Abstract: A truss system comprises at least one truss element of mutually parallel tube bodies (11, 12) which are mutually connected in a ladder element (10) by a system of shores (15, 16). The tube bodies (11, 12) are provided at opposite outer ends with coupling means (13) for a force-transmitting coupling to a further truss element. Ladder elements (10) are connected releasably to each other by form-stiff coupling elements (30).

Abstract: The invention is directed to an orthopedic implant comprising different distinct sections, wherein each section comprises a different polymeric material and the polymeric materials are at the contact surfaces of the sections attached to each other by chemical bonds and/or physical interaction and to a method for the production of an orthopedic implant wherein multi-component molding is used.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for reducing localized fibrosis at the site of the medical device.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for inducing neovascularization in injured tissues with endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Mixtures of purified CD34+ endothelial progenitors and purified CD14+ monocytes, or products of an in vitro co-culture of purified CD34+ endothelial progenitor cells and purified CD14+ monocytes provide neovascularization after administration to a subject having a tissue injury, such as an ischemic injury.

Abstract: An occlusion resistant medical shunt, particularly a hydrocephalic shunt, is provided for implantation into a mammal. The shunt has an elongate wall structure configured as a tube having a lumen therethrough and a proximal end for receipt of bodily fluids. The bodily fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid, flows through the shunt to a distal end for discharge of the bodily fluids. The wall structure of the shunt generally includes a biocompatible medical device material. The shunts of the present invention further include one or more occlusion resistant materials to resist occlusion of the lumenal passage in the shunt.

Abstract: An endoluminal stent graft includes segments of a healing promoter to promote the “healing in” of the distal and/or proximal neck(s) of the endoluminal stent graft in a vessel, thus reducing the risk of migration and the occurrence of endoleaks that can formed at the side of the neck(s) and the consequent feeding of the aneurysm sac. In some applications, the segments of the healing promoter are located within a proximal anchor region located near the proximal neck opening of the endoluminal stent graft and, optionally, within one or more distal anchor regions located near one or more distal neck openings of the endoluminal stent graft. In other applications, the segments of the healing promoter are located within the proximal anchor region, but not the distal anchor region.

Abstract: An endoluminal stent graft includes a healing-promoting material to enhance the “healing” of the proximal and/or distal neck(s) of the endoluminal stent graft and the vessel wall; the risk of migration and the occurrence of Type 1 endoleaks is reduced. The healing-promoting material is located within a proximal anchor region located near the proximal neck opening of the endoluminal stent graft and optionally within one or more distal anchor regions located near one or more distal neck openings of the endoluminal stent graft.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and apparatus for minimizing the risks inherent in endovascular grafting for aneurysm repair. The invention includes tracking a delivery means into an aneurismal site and deploying a stent graft in the aneurysmal site along side the delivery means. Next, adipocytes derived from adipose tissue are delivered to the aneurysmal site.

Abstract: Bioactive delivery matrix compositions and methods of making and using such compositions.

Abstract: Medical devices with polymer coatings designed to control the release of angiotensin-(1-7) receptor agonists from medical devices are disclosed. The present application also discloses providing vascular stents with angiotensin-(1-7) receptor agonist-containing controlled-release coatings. Methods for treating or inhibiting post-stent implantation restenosis as well as improving vascular endothelial function in patients are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for making crosslinked material, such as collagen-based material, and bioprosthetic devices. The crosslinked material includes hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, and amine groups prior to crosslinking. The methods include removing at least a portion of the zero-length ester crosslinks in a crosslinked material and/or blocking at least a portion of the amine groups that are reactive with carboxyl groups and form zero-length crosslinks.

Abstract: Medical devices with polymer coatings designed to control the release of angiotensin-(1-7) receptor agonists from medical devices are disclosed. The present application also discloses providing vascular stents with angiotensin-(1-7) receptor agonist-containing controlled-release coatings. Methods for treating or inhibiting post-stent implantation restenosis as well as improving vascular endothelial function in patients are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for the isolation of endothelial progenitor cells from a source of progenitor cells by isolating a population of lineage-negative cells and further isolating CD34+ cells from the lineage-negative population by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Isolated populations of endothelial progenitor cells and therapeutic compositions containing CD34+ cells for the induction of blood vessels, induction of angiogenic responses in surrounding blood vessels and the chemotaxis of inflammatory cells are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for reducing or preventing localized fibrosis in a localized tissue region using SiRNA technology.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for reducing localized fibrosis at the site of the medical device.

Abstract: Methods for making crosslinked material, such as collagen-based material, and bioprosthetic devices. The crosslinked material includes hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, and amine groups prior to crosslinking. The methods include removing at least a portion of the zero-length ester crosslinks in a crosslinked material and/or blocking at least a portion of the amine groups that are reactive with carboxyl groups and form zero-length crosslinks.

Abstract: Biocompatible metallic medical devices having silanized surfaces coupled to nucleophile residues that release sustained, therapeutic amounts of nitric oxide to specific sites within a mammalian body are provided. Additionally, the biocompatible metallic medical devices can also be provided with anti-thrombogenic, lubricious coatings that release sustained, therapeutic amounts of nitric oxide. Moreover, the silanized metallic devices are surprisingly durable when exposed to harsh chemical methods often needed to bind nitric oxide-releasing functional groups to nucleophile residues. Furthermore, methods are provided for producing stable, silanized, sustained nitric oxide-releasing metallic medical devices.

Abstract: An occlusion resistant medical shunt, particularly a hydrocephalic shunt, is provided for implantation into a mammal. The shunt has an elongate wall structure configured as a tube having a lumen therethrough and a proximal end for receipt of bodily fluids. The bodily fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid, flows through the shunt to a distal end for discharge of the bodily fluids. The wall structure of the shunt generally includes a biocompatible medical device material. The shunts of the present invention further include one or more occlusion resistant materials to resist occlusion of the lumenal passage in the shunt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device that includes a carrier and a polynucleotide, where the carrier has a surface that includes a polymer with which the polynucleotide is associated. In another aspect, the present invention provides a medical device that includes a carrier and a cell that expresses an antimicrobial peptide, where the carrier has a surface that includes a polymer with which the cell is associated. The present invention further provides methods of making and using medical devices that include a carrier and a polynucleotide or a cell.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and apparatus for minimizing the risks inherent in endovascular grafting for aneurysm repair. The invention includes tracking a delivery means into an aneurismal site and deploying a stent graft in the aneurysmal site along side the delivery means. Next, adipocytes derived from adipose tissue are delivered to the aneurysmal site.