Abstract: Shape memory tissue engagement elements (15) are created using shape memory alloys or shape memory (SM) composite sheets (33, 36) with one or more SM material sheets (20, 32). Arrays of the tissue engagement elements may then be inserted or molded into flexible base materials forming pads for tissue engagement. In certain embodiments, the composite sheets incorporate two SM material layers (20, 32) having differing transition temperatures to allow activation of one layer for tissue engagement and activation of the second layer for tissue release. In exemplary embodiments, insertion of interconnected tissue engagement elements (46) into a base layer (19) with slots (48) provides a completed pad array. In alternative exemplary embodiments, vacuum forming of composite sheets (51) with cutting of corrugated sides (53) to form tissue engagement elements allow production of complete arrays of tissue engagement elements. Overmolding the arrays with a flexible base material (19) provides a completed pad.

Abstract: A material engagement element sheet formed from a sheet material (10) incorporates a pattern of material engagement element slots (14), each slot containing an array of material engagement elements (20) which have a tapered distal section (30), a flange section (34) and a proximal section (32) which is attached to an edge of the slots in the sheet material.. The material engagement element sheet material may be a single layer of shape memory material, or the sheet material may be a composite of different layers some of which may include pre-strained shape memory materials with distinguishable activation parameters. The material engagement element slot configuration allows for the simultaneous processing of the material engagement elements. The material engagement elements may be processed such that they are in a state that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the material engagement element sheet.

Abstract: An array of a plurality of shape memory material microposts have a proximal end configured to be secured to a substrate with a tissue penetrating distal end. The microposts further have a deployment state with the microposts in a substantially straightened configuration with a substantially smooth and continuous outer surface which is substantially parallel to adjacent microposts and an engaged state wherein at least a section of the microposts assume a configuration that is not substantially parallel to adjacent microposts or is not substantially straight with a substantially smooth and continuous outer surface so as to mechanically capture tissue adjacent thereto.

Abstract: An array of a plurality of shape memory material microposts have a proximal end configured to be secured to a substrate with a tissue penetrating distal end. The microposts further have a deployment state with the microposts in a substantially straightened configuration with a substantially smooth and continuous outer surface which is substantially parallel to adjacent microposts and an engaged state wherein at least a section of the microposts assume a configuration that is not substantially parallel to adjacent microposts or is not substantially straight with a substantially smooth and continuous outer surface so as to mechanically capture tissue adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A material engagement element sheet formed from a sheet material (10) incorporates a pattern of material engagement element slots (14), each slot containing an array of material engagement elements (20) which have a tapered distal section (30), a flange section (34) and a proximal section (32) which is attached to an edge of the slots in the sheet material. The material engagement element sheet material may be a single layer of shape memory material, or the sheet material may be a composite of different layers some of which may include pre-strained shape memory materials with distinguishable activation parameters. The material engagement element slot configuration allows for the simultaneous processing of the material engagement elements. The material engagement elements may be processed such that they are in a state that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the material engagement element sheet.

Abstract: An array of a plurality of shape memory material microposts have a proximal end configured to be secured to a substrate with a tissue penetrating distal end. The microposts further have a deployment state with the microposts in a substantially straightened configuration with a substantially smooth and continuous outer surface which is substantially parallel to adjacent microposts and an engaged state wherein at least a section of the microposts assume a configuration that is not substantially parallel to adjacent microposts or is not substantially straight with a substantially smooth and continuous outer surface so as to mechanically capture tissue adjacent thereto.