Abstract: Wound closure systems and methods are provided, containing a porous layer comprising a collagen material; a substantially non-porous synthetic layer contacting the porous layer, the porous layer and substantially non-porous layer capable of providing wound closure; and a transcutaneous component contacting the porous layer and the substantially non-porous synthetic layer. In various embodiments, the transcutaneous component is capable of receiving a cannula, glucose sensor, electrode, prosthesis, chest tube, medical instrument or bone, muscle, blood vessels, nerve, organ or combination thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a composite spring assembly configured to provide non-linear stiffness in response to a load. The spring assembly comprises a body portion and a reinforcing element. The body portion defines a longitudinal axis along which the load may be placed. The reinforcing element is embedded in the body portion and is oriented in general disalignment with the longitudinal axis such that deformation of the body portion under the load causes the reinforcing element to move toward alignment with the load direction. The spring assembly may be provided as a prosthetic spine disc wherein the body portion is cylindrically shaped and has an outer wall and planar opposed body end faces. The reinforcing elements are cylindrically shaped and coaxially disposed relative to one another and to the outer wall. The spring assembly may be configured as an elongate tension band with the reinforcing element being configured as a continuous loop of material arranged in a double bowtie configuration.

Abstract: Provided is a composite spring assembly configured to provide non-linear stiffness in response to a load. The spring assembly comprises a body portion and a reinforcing element. The body portion defines a longitudinal axis along which the load may be placed. The reinforcing element is embedded in the body portion and is oriented in general disalignment with the longitudinal axis such that deformation of the body portion under the load causes the reinforcing element to move toward alignment with the load direction. The spring assembly may be provided as a prosthetic spine disc wherein the body portion is cylindrically shaped and has an outer wall and planar opposed body end faces. The reinforcing elements are cylindrically shaped and coaxially disposed relative to one another and to the outer wall. The spring assembly may be configured as an elongate tension band with the reinforcing element being configured as a continuous loop of material arranged in a double bowtie configuration.