Implantable device with bioabsorbable layer, kit and method for use therewith, and apparatus for preparing same

An otologic implant for placement in a pierced opening of an ear of a mammalian body comprising a terminal element adapted for overlying the pierced opening, a stud extending from the terminal element for placement in the pierced opening and having an outer surface, a layer of a bioabsorbable material provided on at least a portion of the outer surface of the stud and a pharmaceutical agent carried by the bioabsorbable material for eluting into the mammalian body when the stud is disposed in the pierced opening.

An apparatus for use with a supply of bioabsorbable material to prepare an implantable device for use in an externally-accessible pierced opening in a mammalian body comprising a support for temporarily securing to the implantable device, an application device for applying the bioabsorbable material to the implantable device, the application device being arranged to contact the implantable device secured by the support with the supply of bioabsorbable material and pharmaceutical agent and capable of applying the bioabsorbable material and pharmaceutical agent to the implantable device.

An apparatus for use with a supply of bioabsorbable material to prepare an implantable device for use in an externally-accessible pierced opening in a mammalian body comprising a framework, a first support carried by the framework and adapted for temporarily securing to the implantable device, a second support carried by the framework and adapted for engaging the supply of bioabsorbable material, the second support being positioned relative to the first support so that the bioabsorbable material in the supply carried by the second support contacts the implantable device carried by the first support.

A kit comprising a package having an implantable device for implanting into an externally-accessible pierced opening in a mammalian body, the implantable device including an implantable portion, and a container having a bioabsorbable material and medicament for applying to the implantable device prior to insertion into the externally-accessible pierced opening.

A kit comprising a package containing a sleeve carrying a bioabsorbable material and pharmaceutical agent, the sleeve being adapted for attachment to an implantable device for implanting into an externally accessible pierced opening in a mammalian body.

A method of delivering a medicament to an externally-accessible pierced opening in a mammalian body comprising applying a bioabsorbable material and a medicament to an implantable device, implanting the implantable device into the externally-accessible pierced opening, and eluting the medicament.

A method for implanting a device having an elongated member provided with a free end in a pierced opening of a mammalian body comprising applying a bioabsorbable material to the at least a portion of the elongated member at the site of implantation, inserting the elongated member through the opening and securing a clasp element to the free end of the elongated member to retain the elongated member in the opening.