Abstract: A composite material can include a gel and at least one nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for healing a soft tissue defect can include applying a composite material to a soft tissue defect, wherein the composite material includes a gel and a nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for manufacturing a composite material for use in healing soft tissue defects can include providing a gel and disposing nanofibers within the gel.

Abstract: A coupler is provided that includes a member such as a tube having a passageway and at least one end of the tube is inserted into a vessel. Upon insertion, the tube engages with inner walls of the vessel to inhibit movement of the coupler and/or adjoin tissue or a vessel.

Abstract: A composite material can include a gel and at least one nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for healing a soft tissue defect can include applying a composite material to a soft tissue defect, wherein the composite material includes a gel and a nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for manufacturing a composite material for use in healing soft tissue defects can include providing a gel and disposing nanofibers within the gel.

Abstract: A composite material can include a gel and at least one nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for healing a soft tissue defect can include applying a composite material to a soft tissue defect, wherein the composite material includes a gel and a nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for manufacturing a composite material for use in healing soft tissue defects can include providing a gel and disposing nanofibers within the gel.

Abstract: A composite material can include a gel and at least one nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for healing a soft tissue defect can include applying a composite material to a soft tissue defect, wherein the composite material includes a gel and a nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for manufacturing a composite material for use in healing soft tissue defects can include providing a gel and disposing nanofibers within the gel.

Abstract: A composite material can include a gel and at least one nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for healing a soft tissue defect can include applying a composite material to a soft tissue defect, wherein the composite material includes a gel and a nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for manufacturing a composite material for use in healing soft tissue defects can include providing a gel and disposing nanofibers within the gel.

Abstract: A composite material can include a gel and at least one nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for healing a soft tissue defect can include applying a composite material to a soft tissue defect, wherein the composite material includes a gel and a nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for manufacturing a composite material for use in healing soft tissue defects can include providing a gel and disposing nanofibers within the gel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and method for a nanofiber wrap to minimize inflation and scarring of nerve tissue and maximize the nutrient transport. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a novel semi-permeable nanofiber construct prepared from biocompatible materials. The nanofiber construct is applied around a nerve repair site following end-to-end anastomosis. The nanofiber construct is porous and composed of randomly oriented nanofibers prepare using an electrospinning method. The nanofiber construct has a wall that is approximately 50-100 ?m thick with pores smaller than 25 ?m. The nanofiber construct prevents inflammatory cells from migrating into the nerve coaption site, while still permitting the diffusion of growth factors and essential nutrients. The nanofiber construct allows for enhanced neuroregeneration and optimal function outcomes.

Abstract: A composite material can include a gel and at least one nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for healing a soft tissue defect can include applying a composite material to a soft tissue defect, wherein the composite material includes a gel and a nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for manufacturing a composite material for use in healing soft tissue defects can include providing a gel and disposing nanofibers within the gel.

Abstract: This disclosure provides novel hydrogels that can undergo multiple gel-sol transitions and methods of making and using such hydrogels, particularly in anastomosis procedures. The peptide hydrogels comprising a fibrillar network of peptides that are in an amphiphilic ?-hairpin conformation. The peptides comprise photo-caged glutamate residues with a neutral photocage that can be photolytically selectively uncaged to disrupt the fibrillar network and trigger an irreversible gel-sol phase transition of the hydrogel. Isolated peptides for making the disclosed hydrogels are provided, as are methods of using the peptide hydrogels in anastomosis procedures.

Abstract: A composite material can include a gel and at least one nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for healing a soft tissue defect can include applying a composite material to a soft tissue defect, wherein the composite material includes a gel and a nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for manufacturing a composite material for use in healing soft tissue defects can include providing a gel and disposing nanofibers within the gel.

Abstract: This disclosure provides novel hydrogels that can undergo multiple gel-sol transitions and methods of making and using such hydrogels, particularly in anastomosis procedures. The peptide hydrogels comprising a fibrillar network of peptides that are in an amphiphilic ?-hairpin conformation. The peptides comprise photo-caged glutamate residues with a neutral photocage that can be photolytically selectively uncaged to disrupt the fibrillar network and trigger an irreversible gel-sol phase transition of the hydrogel. Isolated peptides for making the disclosed hydrogels are provided, as are methods of using the peptide hydrogels in anastomosis procedures.

Abstract: A surgical evaluation and guidance system for use in extravacular evaluation and guidance of fluid vessel surgeries, includes an optical coherence tomography engine; a vessel probe optically coupled to the optical coherence tomography engine; and a signal processing and display system adapted to communicate with the optical coherence tomography engine to receive imaging signals therefrom. An optical coherence tomography vessel probe for use in extravacular evaluation and guidance of fluid vessel surgeries, includes a probe body having a proximal end and a distal end; an optical relay system disposed within the probe body; and a vessel adapter at least one of attached to or integral with the probe body at the distal end of the probe body, wherein the vessel adapter defines a groove that is configured to accept one of a fluid vessel and a lymphaticovenous vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and method for a nanofiber wrap to minimize inflation and scarring of nerve tissue and maximize the nutrient transport. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a novel semi-permeable nanofiber construct prepared from biocompatible materials. The nanofiber construct is applied around a nerve repair site following end-to-end anastomosis. The nanofiber construct is porous and composed of randomly oriented nanofibers prepare using an electrospinning method. The nanofiber construct has a wall that is approximately 50-100 ?m thick with pores smaller than 25 ?m. The nanofiber construct prevents inflammatory cells from migrating into the nerve coaption site, while still permitting the diffusion of growth factors and essential nutrients. The nanofiber construct allows for enhanced neuroregeneration and optimal function outcomes.

Abstract: A surgical evaluation and guidance system for use in extravascular evaluation and guidance of fluid vessel surgeries, includes an optical coherence tomography engine; a vessel probe optically coupled to the optical coherence tomography engine; and a signal processing and display system adapted to communicate with the optical coherence tomography engine to receive imaging signals therefrom. An optical coherence tomography vessel probe for use in extravascular evaluation and guidance of fluid vessel surgeries, includes a probe body having a proximal end and a distal end; an optical relay system disposed within the probe body; and a vessel adapter at least one of attached to or integral with the probe body at the distal end of the probe body, wherein the vessel adapter defines a groove that is configured to accept one of a fluid vessel and a lymphaticovenous vessel.