Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, kits and devices for use in transferring nucleic acids into bone cells in situ and/or for stimulating bone progenitor cells. Type II collagen and, particularly, osteotropic genes, are shown to stimulate bone progenitor cells and to promote bone growth, repair and regeneration in vivo. Gene transfer protocols are disclosed for use in transferring various nucleic acid materials into bone, as may be used in treating various bone-related diseases and defects including fractures, osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta and in connection with bone implants.

Abstract: A closed, sterile pulsatile flow loop for studying tissue valves. The system provides both a tool to examine heart valve leaflet fibroblast function and differentiation as these are affected by mechanical loading, as well as an apparatus to provide heart valves seeded with suitable cells. The sterile pulsatile flow system provides a left heart duplicator, which exposes viable tissue valves to a dynamic flow environment imitating that of the aortic valve.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a method for generating a functional hybrid bioprosthesis. Tissue formed naturally of interstitial collagens is treated to kill native cells and remove potentially immunologically active soluble molecules. Then it may be treated sequentially with extracellular matrix adhesion factor, extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan, and growth factor appropriate to the cell type required to function within the matrix, and incubating the transplant tissue matrix with cells that are either allogeneic or autologous for the recipient thereby imparting to the matrix the characteristics of the cell type and tissue selected. Tissues with a variety of functional bioactivities can thus be formed in vitro prior to graft transplantation or implantation which will exhibit reduced or no stimulation of an immunological response in the recipient.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a method for generating a functional hybrid bioprosthesis. Tissue formed naturally of interstitial collagens is treated to kill native cells and remove potentially immunologically active soluble molecules. Then it may be treated sequentially with extracellular matrix adhesion factor, extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan, and growth factor appropriate to the cell type required to function within the matrix, and incubating the transplant tissue matrix with cells that are either allogeneic or autologous for the recipient thereby imparting to the matrix the characteristics of the cell type and tissue selected. Tissues with a variety of functional bioactivities can thus be formed in vitro prior to graft transplantation or implantation which will exhibit reduced or no stimulation of an immunological response in the recipient.

Abstract: The present invention provides single balloon infusion catheters that provide an infusion chamber between a body lumen and the catheter balloon when the catheter balloon is inflated. High concentrations of pharmaceutical formulations and other liquids and solutions can be delivered into the infusion chamber under low pressure for local infusion therapy. Optionally, the catheters permit fluids such as blood to continue flowing through the body lumen during infusion therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions and devices for use in transferring nucleic acids into bone cells in situ. The transfer of an osteotropic gene into bone progenitor cells is described, which event is shown to stimulate the progenitor cells and to promote bone growth, repair and regeneration in vivo. These gene transfer protocols are suitable for use in transferring various nucleic acid materials into bone, and have many uses, for example, in treating various bone-related diseases and defects, such as, in promoting fracture repair, use in connection with implants, and in treating osteoporosis and osteogenesis imperfecta.

Abstract: An antibiotic cocktail for sterilizing tissue comprising amphotericin B and fluconazole as antifungal agents and a plurality of antibacterial agents. The agents are present in amounts effective to substantially inhibit fungal and bacterial growth while substantially maintaining the viability of the tissue. Also, a method of sterilizing a tissue comprising contacting the tissue with the antibiotic cocktails of the invention at a temperature and for a period of time effective to substantially inhibit fungal and bacterial growth while substantially maintaining the viability of the tissue.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a method for generating a functional hybrid bioprosthesis. Tissue formed naturally of interstitial collagens is treated to kill native cells and remove potentially immunologically active soluble molecules. Then it may be treated sequentially with extracellular matrix adhesion factor, extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan, and growth factor appropriate to the cell type required to function within the matrix, and incubating the transplant tissue matrix with cells that are either allogeneic or autologous for the recipient thereby imparting to the matrix the characteristics of the cell type and tissue selected. Tissues with a variety of functional bioactivities can thus be formed in vitro prior to graft transplantation or implantation which will exhibit reduced or no stimulation of an immunological response in the recipient.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a method for generating a functional hybrid bioprosthesis. Tissue formed naturally of interstitial collagens is treated to kill native cells and remove potentially immunologically active soluble molecules. Then it may be treated sequentially with extracellular matrix adhesion factor such as fibronectin, extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan such as heparin, and growth factor appropriate to the cell type required to function within the matrix, and incubating the transplant tissue matrix with cells that are either allogeneic or autologous for the recipient thereby imparting to the matrix the characteristics of the cell type and tissue selected. Tissues with a variety of functional bioactivities can thus be formed in vitro prior to graft transplantation or implantation which will exhibit reduced or no stimulation of an immunological response in the recipient.

Abstract: An improved prosthesis interface surface is incorporated on any implantable component where stable long lasting bone fixation is needed. The surface achieves immediate stabilization of the prosthetic component and promotes bony tissue ingrowth by either making the surface of a porous metal or ceramic or coating the surface of the interface surface with a porous metal or ceramic. In the preferred embodiment, the surface includes a large number of conical protrusions which are specifically designed to resist shear and torsional disruptive forces while accommodating the compression loads that occur during motion of a joint prosthesis. By utilizing a series of conical protrusions, the surface contact area of the interface surface is much greater than interface surfaces now in use and this large surface contact area improves stability and provides a large area for secure bony ingrowth fixation.

Abstract: This invention provides a means of measuring tissue pressure in muscle compartments and other regions in humans and other animals. An appropriate length, for example, 6 to 12 inches of thin plastic tubing, typically less than 3 mm outside diameters, is prepared as a working part of the tissue pressure transducer. A portion of the plastic tubing including the thin wall section such as a bubble is inserted into the muscle tissue for which pressure measurement is desired to be made. A fluid is circulated through the tubing at a constant flow rate. When the internal pressure of the tubing is greater than the external pressure, the bubble expands and there is no increase in the flow resistance of the system. When the pressure on the outside exceeds the normal system operating pressure, the thin wall section or bubble contacts, resistance to flow increases, and the system pressure increases. This increase in system pressure is directly proportional to tissue pressure.

Abstract: This invention provides a means of measurement tissue pressure in muscle compartments and other regions in humans and other animals. An appropriate length, for example, 6 to 12 inches of thin plastic tubing, typically less than 3 mm outside diameters, is prepared as a working part of the tissue pressure transducer. A portion of the plastic tubing including the thin wall section such as a bubble is inserted into the muscle tissue for which pressure measurement is desired to be made. A fluid is circulated through the tubing at a constant flow rate. When the internal pressure of the tubing is greater than the external pressure, the bubble expands and there is no increase in the flow resistance of the system. When the pressure on the outside exceeds the normal system operating pressure, the thin wall section or bubble contracts, resistance to flow increases, and the system pressure increases. This increase in system pressure is directly proportional to tissue pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a flexible connecting shaft for an intramedullary reamer. In each embodiment, several short segments or links are attached together to form an elongated flexible shaft which shaft is designed, due to the specific attachment means for the links, to bend along its longitudinal axis while transmitting torque without any lag in such transmission. A link at one end of the flexible shaft as made by a plurality of the links includes means provided for attachment to a torque providing device such as an electric motor. At the opposite end of the shaft, the last link includes structure thereon enabling connection to a drill bit. The various embodiments disclose different ways of interconnecting the links.

Abstract: An improved prosthesis interface surface is incorporated on any implantable component where stable long lasting bone fixation is needed. The surface achieves immediate stabilization of the prosthetic component and promotes bony tissue ingrowth by either making the surface of a porous metal or ceramic or coating the surface of the interface surface with a porous metal or ceramic. In the preferred embodiment, the surface includes a large number of conical protrusions which are specifically designed to resist shear and torsional disruptive forces while accommodating the compression loads that occur during motion of a joint prosthesis. By utilizing a series of conical protrusions, the surface contact area of the interface surface is much greater than interface surfaces now in use and this large surface contact area improves stability and provides a large area for secure bony ingrowth fixation.

Abstract: An intramedullary reamer comprising a tapered cylindrical body member, a groove extending along the opposite sides and across the small end of the body member, a plurality of longitudinally disposed valleys disposed in advance of the groove to facilitate removal of cutting chips and a replaceable blade adapted to fit into the groove in the body member, the cutting edge of the blade being exposed above said groove, the open end of the blade being provided with locking means to secure the blade to the body member.