Abstract: A tissue-filling composition comprises an injectable material having the properties of a Bingham plastic. The tissue-filling composition is a solid which partially liquefies as it is injected through a needle or cannula into solid tissue. The tissue-filling composition may be a poly(vinyl alcohol) produced from an aqueous solution which is subjected to a single freeze-thaw cycle under conditions which cause the poly(vinyl alcohol) to have the properties of a Bingham plastic.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions that have anti-thrombotic and thrombolytic activity. These compositions are useful, e.g., in the treatment of diseases or disorders associated with thrombus formation, such as stroke and myocardial infraction, and for other uses.

Abstract: Methods of modulating the conformation of vWF are provided. One embodiment provides a method for linearizing globular vWF by contacting globular vWF proteins with an effective amount of negatively charged nanoparticles that interact with the globular vWF proteins to induce a conformational change in the globular vWF proteins such that the change in conformation inhibits or reduces the ability of the vWF proteins to bind to platelet receptors. Preferred negatively charged nanoparticles are non-functionalized.

Abstract: The invention provides prosthetic venous valves, and method of use thereof, for the effective treatment of individuals with venous reflux in chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The development of such prosthetic venous valves in the areas of valve design, design specifications, verification and/or validation testing, computational analysis, valve placement and clinician guidance and procedure are provided. Manufacturing the prosthetic venous valves of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides prosthetic venous valves, and method of use thereof, for the effective treatment of individuals with venous reflux in chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The development of such prosthetic venous valves in the areas of valve design, design specifications, verification and/or validation testing, computational analysis, valve placement and clinician guidance and procedure are provided. Manufacturing the prosthetic venous valves of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A based device for use as tissue repair includes a median part between two end parts. The median and end parts have a different tensile stiffness.

Abstract: Implantable biomaterials, particularly hydrogel substrates with porous surfaces, and methods for enhancing the compatibility of biomaterials with living tissue, and for causing physical attachment between biomaterials and living tissues are provided. Also provided are implants suitable for load-bearing surfaces in hard tissue repair, replacement, or augmentation, and to methods of their use. One embodiment of the invention relates to an implantable spinal disc prosthesis.

Abstract: A device for collecting material from lung aerosols. The device functions by collecting aerosols from the lower airway separated from material in the by collecting air from the upper airway in a chamber that when full causes the remaining exhaled aerosols from the lungs to be captured by a filter. The filter collects sample of material from the separated lung aerosols.

Abstract: A based device for use as tissue repair includes a median part between two end parts. The median and end parts have a different tensile stiffness.

Abstract: Implantable biomaterials, particularly hydrogel substrates with porous surfaces, and methods for enhancing the compatibility of biomaterials with living tissue, and for causing physical attachment between biomaterials and living tissues are provided. Also provided are implants suitable for load-bearing surfaces in hard tissue repair, replacement, or augmentation, and to methods of their use. One embodiment of the invention relates to an implantable spinal disc prosthesis.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an implantable prosthetic valve includes a body that defines an inlet end and an inlet orifice, the body being constructed of a flexible biocompatible material, an outlet that extends from the body and that defines an outlet end and an outlet orifice, the outlet being constructed of a flexible biocompatible material, and an inner passage that extends through the body and the outlet from the inlet orifice to the outlet orifice to enable fluid to flow through the valve, wherein the outlet orifice is open when the valve is in its natural unloaded state and is closed when fluid pressure is applied to the outlet from a position downstream of the outlet.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating elastomeric implants employ a mold with PVA crystals and irrigant added to the mold independent of each other. Related molds are also described.

Abstract: A device for collecting material from lung aerosols. The device functions by collecting aerosols from the lower airway separated from material in the by collecting air from the upper airway in a chamber that when full causes the remaining exhaled aerosols from the lungs to be captured by a filter. The filter collects sample of material from the separated lung aerosols.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating elastomeric implants employ a mold with PVA crystals and irrigant added to the mold independent of each other. Related molds are also described.

Abstract: Implantable biomaterials, particularly hydrogel substrates with porous surfaces, and methods for enhancing the compatibility of biomaterials with living tissue, and for causing physical attachment between biomaterials and living tissues are provided. Also provided are implants suitable for load-bearing surfaces in hard tissue repair, replacement, or augmentation, and to methods of their use. One embodiment of the invention relates to an implantable spinal disc prosthesis.

Abstract: Implantable biomaterials, particularly hydrogel substrates with porous surfaces, and methods for enhancing the compatibility of biomaterials with living tissue, and for causing physical attachment between biomaterials and living tissues are provided. Also provided are implants suitable for load-bearing surfaces in hard tissue repair, replacement, or augmentation, and to methods of their use. One embodiment of the invention relates to an implantable spinal disc prosthesis.

Abstract: Implantable biomaterials, particularly hydrogel substrates with porous surfaces, and methods for enhancing the compatibility of biomaterials with living tissue, and for causing physical attachment between biomaterials and living tissues are provided. Also provided are implants suitable for load-bearing surfaces in hard tissue repair, replacement, or augmentation, and to methods of their use. One embodiment of the invention relates to an implantable spinal disc prosthesis.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to implantable, prosthetic vascular valves, methods of making the valves, and methods of using the valves, in particular, in the human venous system.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a poly (vinyl alcohol) hydrogel construct having a wide range of mechanical strengths for use as a human tissue replacement. The hydrogel construct may comprise a tissue scaffolding, a low bearing surface within a joint, or any other structure which is suitable for supporting the growth of tissue.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis comprised of a solid elastomer made from a synthetic organic polymer that is biocompatible, compliant, and has water content greater than 5%. The solid construction prevents leaks and ruptures that are prevalent in other implants. The implant has the look, fit and feel of human tissue from various parts of the body.