Abstract: A tissue adhesive material that provides fast and robust adhesion even on tissue surfaces covered in bodily fluids. The tissue adhesive material is formed of a hydrophobic matrix and a plurality of bioadhesive microparticles dispersed within the hydrophobic matrix configured such that disposing the adhesive material directly on a fluid covered surface and applying pressure causes the (a) hydrophobic matrix to repel the fluid, (b) the bioadhesive particles to compress forming an adhesive layer, and (c) the bioadhesive particles to form temporary crosslinks followed by covalent crosslinks with the surface.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to materials having microscale and/or nanoscale features and particularly, but not exclusively, to porous materials comprising microscale features, methods for producing porous materials comprising microscale features, drug delivery vehicles, and related kits, systems, and uses.

Abstract: The invention includes a dilator comprising a tube and an elastic, unitary sleeve that is slidable both longitudinally and transversely to the cylindrical barrel when disposed on the tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising containers and silk elements. Disclosed herein are methods of regenerating an at least partially severed nerve cell. Disclosed herein are compositions for regenerating an at least partially severed nerve cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for preparing a nerve conduit, more particularly to a method for preparing a porous nerve conduit having micropores formed in microchannels and the nerve conduit prepared according to the present disclosure can be usefully used in in-vitro and in-vivo researches on nerves.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for providing reduced pressure to a defect in a nerve is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a nerve conduit having a generally tubular shape that has walls including a luminal wall surrounding the tissue site to contain fluids within a luminal space between the tissue site to contain fluids within a luminal space between the tissue site and the luminal wall. The apparatus further comprises a manifold having a porous body and a connector for receiving reduced pressure, wherein the manifold is positioned within the luminal space adjacent the tissue site to distribute the reduced pressure to the defect. Additionally, a method for providing reduced pressure to a defect in a nerve is disclosed that includes implanting the nerve conduit and manifold at a site of damaged nerve tissue and applying a reduced pressure to the manifold thereby stimulating repair or regrowth of nerve tissue.

Abstract: A scaffold comprising an aligned fiber. Further, a scaffold comprising one or more electrospun fibers wherein a fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis result of the fibers have adjacent major peaks with about 180° apart from each other. Also, methods for promoting differentiation of stem cells into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, ligament or tendon, the method comprising culturing the cells on the scaffold or aligned fiber in conditions suitable for the cell differentiation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus comprising a clip which includes a first side including a first ring configured to pass over an end of a first vessel, the first ring configured to engage the first side with the first vessel, and a second side coupled to the first side, the second side including a second ring configured to pass over an end of a second vessel, the second ring being configured to engage the second side with the second vessel. The first and second sides, when in a closed position, are configured to maintain the first and second vessels in substantially end-to-end contact.

Abstract: In one aspect, apparatuses for providing chemical gradients are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus described herein comprises a conduit having a first end and a second end, one or more microchannels disposed in the conduit and extending from the first end toward the second end, and a fiber coiled around the exterior of at least one microchannel, wherein the fiber comprises an active agent that is operable to diffuse into the interior of the microchannel.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to membranous tissue grafts comprising one or more pre-made attachment points. The one or more pre-made attachment points may include pre-made markings and/or pre-made suture holes. The membranous tissue grafts can be in the form of a tube. The membranous tissue grafts can also be rectangular in shape and can be used in a nerve repair by wrapping the severed or damaged nerve. In some embodiments, the membranous tissue grafts are suitable for repairing severed nerves that have a short gap or no gap with a gap of less than 5 mm between the severed stumps. Accordingly, methods are provided for repairing a damaged or severed nerve by implanting the membranous tissue grafts on to the damaged or severed nerve.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials, including sets of nerve grafts, for performing breast neurotization with xenograft nerves in breast surgeries, such as reconstructive breast surgery. Certain embodiments of the set of nerve grafts comprise at least two nerve grafts prepared from one or more nerves, such as one or more intercostal nerves (ICNs), obtained from one or more animal sources. Such animal-sourced nerve grafts may be used as xenografts in the reconstruction of nerve defects in humans, and in particular, animal-sourced ICN grafts may be used as xenografts in the reconstruction of ICN nerve defects in humans, including through use of the breast neurotization technique described herein. These animal-sourced nerve grafts may also be used in the reconstruction of nerve defects in animal recipients, including as xenografts, allografts and autografts.

Abstract: An implantable drug-delivery device for repairing a severed peripheral nerve. The drug-delivery device includes a matrix formed of a biopolymer and an erythropoietin (EPO) entrapped in the matrix. After in vivo implantation of the drug-delivery device, the EPO elutes over a period of 1 day to 12 weeks. Also disclosed is a method for repairing a severed peripheral nerve using the implantable drug-delivery device.

Abstract: A device may include a shaft with a dispensing channel, an evacuating channel, a proximal end, and a distal end. The device may further include an enclosure attached to the distal portion of the shaft, the enclosure having a first portion and a second portion that form a bore when the enclosure is closed. The device may further include a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft, which is configured to open and close the enclosure. A method of delivering a solution to a nerve repair site may include obtaining such a device, closing its enclosure around the nerve repair site, delivering one or more solutions through the dispensing channel to the nerve repair site, removing one or more solutions through the evacuating channel from the nerve repair site, and opening the enclosure to remove it from the nerve repair site.

Abstract: A differential tissue-engineered nerve including motor-like nerves and sensory-like nerves. The motor-like nerve and the sensory-like nerve respectively includes a motor-like nerve outer tube and a motor-like nerve fiber in the outer tube as well as a sensory-like nerve outer tube and a sensory-like nerve fiber in the outer tube. Schwann cells and/or fibroblasts derived from motor nerves and sensory nerves are respectively contained in surfaces or pores of the motor-like and sensory-like nerve outer tubes. Transsynaptic signal molecules Neuroligin-1 and Neuroligin-2 are contained in surfaces or pores of the motor-like and sensory-like nerve fibers. Neuroligin-1 is selectively used to specifically promote synaptic remodeling of motor neurons, while Neuroligin-2 is selectively used to specifically promote synaptic remodeling of sensory neurons, so that repair efficiency of motor nerve cells and sensory nerve cells is improved.

Abstract: Provided is a medical fabric that is thin, and has both high tear strength and low water permeability. The medical fabric is characterized in that multifilament yarns having a total fineness of 7-80 dtex are disposed in the warp and weft, the single yarn fineness of at least one of the multifilament yarns among the warp and weft is 0.5 dtex or less, the twist factor A of the weft is 50-2,000, the thickness is 10-90 ?m, and the water permeability both before and after puncture by a needle is 300 cc/min/cm2 or less.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a nerve conduit, more particularly to an apparatus for manufacturing a porous nerve conduit using glass fibers whereby microchannels are formed using the space between the glass fibers and the defective rate and location-dependent variation of each nerve conduit can be minimized through uniform decompression during the manufacture. The nerve conduit manufactured according to the present disclosure can be manufactured to have various diameters and lengths to be applicable to in vitro and in vivo researches on nerves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neurotrophic factor carrier, particularly to a neurotrophic factor carrier wherein the neurotrophic factor is contained in a porous nerve conduit having micropores formed in microchannels, a method for preparing the same and a method for regenerating a nerve using the same, wherein the neurotrophic factor carrier prepared according to the present invention is applicable to in-vitro and in-vivo researches on nerves.

Abstract: A biocompatible nerve conduit for nerve re-generation, wherein a porous fiber tube is coated with a bioresorbable hydrogel, with the fibers being formed from a polymer that supports nerve regeneration by preferential adsorption of endogenous proteins and braided with pores in the range from 5 to 200 micrometers using a kink-resistant braiding pattern and the hydro gel coating material and thickness being selected to control the overall porosity, so that nutrients and oxygen can diffuse through said hydrogel coating but the infiltration of fibrous tissue through the coating is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for three-dimensional reconstruction of fascicular structure of human peripheral nerve, which comprises the steps of: obtaining human peripheral nerve and preparing a peripheral nerve sample; immersing the peripheral nerve sample into a liquid; setting scan parameters of Micro-MRI, scanning the peripheral nerve sample by Micro-MRI, to acquire image data of the peripheral nerve sample in the liquid environment; and three-dimensional reconstructing a structural model of the peripheral nerve sample based on the image data. By means of the method according to the present invention, high-quality scanned images are obtained without destroying the morphology and physical and chemical properties of peripheral nerve, so as to obtain a precise three-dimensional visualization model of peripheral nerve fascicle.

Abstract: A nerve repair conduit configured to be secured on first and second portions of a selected nerve. The nerve repair conduit includes a polymeric body having a proximal end, a distal end, an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior lumen. In addition, the nerve conduit includes at least one drug reservoir to hold agent(s) that may facilitate nerve regeneration. The drugs diffuse from the drug reservoir(s) into the nerve repair conduit through an outlet (such as a hole or a semipermeable membrane) in proximity to the first and second portions of a selected nerve. The nerve repair conduit may be configured to deliver the agent(s) at a rate having substantially zero-order kinetics and/or at a constant rate over a selected period of time.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials and methods for performing breast neurotization with allogeneic or autologous nerves in breast surgeries, such as reconstructive breast surgery. Certain embodiments of the methods comprise harvesting and implanting one or more allogeneic or autologous intercostal nerves 10 to 12 to one or more of the patient's intercostal nerves 2 and/or 3.

Abstract: To increase the resistance to liquid and substance flow through a lumen of a tubular organ, a flexible apparatus is appended to an exterior wall of the tubular organ such that it only partially surrounds the tubular organ. Ultimately, tissue ingrowth through the apparatus integrates the apparatus into the wall of the tubular organ. When the apparatus is applied to tubular tissue, flow though the tubular tissue is restricted. The apparatus may also support an optional expandable component, e.g., a balloon-like element that can be selectively inflated and/or deflated to restrict the lumen of the tubular tissue by a desired degree.

Abstract: A nerve repair conduit configured to be secured on first and second portions of a selected nerve. The nerve repair conduit includes a polymeric body having a proximal end, a distal end, an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior lumen. In addition, the nerve conduit includes at least one drug reservoir to hold agent(s) that may, for example, facilitate nerve regeneration. The drugs diffuse from the drug reservoir(s) into the nerve repair conduit through an outlet (e.g., a semipermeable membrane) in proximity to the first and second portions of a selected nerve. The nerve repair conduit may be configured to deliver the agent(s) at a rate having substantially zero-order kinetics and/or at a constant rate over a selected period of time (e.g., at least 1 week).

Abstract: Methods for treating tissue matrices and tissue matrices produced according to the methods are provided. The methods can include treating select portions of a tissue matrix with a cross-linking agent and/or a proteolytic enzyme to produce a tissue matrix with variable mechanical and/or biological properties.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for providing reduced pressure to a defect in a nerve is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a nerve conduit having a generally tubular shape that has walls including a luminal wall surrounding the tissue site to contain fluids within a luminal space between the tissue site to contain fluids within a luminal space between the tissue site and the luminal wall. The apparatus further comprises a manifold having a porous body and a connector for receiving reduced pressure, wherein the manifold is positioned within the luminal space adjacent the tissue site to distribute the reduced pressure to the defect. Additionally, a method for providing reduced pressure to a defect in a nerve is disclosed that includes implanting the nerve conduit and manifold at a site of damaged nerve tissue and applying a reduced pressure to the manifold thereby stimulating repair or regrowth of nerve tissue.

Abstract: A sizing forceps is provided for fixing a nerve in place, measuring the diameter of the nerve, and providing an efficient way to resect the nerve. A sizing forceps can have an upper and lower jaw with one or more aligned notches that form apertures for holding a nerve. The apertures can have predetermined sizes that can be used to measure the diameter of a nerve. A slicing slot in the upper and lower jaw allows a nerve within an aperture to be severed to obtain a non-frayed end.

Abstract: A method and device for promoting healing of an injury in a living being are provided. Such method and device are based upon an injury covering portion, which portion comprises an electroactive polymer, such as poled polyvinylidine difluoride (PVDF) or a copolymer of PVDF. The electroactive polymer has either pyroelectric properties, piezoelectric properties, or both.

Abstract: A nerve guidance conduit includes one or more guidance channels formed as porous polymeric structures. The guidance channels are within an outer tubular structure that includes randomly-oriented nanofibers. The guidance channels may have electrospun nanofibers on their inner and outer surfaces in a parallel alignment with the guidance channels. Such aligned nanofibers may also be present on the inner surface of the outer tubular structure. The outer surfaces of the guidance channels and the inner surface of the tubular structure define additional guidance channels. Such a nerve guidance conduit provides augmented surface areas for providing directional guidance and enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration. The structure also has the mechanical and nutrient transport requirements required over long regeneration periods.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward providing enhanced structural support to an organ. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes structure configured and arranged to partially encircle a tubular organ, having a semi-cylindrical shape with a tapered end and blunt end of the cylinder. A gap region provides a region of the organ that is unrestricted/unsupported. Struts/lattice facilitate ingrowth of tissue, and couple the apparatus to the organ, which allows the apparatus to provide support/restrict flow in the organ without necessarily coupling to any other structure (e.g., with the majority or all of the support provided via the apparatus as coupled onto and terminating on a sidewall of the tubular organ).

Abstract: A reduced-pressure treatment system includes an isolation device for isolating a tissue site from surrounding tissue for reduced-pressure treatment that is formed from a first material having a first bio-absorption term and at least a second material having a second and different bio-absorption term. The different materials allow the isolation device initially to function well for reduced-pressure treatment and then to experience degradation at a quicker pace which facilitates healing.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hook fastener has a plurality of hooks and a loop fastener has a plurality of loops to secure tissues sections to one another. At least one of these fasteners has a porous surface to allow tissue ingrowth to secure the fastener to the tissue. In another embodiment, only a single fastener is used, with a section of tissue being treated to engage and mate with the fastener. The disclosed tissue fastening systems can be used for a number of applications. One such example includes fastening tissue sections by wrapping a tissue fastener around the tissue and securing the fastener on itself. A suture may also be secured with the tissue fastener.

Abstract: An apparatus for coaptation of first and second severed nerve segments. The apparatus includes a plurality of nerve-engaging features or coupling members that each connect to another coupling member to form coupling pairs. The coupling pairs are advantageously movable relative to each other to permit nerve swelling, inhibit nerve compression, and facilitate delivery of pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: A bioresorbable material incorporating magnesium (Mg) wires into NGCs is disclosed. The bioresorbable material includes magnesium, and a biodegradable polymer, for example, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA). The bioresorbable material can include magnesium wires incorporated into a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) scaffold to provide both directional and biological cues in a fully bioresorbable material. A method of producing a bioresorbable material is also disclosed, which includes placing a plurality of magnesium (Mg) wires on a layer of a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) solution, placing a second layer of the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) solution on the plurality of magnesium (Mg) wires, and drying the plurality of magnesium (Mg) wires between the two layers of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) solution.

Abstract: A spinal cord device comprises a body formed of a biocompatible, biodegradable matrix. The body includes proximal, cranial and distal, caudal surfaces for connection to two ends of an injured spinal cord after removal of an injured section and has through channels with openings in the cranial and caudal surfaces for connection of descending motor pathways and ascending sensory pathways. The device has a transversal diameter (Dt), an anteroposterior diameter (Da) and a length (L), wherein Dt is from 9 to 13 mm and the ratio anteroposterior diameter/transverse diameter (RAPT) is from 0.5 to 1.0 and wherein the position and dimension of the channels, RAPT value, and cranial surface area and/or caudal surface area of the device are adopted to the shape, level, dimension of white and gray matter, and size of the injured spinal cord for optimal connection between spinal cord tracts. Kits and methods employ such devices.

Abstract: Described herein is conduit material that causes minimal inflammatory reaction, and serves as a structural guide for regenerating nerve tissue (e.g., axons). Thus, the invention is directed to methods of treating a nerve injury in an individual in need thereof. The methods employ an isolated, naturally occurring epineural sheath, and can be used, for example, to regenerate nerve tissue in an individual in need thereof. Also provided herein is a device for harvesting an epineural sheath.

Abstract: An implantable medical device including at least one double-walled microsphere containing an active agent, and a biodegradable polymer layer containing the at least one double-walled microsphere.

Abstract: Methods for treating tissue matrices and tissue matrices produced according to the methods are provided. The methods can include treating select portions of a tissue matrix with a cross-linking agent and/or a proteolytic enzyme to produce a tissue matrix with variable mechanical and/or biological properties.

Abstract: A nerve guidance conduit includes a spiral structured porous sheet decorated with channels on its surface and electrospun nanofibers in a parallel alignment with the channels and an outer tubular structure including randomly-oriented nanofibers. Such a structure provides augmented surface areas for providing directional guidance and augmented surfaces for enhancing and peripheral nerve regeneration. The structure also has the mechanical and nutrient transport requirements required over long regeneration periods. To prepare a nerve guidance conduit, porous polymer sheet is prepared by a solvent casting method while using a template of thin rods to form parallel channels on a surface of the sheet. Aligned nanofibers are deposited on the sheet parallel to the channels. The polymer sheet is then wound to form a spiral structure. A dense layer of randomly-oriented nanofibers may be deposited on the outside of the spiral.

Abstract: A scaffold defines a plurality of channels, into which axons of a severed nerve may regenerate, such as after limb amputation. Each channel includes a corresponding electrode. Regenerating axons may make electrical contact with the electrodes. Each channel is at least partially filled with a growth factor selected to selectively stimulate axon regeneration. Adjacent channels may include different growth factors, so as to attract different types of axons, for example efferent axons and afferent axons, to each of the adjacent channels. The growth factors may be distributed in the channels so as to present a gradient across a geometry of each channel. This gradient provides enhanced differentiated geometric guidance to the axons, thereby yielding better specificity, in terms of which axons regenerate into which channels. Topography, such as geometric patterns in walls, ceilings and floors of the channels, may also be used to selectively encourage axon regeneration into the channels.

Abstract: An implantable medical device including at least one double-walled microsphere containing an active agent, and a biodegradable polymer layer containing the at least one double-walled microsphere.

Abstract: Provided is an electroactive structure and method for growing isolated differentiable cells comprising a three dimensional matrix of fibers formed of a biocompatible synthetic piezoelectric polymeric material, wherein the matrix of fibers is seeded with the isolated differentiable cells and forms a supporting scaffold for growing the isolated differentiable cells, and wherein the matrix of fibers stimulates differentiation of the isolated differentiable cells into a mature cell phenotype on the structure.

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: The subject invention provides materials and methods for effective nerve repair. In a preferred embodiment, the subject invention provides nerve repair methods comprising the steps of applying a fibrin glue between severed nerve stumps, coapting the nerve stumps, and applying a polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel to encase the coapted nerve stumps.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for providing reduced pressure to a defect in a nerve is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a nerve conduit having a generally tubular shape that has walls including a luminal wall surrounding the tissue site to contain fluids within a luminal space between the tissue site to contain fluids within a luminal space between the tissue site and the luminal wall. The apparatus further comprises a manifold having a porous body and a connector for receiving reduced pressure, wherein the manifold is positioned within the luminal space adjacent the tissue site to distribute the reduced pressure to the defect. Additionally, a method for providing reduced pressure to a defect in a nerve is disclosed that includes implanting the nerve conduit and manifold at a site of damaged nerve tissue and applying a reduced pressure to the manifold thereby stimulating repair or regrowth of nerve tissue.

Abstract: Provided is an electroactive structure for growing isolated differentiable cells comprising a three dimensional matrix of fibers formed of a biocompatible synthetic piezoelectric polymeric material, wherein the matrix of fibers is seeded with the isolated differentiable cells and forms a supporting scaffold for growing the isolated differentiable cells, and wherein the matrix of fibers stimulates differentiation of the isolated differentiable cells into a mature cell phenotype on the structure.

Abstract: Provided is a neural device including a nanowire and a support layer. Further, provided is a neural device including: a substrate, at least one nanowire which is fixed on the substrate at a lengthwise end thereof to extend vertically and inserted into nerves to obtain electrical signals from nerve fibers or apply electrical signals to the nerve fibers; and a support layer which is formed on the substrate and which surrounds and supports at least one portion of the nanowire.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods of winding collagen fiber to make medical constructs and related collagen fiber tube and patch devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for stimulating neural regeneration and/or neurite outgrowth and a fabrication method thereof. A photovoltaic component having a substrate, a first conductive layer, an active layer and a second conducting stacked in sequence is formed. The photovoltaic component is encapsulated by an encapsulant with a portion of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer exposed from the encapsulant. The device is configured to be rolled to form a guiding tube having two open ends and to be placed at a damaged portion of a nerve. When the device is illuminated by light, a photovoltage exists between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer for producing an electric current, so as to stimulate neural regeneration and repair the damaged portion of a nerve.

Abstract: The instant invention provides electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more polymers and one or more biologically active agents. In specific embodiments, the biologically active agents are nerve growth factors. In certain embodiments, the electrospun fiber compositions comprising one or more biologically active agents are on the surface of a film, or a tube. The tubes comprising the electrospun fiber compositions of the invention can be used, for example, as nerve guide conduits.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus that includes a nerve conduit and a nested manifold for providing a reduced pressure. Also provided is a system that includes a source of reduced pressure, a nerve conduit and nested manifold, and a conduit for providing fluid communication between the manifold and the source of reduced pressure. Additionally provided is a method that includes implanting the above nerve conduit and manifold at a site of damaged nerve tissue and applying a reduced pressure to the manifold thereby stimulating repair or regrowth of nerve tissue.