Methods for tissue welding using laser-activated protein solders
AssigneeThe General Hospital Corporation
InventorsMichael R. Hamblin, John Khadem
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Various tissue glues have drawback such as toxicity, causing inflammatory reactions or insufficient bonding strength. The invention is directed to methods of form tissue adhesion by administering to tissues compositions comprising proteins conjugated to one or more novel photosensitizers and irradiating the composition. The composition may further comprise one or more proteins not conjugated to the photosensitizer. Additionally, the present invention relates to compositions and methods wherein increased ratios of protein to photosensitizer enhance weld strength.
Claims46
A method to weld tissue together, comprising the steps of:
- (a) applying to at least one tissue a composition comprising at least one photosensitizer and at least one proteinaceous compound or at least one lipid;
- and
- (b) irradiating said composition with electromagnetic energy wherein said irradiating promotes adhesion of said tissue to at least a second tissue and wherein;
- (i) the ratio of total proteinaceous molecules in said composition and said at least one photosensitizer is from about 10:1 to about 1:10;
- (ii) the composition is applied at of from about 10 mg said composition per cm2 of said tissue to about 500 mg said composition per cm2 of said tissue;
- or
- (iii) said composition has a viscosity of about 40 to about 100 poise before said irradiation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.