Abstract: A finger-mounted computer stylus is provided. The stylus is pivotable between an operative position extending forward past the middle knuckle along a backhand area and an inoperative position wherein the stylus does not extend forward past the middle knuckle. Magnets along the upper surface of a base and associated pivot arm removably secure the stylus in the operative and inoperative positions by way of a magnetic connection adapted to be disconnected with a snap of the wrist.

Abstract: A finger-mounted computer stylus is provided. The stylus is pivotable between an operative position extending forward past the middle knuckle along a backhand area and an inoperative position wherein the stylus does not extend forward past the middle knuckle. Magnets along the upper surface of a base and associated pivot arm removably secure the stylus in the operative and inoperative positions by way of a magnetic connection adapted to be disconnected with a snap of the wrist.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide intraluminal delivery of a bandage structure within a body lumen or hollow body organ.

Abstract: A chitosan biomaterial is frozen in aqueous solution to form a frozen chitosan structure from which water is removed by a prescribed freeze-drying process to form a sponge-like chitosan structure having a thickness and a density. The sponge-like chitosan structure is compressed by application of heat and pressure to reduce the thickness and increase the density of the sponge-like chitosan structure to form a densified chitosan structure. The densified chitosan structure is further preconditioned by heating the densified chitopsan structure according to prescribed conditions to form a wound dressing. The wound dressing possesses an adhesion strength and resistance to dissolution in high blood flow bleeding situations.

Abstract: It is a general object of the invention to provide a method of effecting repair or replacement or supporting a section of a body tissue using tropoelastin, preferably crosslinked tropoelastin and specifically to provide a tropoelastin biomaterial suitable for use as a stent, for example, a vascular stent, or as conduit replacement, as an artery, vein or a ureter replacement. The tropoelastin biomaterial itself can also be used as a stent or conduit covering or coating or lining.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a bioprosthetic stent graft is disclosed, the stent having a stent frame and a biomaterial sheath suturelessly bonded to the stent frame. An automated energy irradiator guidance system is disclosed which reduces the potential for human error and improves the consistency and repeatability of tissue welding techniques. The system includes a mapper, a patternizer, an energy director and can additionally include an energy regulator. An interface is included, allowing pattern creation, selection and editing by a user. The system further provides control of energy irradiator parameters for use in tissue welding.

Abstract: A bandage application system of the present for hemorrhage control and/or tissue repair of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the gastrointestinal tract is provided. The system comprises a bandage for hemorrhage control and/or tissue repair of the gastrointestinal tract. It also includes an apparatus for introducing the bandage into a treatment area of the gastrointestinal tract requiring hemorrhage control and/or tissue repair, and for removing the apparatus from the treatment area without displacing the bandage from being adhered to the treatment area, and without damaging the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, it also has a device for adhering the bandage to the treatment area.

Abstract: Dental dressing assemblies are formed from hydrophilic polymer sponge structures, such as a densified chitosan biomaterial.

Abstract: An antimicrobial barrier comprising a structure including a chitosan biomaterial. The antimicrobial barrier can be used, e.g., (i) stanch, seal, or stabilize a site of tissue injury, tissue trauma, or tissue access; or (ii) form an anti-microbial barrier; or (iii) form an antiviral patch; or (iv) intervene in a bleeding disorder; or (v) release a therapeutic agent; or (vi) treat a mucosal surface; or (vii) combinations thereof. The structure of the antimicrobial barrier may be densified by compression.

Abstract: Tissue dressing assemblies are formed from hydrophilic polymer sponge structures. The tissue dressing assemblies can be used, e.g., (i) stanch, seal, or stabilize a site of tissue injury, tissue trauma, or tissue access; or (ii) form an anti-microbial barrier; or (iii) form an antiviral patch; or (iv) intervene in a bleeding disorder; or (v) release a therapeutic agent; or (vi) treat a mucosal surface; or (vii) combinations thereof. The tissue dressing structures are made compliant, e.g., by (i) micro-fracturing of a substantial portion of the sponge structure by mechanical manipulation prior to use, or (ii) a surface relief pattern formed on a substantial portion of the sponge structure prior to use, or (iii) a pattern of fluid inlet channels formed in a substantial portion of the sponge structure prior to use, or (iv) the impregnation of a sheet material within the sponge structure.

Abstract: This invention is directed to advanced hemorrhage control wound dressings, and methods of using a producing same. The subject wound dressing is constructed from a non-mammalian material for control of severe bleeding. The wound dressing is formed of a biomaterial comprising chitosan for controlling severe bleeding. The kind of severe, life-threatening bleeding contemplated by this invention is typically of the type not capable of being stanched when a conventional gauze wound dressing is applied with conventional pressure to the subject wound. The wound dressing being capable of substantially stanching the flow of the severe life-threatening bleeding from the wound by adhering to the wound site, to seal the wound, to accelerate blood clot formation at the wound site, to reinforce clot information at the wound site and prevent bleed out from the wound site, and to substantially prohibit the flow of blood out of the wound site.

Abstract: Thus, a method is provided for substantially decreasing the failure of a bioprosthetic implant in a human being. The method comprises providing a lipid lowering medication. Then, the human being is treated with the lipid lowering medication to substantially decrease the bioprosthetic implant failure and substantially lowering the need for bioprosthetic implant replacement. Preferably, the lipid lowering medication is a statin, and more preferably the lipid lowering medication is a HMG CoA reductive inhibitor (3-hydroxy-3 methyl-glutamyl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor).