Patent ID: 6423332
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: A61L

Abstract:
A composition, comprising:a continuous phase comprising an aqueous solvent having dissolved therein a hydrogel solid carrier and a dehydrating agent in relative amounts effective to render said solid carrier solid at temperatures less than about 10Â° C. or greater than about 30Â° C. and fluid at temperatures between about 10Â° C. and about 30Â° C.; and a discontinuous phase comprising a plurality of hydrophilic hydrogel particles that are swellable in said aqueous solvent, that are not biodegradable for periods of time in excess of one year, and that have a hydrated diameter of greater than about 25 microns upon hydration by physiologic fluid, wherein a final volume of said hydrophilic hydrogel particles upon hydration by physiologic fluid is substantially the same as an initial volume of said composition.