Abstract: Methods and systems for removal of ions from aqueous fluids are provided. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of removing one or more oxyanions from an aqueous fluid, including the steps of contacting an aqueous fluid containing oxyanions with an aluminum metal whereby aluminum ions are released from the aluminum metal into the aqueous fluid, wherein the one or more oxyanions in the aqueous fluid react with the aluminum ions to form one or more ettringites; controlling a rate of release of the aluminum ions from the aluminum metal; and removing at least a portion of precipitated ettringites from the aqueous fluid.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for securing first and second bones together by forming a cavity in the first and second bones, with the cavity including a shaped first anchor portion in the first bone and a shaped second anchor portion in the second bone, with a channel extending therebetween, fixating a first tissue anchor onto a first portion of tissue, fixating a second tissue anchor onto a second portion of the tissue, and inserting the first tissue anchor into the cavity first anchor portion and the second tissue anchor into the cavity second tissue anchor, wherein the tissue first and second portions are secured to the first and second bone, and the tissue extends along the channel. The tissue will form a strong biological construct with the sidewalls of the channel, whereby the tissue anchors may optionally dissolve away.

Abstract: A medical sling device having a pair of tissue approximating devices each including a supportive backing member, a plurality of tissue engagement tines extending from the backing member, and an elongated extension member extending from the backing member. Each extension member is slidably engaged with the back member of the other tissue approximating device, such that pulling on the first and second extension members causes the first and second backing members to slide toward each other.

Abstract: One or more tine plates for repairing tissue (e.g. hand/wrist tendons). Each plate has a center portion includes fenestrations, and/or a width or thickness that is less than that of first and second end portions of the plate, such that the center portion is more pliable than the first and second end portions. A first plurality of tines extends from the first end portion non-orthogonally and angled toward the center portion, and a second plurality of tines extends from the second end portion non-orthogonally and angled toward the center portion. A suture, button or ring are used to affix the plate(s) to the tendon, which the plate(s) extending across a sever point to serve as the load-bearing member, wherein the tines are positioned on both sides of the tendon sever point for fixating the tissue.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device and method, particularly in the mid-face region, are provided. The device is an implantable, biodegradable construct that has attachment points emanating from a supportive backing. The device also has an extension member or leash which extends from the backing which is configured to receive a tissue or bone attachment device at one of a plurality of selectable locations along the elongated member, for example via engagement holes extending in a line away from the backing. Once tissue is engaged with the attachment points, the extension member is pulled until the tissue is approximated in the desired position. Then the appropriate extension member hole(s) are selected to attach the extension member to supportive tissue or bone (for example temporal fascia) for permanent tissue approximation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling a soft tissue reconstruction system having first and second anchor assemblies. The apparatus includes a base plate, a first mounting block mounted to the base plate and having a first reference surface against which the first anchor assembly is mountable, a second mounting block slidably mounted to the base plate and having a second reference surface against which a bone anchor of the second anchor assembly is mountable, a measurement bar extending from the second mounting block and slidable relative to the first mounting block, a support block slidably mounted to the measurement bar having a third reference surface for abutting against a tissue presentation surface of the second anchor assembly, and a tensioning device for tensioning a graft attached to the first anchor assembly. Indicia on the measurement bar indicate the proper locations of the reference surfaces and components mounted/abutted thereto.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device and method, particularly in the mid-face region, are provided. The device is an implantable, biodegradable construct that has attachment points emanating from a supportive backing. The device also has an extension member or leash which extends from the backing which is configured to receive a tissue or bone attachment device at one of a plurality of selectable locations along the elongated member, for example via engagement holes extending in a line away from the backing. Once tissue is engaged with the attachment points, the extension member is pulled until the tissue is approximated in the desired position. Then the appropriate extension member hole(s) are selected to attach the extension member to supportive tissue or bone (for example temporal fascia) for permanent tissue approximation.