Abstract: An improved, non-resorbable annuloplasty ring that will provide support for the valve annulus while also promoting healing and/or regeneration of the annulus tissue is disclosed. Healing and/or regeneration of valvular tissue is promoted using a growth factor mixture that has been shown to be capable of promoting growth of a wide range of tissues, including heart valve tissue, and which promotes tissue growth based upon the local tissue environment (i.e., specific cell recruitment and proliferation). Thus, an annuloplasty ring that provides an actual healing response in addition to mechanical support to a dilated heart valve annulus is provided.

Abstract: A near net tooth shaped ceramic prosthesis is provided in a tooth shape to minimize the amount of cutting and baking required to finish the outer crown portion of the dental prosthesis. A metallic core is provided for attachment to an implant in a patient's mouth. A ceramic crown is then attached to the core.

Abstract: A near net tooth shaped ceramic prosthesis is provided in a tooth shape to minimize the amount of cutting and baking required to finish the outer crown portion of the dental prosthesis. A metallic core is provided for attachment to an implant in a patient's mouth. A ceramic crown is then attached to the core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a bone product are provided. The method includes contacting an interior section of a cylindrical bone portion with a high pressure fluid medium such as at least about 1000 psi to remove at least a portion of cancellous bone matrix from the bone portion. Preferably the bone contains less than about 25% by weight cancellous bone. The apparatus includes multiple stations of opposing high pressure nozzles holding the cylindrical bone portion from each end and for contacting the interior surfaces of a bone portion with a fluid medium. The apparatus also includes a third nozzle for contacting the exterior surface of the bone portion with a fluid medium.

Abstract: A prosthetic component includes an adaptor having a first end and a second end. The first end includes an elongated male tapered body. The second end includes a flange extending radially outwardly from the male tapered body and having an anti-rotational/anatomically orientation component formed therewith. The second end also includes a female tapered aperture formed therein which has an anti-rotational/anatomical orientation component formed therewith. The flange may include an elongated portion having a porous annular surface thereon.

Abstract: An implantable patellar prosthesis accommodates variations in placement of the prosthesis relative to the patella without limiting use of the prosthesis. The prosthesis utilizes a base component having a fixation portion for fixation to patellar bone. Additionally, the device uses an articulation component that may move relative to the base component. A coupling mechanism is provided for coupling the articulation component to the base component while permitting relative motion of the articulation component with respect to the base component. This relative motion can be controlled according to the design of the prosthesis and facilitates implantation as well as use of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A device for use in ligament grafting includes a holder for receiving a ligament graft. A sheath is mounted over the holder in an expanded diameter state. The ligament graft is removed from the hollow body with the sheath so that the ligament graft is captured in the sheath in a reduced diameter state and a substantial length of the sheath extends from opposite ends of the graft.

Abstract: Surface irregularities are removed from the inner wall of a femur cavity, preferably tapered. A tamp having an opening and a socket is disposed in the cavity. The tamp may be one of a plurality of tamps each having a different length for the opening. A guide, one of a plurality, fits snugly in the opening. The guide has a collar which cooperates with the tamp socket to limit the movement of the guide into the tamp. A working portion of each guide below the intermediate position has a bulbous shape which is tapered in accordance with the femur taper. Bone fragments between the guide working portion and the femur inner wall are packed against the inner wall when the tamp and the guide are driven into the femur cavity. Numerals on the guide adjacent a slot in the tamp indicate the disposition of the guide in the tamp.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant includes a pair of spaced apart end caps which are interconnected by a plurality of elongated flexible members. Each end cap includes an aperture formed therethrough for the use of a trochanteric guide wire for piloting the implant during trial insertion and final insertion into an intramedullary canal. At least one of the end caps includes a rounded end to enhance insertion. Preferably, the flexible members are bowed outwardly to provide a “birdcage” configuration.

Abstract: A radio frequency ablation apparatus having an application wand which is articulating and self-locking in a selected configuration. The wand has a handle having a thumb wheel apparatus. A threaded bore extends coaxially through the thumb wheel. A threaded tube received in the threaded bore translates a wire which extends to the distal end of the wand. At the distal end of the wand, the wire passes over a bendable section in the wand. Pushing or pulling the wire bends the distal tip through a range of angles on both sides of a neutral linear position. The distal tip remains self-locked in a selected position when the thumb screw is not turned.

Abstract: A vascular graft comprised of a tubular polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet. The ePTFE sheet has a substantially uniform coating of bioresorbable gel material on an outer surface. The coating minimizes bleeding through suture holes in the ePTFE sheet and an increase in longitudinal extensibility.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis which incorporates a substantially permanently implantable abutment structure which is surgically attached to a native heart valve annulus through utilization of a resilient metal substructure having an attachment portion which moves into engagement with a native heart annulus upon being released from a retracted orientation. The system employs a positioning instrument which locates the abutment structure and associated heart valve prosthesis at the proper location for releasing the attachment components. Mechanical heart valve components including an occluder function are removably attached to the abutment structure using sutures, such that the valve function itself may be subsequently replaced.

Abstract: A valve includes an elastic valve body and a stent. A first portion of the stent is embedded in the elastic valve body and a second portion of the stent is outside the valve body. A method of manufacturing such a valve is also claimed.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to a process for cross-linking and stabilizing proteinaceous material, and in particular, to a process for oxidizing collagenous material, by oxidizing the tissue. The invention also relates to the resulting cross-linked product. The method comprises immersing the material to be cross-linked in a solution comprising compounds designed to generate the radical species singlet oxygen or other oxidizing intermediates without the addition of an external energy source. Immersing collagen containing tissue in a solution comprising an oxidizing agent and sufficient dissolved oxygen, under controlled conditions of pH and temperature, provides a cross-linked and stabilized collagen containing tissue that resists chemical and enzymatic degradation.

Abstract: An angiogenic factor comprising a mixture of proteins derived from bone. The angiogenic protein mixture is produced by a series of steps that allow the proteins to be kept in solution. The angiogenic mixture of bone proteins is produced by a multi-step process that includes at least one ultrafiltration step, an anion exchange chromatography step, a cation exchange chromatography step and a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification step.

Abstract: A mechanical heart valve assembly includes an orifice coupled with a stiffening ring and sewing cuff by a lock wire. The lock wire is made from a super-elastic material, e.g., a nickel-titanium alloy, and pre-formed into a C-shape. The lock wire is inserted between the orifice and stiffening ring by piercing the sewing cuff that surrounds the ring, and passing the lock wire into a window in the stiffening ring and into the aligned lock wire grooves on the stiffening ring and orifice. Once seated in the lock wire grooves, the lock wire retains its C-shape, providing a secure coupling between the orifice and stiffening ring.

Abstract: A method whereby one or more occluders are inserted in the housing of a prosthetic heart valve by compressing the housing of the prosthetic heart valve at four discrete locations, thereby causing the housing to deform sufficiently for insertion of occluders between diametrically opposed pivot supports on the inner surface of the housing. The appropriate locations for application of the compressive forces are identified. Compression force is then applied using either pin blocks or v-shaped blocks. One or more occluders are inserted in the pivot supports. The compressive forces are released, allowing the housing to return to its unstressed generally annular shape and securing the occluders in the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of proof testing a planar, brittle materials such as those used for valve leaflets in the manufacture of mechanical heart valve prostheses, in which the material to be tested is placed between two interfitting, spherically-shaped shoes, one convex and one concave, and the shoes are compressed together, causing a biaxial stress force to be applied across the surface of the material. The use of a biaxial force created by the spherical shoe surfaces simplifies the testing procedure over the prior art, allowing a single application of force to test the material for flexure in any direction. The magnitude of the stress which is applied to the material is determined by the radii of the interfitting test shoes relative to the thickness of the material sample being tested. Sufficient force is applied to conform the material to the shoes such that any flaws of a predetermined minimum critical size will be revealed by acoustical monitoring during the test or visual inspection thereafter.

Abstract: An improved mechanical heart valve that reduces the time required to perform heart valve replacement surgery is provided. The mechanical heart valve is comprised of a valve body and a plurality of staples extending around the valve body that are coupled to the valve body through at least one intermediate member.

Abstract: A composite graft for a fluid-carrying vessel in a living body, comprising: an inner vessel comprising a biologic collagenic material that has been stabilized, an outer member surrounding at least a segment of the inner vessel and defining an annulus between the inner vessel and the sleeve, the outer member comprising a polymeric fabric, and a bioactive compound in said annulus, said bioactive compound being carried on a time-release vehicle. The bioactive compound is preferably an occlusion-preventing agent. Alternatively, the sleeve includes the bioactive compound, either on its inner surface or integrally as part of its fibers.