Abstract: This invention relates to an implantable medical device capable of encouraging cellular growth and regeneration of function fabricated totally or in part from one or more bioresorbable polymers, as for example bioresorbable homopolymers derived from the polymerization of alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acids, where at least one of the polymers has an average molecular weight of from about 234,000 to about 320,000 as measured by gel permeation chromatography.

Abstract: A sterile shaped prosthetic device, suitable for insertion into a mammalian body, is at least partly composed of a bioresorbable material that is digestible by macrophages, its surface properties favor the attachment and adhesion of fibroblast cells capable of producing collagen for organized connective tissues, and the material itself or its degradation products can induce in vivo the formation of new capillary vessels (termed a "vasotropic" effect herein). Preferred prosthetic devices have through passages, the interspatial dimensions which are sufficient to permit several layers of mammalian cells to form within each passage. The invading fibroblast cells commence formation of collagen leading to connective tissue while macrophages and extracellular enzymes degrade the material, and newly formed capillary vessels penetrate the prosthesis and provide blood containing oxygen and nutrients which further the formation of organized tissue around as well as within the prosthetic device.

Abstract: A sterile shaped prosthetic device, suitable for insertion into a mammalian body, is at least partly composed of a bioresorbable material that is digestible by macrophages, its surface properties favor the attachment and adhesion of fibroblast cells capable of producing collagen for organized connective tissues, and the material itself or its degradation products can induce in vivo the formation of new capillary vessels (termed a "vasotropic" effect herein). Preferred prosthetic devices have through passages, the interspatial dimensions which are sufficient to permit several layers of mammalian cells to form within each passage. The invading fibroblast cells commence formation of collagen leading to connective tissue while macrophages and extracellular enzymes degrade the material, and newly formed capillary vessels penetrate the prosthesis and provide blood containing oxygen and nutrients which further the formation of organized tissue around as well as within the prosthetic device.

Abstract: Bioresorbable polyesters composed of, in one aspect, the Krebs Cycle dicarboxylic acid or isomer or anhydride thereof, chosen for the group consisting of succinic acid, fumaric acid, oxaloacetic acid, L-malic acid, and D-malic acid, a diol having 2, 4, 6, or 8 carbon atoms, and an alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acid chosen from the group consisting of glycolic acid L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid.