Abstract: Prosthetic devices are prepared for subepithelial implantation by coating their surfaces with a coating comprising crosslinked or uncrosslinked fibronectin. If the surface of the device comprises a material which does not normally bind fibronectin, it is pretreated, for example, by coating with poly(L-lysine). The coated prosthetic device is implanted by removing a portion of the epithelium, affixing the coated device to the subepithelial tissue optionally replacing all or part of the removed epithelium, and allowing new epithelial tissue to grow over and affix itself to the surface of the prosthetic device. The method of the invention can be used to implant contact lenses permanently beneath the epithelium of the cornea.

Abstract: A tissue expander is disclosed. Extending from the outer surface of the tissue expander are a plurality of projections of specific combinations of height and width dimensions selected from the groups consisting of (1) approximately 750 microns high and approximately 250 microns wide and (2) approximately 1,600 microns high and approximately 800 microns wide. Preferred edge-to-edge spacing distance between adjacent projection and center-to-center spacings between adjacent projections are also disclosed. A method of expanding tissue utilizing the disclosed tissue expander is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sustained release material to be buried at a position close to a diseased part in a living body to slowly release an impregnated liquid drug includes a core mainly consisting of a ceramic material and having a plurality of pores formed at a predetermined porosity, and a surface layer mainly consisting of a ceramic material, formed around the outer surface of the core, and having a plurality of pores having a pore size or porosity smaller than that of the pores formed in the core.

Abstract: A cuff for restoring competence to an incompetent venous valve consists of a band of biocompatible implantable material that is not stretchable at blood flow pressures. The band is of sufficient length to encompass the vein at the site of the venous valve with the ends of the band overlapping. In one form of attachment, the end 22 passes over the loop 23 and is stapled thereto. The cuff can be attached to an applicator by means of the loop 23. A portion 26 of reduced thickness extends from the bottom face of the band to reduce any inner surface discontinuities with respect to the wall of the vein.The cuff is placed around the vein at the site of the valve and the circumference of the cuff (and hence the diameter of the vein at the valve site) is reduced until competency of the valve in the vein is restored.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis having a low porosity outer material such as FTFE, and an inner synthetic tubular mesh. Semi-permeable microcapsules that contain hormone-producing cells, are placed between the outer material and the inner mesh. The microcapsules are preferably made of polysaccharides or amino-acid polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enossal implant, which comprises a primary cylinder (10) with a central longitudenal bore (13) which can be introduced into the jawbone and is anchored therein in positive and/or non-positive manner, as well as a secondary cylinder (100) insertable into the primary cylinder (10) and which has an oscillating rod (211) inserted and held in the longitudenal bore (13) and guide tube (30) of primary cylinder (10), said rod carrying an upper modular tube (220) made from an elastic material arranged at a distance from guide tube (30), accompanied by the formation of an air gap (225) and which is constructed at its free upper end for the connection of the dental prosthesis, whereas its lower end is connected in fixed or detachable manner to the primary cylinder (10), so that an implant is obtained which not only leads to a positive and nonpositive connection to the bone and a load-free stabilization of the primary cylinder (10), but whose oscillating rod (211) absorbs the horizontal, verti