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.