Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices for repairing tissue and more specifically to devices which facilitate tissue regeneration and to surgical methods for the implantation and fixation of such devices. In one embodiment, the medical device is an elongate conduit that includes a longitudinal bore extending therethrough to facilitate the transfer of blood from a vascular region of tissue to a tear or damaged area located in an avascular and/or semi-vascular region of tissue. A filament and/or filaments are attached to the conduit and are positioned to secure the conduit and fixate the adjacent tear walls in mutual engagement. In another embodiment, a series of conduits are connected via a filament and/or filaments to facilitate the implantation of multiple conduits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices for repairing tissue and more specifically to devices which facilitate tissue regeneration and to surgical methods for the implantation and fixation of such devices. In one embodiment, the medical device is an elongate conduit that includes a longitudinal bore extending therethrough to facilitate the transfer of blood from a vascular region of tissue to a tear or damaged area located in an avascular and/or semi-vascular region of tissue. A filament and/or filaments are attached to the conduit and are positioned to secure the conduit and fixate the adjacent tear walls in mutual engagement. In another embodiment, a series of conduits are connected via a filament and/or filaments to facilitate the implantation of multiple conduits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insertion system for medical devices and to surgical methods for the implantation of the same. In one embodiment, the implantation system includes a guide wire and an insertion tool. The insertion tool includes a longitudinal bore extending therethrough for receipt of the guide wire. A portion of the longitudinal bore of the insertion tool mates with the outer surface of the guide wire to rotationally lock the insertion tool and the guide wire. Additionally, the medical device to be inserted includes a longitudinal bore for receipt of the guide wire. Similarly, at least a portion of the longitudinal bore of the medical device may also mate with the outer surface of the guide wire to rotationally lock the medical device and the guide wire. The rotational locks allow for rotation of the insertion tool to result in corresponding rotation of the medical device via rotation of the guide wire.

Abstract: Orthopaedic devices are disclosed. The devices include a part that is made of extracellular matrix material that has been hardened. One method of hardening the extracellular matrix is to comminute naturally occurring extracellular matrix and dry the comminuted material. The hardened extracellular matrix material can be machined to form a variety of orthopaedic devices.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for regenerating a meniscus. The devices comprise a layer of toughened naturally occurring extracellular matrix. The devices may, optionally, further comprise a biologic material to provide a framework for meniscus regeneration. The methods comprise the steps of removing a portion of a meniscus to provide a space, and inserting a device comprising a layer of toughened naturally occurring extracellular matrix into the space.

Abstract: A cartilage repair device comprises a scaffold, for example a naturally occurring extracellular matrix material, and a biological lubricant. The biological lubricant is applied to the naturally occurring extracellular matrix material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insertion system for medical devices and to surgical methods for the implantation of the same. In one embodiment, the implantation system includes a guide wire and an insertion tool. The insertion tool includes a longitudinal bore extending therethrough for receipt of the guide wire. A portion of the longitudinal bore of the insertion tool mates with the outer surface of the guide wire to rotationally lock the insertion tool and the guide wire. Additionally, the medical device to be inserted includes a longitudinal bore for receipt of the guide wire. Similarly, at least a portion of the longitudinal bore of the medical device may also mate with the outer surface of the guide wire to rotationally lock the medical device and the guide wire. The rotational locks allow for rotation of the insertion tool to result in corresponding rotation of the medical device via rotation of the guide wire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices for repairing tissue and more specifically to devices which facilitate tissue regeneration and to surgical methods for the implantation and fixation of such devices. In one embodiment, the medical device is an elongate conduit that includes a longitudinal bore extending therethrough to facilitate the transfer of blood from a vascular region of tissue to a tear or damaged area located in an avascular and/or semi-vascular region of tissue. A filament and/or filaments are attached to the conduit and are positioned to secure the conduit and fixate the adjacent tear walls in mutual engagement. In another embodiment, a series of conduits are connected via a filament and/or filaments to facilitate the implantation of multiple conduits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tissue scaffold implant devices useful in the repair and/or regeneration of diseased and/or damaged musculoskeletal tissue and that include a tissue scaffold component fixedly attached to a scaffold fixation component via at least one of sutures, fabrics, fibers, threads, elastomeric bands, reinforcing elements and interlocking protrusions for engaging and maintaining the scaffold component fixedly attached to the fixation component.

Abstract: Orthopaedic devices are disclosed. The devices (16) include a part that is made of extracellular matrix material that has been hardened. One method of hardening the extracellular matrix is to comminute naturally occuring extracellular matrix and dry the comminuted material. The hardened extracellular matrix material can be machined to form a variety of orthopaedic devices.

Abstract: A method of making an implantable scaffold for repairing damaged or diseased tissue includes the step of suspending pieces of an extracellular matrix material in a liquid. The extracellular matrix material and the liquid are formed into a mass. The liquid is subsequently driven off so as to form interstices in the mass. Porous implantable scaffolds fabricated by such a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tissue scaffold implant devices useful in the repair and/or regeneration of diseased and/or damaged musculoskeletal tissue and that include a tissue scaffold component fixedly attached to a scaffold fixation component via at least one of sutures, fabrics, fibers, threads, elastomeric bands, reinforcing elements and interlocking protrusions for engaging and maintaining the scaffold component fixedly attached to the fixation component.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for regenerating a meniscus. The devices comprise a layer of toughened naturally occurring extracellular matrix. The devices may, optionally, further comprise a biologic material to provide a framework for meniscus regeneration. The methods comprise the steps of removing a portion of a meniscus to provide a space, and inserting a device comprising a layer of toughened naturally occurring extracellular matrix into the space.

Abstract: A method for the repair of a cartilaginous tissue defect, a cartilage repair device and a method of making a cartilage repair device are disclosed. In the method for the repair of a cartilaginous tissue defect, a device comprising a synthetic polymer is implanted into the defect, and a biological lubricant is administered to the defect. The device comprises a synthetic polymer and a biological lubricant.

Abstract: A method for the repair of a cartilagenous tissue defect, a cartilage repair device and a method of making a cartilage repair device are disclosed. In the method for the repair of a cartilagenous tissue defect, a device comprising a scaffold, for example an extracellular matrix material, is implanted into the defect, and a biological lubricant is administered to the defect. The device comprises a scaffold, for example a naturally occurring extracellular matrix material, and a biological lubricant.

Abstract: Orthopaedic devices are disclosed. The devices include a part that is made of extracellular matrix material that has been hardened. One method of hardening the extracellular matrix is to comminute naturally occurring extracellular matrix and dry the comminuted material. The hardened extracellular matrix material can be machined to form a variety of orthopaedic devices.