Abstract: A tubular non-woven soft tissue implant has cell patterns. The cell pattern has a continuous circumferential construction with atraumatic edges and a tubular centre. The implant is suitable for stabilising and/or supporting body tissue for example to treat urinary incontinence and/or pelvic floor prolapse.

Abstract: A medical assembly comprises a soft tissue implant (16) for treating a first portion of body tissue during hernia repair, and a device (20). The device (20) comprises a support element (31) to support the soft tissue implant (16) during deployment. The device (20) comprises an elongate drawstring to releasably couple the soft tissue implant (16) to the support element (31). The support element (31) and the soft tissue implant (16) are movable between a collapsed delivery configuration, and an expanded deployment configuration. During deployment a second end (33) of the support element (31) engages with a second portion of body tissue to maintain the second portion of body tissue spaced-apart from the soft tissue implant (16). The support element (31) comprises an access opening (34) through which one or more instruments may be extended to access the soft tissue implant (16). The soft tissue implant (16) is attached to the first portion of body tissue using a suture.

Abstract: A soft tissue implant comprises a condensed surgical mesh having a plurality of monofilament biocompatible fibres 12. Condensing of the fibres reduces the void space between adjacent fibres 12 in the mesh and reduces the surface area of the fibres 12 available for contact with tissue 18. Condensation of the fibres 12 may be achieved by applying mechanical pressure, and/or vacuum, and/or heat to the mesh.

Abstract: A gastric constriction device (160) comprises a sheet (131) extending over part of the wall of the stomach (24). Five bands (151) extend around the stomach (24) to fix the sheet (131) in position relative to the stomach (24). The lower two bands (151) extend from the first side (152) of the sheet (131) around the stomach (24) only partially towards the second side (153). These lower two bands (151) are not fixed to the second side (153). This arrangement results in an unconstricted portion of the stomach (161). In this manner, the device (160) restricts expansion of the majority of the stomach wall while facilitating expansion of this unconstricted portion (161). The unconstricted portion (161) is therefore free to expand or bulge outwardly upon ingestion. This expansion may trigger the feeling of satiation due to the presence of the vagal nerves in this portion (161) of the stomach (24).

Abstract: Implants (20, 22) and methods of making the implants for treating bodily defects or remodeling tissue. The implants have a low density and open pores (49) which may permit tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: A gastric constriction device (160) comprises a sheet (131) extending over part of the wall of the stomach (24). Five bands (151) extend around the stomach (24) to fix the sheet (131) in position relative to the stomach (24). The lower two bands (151) extend from the first side (152) of the sheet (131) around the stomach (24) only partially towards the second side (153). These lower two bands (151) are not fixed to the second side (153). This arrangement results in an unconstricted portion of the stomach (161). In this manner, the device (160) restricts expansion of the majority of the stomach wall while facilitating expansion of this unconstricted portion (161). The unconstricted portion (161) is therefore free to expand or bulge outwardly upon ingestion. This expansion may trigger the feeling of satiation due to the presence of the vagal nerves in this portion (161) of the stomach (24).

Abstract: A method of making a radially expandable fluid delivery device includes providing a tube of biocompatible fluoropolymer material with a predetermined porosity based on an extrusion and expansion forming process, applying a radial expansion force to the tube expanding the tube to a predetermined diameter dimension, and removing the radial expansion force. The tube is radially inelastic while sufficiently pliable to be collapsible and inflatable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration upon introduction of an inflation force, such that the expanded configuration occurs upon inflation to the predetermined diameter dimension. The fluid delivery device is constructed of a microporous, biocompatible fluoropolymer material having a microstructure that can provide a controlled, uniform, low-velocity fluid distribution through the walls of the fluid delivery device to effectively deliver fluid to the treatment site without damaging tissue proximate the walls of the device.

Abstract: Described herein are tissue repair implants comprising at least a first layer of peritoneal membrane. The first layer of peritoneal membrane can be located adjacent to a second layer of peritoneal membrane and can be in direct contact with the second layer of peritoneal membrane. Additional layers (e.g., a third or fourth layer) can be included. Where more than one layer is present, the layers can be affixed to one another. For example, a first layer of peritoneal membrane can be attached to the second layer of peritoneal membrane by an adhesive bond, suture, or staple. One or more of the peritoneal membranes can be non-crosslinked, partially crosslinked, or substantially fully crosslinked. Any of the layers of peritoneal membrane may be attached to a wall (e.g., an interior or exterior wall) of an abdominal tissue by an adhesive, suture, and/or staples.

Abstract: Described herein are tissue repair implants that include a first or lower layer of peritoneal membrane and a support member. The implants can further include an upper layer of peritoneal membrane, and the support member can reinforce the two layers of peritoneal membrane. For example, the support member can be located between the lower layer of peritoneal membrane and the upper layer of peritoneal membrane. The support member can be encapsulated between the two layers of peritoneal membrane to attach the two layers of peritoneal membrane to the support member. The support member can be made from a non-biological synthetic material mesh with a plurality of openings extending therethrough. Either of the layers of peritoneal membrane and/or the support member may be attached to a wall (e.g., an interior wall) of an abdominal tissue. Either of the layers of peritoneal membrane may be remodelled by in-growth of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention features soft tissue implants comprising major (34) and minor struts (36) and methods for making same. The implants can include biocompatible film (30) that is rendered porous due to the inclusion of uniformly or non-uniformly patterned cells (32), and the film has a thickness of less than about (0.015 inches) in the event the starting material is non-porous and less than about (0.035 inches) in the event the starting material is a microporous film. Multi-film implants can also be made.

Abstract: A radially deployable covered stent that predictably and dependably expands to an increased diameter state at relatively low deployment pressures while concomitantly minimizing the risk of tearing of the stent covering during expansion. The stent covering includes an inner cover and an outer cover that are bonded together through and around the stent structure to cover the stent. The stent cover is constructed from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) having a structure of nodes interconnected by fibrils. The stent covering has a radial thickness of at least about 0.008? and an average internodal distance (IND) of at least about 100 microns when the stent is in the reduced diameter, unexpanded state. The covered stent deploys at an average deployment pressure of less than or equal to about 10 atm.

Abstract: A tissue scaffold includes a first film having a plurality of cell openings and a second film adjacent the first film and having a plurality of cell openings larger than the cell openings of the first film. The cell openings of the first film interconnect with the cell openings of the second film to define pathways extending through the first and second films.

Abstract: Implants (20, 22) and methods of making the implants for treating bodily defects or remodeling tissue. The implants have a low density and open pores (49) which may permit tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: A tubular non-woven soft tissue implant (30) has cell patterns (32). The cell pattern (32) has a continuous circumferential construction with atraumatic edges (34) and a tubular centre (36). The implant (30) is suitable for stabilising and/or supporting body tissue for example to treat urinary incontinence and/or pelvic floor prolapse.

Abstract: A soft tissue implant comprises a condensed surgical mesh having a plurality of monofilament biocompatible fibres 12. Condensing of the fibres reduces the void space between adjacent fibres 12 in the mesh and reduces the surface area of the fibres 12 available for contact with tissue 18. Condensation of the fibres 12 may be achieved by applying mechanical pressure, and/or vacuum, and/or heat to the mesh.

Abstract: A method of making a radially expandable fluid delivery device includes providing a tube of biocompatible fluoropolymer material with a predetermined porosity based on an extrusion and expansion forming process, applying a radial expansion force to the tube expanding the tube to a predetermined diameter dimension, and removing the radial expansion force. The tube is radially inelastic while sufficiently pliable to be collapsible and inflatable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration upon introduction of an inflation force, such that the expanded configuration occurs upon inflation to the predetermined diameter dimension. The fluid delivery device is constructed of a microporous, biocompatible fluoropolymer material having a microstructure that can provide a controlled, uniform, low-velocity fluid distribution through the walls of the fluid delivery device to effectively deliver fluid to the treatment site without damaging tissue proximate the walls of the device.

Abstract: A gastric constriction device (160) comprises a sheet (131) extending over part of the wall of the stomach (24). Five bands (151) extend around the stomach (24) to fix the sheet (131) in position relative to the stomach (24). The lower two bands (151) extend from the first side (152) of the sheet (131) around the stomach (24) only partially towards the second side (153). These lower two bands (151) are not fixed to the second side (153). This arrangement results in an unconstricted portion of the stomach (161). In this manner, the device (160) restricts expansion of the majority of the stomach wall while facilitating expansion of this unconstricted portion (161). The unconstricted portion (161) is therefore free to expand or bulge outwardly upon ingestion. This expansion may trigger the feeling of satiation due to the presence of the vagal nerves in this portion (161) of the stomach (24).

Abstract: A radially deployable covered stent that predictably and dependably expands to an increased diameter state at relatively low deployment pressures while concomitantly minimizing the risk of tearing of the stent covering during expansion. The stent covering includes an inner cover and an outer cover that are bonded together through and around the stent structure to cover the stent. The stent cover is constructed from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) having a structure of nodes interconnected by fibrils. The stent covering has a radial thickness of at least about 0.008? and an average internodal distance (IND) of at least about 100 microns when the stent is in the reduced diameter, unexpanded state. The covered stent deploys at an average deployment pressure of less than or equal to about 10 atm.

Abstract: The present invention features soft tissue implants and methods for making same. The implants can includes a biocompatible film that is rendered porous due to the inclusion of uniformly or non-uniformly patterned cells, and the film has a thickness of less than about 0.015 inches in the event the starting material is non-porous and less than about 0.035 inches in the event the starting material is a microporous film. Multi-film implants can also be made.

Abstract: A vascular endoprosthesis is formed of a tubular liner preform with a continuous surface and having a diameter smaller than that of an intended vessel. The liner is inserted to a treatment site, and its sheet material undergoes a radially-directed expansion to a final size that fits the vessel. Insertion and in situ expansion are achieved using a catheter assembly in which either an internal stent, such as a stiff-filament helically woven tube, or an inflatable balloon urge the liner preform outwardly against the inner wall of the vessel. The stent, or one or more simple internal snap-rings anchor the expanded liner in place. The expanded liner is porous, or becomes more porous during expansion, and one or more aspects of its porosity are tailored to the intended treatment goal of immobilizing treatment material, isolating cells, or permitting controlled permeation of selected materials.