Abstract: The invention provides composite materials that form a biocompatible and bioresorbable settable ceramic-forming composition, and that possesses high strength when set and other desirable mechanical properties. The composite materials may include additive materials that provide beneficial advantages in the handling and physical properties of the material. When a hydrated precursor, the composite material is capable of being injected through cannulas for placement in treatment sites. The composite material provided desirable handling properties and sets in a clinically relevant time period.

Abstract: Disclosed are radially expanding debridement tools configured to pass through an access channel present in a first tissue of a living being, expand radially, and create a void in a second tissue of the living being upon being advanced distally through the access channel and into the second tissue while being rotated, wherein the shape of the void comprises at least one step. Further disclosed are debridement systems and methods of treating tissue defects in living beings.

Abstract: The invention provides composite materials that form a biocompatible and bioresorbable settable ceramic-forming composition, and that possesses high strength when set and other desirable mechanical properties. The composite materials may include additive materials that provide beneficial advantages in the handling and physical properties of the material. When a hydrated precursor, the composite material is capable of being injected through cannulas for placement in treatment sites. The composite material provided desirable handling properties and sets in a clinically relevant time period.

Abstract: The invention provides composite materials that form a biocompatible and bioresorbable settable ceramic-forming composition, and that possesses high strength when set and other desirable mechanical properties. The composite materials may include additive materials that provide beneficial advantages in the handling and physical properties of the material. When a hydrated precursor, the composite material is capable of being injected through cannulas for placement in treatment sites. The composite material provided desirable handling properties and sets in a clinically relevant time period.

Abstract: Disclosed are nasal dressings and nasal stents comprising a collagen foam. Also disclosed are methods of making and using such nasal dressings and nasal stents. In an embodiment, a nasal dressing or nasal stent is formed by a method comprising the steps of: forming an aqueous mixture of from 5 to 25 wt % of acid-soluble collagen and from 75 to 95 wt % of collagen fibers, both based on the total solids content of the aqueous mixture, placing the aqueous mixture into a mold, freeze-drying the aqueous mixture while in the mold, thereby forming a collagen foam, and cross-linking the collagen foam.

Abstract: Disclosed are radially expanding debridement tools configured to pass through an access channel present in a first tissue of a living being, expand radially, and create a void in a second tissue of the living being upon being advanced distally through the access channel and into the second tissue while being rotated, wherein the shape of the void comprises at least one step. Further disclosed are debridement systems and methods of treating tissue defects in living beings.

Abstract: The invention provides composite materials that form a biocompatible and bioresorbable settable ceramic-forming composition, and that possesses high strength when set and other desirable mechanical properties. The composite materials may include additive materials that provide beneficial advantages in the handling and physical properties of the material. When a hydrated precursor, the composite material is capable of being injected through cannulas for placement in treatment sites. The composite material provided desirable handling properties and sets in a clinically relevant time period.

Abstract: This invention includes malleable, biodegradable, fibrous compositions for application to a tissue site in order to promote or facilitate new tissue growth. One aspect of this invention is a fibrous component that provides unique mechanical and physical properties. The invention may be created by providing a vessel containing a slurry, said slurry comprising a plurality of natural or synthetic polymer fibers and at least one suspension fluid, wherein the polymer fibers are substantially evenly dispersed and randomly oriented throughout the volume of the suspension fluid; applying a force, e.g., centrifugal, to said vessel containing said slurry, whereupon said force serves to cause said polymer fibers to migrate through the suspension fluid and amass at a furthest extent of the vessel, forming a polymer material, with said polymer material comprising polymer fibers of sufficient length and sufficiently viscous, interlaced, or interlocked to retard dissociation of said polymer fibers.

Abstract: Improved coring devices suitable for articular cartilage and bone, wherein the cutting device is capable of slicing through a tough protective tangential zone, delicately separating the shock absorbing columns of cells in the radial zone of the cartilage, and finally cutting into the hard underlying bone in a manner that preserves the viability of osteochondral cells. The coring device features an annulus having a flat annular cutting edge interrupted by at least one serration having neutral cutting angles. A method for concurrently removing cartilaginous and bony tissue using an improved coring device that preserves the viability of osteochondral cells.

Abstract: Improved coring devices suitable for articular cartilage and bone, wherein the cutting device is capable of slicing through a tough protective tangential zone, delicately separating the shock absorbing columns of cells in the radial zone of the cartilage, and finally cutting into the hard underlying bone in a manner that preserves the viability of osteochondral cells. The coring device features an annulus having a flat annular cutting edge interrupted by at least one serration having neutral cutting angles. A method for concurrently removing cartilaginous and bony tissue using an improved coring device that preserves the viability of osteochondral cells.

Abstract: This invention includes malleable, biodegradable, fibrous compositions for application to a tissue site in order to promote or facilitate new tissue growth. One aspect of this invention is a fibrous component that provides unique mechanical and physical properties. The invention may be created by providing a vessel containing a slurry, said slurry comprising a plurality of natural or synthetic polymer fibers and at least one suspension fluid, wherein the polymer fibers are substantially evenly dispersed and randomly oriented throughout the volume of the suspension fluid; applying a force, e.g., centrifugal, to said vessel containing said slurry, whereupon said force serves to cause said polymer fibers to migrate through the suspension fluid and amass at a furthest extent of the vessel, forming a polymer material, with said polymer material comprising polymer fibers of sufficient length and sufficiently viscous, interlaced, or interlocked to retard dissociation of said polymer fibers.

Abstract: A high strength porous polymeric material manufactured by a compression process is disclosed. The material results in a network of interconnected collapsed pores, which forces thin overlapping walls and passages to be created. The network provides permeable access for fluid migration throughout the material. The strength and/or permeability are advantageous for medical devices and implants.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dried form of a porous polymer gel material which may be rehydrated and placed under pressure or compression to induce solvation, thereby forming a high concentration gel, in the form of an injectable viscous putty or dough, which may be implantated in the body.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention may be made by the following steps: providing a mixture comprising a plurality of fibers, a lubricant, and a suspension fluid, with the suspension fluid filling a void space between said fibers and subjecting said mixture to at least one compressive force. The compressive force causes the migration and alignment of said fibers; and may remove substantially all of the suspension fluid from said mixture. The mixture may further comprise a biologically active agent, or a reinforcing agent.

Abstract: A bendable polymer tissue fixation device suitable to be implanted into a living body, consisting of a highly porous body, made from a polymer, the porous body having a plurality of pores, such that the device is capable of being smoothly bent, wherein the bending collapses a portion of the pores to form a radius curve, and the polymer fixation device is rigid enough to protect a tissue from shifting. Preferably, the polymer fixation device may be capable of being gradually resorbed by said living body. In one embodiment, the polymer fixation device consists of a plurality of layers distinguishable by various characteristics, such as structural or chemical properties. In another embodiment, the polymer fixation device may feature additional materials which serve to reinforce or otherwise alter the structure or physical characteristics of the device, or alternatively the additional materials serve to deliver therapies to the living being.

Abstract: Porous polymers having a plurality of openings or chambers that are highly convoluted, with each chamber being defined by multiple, thin, flat partitions are produced by a new gel enhanced phase separation technique. In a preferred embodiment, a second liquid is added to a polymer solution, the second liquid causing the solution to increase in viscosity. With sufficient polymer and second liquid present, the increase in viscosity can be up to that of a gel. The gel can then be shaped as needed. Subsequent solvent extraction leaves the porous polymeric body of defined shape. The porous polymers have utility as medical prostheses, the porosity permitting ingrowth of neighboring tissue. A second material may be incorporated into the chambers, thereby creating a microstructure filling the voids of the macrostructure.

Abstract: A bendable polymer tissue fixation device suitable to be implanted into a living body, comprising a highly porous body, the porous body comprising a polymer, the porous body comprising a plurality of pores, the porous body being capable of being smoothly bent, wherein the bending collapses a portion of the pores to form a radius curve, the polymer fixation device being rigid enough to protect a tissue from shifting. In a preferred embodiment the polymer fixation device may be capable of being gradually resorbed by said living body. In one embodiment, the polymer fixation device comprises a plurality of layers distinguishable by various characteristics, such as structural or chemical properties. In another embodiment, the polymer fixation device may comprise additional materials; the additional materials serving to reinforce or otherwise alter the structure or physical characteristics of the device, or alternatively as a method of delivering therapy or other agents to the system of a living being.

Abstract: Porous polymers having a plurality of openings or chambers that are highly convoluted, with each chamber being defined by multiple, thin, flat partitions are produced by a new gel enhanced phase separation technique. In a preferred embodiment, a second solvent is added to a polymer solution, the second solvent causing the solution to gel. The gel can then be shaped as needed. Subsequent solvent extraction leaves the porous polymeric body of defined shape. The porous polymers have utility as medical prostheses, the porosity permitting ingrowth of neighboring tissue. The present technique also enhances shape-making capability, for example, of bifurcated vascular grafts, which feature a common entrance region but two or more exit regions.

Abstract: Porous polymers having a plurality of openings or chambers that are highly convoluted, with each chamber being defined by multiple, thin, flat partitions are produced by a new gel enhanced phase separation technique. In a preferred embodiment, a second solvent is added to a polymer solution, the second solvent causing the solution to gel. The gel can then be shaped as needed. Subsequent solvent extraction leaves the porous polymeric body of defined shape. The porous polymers have utility as medical prostheses, the porosity permitting ingrowth of neighboring tissue. The present technique also enhances shape-making capability, for example, of bifurcated vascular grafts, which feature a common entrance region but two or more exit regions.

Abstract: An improved method or process and device for treating and healing a bone void is disclosed, and in particular a method employing a surfactant for efficiently incorporating a biologically active agent into the interstices (voids or pares) of a porous hydrophobic biodegradable material wherein the biologically active agent is deposited on the internal surfaces defining the voids or pores of the biodegradable material. The biodegradable body or device, now containing surfactant and a biologically active agent in the body itself as well as on the external surfaces and the internal surfaces defining the voids or pores, is than applied into the bone void or cavity.