Abstract: An inguinal hernia repair device in the form of an implantable plug that is affixed at one end to the center region of a sheet of implantable material. The plug takes the form of a plurality of hollow members, arranged so as to be in substantially parallel relationship when implanted into a defect. The hollow members are preferably tubular members and are preferably bundled together by various means, such as bonding or wrapping a band or strand about the plurality of hollow members to maintain them in adjacent and contacting relationship during insertion into a defect.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to support members for assemblies of conductors, conduits, or other means of conveying energy, gases, or liquids. The invention has a series of non-interlocking solids disposed along the length of a flexible base material. The non-interlocking solids have motion-limiting portions that contact similar portions on adjacent solids to restrict the movement of the support member in one direction, while permitting the support member to curve or bend in an opposite direction. The invention is also directed to assemblies incorporating the support members.

Abstract: A cable comprising a stress-bearing matrix extending substantially through the length of the cable; and a plurality of conducting elements extending substantially through the length of the cable, the plurality off the conducting elements being located within and spaced from one another by the stress-bearing matrix, wherein at least one of the plurality of conducting elements is in intimate contact with a low friction liner disposed about at least one of the plurality of conducting elements, and the at least one of the, conducting elements is longitudinally moveable relative to the stress-bearing matrix.

Abstract: There are numerous medical situations involving deficiencies of living tissue and where increase of living tissue mass is desired. Methods are described wherein a configured, shell-like device that is capable of being penetrated by living cells and tissues, is implanted into the body of a mammal in such a way as to establish a space, the space being at least partly, bounded by the device. The configuration of the device is such that the configuration of the established space is essentially the same as the configuration of living tissue that is desired for treatment of the tissue deficiency. At least one tissue stimulating molecular substance is placed within the established space for the purpose of stimulating the growth of desired living tissue within the established space. A kit for the generation of desired living tissue, comprised of the components mentioned above, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to materials that assist respiration of living cells contained in cell-containing systems. The materials form air-filled conduits or channels through which gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, can readily exchange by diffusional means between regions of different gas partial pressures. When the present invention is placed within an aqueous environment, such as cell-culture media or host tissue, the invention provides aid to cellular respiration in cell-containing systems.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hydrophobic biodegradable polymeric materials having at least one surface thereof rendered more hydrophilic by attachment of at least one layer of a hydrophilic polymer thereto. The hydrophilic polymer layer is cross-linked together on the surface of the biodegradable material with a cross-linking agent or scheme that is biodegradable. Bioactive species are immobilized to chemically functional groups of the components of the first layer or to unreacted chemically functional groups of the cross-linking agent. Optionally, the bioactive species may be reversibly immobilized through chemically functional linkages that are degradable. The result is an implantable construction with immobilized bioactive species having structural components that are all subject to degradation in the body of a recipient.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an implantable containment apparatus made of selectively permeable material. In particular, the implantable containment apparatus is used to contain a therapeutical device, such as a drug delivery device, a cell encapsulation device, or a gene therapy device. A therapeutical device can be easily placed and replaced in an apparatus of the present invention without damaging tissues associated with the selectively permeable material of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to support members having surfaces that are rendered hydrophilic for use as a substrate for the immobilization of bioactive species thereon. The hydrophilic surfaces are chemically stable on the support member. The surfaces are also chemically variable to provide a variety of chemically functional groups for immobilization of bioactive species thereto. The surfaces comprise polymeric surfactants attached onto the surfaces of a support member and covalently cross-linked thereon to form a first layer. Hydrophilic polymers are then attached to the first layer on the support member to form a second layer thereon. The second layer is used to enhance the hydrophilicity of a support member, as well as, to provide a substrate for immobilizing bioactive species thereto. Methods for forming the first and second layers are also provided. In addition methods for attaching bioactive substances to the hydrophilic polymers are provided.

Abstract: This invention is directed to improved blood contact devices such as vascular prostheses rendered substantially nonthrombogenic through addition of a preserved layer of extracellular subendothelial matrix. The preserved subendothelial matrix layer, which serves as the blood interface of the device, is analogous to the subendothelial matrix layer beneath the endothelium of native vascular surfaces. The device consists of a permanent synthetic base material, preferably porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, on which this biologic layer of subendothelial matrix is grown in situ. The biologic layer is produced using in vitro tissue culture methods whereby living cells synthesize and deposit extracellular matrix components, after which the cells are killed and/or removed and the subendothelial matrix layer preserved before implantation. A key aspect of this invention is that no living cells are present in the final configuration, so that the likelihood of recipient immunological response is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cell encapsulation device that permits rapid and straightforward cell transfer into the device. The preferred device includes components that allow a user to quickly transfer cells into the device with minimal risk to the cells. Among the most important improvements of the present invention are: automatic filtration of excess solution during cell transfer; an instantly wettable cover, allowing ready view into the cell chamber; and a swellable core, allowing cells to be transferred with minimal shear force while assuring optimal cell placement in the device during use. The device of the present invention may be used either in vivo, such as to deliver therapeutic substances, or in vitro, such as to serve as a bioreactor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to support members having surfaces that are rendered hydrophilic for use as a substrate for the immobilization of bioactive species thereon. The hydrophilic surfaces are chemically stable on the support member. The surfaces are also chemically variable to provide a variety of chemically functional groups for immobilization of bioactive species thereto. The surfaces comprise polymeric surfactants attached onto the surfaces of a support member and covalently cross-linked thereon to form a first layer. Hydrophilic polymers are then attached to the first layer on the support member to form a second layer thereon. The second layer is used to enhance the hydrophilicity of a support member, as well as, to provide a substrate for immobilizing bioactive species thereto. Methods for forming the first and second layers are also provided. In addition, methods for attaching bioactive substances to the hydrophilic polymers are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved blood contact devices such as vascular prostheses rendered antithrombotic through the use of recipient endothelial cells grown on an appropriate subendothelial matrix. The subendothelial matrix layer, which serves as the substratum for growing endothelial cells, may be obtained from either natural donor vessels or from in vitro tissue culture sources. This subendothelial matrix is used in situ on the donor vessel, or is grown or applied to a synthetic component, preferably porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Once this subendothelial matrix is prepared, recipient endothelial cells are seeded onto this matrix substratum, which then serves as the immediate blood contact surface. The endothelial cells may be applied as an intra-operative procedure, or grown on the subendothelial matrix substratum in vitro until the cells establish a confluent monolayer.