Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a bone marrow aspiration device comprising a plurality of syringes, each of which operates in a series of sequential steps to obtain bone marrow of high quality and therapeutic value, i.e., having a high MSC/ml number. An embodiment of the invention preferably comprises three syringes, wherein a first syringe is used to aspirate bone marrow from a subject, a second syringe contains an anticoagulant, and the third syringe contains a mixture of the bone marrow aspirate and the anticoagulant.

Abstract: Implants for repairing tissue defects, such as cartilage tissue defects, and methods of their preparation and use are disclosed. A mold of a tissue defect is prepared by pressing upon the defect a substrate having shape memory, such as aluminum foil. The mold, which has contours substantially conforming to those of the defect, is removed from the defect, and tissue particles are added to the mold ex vivo. A biological carrier such as biocompatible glue is also added to the mold. The combination of tissue particles and the biological carrier thereby form an implant, which retains its shape after separation from the mold. The implant can be transferred to the tissue defect, with contours of the mold matching corresponding contours of the defect.

Abstract: An instrument for determining the proper orientation for repairing a defect site on a tissue surface generally comprises a shaft, a plurality of probes operatively coupled to the shaft, and at least one indicator operatively coupled to the plurality of probes. The probes are configured to extend beyond a first end of the shaft and are movable relative the shaft. The at least one indicator is configured to display the displacements of the probes relative to the first end so that the displacements of the probes may be compared. A method of using the instrument when repairing a defect on a tissue surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a bone marrow aspiration device comprising a plurality of syringes, each of which operates in a series of sequential steps to obtain bone marrow of high quality and therapeutic value, i.e., having a high MSC/ml number. An embodiment of the invention preferably comprises three syringes, wherein a first syringe is used to aspirate bone marrow from a subject, a second syringe contains an anticoagulant, and the third syringe contains a mixture of the bone marrow aspirate and the anticoagulant.

Abstract: An embodiment of the claimed invention is a therapeutic delivery device having a plurality of fenestrations located around the circumference of its distal portion and an opening at the tip. The opening at the tip and the plurality of fenestrations reduce the injection resistance, making it easy to use, and ensure an even distribution of the injected material at the recipient location.

Abstract: Implants for repairing tissue defects, such as cartilage tissue defects, and methods of their preparation and use are disclosed. A mold of a tissue defect is prepared by pressing upon the defect a substrate having shape memory, such as aluminum foil. The mold, which has contours substantially conforming to those of the defect, is removed from the defect, and tissue particles are added to the mold ex vivo. A biological carrier such as biocompatible glue is also added to the mold. The combination of tissue particles and the biological carrier thereby form an implant, which retains its shape after separation from the mold. The implant can be transferred to the tissue defect, with contours of the mold matching corresponding contours of the defect.

Abstract: A hydrogel-forming composition is provided that comprises an extracellular matrix protein, hyaluronic acid, and a thermosensitive biocompatible polymer such as methylcellulose. The hydrogels can provide a therapeutic effect; further, the hydrogels may comprise an optional therapeutic agent such as cells or a pharmaceutical composition. The composition may be injected to an area in need of treatment by the therapeutic agent. The composition may form a gel at about 37° C., such that the gel maintains the therapeutic agent in the area of the body in need of such treatment.

Abstract: A hydrogel composition is formed from a natural polymer derivative having a plurality of cross-linkable units depending therefrom, and a synthetic polymer derivative having a plurality of cross-linkable units depending therefrom, said natural and synthetic polymer derivatives having hydrolysable units disposed between the polymer backbone of said derivative and at least some of said cross-linkable units. The use of a combination of natural and synthetic polymers provides for biodegradability of the hydrogel, along with mechanical properties such as strength and elasticity.

Abstract: A hydrogel-forming composition is formed from a protein polymer derivative having a plurality of cross-linkable units depending therefrom, and a non-protein polymer derivative having a plurality of cross-linkable units depending therefrom, said non-protein polymer derivatives having hydrolysable units disposed between the polymer backbone of said derivative and at least some of said cross-linkable units. The use of a combination of protein and non-protein polymers provides for biodegradability of the hydrogel by hydrolysis of the hydrolysable units and/or enzymatic degradation of the proteins, along with mechanical properties such as strength and elasticity.

Abstract: A method of removing undesired tissue from a connective tissue is provided that includes stretching the connective tissue and peeling away the undesired tissue. Some methods include soaking the connective tissue in a solution prior to and/or subsequent to stretching and peeling away the undesired tissue. The solution may include a detergent, an enzyme, a salt solution, an organic solvent, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A device for delivering a biocompatible material to a surgical site includes a cannula having proximal and distal portions and at least a first interior lumen disposed therebetween through which the biocompatible material is delivered. The device further includes an initiation member for initiating cross-linking of the biocompatible material while the biocompatible material is within the cannula. The cannula may include a heating element to thermally initiate cross-linking. Alternately, the cannula may include a second lumen for transmitting light from a light source. A movable blocking element controls the amount of light that passes into the first lumen. A method of delivering a curable biocompatible material to a surgical site includes positioning a distal portion of a cannula adjacent the surgical site and introducing the biocompatible material through a first lumen of the cannula. Cross-linking of the biocompatible material is then initiated while the biocompatible material is within the cannula.

Abstract: A device for delivering a biocompatible material to a surgical site includes a cannula having proximal and distal portions and at least a first interior lumen disposed therebetween through which the biocompatible material is delivered. The device further includes an initiation member for initiating cross-linking of the biocompatible material while the biocompatible material is within the cannula. The cannula may include a heating element to thermally initiate cross-linking. Alternately, the cannula may include a second lumen for transmitting light from a light source. A movable blocking element controls the amount of light that passes into the first lumen. A method of delivering a curable biocompatible material to a surgical site includes positioning a distal portion of a cannula adjacent the surgical site and introducing the biocompatible material through a first lumen of the cannula. Cross-linking of the biocompatible material is then initiated while the biocompatible material is within the cannula.

Abstract: An instrument for determining the proper orientation for repairing a defect site on a tissue surface generally comprises a shaft, a plurality of probes operatively coupled to the shaft, and at least one indicator operatively coupled to the plurality of probes. The probes are configured to extend beyond a first end of the shaft and are movable relative the shaft. The at least one indicator is configured to display the displacements of the probes relative to the first end so that the displacements of the probes may be compared. A method of using the instrument when repairing a defect on a tissue surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are drug delivery compositions comprising a continuous aqueous phase comprising a reverse thermal gelation system comprising a blend of a cellulose derivative and polyethylene glycol; a discontinuous particulate phase comprising microparticles; and an agent to be delivered contained in at least said discontinuous particulate phase. Also disclosed are sustained release compositions formed using the drug delivery compositions and methods of using those compositions.

Abstract: Implants for repairing tissue defects, such as cartilage tissue defects, and methods of their preparation and use are disclosed. A mold of a tissue defect is prepared by pressing upon the defect a substrate having shape memory, such as aluminum foil. The mold, which has contours substantially conforming to those of the defect, is removed from the defect, and tissue particles are added to the mold ex vivo. A biological carrier such as biocompatible glue is also added to the mold. The combination of tissue particles and the biological carrier thereby form an implant, which retains its shape after separation from the mold. The implant can be transferred to the tissue defect, with contours of the mold matching corresponding contours of the defect.

Abstract: A method of preparing an implantable biological device having a first tissue part and a second tissue part includes exposing the first tissue part to a first preparation method and preventing exposure of the second biological tissue part to the first preparation method. Preventing exposure of the second biological tissue part to the first preparation method may be achieved using an embedding technique, a coating technique, a covering technique, or physical isolation. The method may further include exposing the second tissue part to a second preparation method and preventing exposure of the first biological tissue part to the second preparation method. An apparatus for preparing an implantable biologic device includes an enclosure having first and second chambers separated by a partition member wherein a substantial portion of the first tissue part is within the first chamber and a substantial portion of the second tissue part is within the second chamber.

Abstract: A device for delivering a biocompatible material to a surgical site includes an elongate cannula having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and at least one interior lumen disposed between the proximal and distal portions through which the biocompatible material is delivered. The device further includes a confinement member adjacent the distal portion of the cannula having expanded and unexpanded positions. In the expanded position, the confinement member defines an open cavity about the distal portion of the cannula and in fluid communication with the interior lumen to retain the biocompatible material. A method of delivering a curable biocompatible material to a surgical site includes positioning a distal portion of a cannula adjacent the surgical site and actuating a confinement member to define an open cavity about the distal portion. The biocompatible material is introduced into the cavity through the cannula and cross-linking of the curable biocompatible material is initiated.

Abstract: A device for delivering a biocompatible material to a surgical site includes a cannula having proximal and distal portions and at least a first interior lumen disposed therebetween through which the biocompatible material is delivered. The device further includes an initiation member for initiating cross-linking of the biocompatible material while the biocompatible material is within the cannula. The cannula may include a heating element to thermally initiate cross-linking. Alternately, the cannula may include a second lumen for transmitting light from a light source. A movable blocking element controls the amount of light that passes into the first lumen. A method of delivering a curable biocompatible material to a surgical site includes positioning a distal portion of a cannula adjacent the surgical site and introducing the biocompatible material through a first lumen of the cannula. Cross-linking of the biocompatible material is then initiated while the biocompatible material is within the cannula.