Inventors:
Warren Starkebaum - Plymouth MN, US
International Classification:
A61F 13/00
Abstract:
In general, the invention is directed to devices and methods for destroying targeted body tissue. A hydrogel implant, configured to be implanted in a target tissue, includes an associated chemical agent, such as a proteolytic chemical agent. When implanted in the targeted tissue, the implant expands and discharges the chemical agent, destroying the target tissue. Because the chemical agent is associated with the hydrogel implant, and because the hydrogel implant is less likely to move from its site of implantation, there is reduced risk that the chemical agent will migrate and adversely affect non-targeted tissues.