Abstract: An atrioventricular prosthesis device is provided. The device includes a frame at least partially defining and enclosing a central cavity, the frame having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a middle portion connected therebetween. The device further includes a valve construct formed, at least in part, from a cell growth scaffold, at least partially disposed within the central cavity defined by the frame. The valve construct includes: an annular portion defining an aperture and being connected to the frame for positioning the valve construct within the central cavity of the frame, and a plurality of leaflets extending longitudinally and radially inward from the annular portion. The frame and valve construct are transitionable to a deployed state, in which a diameter of at least a portion of the frame and the valve construct substantially conform to a diameter of a tricuspid and/or mitral valve opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to biomimetic, biodegradable composites including a magnesium (Mg) alloy mesh and a polymer/extracellular matrix (ECM). These hybrid composites, more particularly, are useful for the fabrication of medical implant devices, e.g., scaffolds, and are effective for bone regeneration. The fabrication process includes creating the Mg alloy mesh, and concurrently electrospinning the polymer and electrospraying the ECM onto the mesh.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are provided herein for preparing fiber matrices with differing degrees of anisotropy within a single matrix and controllable physical parameters, such as porosity.

Abstract: A tubular tissue graft device is provided comprising a tubular member and a restrictive fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a circumference of the tubular tissue. The matrix may be electrospun onto the tubular tissue. In one embodiment, the tubular tissue is from a vein, such as a saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. Also provided is method of preparing a tubular graft comprising depositing a fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a perimeter of a tubular tissue to produce a tubular tissue graft device. A cardiac bypass method comprising bypassing a coronary artery with a tubular tissue graft device comprising a vein and a restrictive fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a circumference of the vein also is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to biodegradable endovascular devices, and methods for their preparation and use as medical implant devices. The invention includes flexible, drug-eluting, biodegradable endovascular devices that provide optimum treatment of peripheral arterial disease in small arteries and across joints. According to the invention, the biodegradable endovascular medical implant devices include a thermoformed tube or cylinder constructed of a flexible polymeric material, positioned in a vascular region of a patient, wherein the thermoformed tube or cylinder conforms to the geometry or anatomy of the vascular region to treat peripheral arterial disease.

Abstract: An atrioventricular prosthesis device is provided. The device includes a frame at least partially defining and enclosing a central cavity, the frame having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a middle portion connected therebetween. The device further includes a valve construct formed, at least in part, from a cell growth scaffold, at least partially disposed within the central cavity defined by the frame. The valve construct includes: an annular portion defining an aperture and being connected to the frame for positioning the valve construct within the central cavity of the frame, and a plurality of leaflets extending longitudinally and radially inward from the annular portion. The frame and valve construct are transitionable to a deployed state, in which a diameter of at least a portion of the frame and the valve construct substantially conform to a diameter of a tricuspid and/or mitral valve opening.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for manufacturing filamentous polymer matrices, comprising electrospinning a polymer fiber into a gap between two or more spaced-apart electrodes.

Abstract: Provided herein are antioxidant, thermally-responsive polymeric compositions and methods of making and using the compositions, e.g., for treatment of ischemia reperfusion injury or radiation exposure.

Abstract: Provided herein are antioxidant, thermally-responsive copolymer-based compositions and methods of making and using the compositions, e.g., for treatment of ischemia reperfusion injury in a patient. The copolymer comprises a hydrocarbyl backbone, and a plurality of pendant pyrrolidone, antioxidant radical, polyester oligomer, and N-alkyl amide groups.

Abstract: A construct comprising a dermal extracellular matrix gel, polymer fibers, and microparticles containing a nitro oleic acid agent.

Abstract: Devices for local delivery of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof are provided, wherein the devices comprise a polymeric matrix containing tacrolimus or a derivative thereof that provides for delayed and extended release of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof. The devices can locally deliver tacrolimus or a derivative thereof to injured nervous system tissue upon implantation in a subject. Thus, techniques for local delivery of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof and methods of treatment using such devices are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is an injectable hydrogel composition that forms a porous gel rapidly after injection. Methods of making and using the composition are provided. A kit also is provided comprising the ingredients for making the hydrogel.

Abstract: Provided herein is an electrodeposition apparatus for producing long polymeric threads, yarns, or ropes. A method of preparing long polymeric threads, yarns or ropes also is provided.

Abstract: A template for a valve construct for replacement of at least one of a mitral valve and a tricuspid valve includes at least an anterior leaflet portion and at least a posterior leaflet portion, each leaflet portion having a proximal edge, a distal edge, and side edges extending between the proximal edge and the distal edge. The template further includes a plurality of substantially straight elongated chordae portions each having a proximal end connected to the distal edge of one of the at least two leaflet portions and a distal end extending therefrom and one or more papillary muscle head portions formed at a commissure between distal ends of at least two of the plurality of chordae portions. A total width of the leaflet portions of the template is substantially equal to a circumference of a native annulus of a heart valve.

Abstract: An injectable hydrogel composition that forms a porous gel rapidly after injection fro tissue engineering. The composition comprises a biodegradable, biocompatible, gelling polymer, that is optionally reverse-gelling; an Extra cellular matrix (ECM) material and a biocompatible porogen. Methods of making and using the composition are provided. A kit also is provided comprising the ingredients for making the hydrogel.

Abstract: The invention relates to endovascular medical implant devices and materials of composition for forming these devices to provide improved mechanical properties and biodegradability. The devices include a combination or integration of superelastic material, biodegradable metal and, thin film nitinol and/or biodegradable polymer. A structural frame is formed of individual elongated pieces composed of biodegradable metal. These pieces are joined together by connector pieces composed of superelastic material. At least a portion of the structural frame has deposited thereon the thin film nitinol and/or biodegradable polymer. The structural frame of the device is collapsible for insertion in a delivery tube and, recoverable for deployment and placement in a vascular location of a patient body.

Abstract: A template for a valve construct for replacement of at least one of a mitral valve and a tricuspid valve includes at least an anterior leaflet portion and at least a posterior leaflet portion, each leaflet portion having a proximal edge, a distal edge, and side edges extending between the proximal edge and the distal edge. The template further includes a plurality of substantially straight elongated chordae portions each having a proximal end connected to the distal edge of one of the at least two leaflet portions and a distal end extending therefrom and one or more papillary muscle head portions formed at a commissure between distal ends of at least two of the plurality of chordae portions. A total width of the leaflet portions of the template is substantially equal to a circumference of a native annulus of a heart valve.

Abstract: A extracorporeal system for lung assist includes a housing, a blood flow inlet in fluid connection with the housing; a blood flow outlet in fluid connection with the housing; a plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers adapted to permit diffusion of gas between blood and an interior of the hollow gas permeable fibers, the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers being positioned between the blood flow inlet and the blood flow outlet such that blood flows around the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers when flowing from the blood flow inlet to the blood flow outlet; a gas inlet in fluid connection with the housing and in fluid connection with inlets of the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers; a gas outlet in fluid connection with the housing and in fluid connection with outlets of the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers; and at least one moving element to create velocity fields in blood flow contacting the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers.

Abstract: A zwitterionic polysiloxane polymer (e.g., a polyurethane elastomer) composition having poly(dialkylsiloxane) blocks and a zwitterionic moiety is prepared by the copolymerization of a poly(dialkylsiloxane) diol, a diisocyanate, a tertiary amine alkyl diol, and a poly(dialkylsiloxane) diamine to form a poly(urethane urea) copolymer. A substituted saturated heterocylic compound is reacted with the tertiary amine of the poly(urethane urea) copolymer to introduce a zwitterionic group into the poly(urethane urea) copolymer backbone. A polysiloxane polymer having a zwitterionic moiety is prepared by reacting a diallyl tertiary amine compound and a substituted saturated heterocylic compound to form a diallyl zwitterionic macromer and cross-linking a vinyl terminated poly(dialkylsiloxane) and the diallyl zwitterionic macromer with a curing agent to introduce a zwitterionic group into the poly(dialkylsiloxane) polymer.

Abstract: A method of making a valve structure includes a step of rotating a mandrel and an electrodeposition target attached to the mandrel about a rotational axis of the mandrel. The target includes an exterior surface having at least one conductive surface portion and at least one non-conductive surface portion. The method also includes a step of electrodepositing a polymer matrix of a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer composition onto the at least one conductive surface portion and the at least one non-conductive surface portion of the exterior surface of the rotating electrodeposition target to form the valve structure.