Abstract: An implantable analyte sensor including a sensing region for measuring the analyte and a non-sensing region for immobilizing the sensor body in the host. The sensor is implanted in a precisely dimensioned pocket to stabilize the analyte sensor in vivo and enable measurement of the concentration of the analyte in the host before and after formation of a foreign body capsule around the sensor. The sensor further provides a transmitter for RF transmission through the sensor body, electronic circuitry, and a power source optimized for long-term use in the miniaturized sensor body.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for making and using noded cuffs on transcutaneous or intrabody prosthetic devices, such as catheters, to effect improved stability of the prosthesis/tissue opening site interface. In particular, the noded cuff apparatus of the present invention provides for positioning of the tissue opening site in a manner which facilitates more rapid establishment of a stably biointegrated and well-healed prosthesis/tissue opening site interface. In addition, in accord with the methods of the present invention, non-biointegrated portions of the noded cuff can be simply and easily removed from the underlying prosthetic device to facilitate maintenance of the stably biointegrated interface. Preferably, this removal takes place after a period of time during which the interface has become stably established.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus of the present invention permit stable transcutaneous access. Some preferred embodiments of the invention provide body pocket access channels that provide stable means for communicating between the exterior of the body and a natural or created internal body pocket. Other embodiments involve the inclusion of an attachment elements surrounding a device sought to be passed from a location external of a patient's body to a location within the body at the exit site, but which are attached to the device at a location within the body rather than at the exact location where the device passes through a patient's skin, thereby forming a body pocket that will reduce stress or strain at the exit site. Several alternative embodiments for effecting body pockets through use of attachment elements are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for making and using noded cuffs on transcutaneous or intrabody prosthetic devices, such as catheters, to effect improved stability of the prosthesis/tissue opening site interface. In particular, the noded cuff apparatus of the present invention provides for positioning of the tissue opening site in a manner which facilitates more rapid establishment of a stably biointegrated and well-healed prosthesis/tissue opening site interface. In addition, in accord with the methods of the present invention, non-biointegrated portions of the noded cuff can be simply and easily removed from the underlying prosthetic device to facilitate maintenance of the stably biointegrated interface. Preferably, this removal takes place after a period of time during which the interface has become stably established.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus of the present invention permit a stable body pocket to be formed utilizing multiple biocompatible sheets or using only a single biocompatible sheet positioned to create either a potential space or actual space stable body pocket. The sheets have one surface which permits tissue ingrowth and thereby stably secures the sheet in the desired position. The other sheet surface is non-adhering such that adherence to a facing surface does not occur thereby creating a stable body pocket. In addition, a stable body pocket can be formed by using a biocompatible sheet or sheets having a surface that is selectively capable of permitting tissue ingrowth such that some portions of the surface grows into the surrounding tissue and other portions of the surface do not adhere to the surrounding tissue. In this manner, the stable body pocket apparatus has flexible surface portions. Stable body pocket access channels can also be formed according to the methods and apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of preparing a device of a selected material to have pores and pore interconnections of predetermined sizes and shapes includes the steps of forming a selectively removable open-celled porous mold form of particles which adhere to one another, with the particles corresponding to the predetermined pore sizes and shapes, and interconnections between the particles which bind them together in the form in which the connections correspond to the predetermined sizes and shapes of the pore connections. Also included are the steps of filling the vacancies between the particles and connections of the form with the selected material, and then removing the form to leave the selected material. The resulting device is at least partly porous, the pores and pore interconnections corresponding in size and shape to the particles and connections respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for forming open-cell porous mold forms to mold porous devices having substantially continuously interconnected pores. The mold form is made from selected material comprising particles having predetermined sizes and shapes which is capable of forming a stable mold form under selected conditions. The particles are treated such that the particles are manipulable into a mass of continuously interconnected particles defining continuously interconnected pores and connecting interstices within the mass. The formed mass is made into a predetermined shape and solidified to form a mold form.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making a porous device utilizing at least one removable open-cell porous mold form comprising particles formed and shaped into a solidified mass of continuously interconnected particles defining continuously interconnected pores and connecting interstices. The primary mold form is made from a selected material comprising particles having predetermined sizes and shapes which is capable of forming a stable mold form under selected conditions and of being removed under selected conditions. The primary mold form can be used to mold a porous device directly or to mold a secondary mold form. Similarly, the secondary mold form can be used to mold a porous device directly or to mold a tertiary mold form. Depending on the number of mold forms used, the porous device contains pores and pore interconnections corresponding to either the continuously interconnected particles, or to the continuously interconnected pores.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of forming doubly porous devices having a first porous portion with continuously interconnected pores and a second porous portion with continuously interconnected pores utilizing at least one removable open-cell porous mold form. The mold form is made from a selected material comprising particles having predetermined sizes and shapes which is capable of forming a stable mold form under selected conditions and of being removed under selected conditions. At least one stable coating layer is molded from the mold form to define a membrane separating the first porous portion and the second porous portion of said device. Alternatively, two different materials can be molded with the mold form into a doubly porous device comprising interlocked materials.

Abstract: A moldable, weighted, surgical retractor and methods for its use. The surgical retractor comprises a generally flat plate having a plurality of protrusions or arms extending outwardly from the interior body of the plate. Included around the periphery of the plate and the arms are a plurality of slots. The slots may be of any size and shape and function to hold surgical stays in place during the surgical procedure. The arms or protrusions of the present invention may be placed in a variety of positions so that stays may hold certain portions of the surgical site in any desired direction. For example, arms or protrusions of the present invention may be lifted upwardly and stays may be connected to the upwardly extending arms. As a result, upward lifting forces may be directed into the surgical site to hold blood vessels, tendons, bones or other structural features upward within the surgical area.