Abstract: A control system for control of a prosthetic device having a plurality of actuators receives an orientation signal indicative of a desired movement. The control system evaluates whether the prosthetic device may move as desired with a current angle of rotation and commands at least one actuator to move the prosthetic device as desired by maintaining the current angle of rotation or by adjusting the angle of rotation if the prosthetic device cannot move as desired with the current angle. The control system may alternate between commanding a first subset of actuators and a second subset of actuators each time the orientation signal is indicative of a neutral position. The control system may include a position sensor and a compliance sensor and may command at least one actuator based on a combination of positional control using the position sensor and force control using the compliance sensor.

Abstract: An actuator device and method of manufacturing the same that includes at least two or more panels disposed in a frame is disclosed. Each of the two or more panels include a first rotationally-actuating artificial muscle fiber section between a first contact point of the frame and a tether point located on the panel and a second rotationally-actuating artificial muscle fiber section between the tether point and a second contact point on the frame. The tether point is approximately halfway across the length of the panel. A first and second muscle support is disposed on the panel between the tether point and the first contact point. The actuator device also includes a synchronization rod attached to the at least two or more panels.

Abstract: A medical device is provided including an artificial contractile structure which may be used to assist the functioning of a hollow organ. The medical device includes an artificial contractile structure including at least one contractile element configured to contract an organ, in such way that the contractile element is in a resting or in an activated position, at least one actuator configured to activate the contractile structure, and at least one source of energy to power the actuator. The medical device includes a corrosion reducing system configured to reduce corrosion of the medical device.

Abstract: In a biomimetic artificial muscle module, a biomimetic artificial muscle assembly having the biomimetic artificial muscle module, and a method of controlling the biomimetic artificial muscle module, the biomimetic artificial muscle module includes an operating part, an elastic part, a driving part, a locking part and first and second sensors. The operating part contracts or relaxes along a longitudinal direction. The elastic part is connected to a first end of the operating part, and behaves elastically behave according to an external force. The driving part is connected to a second end of the operating part, and drives the operating part to be contracted or relaxed. The locking part selectively blocks a length of the operating part from being changed. The first and second sensors respectively sense the elastic part and the operating part.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of beads, a plurality of links, a clasp assembly, and an adjustment feature. Each bead includes a housing, a passageway extending through the housing, and at least one annular magnet. The at least one annular magnet is coaxially positioned about the passageway. The links join the beads together. Portions of the links are slidably disposed in corresponding passageways of the beads. The clasp assembly is configured to removably secure the beads and links in a loop formation. The adjustment feature is operable to adjust an effective circumference of the loop formation. The adjustment feature may be incorporated into one or both of the clasp assembly or at least one of the beads.

Abstract: The present application relates to use of transglutaminases to treat various tissue matrix products. The methods can include application of a transglutaminase to a partially denatured collagen-containing tissue matrix and implantation of the tissue matrix. The transglutaminase can facilitate adhesion with another collagen-containing tissue matrix, tissue surrounding the tissue matrix after implantation, or both.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of beads and a plurality of links joining the beads together. Each bead includes a housing, a passageway extending through the housing, and at least one annular magnet. The passageway defines an axis. The at least one annular magnet is coaxially positioned about the passageway. The housing defines a gap adjacent to the at least one annular magnet. The gap is sized and configured to allow at least one annular magnet to rotate relative to the housing about a rotation axis. The rotation axis is offset from the axis of the passageway. Portions of the links are slidably disposed in corresponding passageways of the beads.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating obesity in a human or animal mammal patient. The apparatus comprising a first volume filling device segment and a second volume filling device segment. The first and second volume filling device segments are adapted to be assembled into an implantable volume filling device of a controlled size. Each one of the first and second volume filling device segment comprises at least one interconnecting structure. The interconnecting structure of the second volume filling device segment is adapted to be formed fitted, such that the first and second volume filling device segment can be assembled into the volume filling device. The assembled volume filling device is adapted to be at least substantially invaginated by a stomach wall portion of a patient, with the outer surface of the device resting against the stomach wall, such that the volume of the food cavity is reduced in size.

Abstract: Magnetic anastomosis devices constructed from magnetic segments coupled together with members that help the devices spontaneously transform from a linear delivery configuration to a polygonal deployment configuration. When two devices are joined together over tissue(s), the compressive force causes the tissue(s) to necrose and form an anastomosis. By altering the arrangement of the magnetic poles of the magnetic segments in the devices, the magnetic interaction between paired devices can be altered. This property gives surgeons flexibility in choosing how much attractive force the devices will experience during a procedure.

Abstract: Implantable prostheses for repairing soft tissue defects near an anatomical tube and methods for their manufacture are described. Exemplary prostheses may be implanted at a soft tissue repair site, for example, in treating an inguinal hernia. An implantable prosthesis may include a patch made up of two co-knit fabric layers, and a passageway for receiving an anatomical cord extending through the fabric layers. The passageway is configured through the first fabric layer so as to minimize the prospects of the cord-like structure contacting the portion of the second fabric layer defining the passageway therethrough. The passageway through the first fabric layer may include a barrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial sphincter for controllably occluding a urine-carrying vessel of an incontinent patient, including a first electrically driven pump for pumping the hydraulic fluid against the force produced by the inherent elasticity of the reservoir from the hydraulic occlusion device to the elastic reservoir during normal operation, and a second emergency pump for pumping the hydraulic fluid against the force produced by the inherent elasticity of the reservoir from the occlusion device to the elastic reservoir during emergency operation, namely when said first pump does not function properly. The invention further relates to a method for controlling an artificial sphincter.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence includes removing a urinary control system from a package, where the urinary control system has three components including a cuff attachable to a pump and a reservoir attachable to the pump. The method includes forming one skin incision in a patient, and implanting the three components of the urinary control system into the patient through the one skin incision.

Abstract: A medical device including an artificial contractile structure, which may be advantageously used to assist the functioning of a hollow organ, is provided. The medical device includes an artificial contractile structure including at least one contractile element adapted to contract an organ in such a way that the contractile element is in a resting or in an activated position; at least one actuator designed to activate the contractile structure; and at least one source of energy for powering the actuator. The actuator includes an electromotor and a transmission element linking the electromotor to the contractile element, the transmission element being configured to transmit to the contractile element a force induced by the electromotor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing an implant that is to be surgically inserted in vivo, such as in an artificial knee or artificial hip. According to the method, the porous layer contains pores that have a vertically curved shape with a radius of 100 to 300 ?m, thus allowing a bond to grow into the pores to enhance bond adhesion, and an interconnection space is formed between turning points in adjacent unit base layers to increase the ratio of interconnection between pores, whereby bones are allowed to grow into the pores to increase bone adhesion.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of culturing organized skeletal muscle tissue from precursor muscle cells by cyclically stretching and relaxing said muscle cells on a support in vitro for a time sufficient to produce said organized skeletal muscle tissue, including reseeding said organized skeletal muscle tissue by contacting additional precursor muscle cells to said organized skeletal muscle tissue on said solid support, and then repeating said step of cyclically stretching and relaxing said muscle cells in said support in vitro for time sufficient to enhance the density (i.e., increased number of nuclei and/or number of multinucleated cells) of said organized skeletal muscle tissue on said support.

Abstract: One embodiment of the implant comprises a porous metal bone ingrowth portion (14) having a first side connected to a high density or solid (fully dense) metal portion (16) which in turn has an opposite side connected to a porous metal soft tissue ingrowth portion (12) thus forming a sandwich structure with the high density or fully dense portion in the middle. The implant may be made of a resorbable material such as an alloy of magnesium. Alternately, the alloy can be selected from the group consisting of calcium, iron, yttrium and lithium. The porous metal soft tissue ingrowth portion (12) has porosity characteristics allowing cartilage to interdigitate with the pores and extend outwardly beyond the platform of the metal surface towards a joint capsule. The solid or fully dense intermediate layer 16 may have some porosity, however that porosity prevents either bone tissue or cartilage tissue from migrating therethrough.

Abstract: Provided herein are anisotropic muscle implants that have a biodegradable scaffold comprising a plurality of fibers oriented along a longitudinal axis. The implants may include mammalian muscle cells seeded and/or fused into myotubes on the scaffold. Methods of forming the muscle implants are provided, as are methods of treating a subject in need of skeletal muscle reconstruction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reversibly controlling a size and/or restricting the movement of a body orifice, such as a pyloric opening, using an implantable device configured to allow a distance between opposed ends thereof to be adjusted. A device is provided having attachment members and a connector portion extending therebetween and configured such that a size of the pyloric opening is decreased upon the implantation of the device. The connector can be adjustable to allow a size of the pyloric opening to be adjusted after it has been restricted. The connector can include two or more bridge portions having different lengths such that cutting a first bridge portion can increase the distance between the attachment members so as to increase the size of the pyloric opening. To revert to a natural size of the body orifice, the entire connector can be cut or otherwise broken and/or removed.

Abstract: A passive artificial sphincter includes a tension member, an outer sleeve, and a connecter. The tension member has first and second ends. The outer sleeve contains the tension member and is formed of a biocompatible material. The connecter is configured to couple the first and second ends together to form an artificial sphincter ring. The artificial sphincter ring is configured for implantation around the lumen to provide passive constriction of the lumen. In a method, an artificial sphincter comprising a tension member contained within an outer sleeve is positioned around a lumen of a patient. The lumen is constricted responsive to the tension in the tension member. The passage of material through the lumen and past the artificial sphincter ring is resisted responsive to the constriction of the lumen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wireless implantable communication system, method and sensing device, wherein an implantable data conversion module is adapted for operative coupling to a distinct or integrated implantable sensing device for the conversion of a characteristic signal for transmission thereof to an external receiver, e.g. by way of an inductive element. Upon positioning an external inductive element in the vicinity of the implanted device, a corresponding signal is induced within the external element allowing for reconstruction of the converted signal, and thereby allowing for recovery of the characteristic signal. Embodiments for the communication of data across a biological barrier, including communications from an external transmitter to an implanted receiver, an implanted transmitter to an external receiver, and an implanted transmitter/receiver pair are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of generating tubular, bioengineered, smooth muscle structures are disclosed as well as bioengineered tissue for tubular organ repair or replacement. The methods can include the steps of obtaining smooth muscle cells; culturing the muscle cells to form a smooth muscle cell construct of directionally oriented smooth muscle cells; disposing the smooth muscle cell construct around a tubular scaffold; and culturing construct and scaffold in a growth media until a smooth muscle cell structure is achieved. The step of obtain smooth muscle cells can further include obtaining autologous smooth muscle cells from a subject. In one preferred embodiment, the muscle cells can first be on a fibrin substrate to form a muscle construct, which is then disposed around a tubular scaffold, for example, a chitosan scaffold. The methods of the present invention can further include connecting two or more tubular structures together to form an elongate composite structure.

Abstract: The present invention is an anatomic system which uses the principle of applying higher elastic tonus than the rest tonus of the agonist muscles to provide the function of the antagonist muscles, and which is designed in a simplest way to provide the said purpose and which can be integrated to the body. The static mechanism of the invention is an elastic mechanism which applies a continuous stable tension in order to keep the joints open. The tension of the mechanism is calibrated by increasing or decreasing the amount of the liquid in a chamber which has flexible and elastic walls up to a certain via a port. In the dynamic mechanism of the invention, the tension applied by the elastic mechanism can be changed according to the motion the patient wants to perform.

Abstract: A medical device includes an artificial contractile structure which may be advantageously used to assist the functioning of a hollow organ, an artificial contractile structure including at least one contractile element (100) adapted to contract an organ, in such way that the contractile element (100) is in a resting or in an activated position, at least one actuator designed to activate the contractile structure, and at least one source of energy for powering the actuator. The ratio “current which is needed to maintain the contractile element in its activated position and in its resting position/current which is needed to change the position of the contractile element” is less than 1/500, preferably less than 1/800, and more preferably less than 1/1000. The medical device further includes elements for reducing corrosion of the medical device.

Abstract: A biphasic scaffold and devices and methods for making the scaffold are disclosed. An example scaffold may include (a) a first plurality of randomly-oriented nanofibers defining a first tab region, (b) a second plurality of randomly-oriented nanofibers defining a second tab region, and (c) a plurality of aligned nanofibers coupled to and extending between the first tab region and the second tab region, where the plurality of aligned nanofibers are suspended between the first tab region and the second tab region.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for fabricating a three-dimensional artificial cardiac patch construct. In some embodiments, such method includes the steps of coating a substrate with an organic polymer; allowing the organic polymer coating to air dry; mounting anchors on the organic polymer coating; and sterilizing the organic polymer coating and the anchors. In further embodiments, the method includes the steps of forming a biodegradable gel-based support scaffold on top of the organic polymer coating and seeding the biodegradable gel-based support scaffold with neonatal cardiac cells. In yet further embodiments, the method comprises culturing the neonatal cardiac cells in vitro to form a real cardiac layer, under culture conditions that are suitable for the cells to self-organize into a monolayer and detach from the substrate to form the three-dimensional cardiac patch.

Abstract: The invention describes methods and apparatus for creating permanent occlusion of body lumens such as the fallopian tubes. The methods and apparatus use non-surgical approaches to deliver permanent implants which create acute occlusion of desired body lumens which resolve to permanent occlusions of the lumens.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an obstructive sleep apnea event are disclosed herein. The systems and methods may use an electrical output generating ionic polymer metal composite sensor attached to a region in an airway passage in an oral cavity. The electrical output may be wirelessly transmitted as a signal for indication of an obstructive sleep apnea event. The signal may be further analyzed for treatment of the obstructive sleep apnea event.

Abstract: A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes an anchoring element having scar tissue located in an inframandibular region, and a tongue implant having at least one arm extending therefrom, whereby the tongue implant is implantable in a tongue with the at least one arm being connectable with the anchoring element for coupling the tongue implant with the anchoring element. In one embodiment, the anchoring element includes a first implant part such as a flexible layer implantable in the inframandibular region and the scar tissue is formed on, in, and/or around the first implant part. The tongue implant is coupled with the anchoring element and/or the scar tissue through the at least one arm. The length of the at least one arm may be adjusted for shifting the tongue anteriorly.

Abstract: A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body includes an adjustment element configured to allow in-situ adjustment of the implant body between first and second tensioning forces applied to the site. Methods of using such systems are also provided.

Abstract: A structure that can be used as a gastric band (and that may also have other uses as an implant elsewhere in a patient) includes a plurality of magnetic elements in a serial array that can be implanted so that the array extends in a circumferential direction around the patient's stomach (or other body tissue structure in the patient). Circumferentially adjacent magnetic elements magnetically attract one another to apply radial pressure to the tissue structure encompassed by the array, but those elements can also move apart in response to sufficient outward pressure from the encompassed tissue structure and/or the contents of (e.g., food in) that tissue structure. When used as a gastric band, the device can provide resistance to excessive food intake, which can help promote weight loss.

Abstract: An incontinence treatment device includes a band, magnets, and a power source. The band has a length extending between a first end and a second end. A first magnet is connected to a first end portion of the band and a second magnet is connected to a second end portion of the band. The band is implantable around a urethra and configured to constrict a lumen of the urethra when the first magnet is coupled to the second magnet. The power source is electrically coupled to the first and second magnets and configured to electromagnetically couple and decouple the first magnet relative to the second magnet.

Abstract: A muscle prosthesis with a suspension fixing apparatus for implantation into a human body and production method thereof; the muscle prosthesis comprises a muscle prosthesis main body and the suspension fixing apparatus; the suspension fixing apparatus consists of at least one stretchable part and at least two fasteners; the suspension fixing apparatus can fix the muscle prosthesis to a human bone or human muscle tendon and fascia. The suspension fixing system can change the thickness and outer shape of the prosthesis according to the direction and intensity of a tensile force, thus satisfying the requirements of different body parts and different muscle thicknesses. Use of the suspension fixing apparatus allows the prosthesis to be fixed firmly and be structurally stable, thus solving the technical problem of drooping and shifting prostheses.

Abstract: A biological function assist apparatus composed of a linear electronmechanical device or system wrapped in protective coating and controlled by a controller, which also provides power to the electromechanically-based system. The electromechanically-based system can be formed as a mesh using linear motors or linear actuators or a larger electromechanically grid and wrapped around a failing heart. The electromechanical system can be formed in a circle forming an artificial valve (e.g., sphincter). The electromechanically-based system can also operate as a bone-muscle interface, thereby functioning in place of tendons.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing unintentional muscle movements are disclosed. In a first aspect, a non-contact sensing system comprises a stabilization unit, at least one non-contact position sensor coupled to the stabilization unit, and a processing unit coupled to the at least one non-contact position sensor, wherein the processing unit transmits motion commands to the stabilization unit to cancel unintentional muscle movements. In a second aspect, the method comprises a processing unit of a non-contact sensing system receiving position data of a stabilization unit that is detected by at least one non-contact position sensor and filtering the position data to identify the unintentional muscle movements. The method includes modeling the position data to create a system model and determining motor commands based upon the system model to cancel the unintentional muscle movements.

Abstract: The proposed device includes two segments adapted to enclose a body part in a form-fitting manner. Each segment contains an electroactive-material-based actuator, which is adapted to receive an electrical control signal and in response thereto adjust the actuator's morphology, so as to cause the segment to apply a basic pressure profile to the body part. A pressure transition is adapted to redistribute the basic pressure profiles between the first and second segments. A control signal in respect of the first segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a first adjusted pressure profile to at least part of the second portion of the body part, and vice versa, a control signal in respect of the second segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a second adjusted pressure profile to at least a part of the first portion of the body part.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of culturing organized skeletal muscle tissue from precursor muscle cells by cyclically stretching and relaxing said muscle cells on a support in vitro for a time sufficient to produce said organized skeletal muscle tissue, including reseeding said organized skeletal muscle tissue by contacting additional precursor muscle cells to said organized skeletal muscle tissue on said solid support, and then repeating said step of cyclically stretching and relaxing said muscle cells in said support in vitro for time sufficient to enhance the density (i.e., increased number of nuclei and/or number of multinucleated cells) of said organized skeletal muscle tissue on said support.

Abstract: The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment soft tissue following introduction (e.g. via injection, transplantation, or implantation) into a site of soft tissue. Also provided are methods of isolating muscle-derived progenitor cells, and methods of genetically modifying the cells for gene transfer therapy. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising muscle-derived progenitor cells for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, soft tissues in the treatment of various cosmetic or functional conditions, including malformation, injury, weakness, disease, or dysfunction. In particular, the present invention provides treatments and amelioration of symptoms for gastro-esophageal pathologies like gastro-esophageal reflux.

Abstract: A surgical procedure is described for the restoration of eyelid function in individuals suffering from ptosis or upper eyelid droop syndrome that makes a patient unable to voluntarily fully raise an eyelid. The surgical procedure includes implantation and suturing of eye drop (pH) activated and actuated fibrous contractile and expansive artificial muscles such as pH active hydrogels of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) artificial muscles that are surgically implanted and sutured under the superior palpebral conjunctiva in a serpentine parallel configuration with respect to the tarsal (meibomian) glands of the upper eyelid and anchored to the tissues of superior fornix.

Abstract: Bioactive implant for myocardial regeneration and ventricular chamber support including an elastomeric microporous membrane. The elastomeric microporous membrane being at least one non-degradable polymer and at least one partially degradable polymer. The non-degradable polymer is selected from polyethylacrylate and polyethylacrylate copolymerized with a hydroxyethylacrylate comonomer. The partially degradable polymer is selected from caprolactone 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl ester and caprolactone 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl ester copolymerized with ethylacrylate. The elastomeric microporous membrane further includes a nanofiber hydrogel, and cells. The bioactive implant, having one or two helical loops, contributes to the restauration of the heart conical shape.

Abstract: An artificial muscle (10) comprises a chamber (12) having a flexible wall of plastics material, a device for heating and/or cooling a low-boiling-point fluid contained in, or in communication with, the chamber so that at least some of the fluid changes state between liquid and gaseous so that the force in the chamber on the flexible wall changes and/or the flexible wall moves to change the volume of the chamber, and a tendon (14) which at least partly encircles the chamber over an extent that varies with variations in the chamber volume for transmitting force between the flexible wall and a load. The use of a low-boiling-point fluid operating at around its boiling point enables plastics materials to be used without thermal damage, and the use of plastics materials enables low production costs. The use of a flexible wall to convey an effort to a load avoids the need for sliding parts and can provide advantages such as reduced friction and ease of sealing.

Abstract: A flexible magnetic membrane based actuation system comprising magnetic nanoparticles loaded into a polymeric material such as polyurethane and adapted to actuation of to and fro pumping motions of the membrane under application of magnetic field on the magnetic nanoparticles loaded membrane. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the said nanoparticles-loaded polyurethane magnetic membrane based actuation system adapted to function as displacement membrane for various activities requiring such to and fro motion. The magnetic membrane actuation is adapted to be controlled using electronic equipments to regulate the rate, force and frequency of displacement pulses.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into joints to pad cartilage defects, cushion joints, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. Rather than using periosteal harvesting for cell containment in joint resurfacing, the walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation.

Abstract: Improved methods for a surgical repair of a muscle are described. The improvement includes covering a damaged site of muscle with at least one of an amniotic fluid and a replacement cover for muscle sheath prior to wound closing during the surgery. The replacement cover contains at least one layer of human amnion and chorion tissues and is adapted to a shape appropriate for enclosing the muscle. The methods reduce inflammation, inhibit fibrosis, scarring, fibroblast proliferation and post-operative infection, while also promote more rapid healing and smooth gliding of the affected muscle against adjacent structures. Related replacement covers, kits and methods of preparation are also described.

Abstract: A synthetic muscle comprises an outer layer having an interior filled with a proton containing electrolyte. A first electrode extends into the interior, and a second electrode extends through the interior. The second electrode is attached to the outer layer at two locations. An ion selective microporous membrane extends through the interior along the length of the second electrode and is also attached to the out layer at the two locations. The ion selective membrane is also attached to the second electrode at a plurality of points along its length, defining a plurality of pockets of the ion selective membrane. The ion elective membrane is generally disposed between the two electrodes. The two electrodes are in communication through a power source. Using the power source, an electroosmotic flow is established across the ion exchange membrane from the first electrode to the second electrode, inflating the pockets and constricting the outer layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial muscle made of aplurality of nano-motors (referred to hereafter as nano power cells), wherein the nano-motors are the smallest unit for the production of complex muscular structures for generating longitudinal motor forces. The artificial muscle according to the invention is made of nano-motors (nano power cells), formed of symmetrical individual plates formed as double triangular segments and arranged radially in a honeycomb pattern, said plates being displaceable in the center and comprising an expansion unit in the interior thereof.

Abstract: An artificial sphincter system having: (1) a hollow object, which has the ability of contraction and expansion; (2) a shape memory alloy (SMA), which is connected with the hollow object, changes its shape to imitate the motion of human muscle by applying different electric current; (3) an electric power to provide different amounts of electric current to the shape memory alloy and let it contract or expand to control the motion of the hollow object to imitate the motion of human muscle; and (4) a photo resistor added between the electric power and the shape memory alloy, which senses the brightness of surrounding light and controls A/D (analog-to-digital) values of the electric power to cause different conditions of contraction and expansion of each part of the shape memory alloy.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a bioscaffold from natural tissues by oxidizing a decellularized tissue to produce a bioscaffold having pores therein. The pore size and porosity is increased to better accommodate intact cells so that live cells can better infiltrate and inhabit the bioscaffold. The bioscaffold may be freeze-dried or lyophilized, sterilized and (optionally) aseptically packaged for subsequent use. A further aspect of the present invention is a bioscaffold produced by the processes described herein. Methods of treatment using the bioscaffold as a graft or as a biomedical implant for implantation are also provided. Also provided are methods of seeding a bioscaffold with mammalian cells, wherein the seeding carried out either in vitro or in vivo, and wherein a bioscaffold produced as described herein is utilized for said seeding.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. Also disclosed is a tissue graft or implant comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. The composition and/or tissue graft or implant of the invention is usable in combination with seeded cells, a tissue growth factor, and/or a chemotactic agent to attract a desired cell.

Abstract: Embodiments of an inflatable medical implant system configured for implantation in a patient to treat a condition of the patient comprise a first fluid path, an inflatable implant, an electric pump, a controller, and an implantable power supply that provides electrical power to the pump. The inflatable implant is in fluid communication with the first fluid path and is configured to serve a medical purpose. The electric pump is in fluid communication with the first fluid path. The controller is electrically coupled to the pump and is configured to activate the pump to drive a flow of fluid through the first fluid path. In one embodiment, the inflatable implant comprises and inflatable cuff or a penile prosthesis. Additional embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of operating embodiments of the inflatable medical implant system.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating an abdominal incision or hernia are described. An implant for the restoration or prophylactic treatment of an abdominal wall comprises an elongate element and at least one sheet connected to the elongate element along a longitudinal axis of the elongate element. The elongate element is positioned along the line of incision, and the at least one sheet is secured to the abdominal muscles surrounding the incision.