Abstract: The present invention includes a device and method for measuring skin elasticity that comprises: a probe, wherein the probe comprises one or more holes, a vacuum source, a pressure sensor, and one or more proximity sensors aligned about the one or more holes; and a processor for recording the deformation of the skin using a control unit comprising a microcontroller connected to the proximity and the pressure sensors, wherein the proximity sensor and the processor is adapted to automatically initiate a test when the sensor is positioned at a pre-determined distance from the skin, wherein a vacuum in the probe is capable of pulling skin into the one or more holes and the proximity sensor is capable of measuring an amount of skin drawn into the one or more holes to determine an elasticity of the skin.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device and method for measuring skin elasticity that comprises: a probe, wherein the probe comprises one or more holes, a vacuum source, a pressure sensor, and one or more proximity sensors aligned about the one or more holes; and a processor for recording the deformation of the skin using a control unit comprising a microcontroller connected to the proximity and the pressure sensors, wherein the proximity sensor and the processor is adapted to automatically initiate a test when the sensor is positioned at a pre-determined distance from the skin, wherein a vacuum in the probe is capable of pulling skin into the one or more holes and the proximity sensor is capable of measuring an amount of skin drawn into the one or more holes to determine an elasticity of the skin.

Abstract: An expandable biodegradable polymeric stent is fabricated with biodegradable polymer fibers (Poly-L-lactic acid, PLLA) in a coil shape that is constructed with both central and external or internal peripheral lobes. It is delivered and expanded using a conventional angioplasty balloon system. The disclosed stent can serve as a temporary scaffold for coronary vessels after PTCA or for peripheral endovascular stenting, or it can provide mechanical palliation for strictures of ductile organs (trachea, esophagus, bile and pancreatic ducts, ureter etc.). The disclosed stent also serves as a unique device for specific local drug delivery. Therapeutic agents (chemical compounds, protein enzyme and DNA sequences) and cells can be loaded into the stent and gradually released to target tissues. Local radiation therapy can also be delivered by a specially adapted stent.