Abstract: A soft tissue expander includes an expandable cover, a base, an adjustable central portion and a connecting member joined to side portions and extending across the central portion to determine the width of the expander.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of antimicrobially active materials is presented. The invention involves taking a base material such as allografts, xenografts, polymers, metals, and ceramics and combining it with an antimicrobially active agent, such as antibiotics, antibacterials, antifungals, antivirals, disinfectants, and polypeptides, after which it is irradiated with ionizing radiation to sterilize and stabilize the combined material. The resulting antimicrobially active material may then be stored at ambient temperature while maintaining its antimicrobial activity and the structural integrity of the base material. The invention is particularly useful for both preventing and treating a variety of infections and for increased safety in reconstructive procedures.

Abstract: A soft tissue expander includes an expandable cover, a base, an adjustable central portion and a connecting member joined to side portions and extending across the central portion to determine the width of the expander.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the sterilization of functional biological materials, and for their preservation for shelf storage at uncontrolled temperatures. Biological contaminants are significantly reduced in titer or eliminated while maintaining preservation of functional integrity of sterilized and stabilized products. The sterilized and stabilized functional biological material can be stored at room temperature, thereby making it much more available and easier to use versus, lyophilized, conventional frozen or cold stored biologics. The present invention is further directed to inactivation of metalloenzymes, which are often degradative enzymes in biological systems. Reduction or elimination of the degradative function can be achieved by exposure to ionizing radiation, chemical agents or processes that inactivate the metalloenzymes. Inactivation of metalloenzymes enhances the stability of functional biological materials at ambient temperature.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the sterilization of functioning biological materials, biochemical entities and biologically active molecules and for their preservation for storage at room temperature. Biological contaminants are significantly reduced in titer or eliminated while maintaining preservation of functional integrity of sterilized and stabilized products derived from the present methods. These materials may be mainly structural in function, such as bone, or may demonstrate active molecular function, as in the case of hemoglobin and antibodies. Treatments for stabilizing the sterilized biologics include alteration of material temperature, control of radiation dose rate, optimization of irradiation time, control of oxygen content, the use of stabilizers, specification of pH, inclusion of particular solvents, and alteration of the type of radiation applied.

Abstract: A new method for the preparation and sterilization of skin allografts is presented. Human skin allografts are radiated in the present invention and applied as a temporary wound dressing on a graft dome. The invention is particularly useful for wound and burn therapies and presents a low cost, safe, and effective treatment that can be widely used with extensive storage capability.

Abstract: A soft tissue expander includes a dimensionally adjustable base. The shape of the base is optimally adjusted prior to inserting the expander into an incision formed below a layer of skin to be expanded.

Abstract: A new method for the preparation and sterilization of skin allografts is presented. Human skin allografts are radiated in the present invention and applied as a temporary wound dressing on a graft dome. The invention is particularly useful for wound and burn therapies and presents a low cost, safe, and effective treatment that can be widely used with extensive storage capability.

Abstract: A tissue expander for expanding hair to cover temple bald recesses includes a base having a central arm and a pair of end arms separated by a pair of concave recesses and an expandable cover joined to the edge of the base.

Abstract: A soft tissue expander device adapted to be implanted beneath a layer of skin and subcutaneous tissue and filled with fluid to differentially expand the overlying tissue including methods for differentially expanding soft tissue and treating male pattern baldness.