Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for monitoring health of corneal tissue are disclosed. The system includes a corneal measurement device configured to measure a first state of health indicator that is tissue thickness or volume of a region of the corneal tissue during a first period of time and a second state of health indicator that is tissue thickness or volume of the region during a second period of time after the first period of time. The system further includes a processing unit configured to receive the first and second state of health indicators from the corneal measurement device and generate a health map of the region based on the first and second state of health indicators, the health map indicative of a change between the first and second state of health indicators as measured from the first period of time to the second period of time in the region of the cornea.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for monitoring health of corneal tissue are disclosed. The system includes a corneal measurement device configured to measure a first state of health indicator that is tissue opacity or density of a region of the corneal tissue during a first period of time and a second state of health indicator that is tissue opacity or density of the region during a second period of time after the first period of time. The system further includes a processing unit configured to receive the first and second state of health indicators from the corneal measurement device and generate a health map of the region based on the first and second state of health indicators, the health map indicative of a change between the first and second state of health indicators as measured from the first period of time to the second period of time in the region of the cornea.

Abstract: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite articles that have a macro textured surface. The composite articles include at least two different PTFE membranes in a layered or stacked configuration. The composite article has a macro textured surface characterized by a plurality of strands raised from the surface of the PTFE membrane. The strands may be formed of either interconnected nodes of PTFE or of at least one nodal mass of PTFE and have a length equal to or greater than about 1.5 mm. The macro textured surface provides a topography to the first PTFE membrane. The composite articles have a bubble point from about 3.0 psi to about 200 psi, a thickness from about 0.01 to about 3.0 mm, and a bulk density from about 0.01 g/cm3 to about 1.0 g/cm3.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward devices, methods, and systems that include a reinforced biopolymer including a synthetic support membrane and a biopolymer. The reinforced biopolymer may have a measured optical transparency of at least 85%, a thickness of about 100 ?m or less, and a toughness of at least 30 KJ/m3.

Abstract: A microporous biocomposite that is suitable for surgical implantation in an avascular environment is provided. The microporous biocomposite includes (1) a polymer scaffold having a thickness less than about 100 ?m and nodal structures that extend to at least one surface of the polymer scaffold and (2) a hydrophilic coating on the polymer scaffold. In some embodiments, the porous scaffold is a microporous biomaterial with nodal structures that extend from a first surface to a second surface of the microporous biomaterial. The hydrophilic coating may be a node and fibril coating. The microporous biocomposite allows for the integration and sustained viability of epithelial cells on the surface thereof as well as tissue integration and the internal colonization of the biomaterial with other cell types, such as keratocytes and fibroblasts. In at least one embodiment, the microporous biocomposite may be incorporated into an artificial corneal implant or in other avascular mesoplants.

Abstract: Artificial corneas suitable for surgical implantation are provided. Embodiments of artificial corneas include an optical an optical element that includes a body having an anterior side and a posterior side, an annular flange extending about the body, the anterior side including an anterior optical surface and the posterior side of the body including a posterior optical surface, and a tissue integration skirt coupled to the optical element, the tissue integration skirt being configured to promote tissue ingrowth, the tissue integration skirt being coupled to the optical element such that at least a portion of a periphery of the annular flange defined between the anterior and posterior sides of the optical element is covered by the tissue integration skirt.

Abstract: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite articles that have a macro textured surface. The composite articles include at least two different PTFE membranes in a layered or stacked configuration. The composite article has a macro textured surface characterized by a plurality of strands raised from the surface of the PTFE membrane. The strands may be formed of either interconnected nodes of PTFE or of at least one nodal mass of PTFE and have a length equal to or greater than about 1.5 mm. The macro textured surface provides a topography to the first PTFE membrane. The composite articles have a bubble point from about 3.0 psi to about 200 psi, a thickness from about 0.01 to about 3.0 mm, and a bulk density from about 0.01 g/cm3 to about 1.0 g/cm3.

Abstract: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite articles that have a macro textured surface. The composite articles include at least two different PTFE membranes in a layered or stacked configuration. The composite article has a macro textured surface characterized by a plurality of strands raised from the surface of the PTFE membrane. The strands may be formed of either interconnected nodes of PTFE or of at least one nodal mass of PTFE and have a length equal to or greater than about 1.5 mm. The macro textured surface provides a topography to the first PTFE membrane. The composite articles have a bubble point from about 3.0 psi to about 200 psi, a thickness from about 0.01 to about 3.0 mm, and a bulk density from about 0.01 g/cm3 to about 1.0 g/cm3.

Abstract: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite articles that have a macro textured surface. The composite articles include at least two different PTFE membranes in a layered or stacked configuration. The composite article has a macro textured surface characterized by a plurality of strands raised from the surface of the PTFE membrane. The strands may be formed of either interconnected nodes of PTFE or of at least one nodal mass of PTFE and have a length equal to or greater than about 1.5 mm. The macro textured surface provides a topography to the first PTFE membrane. The composite articles have a bubble point from about 3.0 psi to about 200 psi, a thickness from about 0.01 to about 3.0 mm, and a bulk density from about 0.01 g/cm3 to about 1.0 g/cm3.

Abstract: The present invention is an artificial cornea designed to restore vision in patients who are not candidates to receive a natural cornea transplant (allograft). The present device construction involves the use of a biocompatible, non-porous optic disk intimately bonded to one or more anchoring layers of porous polymeric material, and a unique sealing region which enhances sealing of the artificial cornea in the recipient's eye.