Abstract: A device for analyzing the in-vitro growth properties of cells is disclosed. The device comprises an upper and lower chamber separated by a growth substrate interface comprising submucosa, preferably tunical submucosa, from a warm-blooded vertebrae. Methods for culturing eukaryotic cells and studying their growth characteristics, including the invasive growth characteristics of tumor cells, on the submucosal matrix are described.

Abstract: A mathematical model, and membranes and devices based upon that model, to optimize protocols for the addition or removal of cryoprotectant to or from biological cells. This disclosure describes the use of four equations to predict optimal protocols to add or remove cryoprotectant to or from biological cells. The equations particularly require experimentally found data, specific to cell-type and species, regarding the osmotic tolerance of the cells, where osmotic tolerance refers to the cells ability to shrink or swell to various changes in osmolality without injury. The equations further require the cryoprotectant permeability coefficient and the water permeability coefficient of the particular cells' plasma membrane. These coefficients are found with experimental data of the knetic volume change of the cell-type to a known concentration and temperature of cryoprotectant.

Abstract: A method for surgical repair of a diseased or damaged bladder is described. Diseased or damaged bladder tissue is surgically replaced with submucosal tissue of a warm blooded vertebrate to promote regrowth of endogenous urinary bladder tissue.

Abstract: A cell culture growth substrate comprising submucosal tissue of a warm-blooded vertebrate and a method for culturing eukaryotic cells are described. Submucosal tissue used in accordance with the present invention supports the proliferation and differentiation of eukaryotic cells when said cells are contacted with submucosal tissue under conditions conducive to cell proliferation.

Abstract: A method for surgical repair of a diseased or damaged bladder is described. Diseased or damaged bladder tissue is surgically replaced with submucosal tissue of a warm blooded vertebrate to promote regrowth of endogenous urinary bladder tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for placement of a gastric line in the digestive tract of a patient. A guide element is either formed integrally with the end of a gastric line or it is formed separately to be fixed on the end segment of a gastric line to reduce the flexibility of the gastric line segment and facilitate the positioning of the gastric line in a patient's digestive tract. The guide element is provided with means for slideably engaging a previously positioned transepiglottal guide line so that the guide element when engaged with the guide line, can be pushed down the guide line to position the gastric line in an esophageal or post-esophageal position. An optional mouthpiece is provided to receive and guide the gastric tube toward the middle of the posterior oral pharynx during insertion and to protect the gastric line from the biting surfaces of the teeth and maintain its position in the mouth after insertion.

Abstract: A fluidized, injectable tissue graft composition is described. The composition comprises comminuted intestinal submucosa or protease-digested intestinal submucosa. Methods for the preparation and use of injectable tissue graft compositions are described. In preferred embodiments the tissue graft material is prepared from the intestinal submucosa comprising the tunica submucosa, the muscularis mucosa and the stratum compactum of a segment of intestinal tissue of a warm-blooded vertebrate. Effective amounts of the fluidized graft compositions can be injected to promote repair tissue defects by inducing formation of endogenous tissues.

Abstract: A multi-purpose gown comprising a front and a back defining a body portion having arm openings and a neck opening. The front portion is dividable into a plurality of segments by various openings releasably closable by a plurality of fasteners. A strap extends in the front of the gown from the top to the bottom of the gown. The strap includes fasteners for attachment to fasteners arranged on the front portions of the gown. Alternatively, the gown may embody a front having overlapping panels that cover the abdomen, wherein each panel has an upper segment adapted to cover a breast, side, and front shoulder region of the wearer. The upper segments are releasably joined to the back by fasteners at the shoulder edges of the gown. When either one of these segments is in its open position, portions of the patient's chest, front shoulder and side torso regions are exposed, while minimizing body exposure and maintaining structural stability of the gown.

Abstract: A device is provided for facilitating oral administration of unit dosages of liquid formulations, particularly to pediatric and geriatric patients. Sealed cartridges containing unit doses of liquid nutrients or medications can be locked into the device and at the same time, breached so that the contained-liquid formulation can flow from the cartridge into a hollow nipple for facile oral consumption. The liquid formulation-contained sealed cartridge includes a container having a side wall collapsible responsive to withdrawal of liquid from the hollow nipple.

Abstract: A fluidized, injectable tissue graft composition is described. The composition comprises comminuted intestinal submucosa or protease-digested intestinal submucosa. Methods for the preparation and use of injectable tissue graft compositions are described. In preferred embodiments the tissue graft material is prepared from the intestinal submucosa comprising the tunica submucosa, the muscularis mucosa and the stratum compactum of a segment of intestinal tissue of a warm-blooded vertebrate. Effective amounts of the fluidized graft compositions can be injected to promote repair tissue defects by inducing formation of endogenous tissues.

Abstract: A fluidized, injectable tissue graft composition is described. The composition comprises comminuted intestinal submucosa or protease-digested intestinal submucosa. Methods for the preparation and use of injectable tissue graft compositions are described. In preferred embodiments the tissue graft material is prepared from the intestinal submucosa comprising the tunica submucosa, the muscularis mucosa and the stratum compactum of a segment of intestinal tissue of a warm-blooded vertebrate. Effective amounts of the fluidized graft compositions can be injected to promote repair tissue defects by inducing formation of endogenous tissues.

Abstract: A percutaneous catheter with encapsulating receptacle comprises a first catheter having a proximal and distal end, several struts attached to the distal end of the first catheter and extending distally therefrom in a cup-shaped form, a second, inner catheter received within the first, and a pocket-shaped sheath received between the several struts and opening in the distal direction, the sheath having a proximal portion secured to the distal end of the second, inner catheter, and a distal portion secured to the distal ends of the several struts, whereby rotation of the first catheter, relative the second catheter, twists and closes the distal end of the sheath. A third, outer catheter is also disclosed within which the first and second catheters, and associated struts and sheath, are receivable. Also disclosed is a method for positioning the catheter adjacent an object, or receiving the object within the sheath and enclosing the sheath about the object to facilitate treatment of the object.