Formation of barrier layer

Abstract

A barrier layer and corresponding method of making provide anti-inflammatory and anti-adhesion functionality for a medical device implantable in a patient. The barrier layer can be combined with a medical device structure to provide anti-adhesion characteristics, in addition to improved healing and anti-inflammatory response. The barrier layer is generally formed of a naturally occurring oil, or an oil composition formed in part of a naturally occurring oil, that is at least partially cured forming a cross-linked gel derived from at least one fatty acid compound. In addition, the oil composition can include a therapeutic agent component, such as a drug or other bioactive agent.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 613808, filed Sep. 28, 2004, for all subject matter common to both applications. The disclosure of said provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application also relates to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. ATA-427), filed concurrently with this application on Sep. 28, 2005.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to barrier layers that are able to provide anti-adhesion, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing functionality, with the potential to deliver therapeutic agents to a targeted location, while adhering to a medical device, and more specifically the application of barrier layers to biocompatible mesh structures. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Biocompatible medical film is often used in surgical settings. For example, Seprafilm®, a product of Genzym...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a method and device for applying a barrier layer to a biocompatible medical device using a reservoir of biological oil or oil composition. The method involves motivating the device through the oil or oil composition in the reservoir using a roller mechanism, and removing excess oil or oil composition from the device using a wiping surface. The barrier layer can be applied using an applicator, such as a roller or sponge, and can include therapeutic agents to provide controlled release. The device can maintain the device in a horizontal orientation during application. The technical effects of the invention include a uniform consistent coverage of the device with a barrier layer that can be applied in a repeatable and controllable manner.

Problems solved by technology

However, such commercially available adhesion prevention and adhesion barrier products often are difficult to handle and apply to the targeted location due to their chemical make up and bio-dissolvable properties.

The composition and structural properties of these bio-dissolvable products require that they be handled with dry hands or instruments, which can be difficult during most surgical intervention operations.

Furthermore, many of these bio-dissolvable films are made intentionally to be thin to minimize tissue disruption and consequently end up being structurally weak (i.e., easily torn or folded during handling).

If a mesh does not have proper coverage then there may be areas of the mesh that does not have proper barrier protection which can lead to all the problems typically associated with uncoated meshes.

Similar problems can arise when the coating is not uniform.

Non-uniform coatings can cause inconsistent interactions, especially when a therapeutic agent is being delivered.

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