Abstract: A method for early stabilizing of distracted connective tissue. A distraction site is at least partially covered with biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable materials before a distraction procedure takes place. Distraction is performed on a connective tissue at the distraction site. The distracted connective tissue is stabilized using the biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable materials.

Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed that includes an elongated probe section having a length (L) between a proximal and a distal probe section end. The probe section includes a plurality of carbon fibers that is arrayed along the axis and embedded in a medical grade, biocompatible epoxy resin. The probe section is constructed to be rigid by controlling the density of carbon fibers such that the maximum predetermined off-axis deflection (dmax) is less than about 30% of the probe section length (dmax<0.3 L). A handle is affixed, and positioned to be coaxial with, the proximal end of the probe section. For the instrument, the probe section is constructed of materials that are impervious to an imaging modality (e.g. magnetic fields). For example, with this construction, the probe section can be immersed in a homogenous magnetic field that is established by an MRI system without distorting the resulting MRI image.

Abstract: A method for early stabilizing of distracted connective tissue. A distraction site is at least partially covered with biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable materials before a distraction procedure takes place. Distraction is performed on a connective tissue at the distraction site. The distracted connective tissue is stabilized using the biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable materials.

Abstract: A stent is described that is configured to be inserted into a lumen of a patient. The stent includes a coiled body in a generally helical configuration. In certain aspects, the coiled body includes a strip of multiple strands coupled together. In other aspects, the coiled body includes a strip having one or more lumens in the strip. In addition, certain stents have a coiled body formed by a strip of multiple strands in which at least one of the strands includes a lumen. Pharmaceutical or therapeutic agents may be provided in the lumen to provide a therapeutic effect to a patient receiving the stent. Markers may also be provided in the lumen to facilitate placement of the stent in a patient.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a connective tissue distraction device comprising: a first transmitting structure for transmitting force to a first tissue region and a second transmitting structure for transmitting force to a second tissue region by contact with bone, and an expansion device for exerting force distracting the first transmitting structure from the second transmitting structure. At least one of the first transmitting device, the second transmitting device and the expansion structure comprises in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.