Abstract: A connective tissue scaffold including opposed first and second anchoring segments formed from a plurality of bioresorbable polymeric fibers oriented in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the scaffold and a plurality of bioresorbable polymeric fibers oriented in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the scaffold. A central segment joins the first and second anchoring segments and includes a plurality of bioresorbable polymeric fibers oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the scaffold. The scaffold can also a tissue particle and/or biological component.

Abstract: A biological tissue collection device is provided having a housing with a fluid-retaining inner chamber adapted to retain a bioimplantable, fluid permeable tissue scaffold. The scaffold is preferably retained in the housing in such a way that the scaffold separates the fluid-retaining inner chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. The collection device further includes a driver mechanism coupled to the housing and effective to create a force within the housing to displace fluid disposed within the second chamber to the first chamber. As the fluid is displaced, any biological tissue deposited on the tissue scaffold is dispersed within the fluid. Removal of the force enables the fluid to return to the second chamber and thereby deposit the tissue onto the tissue scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, the tissue is deposited evenly onto the tissue scaffold.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue implant. The tissue implant may be bioabsorbable, and is made from a biocompatible polymeric foam. The tissue implant also includes a biocompatible reinforcement member. The polymeric foam and the reinforcement member are soluble in a common solvent.

Abstract: A method for modifying the surface properties of tissue in vivo is described. The method comprises forming a liquid crystalline matrix on the tissue surface wherein the matrix comprises a tissue surface component. In one embodiment there is provided a method for improving the bonding of surgical glues and cements to cartilage and other synovial fluid wetted tissue surfaces. Such surfaces are contacted with a composition comprising a poly(hydroxy substituted amino acid) to form a liquid crystalline matrix on the tissue surface. The matrix is readily removed to provide a tissue surface that exhibits improved bonding with surgical glues.

Abstract: A tissue biopsy and processing device for capturing and processing a tissue sample is provided. In general, the device includes a biopsy member adapted to remove a tissue sample from a patient's body, and a processing apparatus adapted to receive the tissue sample from the biopsy device, and to dissociate and mince the tissue sample in preparation for further use. The processing apparatus can include a tissue reducing chamber in communication with and adapted to receive the tissue sample from the biopsy member, and a tissue processing element associated with the tissue reducing chamber that is effective to dissociate the tissue sample retained within the tissue reducing chamber.

Abstract: A biocompatible ligament repair implant or scaffold device is provided for use in repairing a variety of ligament tissue injuries. The repair procedures may be conducted with ligament repair implants that contain a biological component that assists in healing or tissue repair. The biocompatible ligament repair implants include a biocompatible scaffold and particles of viable tissue derived from ligament tissue or tendon tissue, such that the tissue and the scaffold become associated. The particles of living tissue contain one or more viable cells that can migrate from the tissue and populate the scaffold.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue repair implant or scaffold device is provided for use in repairing a variety of tissue injuries, particularly injuries to cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. The repair procedures may be conducted with implants that contain a biological component that assists in healing or tissue repair. The biocompatible tissue repair implants include a biocompatible scaffold and particles of living tissue, such that the tissue and the scaffold become associated. The particles of living tissue contain one or more viable cells that can migrate from the tissue and populate the scaffold.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue repair stimulating implant or “scaffold” device is used to repair tissue injuries, particularly injuries to ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Such implants are especially useful in methods that involve surgical procedures to repair injuries to ligament, tendon, and nerve tissue in the hand and foot. The repair procedures may be conducted with implants that contain a biological component that assists in healing or tissue repair.

Abstract: A method for modifying the surface properties of tissue in vivo is described The method comprises forming a liquid crystalline matrix on the tissue surface wherein the matrix comprises a tissue surface component In one embodiment there is provided a method for improving the bonding of surgical glues and cements to cartilage and other synovial fluid wetted tissue surfaces. Such surfaces are contacted with a composition comprising a poly(hydroxy substituted amino acid) to form a liquid crystalline matrix on the tissue surface The matrix is readily removed to provide a tissue surface that exhibits improved bonding with surgical glues.

Abstract: A method for modifying the surface properties of tissue in vivo is described The method comprises forming a liquid crystalline matrix on the tissue surface wherein the matrix comprises a tissue surface component. In one embodiment there is provided a method for improving the bonding of surgical glues and cements to cartilage and other synovial fluid wetted tissue surfaces. Such surfaces are contacted with a composition comprising a poly(hydroxy substituted amino acid) to form a liquid crystalline matrix on the tissue surface The matrix is readily removed to provide a tissue surface that exhibits improved bonding with surgical glues.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue repair stimulating implant or “scaffold” device is used to repair tissue injuries, particularly injuries to ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Such implants are especially useful in methods that involve surgical procedures to repair injuries to ligament, tendon, and nerve tissue in the hand and foot. The repair procedures may be conducted with implants that contain a biological component that assists in healing or tissue repair.

Abstract: A method for modifying the surface properties of tissue in vivo is described. The method comprises forming a liquid crystalline matrix on the tissue surface by contacting the surface with a composition comprising a poly(hydroxy substituted amino acid). Compositions comprising a poly(hydroxy substituted amino acid) and synovial fluid are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for growing or depositing artificial bone materials called organoapatites on a metal surgical alloy. The method involves pretreating the alloy with at least one aqueous solution of a poly(amino acid). After this pretreatment step, the organoapatites can be synthesized onto the alloy. Because most surgical implants are made from metal alloys, this method can be used to make implants which contain organoapatites may promote the formation of natural bone when placed into a human patient in vivo.