Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for accessing the interior of the heart through a wall thereof. The device includes a main body, a flange at an end thereof, and a passage therethrough to allow for access to the interior of the heart when the device is placed on an outer surface thereof. The device can be formed of any suitable biocompatible and/or biodegradable material, and can have a passage sized to allow for transmittance of tools/devices normally used for interventions in the interior of the heart therethrough.

Abstract: A cartridge device is provided for applying a fiber matrix to a tubular member such as a saphenous vein graft. The cartridge includes a housing, a tubular member holder, a rotational drive, and a polymer delivery assembly. The housing defines a chamber which surrounds the tubular member holder. The rotational drive rotates the tubular member during the fiber application process.

Abstract: A cell growth matrix is provided that comprises a biodegradable elastomeric polymer electrodeposited concurrently with a sprayed or electrosprayed liquid that is a physiological solution or which comprises a mammalian blood product such as serum, plasma or platelet rich plasma. The matrix is useful as a cell-growth matrix and for repair of a tissue in a mammal, for instance by implantation in a mammal at a site in need of repair, such as in an abdominal wall.

Abstract: A extracorporeal system for lung assist includes a housing, a blood flow inlet in fluid connection with the housing; a blood flow outlet in fluid connection with the housing; a plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers adapted to permit diffusion of gas between blood and an interior of the hollow gas permeable fibers, the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers being positioned between the blood flow inlet and the blood flow outlet such that blood flows around the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers when flowing from the blood flow inlet to the blood flow outlet; a gas inlet in fluid connection with the housing and in fluid connection with inlets of the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers; a gas outlet in fluid connection with the housing and in fluid connection with outlets of the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers; and at least one moving element to create velocity fields in blood flow contacting the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers.

Abstract: Devices for local delivery of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof are provided, wherein the devices comprise a polymeric matrix containing tacrolimus or a derivative thereof that provides for delayed and extended release of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof. The devices can locally deliver tacrolimus or a derivative thereof to injured nervous system tissue upon implantation in a subject. Thus, techniques for local delivery of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof and methods of treatment using such devices are also provided.

Abstract: A biohybrid scaffold is provided that is useful in clinical applications for abdominal wall reconstruction, pelvic floor repair, breast reconstruction, as well as other soft tissue repairs. Methods of making and using the biohybrid scaffold are provided.

Abstract: A extracorporeal system for lung assist includes a housing, a blood flow inlet in fluid connection with the housing; a blood flow outlet in fluid connection with the housing; a plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers adapted to permit diffusion of gas between blood and an interior of the hollow gas permeable fibers, the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers being positioned between the blood flow inlet and the blood flow outlet such that blood flows around the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers when flowing from the blood flow inlet to the blood flow outlet; a gas inlet in fluid connection with the housing and in fluid connection with inlets of the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers; a gas outlet in fluid connection with the housing and in fluid connection with outlets of the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers; and at least one moving element to create velocity fields in blood flow contacting the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers.

Abstract: A system for electrospinning a fiber matrix on a tubular member includes at least one nozzle, a tubular member in a spaced relationship to the at least one nozzle, and a fluid source for pressurizing a lumen of the tubular member. An electrical potential is applied between the at least one nozzle and either the tubular member or fluid from the fluid source. The electrical potential draws at least one fiber from the at least one nozzle to the tubular member.

Abstract: Provided herein is a bilayer medical device (e.g., “patch”) for use in treating ischemic cardiomyopathy as well as for treatment of other conditions. The medical device comprises a first, support layer and a second, ECM-containing layer over the first layer. Methods of making and using the device also are provided herein.

Abstract: Provided herein is a biodegradable elastomeric patch that can be implanted on a heart or other portions of the cardiovascular system to repair tissue deficiencies or tissue damage. The biodegradable elastomeric patch may be engineered to have mechanical properties similar to that of soft tissue and to provide mechanical support to the damaged tissue. The biodegradable elastomeric patch also may comprise therapeutic agents to aid in the healing process. Methods also are provided for using a biodegradable elastomeric patch for treating patients suffering from tissue damage or tissue deficiencies in the cardiac or cardiovascular system.

Abstract: An atrioventricular prosthesis device is provided. The device includes a frame at least partially defining and enclosing a central cavity, the frame having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a middle portion connected therebetween. The device further includes a valve construct formed, at least in part, from a cell growth scaffold, at least partially disposed within the central cavity defined by the frame. The valve construct includes: an annular portion defining an aperture and being connected to the frame for positioning the valve construct within the central cavity of the frame, and a plurality of leaflets extending longitudinally and radially inward from the annular portion. The frame and valve construct are transitionable to a deployed state, in which a diameter of at least a portion of the frame and the valve construct substantially conform to a diameter of a tricuspid and/or mitral valve opening.

Abstract: Provided herein is a mandrel for use in electrospinning prosthetic valve devices. Also provided are prosthetic valve devices for implantation in an animal or a human. Methods of making and using the valve devices are also provided herein.

Abstract: A cell growth matrix is provided that comprises a biodegradable elastomeric polymer electrodeposited concurrently with a sprayed or electrosprayed liquid that is a physiological solution or which comprises a mammalian blood product such as serum, plasma or platelet rich plasma. The matrix is useful as a cell-growth matrix and for repair of a tissue in a mammal, for instance by implantation in a mammal at a site in need of repair, such as in an abdominal wall.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions and methods for clinical imaging. In particular, these compositions and methods provide improvements to cardiovascular imaging. Such improvements are drawn to the creation and use of polymer-based microbubbles comprising metal nanoparticle additives that provide contrast images of highly improve resolution when compared to conventional lipid based microbubbles. For example, the compositions and methods may be used for dark field X-ray scattering contrast images for angiography.

Abstract: The invention relates to endovascular medical implant devices and materials of composition for forming these devices to provide improved mechanical properties and biodegradability. The devices include a combination or integration of superelastic material, biodegradable metal and, thin film nitinol and/or biodegradable polymer. A structural frame is formed of individual elongated pieces composed of biodegradable metal. These pieces are joined together by connector pieces composed of superelastic material. At least a portion of the structural frame has deposited thereon the thin film nitinol and/or biodegradable polymer. The structural frame of the device is collapsible for insertion in a delivery tube and, recoverable for deployment and placement in a vascular location of a patient body.

Abstract: A tubular tissue graft device is provided comprising a tubular member and a restrictive fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a circumference of the tubular tissue. The matrix may be electrospun onto the tubular tissue. In one embodiment, the tubular tissue is from a vein, such as a saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. Also provided is method of preparing a tubular graft comprising depositing a fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a perimeter of a tubular tissue to produce a tubular tissue graft device. A cardiac bypass method comprising bypassing a coronary artery with a tubular tissue graft device comprising a vein and a restrictive fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a circumference of the vein also is provided.

Abstract: A system for electrospinning a fiber matrix on a tubular member includes at least one nozzle, a tubular member in a spaced relationship to the at least one nozzle, and a fluid source for pressurizing a lumen of the tubular member. An electrical potential is applied between the at least one nozzle and either the tubular member or fluid from the fluid source. The electrical potential draws at least one fiber from the at least one nozzle to the tubular member.

Abstract: A method of forming an implantable article includes providing a biodegradable polymer including anti-thrombogenic groups along the length of the biodegradable polymer, biodegradable groups in the backbone of the biodegradable polymer and a plurality of functional groups adapted to react with reactive functional groups on a surface of the implantable article, and reacting at least a portion of the plurality of functional groups with the reactive functional groups on the surface of the implantable article.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of making an aligned ECM scaffold useful in refractive correction of the eye and repair of the cornea. Methods of use of the scaffold as well as a scaffold construct are provided.

Abstract: A system for electrospinning a fiber matrix on a tubular member includes at least one nozzle, a tubular member in a spaced relationship to the at least one nozzle, and a fluid source for pressurizing a lumen of the tubular member. An electrical potential is applied between the at least one nozzle and either the tubular member or fluid from the fluid source. The electrical potential draws at least one fiber from the at least one nozzle to the tubular member.