Abstract: A device and method for the treatment of damaged nerves and, more particularly, a tubular membrane having a microtextured surface for the treatment of central or peripheral nerve injuries. The microtextured surface of the tubular membrane inhibits the growth of fibrous tissue, which prevents the reattachment of nerve fiber ends.

Abstract: A device and method for the treatment of damaged nerves and, more particularly, a tubular membrane having a microtextured surface for the treatment of central or peripheral nerve injuries. The microtextured surface of the tubular membrane inhibits the growth of fibrous tissue, which prevents the reattachment of nerve fiber ends.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current, such tissues including but not limited to brain, liver, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissues and neoplasms. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a source of super-cooled fluid for selectively providing super-cooled fluid to the target tissue to cause a temporary cessation of cellular or electrical activity, a supply of conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the target tissue, and alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current, such tissues including but not limited to brain, liver, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissues and neoplasms. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a source of super-cooled fluid for selectively providing super-cooled fluid to the target tissue to cause a temporary cessation of cellular or electrical activity, a supply of conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the target tissue, and alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode.

Abstract: A method of providing biocompatible surface texturing on a metal component of an implantable device and the device so produced. The coating is provided by applying particles of metal falling substantially entirely in the range of 1 to 5 microns to a surface of said component to provide a layer of generally uniform thickness and sintering said particles to one another and to said component to provide a generally continuous external surface having surface texturing in the form of projections formed from said sintered particles. The particles are preferably applied to a depth of 1 to 25 microns. In a preferred embodiment particles of titanium are applied to a surface of a titanium component.