Lung Volume Reduction Therapy Using Crosslinked Biopolymers

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention relates to bronchoscopic lung volume reduction using solutions of biopolymers that can be polymerized in situ with a crosslinker and a polymeric additive which accelerates the cross-linking reaction. In certain embodiments, the biopolymer solutions can be in the form of a foam or gel. The biopolymer compositions disclosed herein may also be used for indications other than lung volume reduction, such as sealing fistulas or performing emergency tamponade of vessels.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A method of sealing a bronchopleural fistula in a patient, comprising the steps of administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a biopolymer, a cross-linker, and a polymeric additive; wherein said polymeric additive accelerates a cross-linking reaction between the biopolymer and the cross-linker, thereby sealing the fistula. 
     
     
         28 . A method of achieving pleurodesis in a patient, comprising the steps of administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a biopolymer, a cross-linker, and a polymeric additive; wherein said polymeric additive accelerates a cross-linking reaction between the biopolymer and the cross-linker. 
     
     
         29 . A method of sealing an air leak in a lung, comprising
 administering to a lung of a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a biopolymer, a and cross-linker, and a polymeric additive, thereby sealing the air leak in the lung.   
     
     
         30 . A method of attaching a first tissue to a second tissue of a patient in need thereof comprising, applying to said first tissue or said second tissue or both an effective amount of a composition comprising a biopolymer, a cross-linker, and a polymeric additive, thereby attaching said first tissue to said second tissue. 
     
     
         31 . A method of achieving hemostasis, comprising
 applying to a blood vessel of a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a biopolymer, a cross-linker, and a polymeric additive, thereby achieving hemostasis.   
     
     
         32 . A method of administering emergency tamponade to a bleeding vessel in a patient, comprising:
 administering to a bleeding vessel of a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a biopolymer, a and cross-linker, and a polymeric additive, thereby sealing the vessel.   
     
     
         33 . A method of administering emergency tamponade to a gastrointestinal vessel in a patient, comprising:
 administering to a gastrointestinal vessel of a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a biopolymer, a and cross-linker, and a polymeric additive, thereby sealing the vessel.   
     
     
         34 . A method of administering emergency tamponade to an internal organ in a patient, comprising:
 administering to an internal organ of a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a biopolymer, a cross-linker, and a polymeric additive, thereby preventing the organ from bleeding.