Absorbable Implants and Methods for Their Use in Hemostasis

Abstract

The present invention relates to mechanically hemostatic body-absorbable compositions having a putty-like consistency comprising a finely powdered polysaccharide and a biocompatible liquid comprising one or more block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.

1 - 293 . (canceled) 
     
     
         294 . A body-absorbable, mechanically hemostatic putty composition comprising Components 1 and 2 wherein Component 1 is a finely powdered polysaccharide and Component 2 is a biocompatible liquid comprising one or more block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, wherein Component 1 is 5-80% by weight of the final composition and Component 2 is 10-70% by weight of the final composition. 
     
     
         295 . The composition of  claim 294 , wherein the polysaccharide of Component 1 is selected from carboxymethyl cellulose and oxidized cellulose. 
     
     
         296 . The composition of  claim 294 , wherein the composition is sterile. 
     
     
         297 . The composition of  claim 294 , further comprising demineralized bone matrix. 
     
     
         298 . The composition of  claim 294 , further comprising an anti-infective agent or a colorant, or both. 
     
     
         299 . The composition of  claim 294 , wherein the average particle size of the finely powdered polysaccharide is below 25 microns. 
     
     
         300 . The composition of  claim 294 , wherein Component 1 is 20-50% of the composition by weight. 
     
     
         301 . The composition of  claim 300 , wherein Component 1 is carboxymethyl cellulose. 
     
     
         302 . A package comprising the composition of  claim 294 , wherein said composition is sealed in an aseptic barrier package, and is sterile or sterilizable. 
     
     
         303 . The package of  claim 302 , wherein the composition is in an amorphous form or in a generally rounded form, or in a generally parallelepiped form. 
     
     
         304 . The package of  claim 302 , wherein the package comprises a plunger or applicator whereby said composition is expellable from said package by the application of mechanical pressure applied to the plunger or applicator. 
     
     
         305 . The package of  claim 302 , wherein the package comprises a squeezable, deformable tube having an openable exit port whereby said composition is expellable from said tube by the application of mechanical pressure thereto. 
     
     
         306 . A method for mechanically controlling the bleeding of bone which comprises applying an effective amount of the composition of  claim 294  to the affected area.