Abstract: An apparatus 10 has a probe 22 disposed within a housing 12. A distal end 18 of the probe 22 is adapted to contact a surface of the articular cartilage and a proximal end 26 of the probe 22 is disposed within the housing 12. The apparatus 10 also includes a mass 28 disposed within the housing 12 at a position spaced from the proximal end 26 of the probe 22, and an accelerator 30 coupled to the mass 28 and configured to accelerate the mass 28 to a predetermined velocity. The mass 28, when accelerated to the predetermined velocity, creates a force that is applied to the proximal end 26 of the probe 22, thereby transmitting the predetermined force through the distal end 24 of the probe 22 to the cartilage. The mechanical response of the cartilage to the application of the force applied by the distal end 24 of the probe 22 is detected and used to assess the biomechanical condition of the cartilage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring items of vital health information including temperature of the plantar aspects of the foot of the human, body weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, blood glucose level and blood oxygen level. The apparatus includes a platform on which the user stands. Included on the platform are a set of heat sensitive signal generating devices. The temperature at predetermined locations on the plantar aspects of the human foot are determined by the signals obtained from the individual heat sensitive, signal generating probes. Other items of vital health information may be obtained by other sensors on the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention involves a device for tissue, especially hard tissue, penetration device which incorporated a novel paddle-shaped needle for low friction rotatory penetration of hard tissue and a controlled delivery or extraction system for transfer of material from to device into a tissue site or transfer of material from the tissue site to the device. The delivery system or extraction system includes at least on solenoid or other similar device.

Abstract: The present invention involves compositions having variable permeation and/or porosity and objects made therefrom. The compositions are prepared by dispersing a pore-forming agent in a polymer matrix by agitation. The composition is density developed resulting in a variable concentration in pore-forming agent throughout the mixture through application of an external force on the mixture with or without continued agitation. The pore-forming agent is then leached from the mixture to form a polymer matrix having variable permeability and/or porosity.

Abstract: The present invention involves filler for treating injured tissue sites made from compositions having variable permeability to bodily fluid to reduce the flow to these fluids (bleeding) from the site of injury into the surrounding tissue. The fillers are prepared by dispersing a pore-forming agent in a polymer with agitation. Density developing a variable concentration of pore-forming agent throughout the polymer through application of an external force acting on the mixture so that a portion of the filler has a variable impermeability to bodily fluids. After agitation and/or density development, the pore-forming agent is leached from the mixture to form a polymer matrix having variable permeability. Alternatively, the compositions can be made by fixedly combining a permeable material with an impermeable material to form a filler with reduced permeability to bodily fluid flow.

Abstract: The present invention involves a device for tissue, especially hard tissue, penetration device which incorporated a novel paddle-shaped needle for low friction rotatory penetration of hard tissue and a controlled delivery or extraction system for transfer of material from to device into a tissue site or transfer of material from the tissue site to the device. The delivery system or extraction system includes at least on solenoid or other similar device.

Abstract: The invention discloses pH-controlling devices that comprise a biodegradable polymer and a pH-controlling substance, particularly an alkaline, acidic or buffering agents. By way of example, such alkaline agents include calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. Methods of preparing such devices are also described. Methods for enhancing biocompatibility of an implantable device are also provided, as neutralizing alkaline materials are released at a rate that offsets changes in pH typically observed as polymers degrade to various acidic or alkaline by-products. By way of example, biodegradable polymers include PLA, PGA, polycaprolactone, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof. A new technique is disclosed to increase the surface porosity of porous implants which have a tendency to form relatively impermeable coverings. This technique entails the use of mechanical means to remove at least part of said covering, thus increasing the implant's surface porosity and permeability.

Abstract: Biodegradable, porous, polymeric implant material provides substantially continuous release of bioactive agent during in vivo use. Bioactive agent is initially released in amounts that are less than degradation rate of polymer, thereby promoting migration of cells into material. Later larger amounts of bioactive agent is released, thereby promoting differentiation of cells. Method of making material includes step of applying vacuum to form pores. Implant material may be adapted for one phase implant (e.g., for bone or cartilage) or for two phase layered implant (e.g., for cartilage layer on top of bone layer).

Abstract: Biodegradable, porous, polymeric implant material provides substantially continuous release of bioactive agent during in vivo use. Bioactive agent is initially released in amounts that are less than degradation rate of polymer, thereby promoting migration of cells into material. Later larger amounts of bioactive agent are released, thereby promoting differentiation of cells. Method of making material includes steps of applying vacuum temperature and consession to form pores. Implant material may be adapted for one phase implant (e.g., for bone or cartilage) or for two phase layered implant (e.g., for cartilage layer on top of bone layer).

Abstract: The invention discloses pH-controlling devices that comprise a biodegradable polymer and a pH-controlling substance, particularly an alkaline, acidic or buffering agent. By way of example, such alkaline agents include calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. Methods of preparing such devices are also described. Methods for enhancing biocompatibility of an implantable device are also provided, as neutralizing alkaline materials are released at a rate that offsets changes in pH typically observed as polymers degrade to various acidic or alkaline by-products. By way of example, biodegradable polymers include PLA, PGA, polycaprolactone, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof. A new technique is also disclosed to increase the surface porosity of porous implants which have a tendency to form relatively impermeable coverings. This technique entails the use of mechanical means to remove at least part of said covering, thus increasing the implant's surface porosity and permeability.

Abstract: An articular cartilage evaluator for determining the Index of Structural Integrity of articular cartilage. This computer-based system measures deformation or reaction force of articular cartilage through closed loop control of a testing tip and allows the measurement of peak force, stress relaxation behavior or creep behavior in vivo and in situ. This evaluator also allows the calculation of the tissue's material properties. A calibrator is also provided for calibrating the evaluator and attaching and removing a replaceable tip assembly.

Abstract: A carrier and method of manufacturing and using the same is provided for receiving supporting replenished tissue growing into a diseased or damaged area within a physiological system. The carrier can be implanted in the interface region between tissue having different mechanical properties to support the growth and regeneration of differing types of tissue within the region. The carrier includes bioerodible polymeric material having differing mechanical properties such as porosity, stiffness and compressibility.

Abstract: An arthroscopic cartilage evaluator for determining the Index of Structural Integrity of articular cartilage. This computer-based system measures deformation or reaction force of articular cartilage and processes that information for closed loop control of a testing tip and allows the measurement of stress relaxation behavior or creep behavior in vivo and in situ. This evaluator also allows the calculation of the tissue's material properties.

Abstract: An arthroscopic indenter for measuring creep deformation behavior, stress relaxation behavior and thickness of cartilage in vivo and in situ. A computer-based system measures deformation or force information upon cartilage and processes that information for closed-loop control of an indenter tip while also calculating intrinsic properties associated with the cartilage such as stiffness, compressibility and/or permeability.