Abstract: A bone joining implant, comprising a tubular body having an open leading end and a central aperture, the central aperture similarly sized to the open leading end, the open leading end communicating with the central aperture and configured to entrap a bone projection from each of a pair of adjacent bone bodies being joined together. A method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, and a method for making it from a single length of tubing. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common axis and interconnected by one or more interconnective elements. The individual radially expandable cylindrical elements consist of ribbon-like material disposed in an undulating pattern. Portions of the expanded stent project outwardly into engagement with the vessel wall to more securely attach the stent.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve for implantation within a fluid conducting lumen within a body includes an elongate generally cylindrical radially collapsible valve body scaffold defining a fluid passageway therethrough for retentive positioning within the lumen. A radially collapsible leaf valve member is supported by the scaffold includes a number of valve leafs deflectable between a closed position restricting fluid flow through the passageway and an open position permitting fluid flow through the passageway. The leaf valve member includes an interior leaf valve frame defining a valve leaf aperture which is sealed by a fluid impermeable non-thrombogenic lining to prevent fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc is treated by providing supplemental nutrition to increase viability and longevity. In the preferred embodiment, the invention uses one or more porous stents that function to irrigate the disc space. The stents provide channels for diffusion of fluids and nutrients from the vertebral endplates. The stents may extend across the vertebral endplates to facilitate the transfer of nutrients and oxygen from the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: The corrective element (3) is adapted to be implanted in an eye in line with the ciliary body and is shaped, to exert on the ciliary body a centripetal force (F1) directed perpendicularly to the optical axis (2) of the eye.

Abstract: A stent delivery system including a stent unit having a first portion and second portion which are contiguous with one another. The first and second portions are expandable through angioplasty balloons. The first portion is constructed with a recess in its collapsed position to hold the second portion. The second portion extends or protracts from the first portion to allow the stent to deploy in a bifurcated vessel. The stent may be employed with a delivery sheath that has separable portions.

Abstract: A novel endovascular approach useful in the treatment of aneurysms, particularly saccular aneurysms. The present endovascular prosthesis comprises a leaf portion capable of being urged against and blocking the opening of the aneurysm thereby leading to obliteration of the aneurysm. The leaf portion is attached to, and independently moveable with respect to, a body comprising at least one expandable portion. Thus, the body serves the general purpose of fixing the endovascular prosthesis in place at a target body passageway in the vicinity at which the aneurysm is located and the leaf portion serves the purpose of blocking the aneurysmal opening thereby leading to obliteration of the aneurysm. A method of delivering and implanting the endovascular prosthesis is also described.

Abstract: A stent and method of its use, the stent in its expanded configuration, exhibiting varying outward radial force along its length. In use, the expanded stent is of a tapered configuration which provides greater force in vessel regions requiring greater force and less force in regions requiring less. In particular the stent is useful in the ostium regions and at areas of bifurcation in vessels. Varying force over the length of the stent is achieved by varying the number of elements, the density of elements, the thickness of the elements making up the stent body, and maintaining a substantially metal to artery ratio in the expanded stent over its length.

Abstract: A novel endovascular approach useful in the treatment of aneurysms, particularly saccular aneurysms. The present endovascular prosthesis comprises a leaf portion capable of being urged against and blocking the opening of the aneurysm thereby leading to obliteration of the aneurysm. The leaf portion is attached to, and independently moveable with respect to, a body comprising at least one expandable portion. Thus, the body serves the general purpose of fixing the endovascular prosthesis in place at a target body passageway in the vicinity at which the aneurysm is located and the leaf portion serves the purpose of blocking the aneurysmal opening thereby leading to obliteration of the aneurysm. A method of delivering and implanting the endovascular prosthesis is also described.

Abstract: An endovascular support device for treatment of chronic restenosis or other vascular narrowing is disclosed together with a method of manufacture and a method for delivering a plurality of such devices to an affected area of a vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the endovascular support device comprises a unitary wire-like structure configured to form a plurality of upper and lower peaks which may be compressed for delivery to an affected area of a coronary or peripheral vessel in a human, and then expanded to maintain a passageway through the vessel.

Abstract: A woven vascular graft having a texturized outer surface to promote tissue ingrowth into the graft. The outer surface of the graft is equipped with a plurality of threads that are woven into, and extend from, the outer surface. The threads may be arranged in rows, lines or a geometric pattern. Alternatively, the threads may be towel-like. Such towel-like threads may be arranged in the form of a cuff at each end of the graft, or may cover larger portions of the exterior of the graft. The graft may be equipped with only one texture, or with a plurality of different textures.

Abstract: A stent having at least one smooth end is disclosed. The stent may include a coating or coatings on one or both end portions to provide a smooth finish to reduce possible damage to body passages when the stent is deployed and delivered. The stent may also contain drugs or surgical adhesives or a combination thereof in or on the coated portion of the stent. The stent may also be of the type where the materials of the stent may be treated to have a smooth flexible end or ends. The stent may also be of a configuration such that at least one end is more flexible than the middle portion of the stent.

Abstract: This invention provides for a novel orthopedic prosthesis, specifically a prosthetic tibial component for a prosthetic total knee joint, that comprises two constructs, one being a metal base construct that engages the bone and the other being a polyethylene bearing construct that attaches to the metal base construct and articulates with a femoral prosthetic component on the opposing side of the joint. The metal base construct is composed of two different metals, one of which engages the bone surface and the other of which engages the polyethylene bearing construct. Each of these metals is selected so that its characteristics are well suited to its particular function. More particularly, the first metal (i.e., the one that engages the bone surface) is selected so as to provide a superior bone-engaging face, while the second metal (i.e., the one that engages the polyethylene bearing construct) is selected so as to provide a superior polyethylene-engaging face.

Abstract: A method of treating a diseased or traumatized intervertebral disc is based upon the transplantation of one or more dehydrated biologic tissues into the disc space. In the preferred embodiment, dehydrated nucleus pulposis tissue is used, which may be combined with live nucleus cells. The dehydration allows the insertion of the transplanted cells and/or tissue through a smaller annular hole. Dehydration also decreases the volume of the material transferred, thus allowing the surgeon to insert more into the disc space. Once in the body, the materials hydrate by imbibing fluid from the surrounding area. In the case of nucleus pulposis tissue, the subsequent hydration helps to restore disc height and help prevent extrusion of disc material through the hole in the annulus. One or more therapeutic substances may be added, including culture media, growth factors, differentiation factors, hydrogels, polymers, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or immunosuppressive medications.

Abstract: Fibrocytes, annulus fibrosis cells, cells that differentiate into annulus fibrosis cells, or cells that function like annulus fibrosis cells are harvested and combined with the extracellular matrix of the annulus fibrosis from a recently deceased human or animal to produce an engineered annulus fibrosis. Any suitable material(s) are then added to the engineered disc tissue to restore disc height. For example, a shape-memory material or alloy that changes shape from a long narrow shape to a spherical shape would facilitate insertion through a relatively small incision followed by useful height restoration. Additional therapeutic substances like culture medium, growth factors, differentiation factors, hydrogels, polymers, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or immunosuppressive medications could be added to the transplanted annulus fibrosis tissue. The process can be used to replace or repair other tissues or organs of the body such as the meniscus of the knee.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting the edge geometry of an intraocular lens during polishing are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a protective device having a cavity configured to receive the lens and an annular peripheral portion for surrounding and protecting at least one edge corner of the lens. In one embodiment, the peripheral portion has a constant inner diameter and receives the lens in an interference fit. In another embodiment, the lens is trapped between flanges which extend radially inwardly from the peripheral portion. A lens that is encased in the protective device will have a polished central portion and an unpolished peripheral portion after the polishing process has been completed and the protective device has been removed.

Abstract: Transplanted meniscus tissue is used to treat degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, or other pathologic conditions of the spine. Harvested fibrocytes are added to a meniscus removed from a suitable donor, preferably a recently deceased human. The harvested meniscus could be processed to kill the cells but preserve the extracellular matrix. Killing the cells of the allograft meniscus minimizes the risk of disease transmission and graft refection. Fibrocytes or chondrocytes would be added to the harvested meniscus extracellular matrix prior to insertion of the engineered meniscus into a patient's spine. Alternatively, the cells could be added to the harvested meniscus during or after the meniscus is placed into a patient's spine.

Abstract: An implantable article is disclosed. The implantable article includes features for tightening or loosening the implantable article. In preferred embodiments, the adjustment may occur post or perioperatively.

Abstract: A totally implantable cochlear prosthesis is presented. An externally-activated subcutaneous switch controls functions of the prosthesis. A pliable bridge connecting two hermetically sealed housing sections, and corrugated conductor lines, provide for future dimensional changes due to head growth. An encapsulated microphone is positioned underneath the skin in the posterior wall of the external auditory canal. A modiolus-hugging electrode array is inserted into one of the cochlea scala. Periodic charging of the implanted battery is accomplished via an external mechanically held head-mounted device containing an external coil, said external coil inductively coupling electrical power to an implanted receiving coil. The external and implanted coils can also be used as a communication link to program the implanted electronics.

Abstract: Fibrocytes, annulus fibrosis cells, cells that differentiate into annulus fibrosis cells, or cells that function like annulus fibrosis cells are harvested and combined with the extracellular matrix of the annulus fibrosis from a recently deceased human or animal to produce an engineered annulus fibrosis. Autograft tendons are then used to strengthen the annulus fibrosis and to augment or replace the nucleus pulpous. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, tendons such as the palmaris longus are harvested from the patient, a suitable living donor, or a recently deceased human. The tendons are sewn or otherwise attached to the inside of the annulus fibrosis using percutaneous or laparoscopic procedures. The tendons aid the nucleus and/or replace the nucleus by absorbing the compression forces between vertebrae and by transferring the compression forces to the augmented annulus fibrosis.