Abstract: Fixation devices for tissue repair, for example sutures, surgical arrows, staples, darts, bolts, screws, buttons, anchors, nails, rivets or barbed devices comprise at least one of angiogenic material; angiogenic precursor material which is capable of breaking down in vivo to form angiogenic material; and tissue-engineered material, which tissue-engineered material is capable of producing angiogenic material. In a preferred form the material is incorporated into a polymer matrix having predetermined hydrophobicity to allow controlled release of angiogenic materials such as butyric or hydroxybutyric acid or salts thereof. Polymer matrix compositions comprising angiogenic materials and methods for tissue repair are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for therapeutically treating connective tissue or increasing vascularization in tissue using ultrasound. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus which use ultrasound to stimulate growth or healing, or to treating pathologies, of connective tissue, or to increase vascularization in ischaemic or grafted tissue using ultrasound.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for therapeutically treating connective tissue or increasing vascularization in tissue using ultrasound. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus which use ultrasound to stimulate growth or healing, or to treating pathologies, of connective tissue, or to increase vascularization in ischaemic or grafted tissue using ultrasound.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for therapeutically treating connective tissue or increasing vascularization in tissue using ultrasound. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus which use ultrasound to stimulate growth or healing, or to treating pathologies, of connective tissue, or to increase vascularization in ischaemic or grafted tissue using ultrasound.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of new methods for obtaining a tissue graft. The method can be carried out, for example, by implanting a biocompatible scaffold into a mammal and then removing the scaffold from the mammal. The scaffold is implanted in direct contact with (i.e. physically touching over at least a portion of its external surface), or adjacent to (i.e. physically separated from) mature or immature target tissue, for a period of time that is sufficient to allow cells of the target tissue to associate with the scaffold. The invention also features grafts generated by the methods described herein and methods for using those grafts to treat patients who have a defect in a target.

Abstract: Fixation devices for tissue repair, for example sutures, surgical arrows, staples, darts, bolts, screws, buttons, anchors, nails, rivets or barbed devices comprise at least one of angiogenic material; angiogenic precursor material which is capable of breaking down in vivo to form angiogenic material; and tissue-engineered material, which tissue-engineered material is capable of producing angiogenic material. In a preferred form the material is incorporated into a polymer matrix having predetermined hydrophobicity to allow controlled release of angiogenic materials such as butyric or hydroxybutyric acid or salts thereof. Polymer matrix compositions comprising angiogenic materials and methods for tissue repair are also provided.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and methods are provided. In one aspect, a method of securing a fixation device within an opening in a tissue is provided, including delivering a material in a flowable state to said opening, and changing the state of the material so that the material forms an interference fit that secures the fixation device in the opening.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of new methods for obtaining a tissue graft. The method can be carried out, for example, by implanting a biocompatible scaffold into a mammal and then removing the scaffold from the mammal. The scaffold is implanted in direct contact with (i.e. physically touching over at least a portion of its external surface), or adjacent to (i.e. physically separated from) mature or immature target tissue, for a period of time that is sufficient to allow cells of the target tissue to associate with the scaffold. The invention also features grafts generated by the methods described herein and methods for using those grafts to treat patients who have a defect in a target.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and methods are provided. In one aspect, a method of securing a fixation device within an opening in a tissue is provided, including delivering a material in a flowable state to said opening, and changing the state of the material so that the material forms an interference fit that secures the fixation device in the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for therapeutically treating connective tissue or increasing vascularization in tissue using ultrasound. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus which use ultrasound to stimulate growth or healing, or to treating pathologies, of connective tissue, or to increase vascularization in ischaemic or grafted tissue using ultrasound.