Abstract: Tissue implants prepared for the repair of tissues, especially avascular tissues such as cartilage. One embodiment presents an electric potential capable of receiving and accumulating desirable factors or molecules from surrounding fluid when exposed to dynamic loading. In another embodiment the implant promotes tissue conduction by retarding, restricting and controlling cellular invasion through use of gradients until competent tissue forms. Further embodiments of the tissue implants may be formed into a multi-phasic device that provides deep tissue mechanical stimulus by conduction of mechanical and fluid forces experienced at the surface of the implant.

Abstract: The invention describes new synthetic medical adhesives and films which exploit the key components of natural marine mussel adhesive proteins.

Abstract: A high strength porous biphasic polymeric reinforcement material manufactured by a compression and/or sintering process is disclosed. The material results in a network of interconnected collapsed pores, which forces thin overlapping walls and passages to be created. The network provides permeable access for fluid migration throughout the material. The strength and/or permeability are advantageous for medical devices and implants.

Abstract: A bendable polymer tissue fixation device suitable to be implanted into a living body, consisting of a highly porous body, made from a polymer, the porous body having a plurality of pores, such that the device is capable of being smoothly bent, wherein the bending collapses a portion of the pores to form a radius curve, and the polymer fixation device is rigid enough to protect a tissue from shifting. Preferably, the polymer fixation device may be capable of being gradually resorbed by said living body. In one embodiment, the polymer fixation device consists of a plurality of layers distinguishable by various characteristics, such as structural or chemical properties. In another embodiment, the polymer fixation device may feature additional materials which serve to reinforce or otherwise alter the structure or physical characteristics of the device, or alternatively the additional materials serve to deliver therapies to the living being.

Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.

Abstract: The invention describes new synthetic medical adhesives and antifouling coatings which exploit the key components of natural marine mussel adhesive proteins.

Abstract: A method of supporting a defect in the tissue of a living being includes the steps of: a) providing a delivery instrument that includes an elongated instrument, at least one barrier element, and a plurality of connecting members; b) inserting the elongated instrument into the tissue at or near the defect; c) deploying the barrier element from the delivery instrument into tissue at or near the defect, the barrier element having at least one connecting member attached thereto; d) extending at least one passage means from the delivery instrument; e) engaging at least a portion of the at least one connecting member with the at least one passage means, whereby the at least one passage means causes the at least one connecting member to pass through the tissue, and f) withdrawing the elongated instrument from the tissue, thereby deploying and securing the barrier element to support the tissue.

Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.

Abstract: The invention describes families of compounds that utilize multihydroxyl phenyl groups to provide adhesive properties. Selection of the multihydroxy phenyl group along with linkers or linking groups and the linkages between the linkers or linking groups with polyalkylene oxides, provides materials that can be engineered to afford controllable curing time, biodegradation and/or swelling.

Abstract: A guide wire exchange system including an elongate, flexible, guide wire exchange catheter capable exchanging one guide wire for another in a safe, efficient, and secured manner, where a primary guide wire, after having been advanced through the body, is to be replaced with a secondary guide wire that is to be securely advanced through the body to the target site by the advancement of the exchange catheter over the path of the primary wire. The exchange catheter may include a securement element in order to releasably secure at least one guide wire to the exchange catheter at or near the distal end of the exchange catheter. Once secured, both the exchange catheter and the secured guide wire(s) may be advanced or retracted in a synchronous manner, without the possibility of divergence at the distal ends of the secured components as they are being manipulated by an operator.

Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.

Abstract: A bendable polymer tissue fixation device suitable to be implanted into a living body, consisting of a highly porous body, made from a polymer, the porous body having a plurality of pores, such that the device is capable of being smoothly bent, wherein the bending collapses a portion of the pores to form a radius curve, and the polymer fixation device is rigid enough to protect a tissue from shifting. Preferably, the polymer fixation device may be capable of being gradually resorbed by said living body. In one embodiment, the polymer fixation device consists of a plurality of layers distinguishable by various characteristics, such as structural or chemical properties. In another embodiment, the polymer fixation device may feature additional materials which serve to reinforce or otherwise alter the structure or physical characteristics of the device, or alternatively the additional materials serve to deliver therapies to the living being.

Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.

Abstract: Porous polymers having a plurality of openings or chambers that are highly convoluted, with each chamber being defined by multiple, thin, flat partitions are produced by a new gel enhanced phase separation technique. In a preferred embodiment, a second liquid is added to a polymer solution, the second liquid causing the solution to increase in viscosity. With sufficient polymer and second liquid present, the increase in viscosity can be up to that of a gel. The gel can then be shaped as needed. Subsequent solvent extraction leaves the porous polymeric body of defined shape. The porous polymers have utility as medical prostheses, the porosity permitting ingrowth of neighboring tissue. A second material may be incorporated into the chambers, thereby creating a microstructure filling the voids of the macrostructure.

Abstract: An implantable device for facilitating the healing of voids in bone, cartilage and soft tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device is arranged for the local delivery of therapeutic agent. A preferred embodiment is a porous resorbable implant, wherein the therapy delivery may be localized in nature, rather than systemic, such that higher doses at the target site may be allowed than would be tolerable by the body systemically.

Abstract: A system for repairing a vertebral disc defect, such as hernia or bulge, a full or partial tear in the annulus, or a weakened annulus wall as a result of an excision procedure. The system introduces a treatment device arranged to repair the defect, and may prevent the leakage of fluid from the nucleus. The components of the device may be resorbable materials, and may induce the ingrowth of cellular material into the components. The system may feature a locating device to ensure proper placement of the treatment device.

Abstract: A system for repairing a vertebral disc defect, such as hernia or bulge, a full or partial tear in the annulus, or a weakened annulus wall as a result of an excision procedure. The system introduces a treatment device arranged to repair the defect, and may prevent the leakage of fluid from the nucleus. The components of the device may be resorbable materials, and may induce the ingrowth of cellular material into the components. The system may feature a locating device to ensure proper placement of the treatment device.

Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to thin-film adhesive materials suitable for various applications. In particular, the present invention provides pliable viscoelastic thin-films configured to form strong water-resistant adhesive bonds to various surface types.

Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma while retaining the platelets and other facts. Highs speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.