Abstract: Acellular matrix grafts are provided with are isolated from natural sources and consist essentially of a collagen and elastin matrix which is devoid of cellular components. The grafts are useful scaffolds which promote the regeneration of muscle tissue and aid in restoring muscle function. Due to their acellular nature, the grafts lack antigenicity. As a result, the acellular matrix grafts can be isolated from autographic, allographic or xenographic tissues.

Abstract: Acellular matrix grafts are provided with are isolated from natural sources and consist essentially of a collagen and elastin matrix which is devoid of cellular components. The grafts are useful scaffolds which promote the regeneration of muscle tissue and aid in restoring muscle function. Due to their acellular nature, the grafts lack antigenicity. As a result, the acellular matrix grafts can be isolated from autographic, allographic or xenographic tissues.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of growing smooth muscle cells in a host with the purpose of maintaining natural cellular function by the function of smooth muscle tissue. In this method, smooth muscle cells are freed from isolated smooth muscle tissue then cultured and injected into the host in combination with an extracellular matrix.

Abstract: An electro-acupuncture system comprises a transmitter for emitting high frequency magnetic energy pulses and a receiver, sealed within an implantable "thumb-tack" shaped device, for receiving and converting such pulses into stimulating pulses of current. The device comprises a head having an exposed ring-electrode (anode) secured therein and a needle-like electrode (cathode) having a proximal end secured in the head and a distal end adapted to pierce body tissue. The latter electrode comprises a metallic tube secured in the head and a metallic wire inserted through the tube to position and fix an exposed tip of the wire at a preselected location and depth in the body tissue, in accordance with method steps taught herein.

Abstract: An electro-acupuncture system comprises a transmitter for emitting high frequency magnetic energy pulses and a receiver, sealed within an implantable "thumb-tack" shaped device, for receiving and converting such pulses into stimulating pulses of current. The device comprises a head having an exposed ring-electrode (anode) secured therein and a needle-like electrode (cathode) having a proximal end secured in the head and a distal end adapted to pierce body tissue. The latter electrode comprises a metallic tube secured in the head and a metallic wire inserted through the tube to position and fix an exposed tip of the wire at a preselected location and depth in the body tissue, in accordance with method steps taught herein.

Abstract: A method and system for augmenting penile erection in a human male is disclosed. An inflatable cuff is placed circumferentially around the corpora carvernosa, the deep dorsal vein, and the cavernous veins, adjacent to the hilum of the penis. Selective compression of the cuff will function to restrict venous drainage to augment penile erection. The cuff is adapted to have opposite ends thereof attached together and at least one inflatable vesicle is formed on the inner side of the cuff. A pump, including an attandant control system, is sized for implantation in a scrotum whereby the pump can be selectively squeezed to inflate and fluid pressurize the vesicle to compress the cuff around the penis. A control circuit, connected between the cuff and the pump, functions to automatically deflate the cuff after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: An electrode is adapted to be surgically implanted around a nerve bundle to provide for the selective stimulation thereof. The electrode comprises a biocompatible and dielectric carrier formable from a flattened, opened position to a closed position around the nerve bundle. In its opened position, the carrier exhibits a main body portion extending in the direction of a longitudinal wrapping axis of the carrier and flap portions extending transversely outwardly from opposite ends of the main body portion and from the axis. At least one electrode contact is secured on an inner surface of the carrier and is welded to a wire lead, adapted for connection to a receiver implanted on a patient. In carrying forth the method steps for making the electrode, the carrier originally constitutes a tube that is suitably cut to form the main body and flap portions thereof. The electrode contact is then secured to an inner surface of the carrier and welded to the wire lead.

Abstract: A system for controlling bladder evacuation includes first and second implanted stimulation systems having electrodes respectively positioned on nerves controlling external sphincter and bladder functions, and an electronic control system which operates to generate and transmit electrical sphincter stimulation pulses to the first stimulation system. When it is desired to evacuate the bladder, a switch is closed causing the electronic control system to discontinue the external sphincter stimulation and, after a predetermined delay, to generate and transmit electrical bladder stimulation pulses to the second stimulation system. After a predetermined time, the bladder stimulation is automatically stopped. After another predetermined delay, the electronic control system resumes the generation and transmission of sphincter stimulation pulses to the first stimulation system.

Abstract: A system for controlling bladder evacuation includes first and second implanted stimulation systems having electrodes respectively positioned on nerves controlling external sphincter and bladder functions, and an electronic control system which operates to generate and transmit electrical sphincter stimulation pulses to the first stimulation system. When it is desired to evacuate the bladder, a switch is closed causing the electronic control system to discontinue the external sphincter stimulation and, after a predetermined delay, to generate and transmit electrical bladder stimulation pulses to the second stimulation system. After a predetermined time, the bladder stimulation is automatically stopped. After another predetermined delay, the electronic control system resumes the generation and transmission of sphincter stimulation pulses to the first stimulation system.

Abstract: A method for controlling the function of a bladder, includes identification of the anatomical location of at least one nerve controlling the muscles for the bladder and/or its sphincter and positioning of an electrode on the nerve to selectively stimulate the nerve for continence and evacuation purposes. The electrode can be implanted in a patient either surgically or percutaneously and may be either removed after proper stimulation has achieved the desired result (neurostimulation) or may be left intact on the nerve for selective stimulation thereof. An electronic control system is disclosed for electrically energizing two or more implanted electrodes in a preselected timed relationship.