Abstract: A method and system for selective inhibition of somatic nerve fibers in a mixed nerve containing both somatic and autonomic nerve fibers where the method finds use in treatment of chronic pain, spastic muscles and for sensory and motor control of a bladder. The methods and systems utilize alternate phase rectangular electrical pulses. An electrical pulse generator is coupled to a nerve. An alternate phase high frequency, low amplitude pulse is first applied to selectively inhibit somatic nerves when present in a mixed nerve. An alternate phase low frequency, high amplitude phase pulse subsequently supplied to stimulate the autonomic nerve fibers and in the case of the sacral root will permit a controlled voiding of the bladder and bowel.

Abstract: Acellular matrix grafts are provided with are isolated from natural sources and consist essentially of a collagen and elastin matrix which is devoid of cellular components. The grafts are useful scaffolds which promote the regeneration of muscle tissue and aid in restoring muscle function. Due to their acellular nature, the grafts lack antigenicity. As a result, the acellular matrix grafts can be isolated from autographic, allographic or xenographic tissues.

Abstract: A method and system for selective inhibition of somatic nerve fibers in a mixed nerve containing both somatic and autonomic nerve fibers where the method finds use in treatment of chronic pain, spastic muscles and for sensory and motor control of a bladder. The methods and systems utilize alternate phase rectangular electrical pulses. An electrical pulse generator is coupled to a nerve. An alternate phase high frequency, low amplitude pulse is first applied to selectively inhibit somatic nerves when present in a mixed nerve. An alternate phase low frequency, high amplitude phase pulse subsequently supplied to stimulate the autonomic nerve fibers and in the case of the sacral root will permit a controlled voiding of the bladder and bowel.

Abstract: A method and system for selective inhibition of somatic nerve fibers in a mixed nerve containing both somatic and autonomic nerve fibers where the method finds use in treatment of chronic pain, spastic muscles and for sensory and motor control of a bladder. The methods and systems utilize alternate phase rectangular electrical pulses. An electrical pulse generator is coupled to a nerve. An alternate phase high frequency, low amplitude pulse is first applied to selectively inhibit somatic nerves when present in a mixed nerve. An alternate phase low frequency, high amplitude phase pulse subsequently supplied to stimulate the autonomic nerve fibers and in the case of the sacral root will permit a controlled voiding of the bladder and bowel.

Abstract: A method and system for selective inhibition of somatic nerve fibers in a mixed nerve containing both somatic and autonomic nerve fibers where the method finds use in treatment of chronic pain, spastic muscles and for sensory for motor control of a bladder. The methods and systems utilize alternate phase rectangular electrical pulses. An electrical pulse generator is coupled to a nerve. An alternate phase high frequency, low amplitude pulse is first applied to selectively inhibit somatic nerves when present in a mixed nerve. An alternate phase low frequency, high amplitude phase pulse subsequently supplied to stimulate the autonomic nerve fibers and in the case of the sacral root will permit a controlled voiding of the bladder and bowel.

Abstract: Acellular matrix grafts are provided with are isolated from natural sources and consist essentially of a collagen and elastin matrix which is devoid of cellular components. The grafts are useful scaffolds which promote the regeneration of muscle tissue and aid in restoring muscle function. Due to their acellular nature, the grafts lack antigenicity. As a result, the acellular matrix grafts can be isolated from autographic, allographic or xenographic tissues.

Abstract: Acellular matrix grafts are provided with are isolated from natural sources and consist essentially of a collagen and elastin matrix which is devoid of cellular components. The grafts are useful scaffolds which promote the regeneration of muscle tissue and aid in restoring muscle function. Due to their acellular nature, the grafts lack antigenicity. As a result, the acellular matrix grafts can be isolated from autographic, allographic or xenographic tissues.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of growing smooth muscle cells in a host with the purpose of maintaining natural cellular function by the function of smooth muscle tissue. In this method, smooth muscle cells are freed from isolated smooth muscle tissue then cultured and injected into the host in combination with an extracellular matrix.

Abstract: An electro-acupuncture system comprises a transmitter for emitting high frequency magnetic energy pulses and a receiver, sealed within an implantable "thumb-tack" shaped device, for receiving and converting such pulses into stimulating pulses of current. The device comprises a head having an exposed ring-electrode (anode) secured therein and a needle-like electrode (cathode) having a proximal end secured in the head and a distal end adapted to pierce body tissue. The latter electrode comprises a metallic tube secured in the head and a metallic wire inserted through the tube to position and fix an exposed tip of the wire at a preselected location and depth in the body tissue, in accordance with method steps taught herein.

Abstract: An electro-acupuncture system comprises a transmitter for emitting high frequency magnetic energy pulses and a receiver, sealed within an implantable "thumb-tack" shaped device, for receiving and converting such pulses into stimulating pulses of current. The device comprises a head having an exposed ring-electrode (anode) secured therein and a needle-like electrode (cathode) having a proximal end secured in the head and a distal end adapted to pierce body tissue. The latter electrode comprises a metallic tube secured in the head and a metallic wire inserted through the tube to position and fix an exposed tip of the wire at a preselected location and depth in the body tissue, in accordance with method steps taught herein.

Abstract: An electrode is adapted to be surgically implanted around a nerve bundle to provide for the selective stimulation thereof. The electrode comprises a biocompatible and dielectric carrier formable from a flattened, opened position to a closed position around the nerve bundle. In its opened position, the carrier exhibits a main body portion extending in the direction of a longitudinal wrapping axis of the carrier and flap portions extending transversely outwardly from opposite ends of the main body portion and from the axis. At least one electrode contact is secured on an inner surface of the carrier and is welded to a wire lead, adapted for connection to a receiver implanted on a patient. In carrying forth the method steps for making the electrode, the carrier originally constitutes a tube that is suitably cut to form the main body and flap portions thereof. The electrode contact is then secured to an inner surface of the carrier and welded to the wire lead.

Abstract: A system for controlling bladder evacuation includes first and second implanted stimulation systems having electrodes respectively positioned on nerves controlling external sphincter and bladder functions, and an electronic control system which operates to generate and transmit electrical sphincter stimulation pulses to the first stimulation system. When it is desired to evacuate the bladder, a switch is closed causing the electronic control system to discontinue the external sphincter stimulation and, after a predetermined delay, to generate and transmit electrical bladder stimulation pulses to the second stimulation system. After a predetermined time, the bladder stimulation is automatically stopped. After another predetermined delay, the electronic control system resumes the generation and transmission of sphincter stimulation pulses to the first stimulation system.

Abstract: Applicant's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 611,836, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,639, describes a method for controlling the function of a bladder, including identification of selected nerve bundles controlling the separate functions of the bladder and its external sphincter and the application of pulse trains to one or more electrodes positioned on the nerve bundles to control the functions of the bladder and external sphincter. The methods taught herein utilize similar method steps for modulating symptoms resulting from a loss of coordination between the normally synchronized functions of a bladder and bowel and their associated sphincters. The methods are also used for treating incontinence by increasing sphincter tonus. The use of similar method steps for controlling evacuation of the bowel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for controlling bladder evacuation includes first and second implanted stimulation systems having electrodes respectively positioned on nerves controlling external sphincter and bladder functions, and an electronic control system which operates to generate and transmit electrical sphincter stimulation pulses to the first stimulation system. When it is desired to evacuate the bladder, a switch is closed causing the electronic control system to discontinue the external sphincter stimulation and, after a predetermined delay, to generate and transmit electrical bladder stimulation pulses to the second stimulation system. After a predetermined time, the bladder stimulation is automatically stopped. After another predetermined delay, the electronic control system resumes the generation and transmission of sphincter stimulation pulses to the first stimulation system.

Abstract: A method for controlling the function of a bladder, includes identification of the anatomical location of at least one nerve controlling the muscles for the bladder and/or its sphincter and positioning of an electrode on the nerve to selectively stimulate the nerve for continence and evacuation purposes. The electrode can be implanted in a patient either surgically or percutaneously and may be either removed after proper stimulation has achieved the desired result (neurostimulation) or may be left intact on the nerve for selective stimulation thereof. An electronic control system is disclosed for electrically energizing two or more implanted electrodes in a preselected timed relationship.

Abstract: The problem of providing a method and device for stimulating penile erection for a sexually disabled patient includes the implantation of an electrode on the cavernous nerves of a human male, adjacent to his prostate gland. Each electrode is electrically connected to a receiver, subcutaneously implanted on the patient. An external transmitter is utilized to electrically energize the receiver to transmit electrical energy to the electrode and the cavernous nerves for penile erection purposes.

Abstract: A mesh or gauze of a bioabsorbable material is used to temporarily correct a defect in a living body. The mesh is of a construction sufficient so that biological tissue in the area of the defect can grow into it and form a long-term biological tissue correction structure before the mesh is completely bioabsorbed. The long-term biological tissue correction structure forms a substantially permanent correction of the defect. The mesh is normally sutured or otherwise fastened in position to correct the defect and is maintained in that position for a time sufficient for the long-term biological tissue correction structure to form and for the mesh to be completely bioabsorbed.