Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular supporting prosthesis capable of growing, comprising a mesh structure, wherein the mesh structure comprises at least two structural rings, which are connected to each other via connecting members and are disposed point-symmetrically about the longitudinal supporting prosthesis axis, wherein the structural rings and/or the connecting members have at least one predetermined breaking point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular supporting prosthesis, comprising two terminal regions relative to the longitudinal supporting prosthesis axis and a center region disposed between the two terminal regions, wherein every terminal region is provided with a mesh structure made of at least two structural rings, which are connected to each other via connecting members and are disposed point-symmetrically about the longitudinal supporting prosthesis axis. The center region is formed by elongated connecting members, which are connected to the structural rings respectively disposed adjacent to the center of the longitudinal supporting prosthesis axis. An aortic valve, which is produced by means of tissue engineering, is fastened and/or integrated in the center region.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a bioreactor system for the production of tissue prostheses. The system includes a bioreactor, a culture medium reservoir coupled to the bioreactor by a first conduit and a second conduit, a pump operable to pump fluid into and draw fluid out of a pumping chamber defined in the bioreactor to generate a pulsatile flow of culture medium through the reservoir and bioreactor via said first and second conduits, one or more flow meters operable to generate flow rate signals representative of the rate of culture medium flow through one or both of said first and second conduits, and a controller arranged to receive said flow rate signals from said one or more flow meters and to control the pump means in response to said received flow rate signals to provide a desired rate of culture medium flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular supporting prosthesis capable of growing, comprising a mesh structure, wherein the mesh structure comprises at least two structural rings, which are connected to each other via connecting members and are disposed point-symmetrically about the longitudinal supporting prosthesis axis, wherein the structural rings and/or the connecting members have at least one predetermined breaking point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular supporting prosthesis, comprising two terminal regions relative to the longitudinal supporting prosthesis axis and a center region disposed between the two terminal regions, wherein every terminal region is provided with a mesh structure made of at least two structural rings, which are connected to each other via connecting members and are disposed point-symmetrically about the longitudinal supporting prosthesis axis. The center region is formed by elongated connecting members, which are connected to the structural rings respectively disposed adjacent to the center of the longitudinal supporting prosthesis axis. An aortic valve, which is produced by means of tissue engineering, is fastened and/or integrated in the center region.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a bioreactor system for the production of tissue prostheses. The system includes a bioreactor, a culture medium reservoir coupled to the bioreactor by a first conduit and a second conduit, a pump operable to pump fluid into and draw fluid out of a pumping chamber defined in the bioreactor to generate a pulsatile flow of culture medium through the reservoir and bioreactor via said first and second conduits, one or more flow meters operable to generate flow rate signals representative of the rate of culture medium flow through one or both of said first and second conduits, and a controller arranged to receive said flow rate signals from said one or more flow meters and to control the pump means in response to said received flow rate signals to provide a desired rate of culture medium flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable scaffold for a prosthetic implant, such as a prosthetic vessel and/or a prosthetic heart valve. The implantable prosthetic further comprises a biological tissue-like matrix. The present invention further provides methods of assembling or manufacturing a biodegradeable prosthetic implant using pre-formed jig components.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and a method for noninvasively and continuously monitoring blood pressure. Also disclosed is a method for making such a device. The system includes a semiconductor chip comprising a transducer array of individual pressure or force sensors and associated circuitry providing control signals to and/or processing signals from these sensors, all of the above integrated in the chip. Also disclosed is a specific sensor structure provided on said chip. The invention further encompasses a system for measuring and/or tracking the blood pressure waveform and for combining the latter with related blood values like the heartbeat, derived from the above or other measuring devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the in vitro production of mammalian tissue replacements using substantially pure populations of isolated non-embryoblastic fetal cells having the capacity to differentiate into the cell type(s) that form(s) the native tissue. The tissue replacements engineered by the methods of the present invention are especially useful for the repair of non-functional or malfunctional cardiovascular structures in patients suffering from congenital cardiovascular disorders.

Abstract: A surgical assist device used to constrict blood perfusion during surgeries is provided. The device utilizes one or more compression members to apply a controlled pressure to an open artery to stop blood perfusion at the surgical site. The compression members can be deployed and retracted manually, automatically, or remotely. The applied pressure can also be remotely monitored and controlled. The device can be used in conjunction with existing suction based coronary stabilization devices or used as a stand-along unit. The device can be used to apply controlled pressure to the arteries to constrict blood perfusion with significantly less invasion into the surgical area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for recording and/or monitoring medical data, particularly data pertaining to the cardiovascular condition and to the blood properties of an individual having, for example, cardiovascular disorders or diabetes. Said device comprises at least one measuring sensor (3, 3′, 23), in particular, an car sensor for detecting the cardiovascular condition of the individual (1) and comprises a logic controller for determining irregularities in the data recorded by the measuring sensor. The device also comprises a transmitting-receiving device (5) for voice and/or data in order to dial up at least one third party (9) and to transmit data thereto. Finally, the device comprises a locating system module by means of which the location of the individual is transmitted to the third party.

Abstract: For the acquisition and/or monitoring of medically relevant data, in particular of the state of the cardiovascular system, of blood properties as well as electrocardiographic data of a person, for example with cardiovascular disorders or disorders of other organs, a configuration is proposed, which comprises