Biodegradable Splint And Method Of Producing The Same

A method for producing a biodegradable splint for use in a nasal cavity, the method comprising:

• providing a phase-separated polymer including an amorphous segment and a crystalline segment;
• providing a tissue-adhesive polymer including a functional group selected from a carboxylic acid, an activated ester, an acid chloride, an anhydride, an aldehyde, p-nitrophenyl carbonate, an epoxide, an isocyanate, a vinyl sulfone, maleimide, o-pyridyl-disulfide, a thiol, or a combination thereof;
• blending the phase-separated polymer with the tissue-adhesive polymer to create a blended mixture;
• providing a carrier extending from a proximate end to a distal end and defining a plurality of voids;
• combining the carrier and the blended mixture in a mold;
• and
• forming a foam having a porosity of 80-99% from the blended mixture with the foam disposed within the plurality of voids.

A biodegradable splint for a nasal cavity, the biodegradable splint comprising:

• a carrier extending from a proximate end to a distal end for increasing the structural rigidity of the biodegradable splint;
• a foam at least partially surrounding the carrier, the foam having a porosity of 80-99% and comprising a phase-separated polymer including an amorphous segment and a crystalline segment;
• and
• a tissue-adhesive polymer dispersed throughout the foam for covalent bonding, the tissue-adhesive polymer including a functional group selected from a carboxylic acid, an activated ester, an acid chloride, an anhydride, an aldehyde, p-nitrophenyl carbonate, an epoxide, an isocyanate, a vinyl sulfone, maleimide, o-pyridyl-disulfide, a thiol, or a combination thereof;
• a chitosan hemostatic agent;
• and
• a buffer agent for establishing an environment in the nasal cavity to promote covalent bonding between the tissue-adhesive polymer and tissue in the nasal cavity.