The present invention relates generally to the preparation and use of biological
tissue adhesives which rely on combining fibrinogen and thrombin. More particularly,
the present invention relates to a method of preparing a fibrin sealant whereby
said sealant is formed by reconstituting the fibrinogen or the thrombin component
in the presence of biological and/or non-biological agents such as drugs, chemicals,
and proteins. Preferably, these agents are introduced in solution, such as for
example, a corticosteroid-containing solution like a betamethasone solution containing
betamethasone acetate or betamethasone sodium phosphate; a triamicinolone solution;
or a methylprednisolone solution. These solutions may be substituted for, or provided
as a complement to, other solutions that are typically used in the preparation
of fibrin sealants such as, for example, calcium chloride. The invention further
relates to a novel method of using the improved fibrin sealant whereby the sealant
and accompanying agent(s) are delivered directly to a critical site within the
body and sealed in place due to the bio-static quality of the sealant. This provides
therapeutic value to patients through prolonged presence, and optionally time-released
delivery, of the specific agent(s) at the critical site.
