Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for stabilizing an extracellular matrix in a wall of a blood vessel. The method comprises delivering a therapeutic agent into mural thrombus, which covers the wall of the blood vessel. The agent is transported from the mural thrombus into the extracellular matrix of the vessel wall by diffusion. The agent then acts to reduce the enzymatic degradation of protein in the extracellular matrix.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods for the therapeutic changing of the geometry of the left ventricle of the human heart. Specifically, the invention relates to the left-ventricular lateral wall introduction of an anchoring device to align the papillary muscles.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods for the therapeutic changing of the geometry of the left ventricle of the human heart. Specifically, the invention relates to the apical introduction of an anchoring device to align the papillary muscles.

Abstract: Biocompatible phase invertible proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertible compositions are prepared by combining a proteinaceous substrate and a crosslinking agent, such as a stabilized aldehyde crosslinking agent. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: Biocompatible phase invertible proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertible compositions are prepared by combining a proteinaceous substrate and a crosslinking agent, such as a stabilized aldehyde crosslinking agent. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing an extra cellular matrix layer in the vascular system of the body is disclosed herein. The method can comprise placing a vascular catheter adjacent to the extra cellular matrix layer, delivering a solution containing a bioflavonoid to the extra cellular matrix layer with the vascular catheter, and cross-linking protein in the extra cellular matrix layer. The bioflavonoid can be a catechin, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

Abstract: Biocompatible phase invertable proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertable compositions are prepared by combining a proteinaceous substrate and a cross-linker. The proteinaceous substrate includes one or more proteins and an adhesion modifier, and may also include one or more of: a pasticizer, a carbohydrate, or other modification agent. In certain embodiments, the cross-linker is a heat-treated dialdehyde, e.g., heat-treated glutaraldehyde. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: The primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved anastomotic connection between a conduit and a vessel by use of a cuff attached to one end of the conduit. By using a cuff, the conduit can be connected to a vessel without first cutting the vessel and without clamping the underlying vessel. In one embodiment of the invention, the cuff is contoured in the shape of a saddle to provide a connection cuff that contours to the cylindrical shape of the underlying vessel. The invention provides methods to connect the conduit to vessel without having the sutures located at the intersection of conduit and vessel, thereby minimizing the possibility that a secondary cutting operation of the vessel will also cutting the sutures. In one embodiment of the invention, a transition in compliance between the generally stiffer conduit and the generally softer vessel is accomplished by forming a compliance transitioning interface at the junction of the conduit and cuff.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved cutting tool to reliably and safely cut a circular hole through the wall of a body vessel. Unlike prior art, the vessel cutting tool can measure the thickness of the vessel wall before cutting the hole, measure the depth of tool penetration during cutting, and control the rate of rotational cutting relative to the rate of axial movement. Also, the invention provides other benefits not previously offered by prior art inventions. For instance, in one embodiment of the invention an electric motor is used to cut the hole. In another embodiment, the anchor element forms an immediate low profile device within the vessel and by acting as a protective separator, the anchor prevents unwanted vessel tissue from inadvertently being cut by the rotating cutter. In yet another embodiment, an adhesive is used in place of the anchor element to provide an adhesive bond to secure the cutting tool to the vessel.

Abstract: Biocompatible phase invertable proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertable compositions are prepared by combining a proteinaceous substrate and a cross-linker. The proteinaceous substrate includes one or more proteins and an adhesion modifier, and may also include one or more of: a pasticizer, a carbohydrate, or other modification agent. In certain embodiments, the cross-linker is a heat-treated dialdehyde, e.g., heat-treated glutaraldehyde. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to an implant and an implant technique for the interposition of an extracardiac conduit between a ventricle of a beating heart and a nearby blood vessel to form an alternative one-way blood pathway thereby bypassing a native diseased heart valve. More specifically, the present invention provides a prosthetic heart valve housing adopted to allow blood flow. The prosthetic heart valve housing comprises an inlet conduit element, an inlet valve housing element, an outlet valve housing element, and an outlet conduit element. To allow only one-way blood flow through the prosthetic heart valve housing, the inlet and outlet valve housing elements of the prosthetic heart valve housing are adopting to hold a surgeon selected prosthetic heart valve. One element common to many of these valve designs is an annular cuff or sealing gasket located around the periphery of the working valve.

Abstract: A method for forming a stent in situ involves manipulating a delivery system to provide a mold within a lumen of a living body, and injecting a settable, biocompatible phase invertible composition into the mold. After the biocompatible phase invertible composition is set, the delivery system is removed. The stent provides a micro-porous support structure with good tensile strength that is adhesively bound to the lumen. The biocompatible phase invertible composition may be a composition concocted from albumin and collagen, for example, and may be infused with an anti-restenosis agent.

Abstract: Biocompatible phase invertable proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertable compositions are prepared by combining a proteinaceous substrate and a cross-linker. The proteinaceous substrate includes one or more proteins and an adhesion modifier, and may also include one or more of: a pasticizer, a carbohydrate, or other modification agent. In certain embodiments, the cross-linker is a heat-treated dialdehyde, e.g., heat-treated glutaraldehyde. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: A sealant useful for the control of fluid leakage in bloody and non-bloody surgical fields.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing and sealing a vascular puncture is connected to an energy supply such that heat is generated in, or thermally conducted to, the tissue, thereby thermally fusing the vascular tissue together. The method for closing and sealing a vascular puncture comprises applying radio frequency or other energy to the tissue, the energy being sufficient to thermally fuse the tissue together, thus sealing the puncture. Embodiments of depth finding and guiding devices, as well as blood vessel occluders, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing and sealing a vascular puncture is connected to an energy supply such that heat is generated in, or thermally conducted to, the tissue, thereby thermally fusing the vascular tissue together. The method for closing and sealing a vascular puncture comprises applying radio frequency or other energy to the tissue, the energy being sufficient to thermally fuse the tissue together, thus sealing the puncture. Embodiments of depth finding and guiding devices, as well as blood vessel occluders, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing heterogeneous graft material from animal tissue in which the harvested tissue is cleaned, chemically cross-linked and then vacuum-dried to remove substantially all moisture therefrom. The vacuum-dried animal tissue is then double-wrapped and subjected to radiation sterilization while in its packaged dry state. Electron beam sterilization is a preferred method. At the time of use, the outer wrap is opened and the inner sterile package is placed in the sterile field in the operating room. When the tissue specimen is removed from its inner wrap, it may be rehydrated in sterile saline to restore its soft, supple hand, or it may be implanted in its dry state at the implanting surgeon's discretion, in which case, the tissue would undergo rehydration with the patient's own body fluids.

Abstract: A prosthetic article for surgical implantation within the body of a host in a surgical stapling procedure comprises a strip of host-tissue-compatible animal tissue material that is initially removably affixed between the spaced-apart legs a U-shaped buttress member to create a tubular configuration that can readily slip over the jaws of a conventional surgical stapler. When the staple gun is fired, the staples penetrate through the strips of animal tissue and the host tissue and thus serve to reinforce the staple line. Because the buttress member is releasibly attached to the strip of animal tissue, the buttress member can be readily separated and discarded following the firing of a staple gun.

Abstract: To reinforce a line of surgical staples in host tissue, a strip of xenogeneic or autogenic tissue, such as cross-linked pericardium or dura mater harvested from horses, cows, pigs, sheep and humans, is appropriately adhered to the apposed surfaces of a staple cartridge supporting jaw and an anvil jaw of a surgical staple gun so that when tissue to be excised is positioned between the jaws and the staple gun is fired, the staples will penetrate the two layers of animal tissue and the intervening host tissue. Actuation of the cutting blade on the stapler or the use of a separate cutting instrument severs the tissue and the two layers of animal tissue along the staple line. When used in performing a lung reduction procedure, the animal tissue reinforcing strips create an air-tight seal about the staples preventing air leaks.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing and sealing a vascular puncture is connected to an energy supply such that heat is generated in, or thermally conducted to, the tissue, thereby thermally fusing the vascular tissue together. The method for closing and sealing a vascular puncture comprises applying radio frequency or other energy to the tissue, the energy being sufficient to thermally fuse the tissue together, thus sealing the puncture. Embodiments of depth finding and guiding devices, as well as blood vessel occluders, are also disclosed.