The present invention relates to improved methods for delivering
bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions. Antiadhesion
compositions can be made of intermacromolecular complexes of
carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene
oxides, multivalent cations and/or polycations. The polymers are
associated with each other, and are then used as fluids, gels or foams.
By providing a product bag, the compositions can be delivered as gels or
as sprays. By dissolving propellant gases in the compositions, the
materials can be delivered as foams, which have decreased density, and
therefore can adhere to surfaces that previously have been difficult to
coat with antiadhesion gels. Delivery systems can also provide mechanisms
for expelling more product, and for directing the flow of materials
leaving the delivery system. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion,
and/or hemostatic compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the
formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions. The biological and
physical properties of such compositions can be varied as needed by
carefully adjusting the pH and/or cation content of the polymer casting
solutions, polyacid composition, the polyalkylene oxide composition, or
by selecting the solids content of the composition. Antiadhesion
compositions may also be used to lubricate tissues and/or medical
instruments, and/or deliver drugs to the surgical site and release them
locally.