Abstract: A system for suture implantation according to embodiments of the present invention includes a suture implant component including a body which extends along a longitudinal dimension, the body including an opening configured to receive a suture, the body configured for attachment to the suture, the body being deformable, upon application of a tension to the suture, between a resting configuration in which the body has a first longitudinal dimension and a first transverse dimension, and an active configuration in which the body has a second longitudinal dimension smaller than the first longitudinal dimension and a second transverse dimension larger than the first transverse dimension, and further including a wall arranged about the longitudinal dimension, wherein the wall is deformable in an accordion-like manner as the body deforms from the resting configuration to the active configuration.

Abstract: This reinforcing band (1) for restoring a soft tissue, such as a tendon or a ligament, comprises a textile component with at least one free edge (2, 4). In addition, the or each free edge is folded back into an inner volume of the textile component in such a way as to define an attachment edge (6, 8) suitable for attachment to the soft tissue.

Abstract: The device (1) comprises a first snare (10) and a second snare (20), each of these snares comprising a contractable hollow elongated body (11, 21) which defines a longitudinal central axis (X10, X20) and which reduces its cross section when two opposed first (12, 22) and second (13, 23) ends thereof are axially moved away from each other. The first end (12) of the first snare (10) and the first end (22) of the second snare (20) are each open and adapted to be fitted and tightened around, respectively, two stumps (T1, T2) of a soft tissue (T) to be repaired. The second end (13) of the first snare (10) and the second end (23) of the second snare (20) are adapted to the axially pulled so that the second end of each of the two snares is passed alongside or through the body (11, 21) of the other snare.

Abstract: A scaffold for tissue reinforcement according to embodiments of the present invention includes a plurality of barbs configured to engage the tissue. Such scaffolds may include braids with barbed fibers in the axial positions, braids with flexible barb strips in the axial positions, weaves with barbed fiber in the warp positions, weaves with flexible barb strips in the weft positions, and cerclages or other structures with barbs on one surface to lock the scaffold upon itself. Such barbs may be configured to substantially prevent sliding in one or more directions, depending upon an orientation of the barbs. Flexible tack strips may be biocompatible and/or resorbable.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system functional for operating and updating an interactive voice response self care system which utilizes various types of models. The system is capable of improving the performance of the self care system through updating the models used in that system in a closed loop manner. The system is also potentially configured to utilize input from a human agent, such as a customer service representative, to which a customer call is transferred by a self care system.

Abstract: An implant and method for the repair of a tendon or a ligament along at least one load direction. The implant includes at least one first anchor portion and at least one tension member oriented along a load direction. The first anchor portion preferably has a larger surface area of engagement with the tendon or ligament to spread loads across more tissue. The tension member is preferably secured to the first anchor portion with an overlapping attachment. Tension on the tension member is preferably adjustable by the surgeon.

Abstract: A stump grinding machine for cutting and grinding a stump in the ground includes a mounting frame attachable to a powered vehicle and is a disc mount that is pivotally mounted to the mounting frame. The disc mount rotatably mounts or supports a grinding disc, such that the grinding disc may be pivoted about a generally horizontal pivot axis to move a face of the grinding disc into engagement with the stump to cut and grind the stump. The grinding disc may include a plurality of depth guides for limiting the depth of cut of teeth or blades on the face of the grinding disc. The support frame may be entirely supported at the powered vehicle, such that no support arms or legs or outriggers are positioned at an outer end of the support frame to support the grinding disc above the ground.

Abstract: Methods for tissue repair are provided employing a matrix comprising a biocompatible, bioerodable polymer, said polymer comprising a thermoplastic lactide-containing terpolymer of monomer units derived from lactic acid, glycolic acid, and either caprolactone or valerolactone, which has a water solubility of about 0.01 to about 500 mg/mL at about 25° C. and adhesive strength of about 600 to about 150,000 Pa and applying the matrix to a tissue defect. The matrix or adhesive can further comprise a filler or a bioactive agent, or both.

Abstract: Improved matrices and adhesives for tissue repair comprising a biocompatible, bioerodable polymer, said polymer comprising a thermoplastic lactide-containing terpolymer of monomer units derived from lactic acid, glycolic acid, and either caprolactone or valerolactone, which has a water solubility of about 0.01 to about 500 mg/mL at about 25° C. and adhesive strength of about 600 to about 150,000 Pa. The matrix or adhesive can further comprise a filler or a bioactive agent, or both.

Abstract: Methods for tissue repair are provided employing a matrix comprising a biocompatible, bioerodable polymer, said polymer comprising a thermoplastic lactide-containing terpolymer of monomer units derived from lactic acid, glycolic acid, and either caprolactone or valerolactone, which has a water solubility of about 0.01 to about 500 mg/mL at about 25° C. and adhesive strength of about 600 to about 150,000 Pa and applying the matrix to a tissue defect. The matrix or adhesive can further comprise a filler or a bioactive agent, or both.

Abstract: Methods for tissue repair are provided employing a matrix comprising a biocompatible, bioerodable polymer, said polymer comprising a thermoplastic lactide-containing terpolymer of monomer units derived from lactic acid, glycolic acid, and either caprolactone or valerolactone, which has a water solubility of about 0.01 to about 500 mg/mL at about 25° C. and adhesive strength of about 600 to about 150,000 Pa and applying the matrix to a tissue defect. The matrix or adhesive can further comprise a filler or a bioactive agent, or both.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to bioactive composition that induce the repair of damaged or diseased connective tissues upon contact of the damaged or diseased tissues with the composition in vivo. More particularly the present invention is directed to the use of a composition comprising an effective amount of pleiotrophin to enhance the repair of damaged or diseased bone and cartilage tissues.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to bioactive compositions that induce the repair of damaged or diseased connective tissues upon contact of the damaged or diseased tissues with the composition in vivo. More particularly the present invention is directed to the use of compositions comprising an effective amount of bone sialoprotein to enhance the repair of damaged or diseased bone.

Abstract: Bioactive compositions that induce or enhance the repair of damaged or diseased connective tissues upon contact of the tissues with the compositions in vivo include an effective amount of pleiotrophin. A delivery vehicle is also included in the compositions. The compositions may be delivered to the repair sites by injection or by implantation.

Abstract: Methods for tissue repair are provided employing a matrix comprising a biocompatible, bioerodable polymer, said polymer comprising a thermoplastic lactide-containing terpolymer of monomer units derived from lactic acid, glycolic acid, and either caprolactone or valerolactone, which has a water solubility of about 0.01 to about 500 mg/mL at about 25° C. and adhesive strength of about 600 to about 150,000 Pa and applying the matrix to a tissue defect. The matrix or adhesive can further comprise a filler or a bioactive agent, or both.

Abstract: Improved matrices and adhesives for tissue repair comprising a biocompatible, bioerodable polymer, said polymer comprising a thermoplastic lactide-containing terpolymer of monomer units derived from lactic acid, glycolic acid, and either caprolactone or valerolactone, which has a water solubility of about 0.01 to about 500 mg/mL at about 25° C. and adhesive strength of about 600 to about 150,000 Pa. The matrix or adhesive can further comprise a filler or a bioactive agent, or both.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biocompatible tissue reactive composition comprising a functionalized polymer having tissue reactive substituents that are capable of forming covalent bonds with tissue associated functional groups.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to bioactive composition that induce the repair of damaged or diseased connective tissues upon contact of the damaged or diseased tissues with the composition in vivo. More particularly the present invention is directed to the use of a composition comprising an effective amount of endothelin to enhance the repair of damaged or diseased bone and cartilage tissues.

Abstract: Improved matrices for tissue repair comprising a biocompatible, bioerodable polymer which has a water solubility of about 0.01 to about 500 mg/mL at about 25° C. and adhesive strength of about 600 to about 150,000 Pa; and pressure sensitive adhesives for tissue repair which have adhesive strength of about 600 to about 150,000 Pa. The matrix or adhesive can further comprise a filler or a bioactive agent, or both. The matrices and adhesives are tissue-adherent and dough-like so they can be molded to fit a repair site. When used for bone/implant fixation, or as a filler for bone or cartilage repair, gradual short-term bioerosion of the adhesive matrix allows it to be replaced with developing bone or cartilage tissue. When used for release of a bioactive agent, the agent can be mixed into the adhesive matrix well before the implantation procedure. After implantation, the bioactive agent is gradually released as the adhesive matrix biodegrades.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation of cartilage or bone precursor cells from hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells and their use in bone and cartilage regeneration procedures. The precursor cells are used for in vivo bone or cartilage repair by transplanting the cells, with or without a carrier material and without the need for in vitro culturing of the cells, to sites in the body requiring bone or cartilage repair.