Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tissue integration device. The tissue integration device can be produced by forming a polymer mixture into a shape. The polymer mixture can include a polymer resin and a growth-promoting medium. Next, at least one polymer forming the polymer resin can be oriented in at least one direction. The shaped polymeric material can then be formed into the tissue integration device.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing a microbial infection in a subject is described. The method includes contacting a microorganism within the subject with a composition comprising one or more species of amoebae of the genus Willaertia. Antibiotic wound dressings and kits for providing amoeba for treatment or prevention of microbial infection in a subject are also described.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tissue integration device. The tissue integration device can be produced by forming a polymer mixture into a shape. The polymer mixture can include a polymer resin and a growth-promoting medium. Next, at least one polymer forming the polymer resin can be oriented in at least one direction. The shaped polymeric material can then be formed into the tissue integration device.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing a microbial infection in a subject is described. The method includes contacting a microorganism within the subject with a composition comprising one or more species of amoebae of the genus Willaertia. Antibiotic wound dressings and kits for providing amoeba for treatment or prevention of microbial infection in a subject are also described.

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: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tissue repair implant comprising a first layer of extracellular matrix and a second support layer of biocompatible material securely attached to the first layer at one or more fixation points. At least one of the fixation points comprises a first projection that is associated with the first layer and securely attached, via a fixation mechanism, to the second support layer.

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: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tissue integration device. The tissue integration device can be produced by forming a polymer mixture into a shape. The polymer mixture can include a polymer resin and a growth-promoting medium. Next, at least one polymer forming the polymer resin can be oriented in at least one direction. The shaped polymeric material can then be formed into the tissue integration device.

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 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 radially expandable device having a body constructed of a generally inelastic, expanded fluoropolymer material is described. The body is deployable upon application of a radial expansion force from a reduced diameter, collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a pre-defined and fixed increased diameter. The body has a singular, unitary construction of generally homogenous material that is characterized by a seamless construction of expanded fluoropolymer material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and is preferably constructed through an extrusion and expansion process. The body is further characterized by a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils in which substantially all the nodes of the body are oriented generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A radially expandable fluid delivery device for delivering a fluid to a treatment site within the body is disclosed. 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. The fluid delivery device includes a tubular member defined by a wall having a thickness transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member and extending between an inner and an outer surface. The wall is characterized by a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils. The tubular member is deployable from a first, reduced diameter configuration to a second, increased diameter configuration upon the introduction of a pressurized fluid to the lumen.

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 method and apparatus relating to a biocompatible soft tissue implant is disclosed. The implant, in the form of a prosthesis, is constructed of a knitted pile mesh material arranged into either a 3-dimensional structure or a planar shape or structure. The material or fabric includes a plurality of filament extensions projecting outwardly therefrom. The filament extensions can be radially projecting looping filaments from one or more rows of the knitted pile mesh material. The combination of the filament extensions with the 3-dimensional structure results in the biocompatible implant having a structural resistance to hinder anticipated crushing forces applied to the implant, and also provide a suitable 3-dimensional structure for promoting rapid tissue in-growth to anchor such implant without migration and strengthen the repaired tissue area.

Abstract: A radially expandable device having a body constructed of a generally inelastic, expanded fluoropolymer material is described. The body is deployable upon application of a radial expansion force from a reduced diameter, collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a pre-defined and fixed increased diameter. The body has a singular, unitary construction of generally homogenous material that is characterized by a seamless construction of expanded fluoropolymer material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and is preferably constructed through an extrusion and expansion process. The body is further characterized by a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils in which substantially all the nodes of the body are oriented generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to a biocompatible soft tissue implant is disclosed. The implant, in the form of a prosthesis, is constructed of a knitted pile mesh material arranged into either a 3-dimensional structure or a planar shape or structure. The material or fabric includes a plurality of filament extensions projecting outwardly therefrom. The filament extensions can be radially projecting looping filaments from one or more rows of the knitted pile mesh material. The combination of the filament extensions with the 3-dimensional structure results in the biocompatible implant having a structural resistance to hinder anticipated crushing forces applied to the implant, and also provide a suitable 3-dimensional structure for promoting rapid tissue in-growth to anchor such implant without migration and strengthen the repaired tissue area.

Abstract: A method of making a radially expandable device having a body constructed of a generally inelastic, expanded fluoropolymer material. The body is deployable upon application of a radial expansion force from a reduced diameter, collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a pre-defined and fixed increased diameter. The body has a singular, unitary construction of generally homogenous material that is characterized by a seamless construction of expanded fluoropolymer material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and is preferably constructed through an extrusion and expansion process. The body is further characterized by a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils in which substantially all the nodes of the body are oriented generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: An expandable prosthesis includes a self-expanding stent deployable between a substantially radially compressed configuration and a substantially radially expanded configuration. A biocompatible coating is attached to at least a portion of the outer surface of the self-expanding stent in the radially compressed configuration to inhibit radially expansion of the self-expanding stent to the radially expanded configuration. The biocompatible material is preferably integrally mounted to the self-expanding stent thus eliminating the need for a separate, independent delivery tube or sheath for maintaining the self-expanding stent in the radially compressed configuration during delivery of the self-expanding stent into a body vessel.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided that is advantageously used to fill a soft tissue or muscle defect, such as an inquinal or femoral hernia. In a first aspect of the invention, multiple layers of a flexible, mesh material are attach together at a finite number of joins. A tab is placed at the geometric center of one of the mesh layers to facilitate insertion of the mesh into the defect. The tab also creates a blunt tip that reduces irritation and discomfort to the patient. In a second aspect of the invention, a prosthesis is provided that includes a barrier layer between two or more layers of flexible, mesh material to prevent adhesion of the device to the tissue. All layers are attached together by a finite number of joins. A tab is placed at the geometric center of one of the mesh layers to facilitate insertion of the mesh into the defect.