Abstract: This invention relates to a material for use in preventing recurrent spontaneous abortions in women, comprising material selected from isolated syncytiotrophoblast microvillous plasma membrane and protein- and glycoprotein-containing fractions derived therefrom.The invention also relates to a method for preventing recurrent spontaneous abortions in women, the method comprising administering to a woman a material comprising material selected from isolated syncytiotrophoblast microvillous plasma membrane and protein- and glycoprotein-containing fractions derived therefrom.

Abstract: A synthetic vascular graft is made by electrostatically spinning an organic polymeric material or a precursor thereof and collecting the spun fibres on a rotating mandrel (13), the method comprising the step of controlling the speed of rotation of the mandrel (13) such that a desired degree of anisotropy is present in the synthetic vascular graft.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polyurethane resins particularly suitable for electrostatic spinning which comprises forming a prepolymer of polyether glycol and a diisocyanate reacted in a molar ratio of about 1:2, and thereafter reacting the prepolymer with additional diisocyanate and a diol extender, the final molar ratio of the polyether, isocyanate and diol reactants being approximately 1:3.7:2.5. The reaction is conducted in an organic solvent at a temperature of about 45.degree. C. to obtain a polymer having an inherent viscosity of from about 2.0 to 2.4 in a solution of 25 to 30 percent solids. The solution is diluted to about 15 percent solids prior to spinning.

Abstract: A process for setting in a desired shape a product at least a portion of which comprises electrostatically spun fibres is disclosed. The process comprises maintaining the product in the desired shape at a temperature below the melding temperature of the electrostatically spun fibres. The desired shape may be the as-spun shape of the product or a shape obtained by deformation of the product, i.e. the product is reshaped. The fibres preferably comprise a polyurethane and reshaping is preferably effected on a former. The reshaped product may be employed as a vascular prosthesis.

Abstract: A process for electrostatically spinning fiber forming material. The spun fiber is collected on a removable sheath on a rotating mandrel. The sheath is electroconductive. The tubular spun fiber product is separated from the sheath.