Abstract: A compression assembly for use in compressing tissue comprising a first portion which includes a first compression element and a second portion which comprises a second compression element, at least one support element, at least one spring stopper element, and at least one spring element. Typically the spring stopper element is formed of a bio-degradable or otherwise functionally controllable material. The at least one spring element is in compressive force contact with the second compression element and the tissue to be joined is positioned between the first and second compression elements. A plurality of needles on one of the support elements is operative to pierce the tissue and the first portion of the assembly, holding the first compression element to the second portion of the assembly. The invention is appropriate for joining severed tissue in anastomosis procedures or closing natural or surgically produced tissue perforations.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for mitigation of the effects associated with both blast and shrapnel. The mitigating apparatus is designed with alternating layers of blast mitigating substance, preferably liquid or hydrophilic gel or other viscous fluid, and anti-ballistic substance, preferably a textile, to treat both the air shock wave and the bomb-generated fragmentation and shrapnel, which originate from a detonation or explosion.