Abstract: Provided are novel biocompatible copolymers, compositions comprising the copolymers, and methods of using the copolymers. The copolymers are non-toxic and typically have an LCST below 37° C. Compositions comprising the copolymers can be used for wound treatment, as a cellular growth matrix or niche and for injection into cardiac tissue to repair and mechanically support damaged tissue. The copolymers comprise numerous ester linkages so that the copolymers are erodible in situ. Degradation products of the copolymers are soluble and non-toxic. The copolymers can be amine-reactive so that they can conjugate with proteins, such as collagen. Active ingredients, such as drugs, can be incorporated into compositions comprising the copolymers.

Abstract: Provided herein is a mandrel for use in electrospinning prosthetic valve devices. Also provided are prosthetic valve devices for implantation in an animal or a human. Methods of making and using the valve devices are also provided herein.

Abstract: Provided are novel biocompatible copolymers, compositions comprising the copolymers, and methods of using the copolymers. The copolymers are non-toxic and typically have an LCST below 37° C. Compositions comprising the copolymers can be used for wound treatment, as a cellular growth matrix or niche and for injection into cardiac tissue to repair and mechanically support damaged tissue. The copolymers comprise numerous ester linkages so that the copolymers are erodeable in situ. Degradation products of the copolymers are soluble and non-toxic. The copolymers can be amine-reactive so that they can conjugate with proteins, such as collagen. Active ingredients, such as drugs, can be incorporated into compositions comprising the copolymers.

Abstract: Provided herein is a prosthetic heart valve device including a biocompatible and biodegradable metal frame comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall therebetween, the sidewall having a plurality of openings therethrough. The device further includes a biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric heart valve having an annular portion attached at least one contact point to the proximal end of the frame and at least one leaflet attached to and extending distally from the annular portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substrates and composites having dynamic, reversible micron-level luminal surface deformation including texture or geometric instabilities, e.g., surface wrinkling and folding. The surface deformation and its reversal to the original surface form or to another, different surface form, is effective to reduce or prevent surface fouling and, more particularly, in certain applications, to reduce or prevent unwanted platelet adhesion and thrombus formation. The substrates and composites include a wide variety of designs and, more particularly, biomedical-related designs, such as, synthetic vascular graft or patch designs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for accessing the interior of the heart through a wall thereof. The device includes a main body, a flange at an end thereof, and a passage therethrough to allow for access to the interior of the heart when the device is placed on an outer surface thereof. The device can be formed of any suitable biocompatible and/or biodegradable material, and can have a passage sized to allow for transmittance of tools/devices normally used for interventions in the interior of the heart therethrough.

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: A multi-layer device is provided that is useful in tissue regeneration, for example, for vascular regeneration, e.g., for use in treatment of a coronary vascular disease, such as for treatment of myocardial infarction. A method of making the device also is provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of making an aligned ECM scaffold useful in refractive correction of the eye and repair of the cornea. Methods of use of the scaffold as well as a scaffold construct are provided.

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 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: Provided are novel biocompatible copolymers, compositions comprising the copolymers, and methods of using the copolymers. The copolymers are non-toxic and typically have an LCST below 37° C. Compositions comprising the copolymers can be used for wound treatment, as a cellular growth matrix or niche and for injection into cardiac tissue to repair and mechanically support damaged tissue. The copolymers comprise numerous ester linkages so that the copolymers are erodeable in situ. Degradation products of the copolymers are soluble and non-toxic. The copolymers can be amine-reactive so that they can conjugate with proteins, such as collagen. Active ingredients, such as drugs, can be incorporated into compositions comprising the copolymers.

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: Provided are novel biocompatible copolymers, compositions comprising the copolymers, and methods of using the copolymers. The copolymers are non-toxic and typically have an LCST below 37° C. Compositions comprising the copolymers can be used for wound treatment, as a cellular growth matrix or niche and for injection into cardiac tissue to repair and mechanically support damaged tissue. The copolymers comprise numerous ester linkages so that the copolymers are erodeable in situ. Degradation products of the copolymers are soluble and non-toxic. The copolymers can be amine-reactive so that they can conjugate with proteins, such as collagen. Active ingredients, such as drugs, can be incorporated into compositions comprising the copolymers.

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 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: 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 is a percutaneous expandable venous cannula device, and related methods. The device is easily inserted, for example, using standard Seldinger technique via the right internal jugular. The device includes multiple, multi-holed limbs that softly fill, e.g., the right atrium to facilitate complete drainage, enable retraction of the chamber in surgery, and mitigate suction occlusion, filling the entire atrium and allowing for efficient and rapid emptying of the chamber. In aspects, the device facilitates minimally-invasive aortic or mitral valve surgery with single placement via the right internal jugular as the sole cannula needed for full support.

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.