Abstract: A graft fixation device combination. The device is useful for affixing a tissue graft to a bone or other body surface. The fixation device has two implantation members connected by a graft retention member. The retention member optionally has at least one lateral wing member extending therefrom. The implantation members have longitudinal passageways therethrough. The graft fixation device also has an insertion member extending from the distal end of each implantation member, the insertion member having a longitudinal passage having a distal blind wall. The passages of the implantation members and the insertion members are in communication with each other, and may be mounted onto insertion members.

Abstract: An implantable biodegradable device is disclosed containing a fibrous matrix, the fibrous matrix being constructed from fibers A and fibers B, wherein fibers A biodegrade faster than fibers B, fibers A and fibers B are present in relative amounts and are organized such that the fibrous matrix is provided with properties useful in repair and/or regeneration of mammalian tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to resorbable glass scaffolds for use in biological applications and methods for making same. Specifically, these scaffolds are composed of phosphate glass fibers, where the rate of dissolution into biological fluids is controlled by the length of time the glass is held above its melt temperature prior to spinning the fiber.

Abstract: An orthopedic interference screw has a hard, self-threading front section and a bioabsorbable rear section. The two sections are conjoined and threaded such that the hard front section cuts threads into the bone and the softer rear section follows the threads into the bone. Preferably, the screw has an axial bore for matingly receiving a turning tool such as a hex wrench.

Abstract: A relic process is used to produce bioresorbable ceramic scaffolds that can be used for in vitro or in vivo growth of human or animal tissue such as bone or cartilage. The process involves impregnating an organic fabric template with metal and phosphate ceramic precursors, heat treating the impregnated fabric to decompose the fabric to form a ceramic green body, and sintering the ceramic green body to form the scaffold which has a form analogous to that of the fabric template. Impregnating the fabric may be by soaking the fabric in a solution or sol containing the ceramic precursors. The fabric may be formed into a laminate prior to heat treating. Sintering results in fibers of the fabric being cross-sintered with one another to form a three-dimensional scaffold structure having controlled pore size and distribution. The scaffold may be treated with a material that promotes bone growth through the scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to resorbable glass scaffolds for use in biological applications and methods for making same. Specifically, these scaffolds are composed of phosphate glass fibers, where the rate of dissolution into biological fluids is controlled by the length of time the glass is held above its melt temperature prior to spinning the fiber.

Abstract: An orthopedic interference screw has a hard, self-threading front section and a bioabsorbable rear section. The two sections are conjoined and threaded such that the hard front section cuts threads into the bone and the softer rear section follows the threads into the bone. Preferably, the screw has an axial bore for matingly receiving a turning tool such as a hex wrench.

Abstract: A graft fixation device combination. The device is useful for affixing a tissue graft to a bone or other body surface. The combination has a fixation device having two implantation members connected by a connecting member. The implantation members have longitudinal passageways therethrough. The combination also has an insertion member in engagement with the distal end of each implantation member.

Abstract: A graft fixation device combination. The device is useful for affixing a tissue graft to a bone or other body surface. The fixation device has two implantation members connected by a graft retention member. The retention member optionally has at least one lateral wing member extending therefrom. The implantation members have longitudinal passageways therethrough. The graft fixation device also has an insertion member extending from the distal end of each implantation member, the insertion member having a longitudinal passage having a distal blind wall. The passages of the implantation members and the insertion members are in communication with each other, and may be mounted onto insertion members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to resorbable glass scaffolds for use in biological applications and methods for making same. Specifically, these scaffolds are composed of phosphate glass fibers, where the rate of dissolution into biological fluids is controlled by the length of time the glass is held above its melt temperature prior to spinning the fiber.

Abstract: An implantable biodegradable device is disclosed containing a fibrous matrix, the fibrous matrix being constructed from fibers A and fibers B, wherein fibers A biodegrade faster than fibers B, fibers A and fibers B are present in relative amounts and are organized such that the fibrous matrix is provided with properties useful in repair and/or regeneration of mammalian tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hard tissue scaffold comprising a resorbable ceramic. The scaffold is formed by first creating unfired (green) bioresorbable ceramic fibers via the viscous suspension spinning process (VSSP). Then, using common textile techniques, a structure in which the size and distribution of interconnected pores are controlled, is created. Heat treating the structure to remove the organic phase and sintering the ceramic yields a hard tissue scaffold.

Abstract: A method of affixing a graft to bone using a the combination of a graft fixation device and an insertion member. The fixation device is useful for affixing a tissue graft to a bone or other body surface. The graft fixation device comprises two implantation members connected by a connecting member. The implantation members have longitudinal passageways therethrough. The insertion device member similarly has a longitudinal passage.

Abstract: A process for producing a ceramic composite having a porous network. The process includes providing a photocurable ceramic dispersion. The dispersion consists of a photocurable polymer and a ceramic composition. The surface of the dispersion is scanned with a laser to cure the photocurable polymer to produce a photocured polymer/ceramic composition. The photocured composition useful as a polymer/ceramic composite, or the polymer phase can be removed by heating to a first temperature that is sufficient to burn out the photocured polymer. It is then heated to a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature and is sufficient to sinter the ceramic composition to produce a purely ceramic composition having a porous network. Preferably and more specifically, the process uses a stereolithographic technique for laser scanning. The process can form a high quality orthopedic implant that dimensionally matches the bone structure of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hard tissue scaffolds comprising a resorbable ceramic, and their method of production. Specifically, this invention relates to novel scaffolds, formed via a replication technique, and useful as biological replacements for hard tissue.

Abstract: A process for making ceramic composites includes the steps of: a) forming a polymer composition into a three-dimensional mold; b) filling said three-dimensional mold with one or more ceramic containing compositions; c) heating said filled mold to dry and sinter the ceramic; d) removing at least a portion of said three-dimensional mold thereby forming voids; and e) filling the voids with a second composition which has a piezoelectric coefficient which is substantially different from the piezoelectric coefficient of said ceramic structure. Steps a through e yield a controlled, non-random piezoelectric ceramic composite having 2-3, 3-2 or 3--3 connectivity with respect to the sintered ceramic and the second composition throughout the composite.

Abstract: A process for forming novel ceramic composites is described. The disclosed process allows for novel composite designs, including composites with regions containing different materials. Moreover, the disclosed process allows for the manufacture of composites with volume fraction gradients of different types of material. Composites with fine-scale microstructures may be formed.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel oriented piezoelectric ceramic and ceramic/polymer composites. More particularly, it provides a novel piezoelectric composite design wherein the ceramic piezoelectric phase is oriented at an angle with respect to the direction of applied stress, thus giving improved electromechanical properties.

Abstract: A disclosed process uses ceramic fiber fabrication technology and allows for novel composite designs, including composites with different polarizable material regions and composites with a gradient in volume fraction of polarizable material. Moreover, composites with fine-scale microstructures may be formed. The new forming method is an improvement to the traditional "dice and fill" technique currently being utilized to form piezoelectric composites.

Abstract: A process for forming piezoelectric composites allows for novel composite designs, including composites with different polarizable material regions and composites with a gradient in volume fraction of polarizable material. Composites with fine-scale microstructures may be formed. The new forming method is an improvement to the traditional "dice and fill" technique currently being utilized to form piezoelectric composites.