Abstract: A tissue engineering scaffold for cell, tissue or organ growth comprises a biocompatible porous polyurethane cellular material comprising a plurality of substantially spherical voids of diameter from 20 to 300 microns, preferably 80 to 200 microns, interconnected by generally elliptically shaped pores. The cellular material has a void content of from 85% to 98% and a surface area to volume of from 5 to 400 mm2/mm3, ideally from 20 to 80 mm2/mm3.

Abstract: A catheter for delivery or retrieval of a medical device such as a filter 10 or a stent 16 has an outer shaft 1 with a pod 2 providing a medical device reception space at the distal end. An inner shaft 3 includes a solid pod with a longitudinally extending surface pathway 4 for a guidewire 7. The inner shaft 3 defines an abutment surface 9 at its distal end for deployment of the device 10, 16. The outer shaft 1 has an exit port 8 at which the guidewire 7 exits the catheter in a rapid exchange manner.

Abstract: A tissue engineering scaffold for cell, tissue or organ growth comprises a biocompatible porous polyurethane cellular material comprising a plurality of substantially spherical voids of diameter from 20 to 300 microns, preferably 80 to 200 microns, interconnected by generally elliptically shaped pores. The cellular material has a void content of from 85% to 98% and a surface area to volume of from 5 to 400 mm2/mm3, ideally from 20 to 80 mm2/mm3.

Abstract: A tissue engineering scaffold for cell, tissue or organ growth comprises a biocompatible porous polyurethane cellular material comprising a plurality of substantially spherical voids of diameter from 20 to 300 microns, preferably 80 to 200 microns, interconnected by generally elliptically shaped pores. The cellular material has a void content of from 85% to 98% and a surface area to volume of from 5 to 400 mm2/mm3, ideally from 20 to 80 mm2/mm3.

Abstract: A catheter for delivery or retrieval of a medical device such as a filter 10 or a stent 16 has an outer shaft 1 with a pod 2 providing a medical device reception space at the distal end. An inner shaft 3 comprises a solid pod with a longitudinally extending surface pathway 4 for a guidewire 7. The inner shaft 3 defines an abutment surface 9 at its distal end for deployment of the device 10, 16. The outer shaft 1 has an exit port 8 at which the guidewire 7 exits the catheter in a rapid exchange manner.

Abstract: A tissue engineering scaffold for cell, tissue or organ growth comprises a biocompatible porous polyurethane cellular material comprising a plurality of substantially spherical voids of diameter from 20 to 300 microns, preferably 80 to 200 microns, interconnected by generally elliptically shaped pores. The cellular material has a void content of from 85% to 98% and a surface area to volume of from 5 to 400 mm2/mm3, ideally from 20 to 80 mm2/mm3.

Abstract: A biocompatible polymeric material is prepared by forming a three dimensional cross-linked structure of a biocompatible polymeric material such as a polyether or polycarbonate polyurethane and solvent extracting the material with a swelling solvent such as MEK which swells the material by up to 150%. The solvent swollen polymeric material is then de-swelled with a non solvent such as water which is miscible with the extraction solvent. The process produces polymeric materials which do not produce leachables and thereby have properties that are suitable for implantation.

Abstract: A biostable porous polyether or polycarbonate polyurethane implant is manufactured from diphenyl methane diisocyanate, difunctional polytetramethylene ether glycol or a polycarbonate polyol, a trimerisation catalyst, a chain extender, water, a cross-linking agent, a blowing and/or gelling catalyst and a surfactant. The porous biomaterial has isocyanurate linkages and avoid content in excess of 85%. The implant may be used as an occluder or a tissue bridge.

Abstract: Porous and non-porous polycarbonate urethane polymers having a set of properties suitable for long term implantation within the body of a mammal. The polycarbonate foams and elastomers, comprise a polycarbonate material that is resistant to attack by invivo agents over extended periods of time. The polycarbonate urethane polymers are prepared by reacting polycarbonate polyols with an isocyanate and a chain extender.