen sheets. These flowable materials may also be in a fluidized, paste-like and/or gel-like state and may be moldable and/or ejectable. The flowable collagen materials reduce and/or eliminate post implantation problems associated with other materials, e.g. synthetic dural sealants (hemostasis products), such as product swelling after application and implantation. The flowable graft materials are particularly useful as a dural graft.

1 . A graft material comprising collagen powder and a liquid in an amount effective to impart a flowable consistency, the material being effective as a dural graft. 
     
     
         2 . The graft material of  claim 1 , wherein collagen is selected from the group comprising Type 1 bovine collagen, porcine collagen, porcine small intestine submucosa and fetal bovine skin. 
     
     
         3 . The graft material of  claim 1 , wherein the collagen is present in an amount of about 25% wt/wt %. 
     
     
         4 . The graft material of  claim 1 , wherein the graft material is injectable from a syringe. 
     
     
         5 . The graft material of  claim 1 , wherein the graft material is fluid impermeable. 
     
     
         6 . The graft material of  claim 1 , wherein the collagen powder has a particle size in the range of about 0.1 to 10,000 microns. 
     
     
         7 . The graft material of  claim 6 , wherein the collagen powder has an average particle size in the range of about 100 to 400 microns. 
     
     
         8 . A graft material comprising collagen powder and a liquid, the collagen powder present in an amount of about 20% wt/wt %, the graft material being flowable and extrudable. 
     
     
         9 . The graft material of  claim 8 , wherein the collagen powder is present in an amount of about 11% wt/wt %. 
     
     
         10 . The graft material of  claim 8 , wherein the liquid is saline. 
     
     
         11 . The graft material of  claim 8 , wherein the graft material is effective for use a dural graft.