Abstract: Embodiments of medical devices and methods are disclosed. The medical devices typically comprise a flexible elongate member defining a lumen, and a support spine affixed to the distal end and extending proximally therefrom within the elongate member lumen. In some embodiments, the support spine is configured to support at least a portion of the elongate member when the elongate member is bent or curved. Some embodiments include apertures at or near the distal end for enabling fluid communication between the lumen and the outside environment. In some embodiments, the support wire extends proximally from the distal end within a distal portion of the lumen such that a proximal portion of the lumen is substantially unobstructed, thereby reducing turbulence of fluid flowing through the lumen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an ablation device used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation comprise an elongate shaft and a positioning mechanism adjacent the distal end of the shaft. The positioning mechanism is adapted to facilitate location of an anatomic structure and also to anchor the elongate shaft adjacent the anatomic structure. The positioning mechanism comprises an electrode for stimulating the anatomic structure as well as sensing electrical signals. Also, an energy delivery element is adjacent the distal end of the shaft and is adapted to stimulate the anatomic structure and create a zone of ablation that blocks abnormal electrical activity thereby reducing or eliminating atrial fibrillation in the patient.

Abstract: A medical device includes an insertion portion, and a driving mechanism coupled to the insertion portion, wherein the insertion portion includes a treatment portion configured to perform a treatment on a target portion, a joint portion capable of supporting the treatment portion and changing a direction of the treatment portion, a storage portion provided in the joint portion and capable of internally accommodating the treatment portion, and a driving force transmission portion connected to the joint portion and configured to transmit a driving force for changing the direction of the treatment portion to the joint portion, wherein the driving mechanism includes a driving force generation portion configured to generate the driving force, and wherein the treatment portion enters and exits the storage portion by the driving force transmitted from the driving force generation portion to the joint portion through the driving force transmission portion.

Abstract: A method is provided that trains the immune system to resist cancer. A tumor of a biological organism is irradiated with millimeter waves having a prescribed frequency and power density. The biological organism thereafter exhibits an increased level of resistance to the growth of additional tumors, even at remote locations in the body.

Abstract: A radiation applicator with a dielectric body (2) surrounding the antenna. The dielectric body (2) is comprised of three sections (3, 4 and 5) with different dielectric constants to provide broad-band matching of the applicator to surrounding material. Washers (10) and (11) are mounted on the antenna to act as reflectors.

Abstract: A system for ablation of tissue has at least a guideplate having a front surface and a rear surface. The guideplate has multiple guideholes distributed over the front surface and passing from the front surface to the rear surface. The at least three longitudinally advancing laser emitters are on elongated supports. The at least three longitudinally advancing laser emitters on elongated supports have a diameters that allow their passage through the guideholes on the guideplate. Each of the three laser emitters has a projection area for emission of laser energy; and the projection areas for each of the three laser emitters overlapping only a portion of the projection areas for at least two others of the three laser emitters when the at least three laser emitters lie within a single geometric plane. Moving the laser emitters while active devascularizes changing volumes of tumor tissue.

Abstract: A fiber optic medical device/system is presented, comprising laser source, connectible to optical fibers and enclosed to ensure sterility and safe operation. It is a single use system enclosed and sterilized, including laser source and, optical fiber attached in a sterile tube. Another embodiment is hermetically sealed laser unit with simple connection system to a properly shaped fiber optic. Joined hand piece and fiber can be directly inserted to treat target tissue. Laser handle is aseptically packaged. In other embodiments, fiber is proximally terminated in solid funnel-shaped end to provide unique directional keyed junction with laser unit. In another embodiment, unit includes fiber joined to it, where a laser module can be added away from the fiber end and laser module need not be sterilized, but entire unit is safe for medical use in sterile fields. Enclosure also serves as handpiece for manipulating device.

Abstract: A barrier kit for emergency medical technician sterile patient monitoring equipment provides an emergency medical technician (EMT) a variety of sanitary cover barriers to provide adherence to a cleaning regimen, while avoiding patient to patient cross contamination. The sterile kit is contained in a single envelope including a set of sanitary barriers or sheaths of the same material mounted on a cardboard substrate for a stethoscope, a pulse oximeter probe, a necktie protector and an arm wrap cover to prevent a blood pressure monitor cuff from contacting the patient skin with an attached cover for protection against splatter of bodily fluids from one patient to an EMT technician or from one patient to another patient.

Abstract: Container for disposal of solid pharmaceuticals and the like, comprising a receiving section and a disposal chamber. The receiving section comprises—a first member being hollow, having one opening outside of the container, and the other opening inside the container, and—a second member being inside the container, the second member is performed as a flexible tube connected to the receiving section in one end, and having the other end freely suspended above the disposal chamber. The first member is guiding solids thrown into the opening outside the container to the second member which guides the solids into the disposal chamber. The invention also concerns a use of a container of the above type.

Abstract: The present invention presents an apparatus and methods to stereotactically guide insertion of invasive tubular devices to a tissue target of a living body. The apparatus comprises a powered positioning guide control assembly and a positioning guide assembly that is coupled with and operated by the powered positioning guide control assembly, and rotationally adjustable and lockable. The powered positioning guide control assembly encloses an ultrasound transducer to visualize and aim at the tissue target, and adjusts an insertion angle of an invasive tubular device placed in the positioning guide assembly.

Abstract: A robotic system includes an end-effector and a control system. The control system includes a processor, a dynamical system module (DSM), and a velocity control module (VCM). Via execution of a method, the DSM processes inputs via a flow vector field and outputs a control velocity command. The inputs may include an actual position, desired goal position, and demonstrated reference path of the end-effector. The VCM receives an actual velocity of the end-effector and the control velocity command as inputs, and transmits a motor torque command to the end-effector as an output command. The control system employs a predetermined set of differential equations to generate a motion trajectory of the end-effector in real time that approximates the demonstrated reference path. The control system is also programmed to modify movement of the end-effector in real time via the VCM in response to perturbations of movement of the end-effector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for holding a surgical instrument (11), which is designed to be introduced through a sheath (12) into the body of a patient (2), and a sheath (12). The holding device according to the invention comprises a first holder (26) for the surgical instrument and a second holder (18) for the sheath. Furthermore, a drive unit (27) is provided by means of which said second holder (18) can be moved relative to said first holder in the longitudinal direction (15) and/or the direction of rotation of the surgical instrument (11).

Abstract: A rotary drive arrangement for a surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector. In one form, the rotary drive arrangement includes a drive shaft assembly that is selectively axially movable between a first position and a second position. A rotary transmission operably interfaces with the drive shaft assembly such that when the drive shaft assembly is in the first axial position, application of one of the rotary drive motions to the drive shaft assembly causes the rotary transmission to apply a first rotary control motion to the surgical end effector and when the drive shaft assembly is in the second axial position, application of the rotary drive motion to the drive shaft assembly causes the rotary transmission to apply a second rotary control motion to the surgical end effector.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an enhanced surgical tool and display device for conducting surgical procedures which includes a wearable headgear including a frame for positioning an optical display into a field of view. A controller is attached to a portion of the frame and adapted to provide a computer generated image to an optical display. An optical display, including an active side for projecting a computer generated image, electrically communicates with the controller and is attached to the controller such that the active side is visible in a field of view.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for dynamic validation, correction of registration for surgical navigation during medical procedures on a patient which involves confirmation of registration between one or more previously registered virtual objects, such as surgical tools etc. in a common coordinate frame of a surgical navigation system and an operating room, and intra-operatively acquired imaging during the medical procedure in the common coordinate frame. The method includes displaying intra-operatively acquired imaging of the surgical field containing the one or more real objects corresponding to the one or more previously registered virtual objects, with the real objects being tracked by a tracking system.

Abstract: A virtual rigid body optical tracking system includes a virtual rigid body generator for projecting a virtual rigid body, wherein the virtual rigid body forms a pattern of light on a surface. The virtual rigid body optical tracking system includes an optical detection system for detecting the pattern of light, and a data processing system in communication with the optical detection system. The data processing system is configured to determine a position of the virtual rigid body generator based on the detected pattern of light.

Abstract: A medical image display apparatus for displaying medical images of a lung on a screen includes a network interface receiving positional information of a navigation instrument from a position sensor of the navigation instrument, a video stream from an optical sensor of the navigation instrument, and medical images from an imaging device, a memory storing a plurality of medical images and instructions, a processor executing the instructions, and a display dynamically displaying images on the screen. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the medical image display apparatus to determine whether status information indicates a pathway reviewing mode, a target management mode, or a navigation mode. The instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the display to dynamically select and update images, which are displayed on the screen, among the plurality of medical images based on the positional information of the navigation instrument and status information.

Abstract: Method for tracking an object with respect to a body comprising the steps of: providing a three-dimensional model of said body; providing a three-dimensional model of said object; and tracking the position of said object in said three-dimensional model of said body on the basis of a sensor measuring repeatedly a three-dimensional surface of said body and said object.

Abstract: A system for localizing one or more medical instruments includes a guidance grid (162) disposed in an operative relationship with a Workstation subject for receiving the one or more medical instruments (102) when deployed. An ultrasound imaging system (110) is configured to image a volume where the one or more medical instruments are deployed. A program module (136) is configured to register positions of the one or more medical instruments, using tracked position information and grid information, to the volume such that the positions of the one or more medical instruments can be visually monitored during a procedure.

Abstract: A system for navigating to a target, the system comprising an extended working channel having a lumen extending therethrough for receiving a tool, a computing device including a memory and at least one processor, a plurality of images stored in the memory, a program stored in the memory that, when executed by the at least one processor, presents a user interface. The user interface including, at least one image of the plurality of images depicting the target and a progression of the extended working channel through the airway, a probability treatment zone defining a probability distribution of a trajectory of the tool once deployed beyond an opening of the extended working channel displayed in the at least one image. The user interface is displayed on a display device.

Abstract: A dental preparation instrument having a pneumatic turbine (1) with a rotor (5) for driving a tool (1.1), wherein the rotor (5), which is mounted in a turbine chamber (18) for rotation about an axis of rotation (4), is impinged by compressed air from a compressed-air nozzle (22). A first radial partition (23) has an opening (17) via which an annular space (8) is in flow connection with an outlet duct (19).

Abstract: A method for forming a surgical guide for a dental patient rotates material about a rotation axis to a first angular position and drills a drill guiding hole using a drilling tool having a drilling tool axis. The drill guiding hole is centered about a guide axis that is orthogonal to the rotation axis. A first planar surface of the guide is formed from the material, wherein the first surface is. oblique to the guide axis. The material is repositioned to orient the first surface orthogonal to the drilling tool. A hole pattern is formed having two or more positioning holes in the first surface, with the pattern corresponding to a pin pattern in a tray that is positionally registered to a dental arch of the patient. A second planar surface of the surgical guide is formed, parallel to the first planar surface.

Abstract: A nozzle for a dental handpiece is composed of a connector portion to be connected to a handpiece body, and a nozzle body, which is provided near its end with a notch of a substantially rectangular section cut out from the front face into the lateral faces, the notch forming upstream and downstream faces. The nozzle has a channel and an injection port thereof for transferring the mixture and a channel and an injection port thereof for transferring water, separate from each other. The channel for the mixture extends through the nozzle body along the front face from the connector portion to near the end, with said injection port for the mixture opened in the upstream face. The downstream face is provided with a guide for receiving the mixture injected through the injection port for the mixture and guiding the injected mixture outside the notch.

Abstract: The invention is related to a process for producing a dental restoration, the process comprising the steps: —shape a dental restoration out of a shapeable material being placed on a dental situation to be restored in the mouth of a patient, —make an impression of the shaped dental restoration placed on the dental situation to be restored by using a dental impression material, —remove the dental impression material and the shaped dental restoration from the dental situation in the mouth of a patient, —place a curable dental composition in the negative mould of the dental impression material relating to the dental situation to be restored. The invention is also directed to a kit of parts comprising a shapeable material, a curable dental composition, optionally a dental cement, optionally a dental impression material, instruction for use.

Abstract: A method for generating a mapping of dental occlusion generates a three-dimensional model of the patient's teeth (la, according to acquired image data. The maxillary and mandibular arches are positioned in opposition in the generated model of the patient's teeth and a meal model (50) generated having characteristics of a foam material. A pressure field distribution for the generated meal model is calculated for one or more pairs of opposed teeth (1a, 1b) from the generated three-dimensional model of the patient's teeth. The calculated pressure field distribution (54) can be displayed.

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates an automated orthodontic bracket positioning system. This system includes a computer system for constructing the digital 3D dental model, a bite record device for acquiring the patient's intra-oral coordinate record, and an automatic bracket positioning device for bonding orthodontic brackets on the patient's tooth surfaces or surfaces of dental cast. The computer system estimates a predicted position of each orthodontic bracket on patient's tooth surface or a surface of the gypsum dental cast by using the digital 3D dental model. The computer system receives and utilizes the intra-oral coordinate record to calibrate the digital 3D dental model and ensure that the digital 3D dental model match with the patient's practical condition, so that the predicted position can accurately match to the patient's tooth surface.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to retain an orthodontic aligner tray to teeth of the patient includes the aligner tray, a retention feature securing the aligner tray to the teeth of the patient, and an adhering agent connecting the aligner tray and the retention feature. The retention feature includes a C-shaped clip securing the aligner tray to the teeth of the patient, wherein C-shaped clip includes a single contiguous retention feature aligned to a space between two adjacent teeth and spanning from a first terminal end of the C-shaped clip at a lingual gingival margin to a second terminal end of the C-shaped clip at a labial gingival margin and at least one elongated feature in one of the lingual gingival margin and the labial gingival margin extending perpendicularly from a body of the C-shaped clip along a gum line to increase gripping force upon the teeth.

Abstract: An appliance for orthodontic hardware in the form of a cap sized to fit over a bracket and arch wire braces system. The cap includes a hollowed, mound shaped body with a bottom edge defining an opening on one side of the body. The cap also includes multiple tabs extending from the edge and partially over the opening. The bottom edge also defines two channels aligned opposite each other and extending from the bottom edge. With this arrangement, the cap can be positioned over a bracket with the tabs engaging the bracket and retaining the cap thereto while the channels defined in the body prevent the cap from engaging the arch wire.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to computer-implemented methods of making a transfer tray using rapid prototyping techniques, where the gingival edge of the tray is defined to intersect with at least one receptacle for receiving an orthodontic appliance. This tray configuration helps to minimize the travel distance of the tray when placing the tray over a patient's teeth, while also preserving a high degree of mechanical retention for retaining the appliance until such time that the appliance is bonded to the tooth. Other aspects of the tray and associated methods of bonding are directed to a frangible web that extends over the gingival portion of the receptacle and fractures to facilitate tray removal after bonding.

Abstract: A base of an orthodontic bracket includes a matrix of bond pads that form channels to hold adhesive. These channels are oriented at acute angles to a long tooth axis to better resist shear forces impinging from random directions.

Abstract: Orthodontic force modules and assemblies for use in correcting class II and/or class III malocclusions include an elongate hollow outer body extending between proximal and distal ends, a plunger, spring, and push rod. The plunger and push rod are slidably received within different ends of the hollow outer body. The spring is positioned within the hollow outer body and provides an expansion force during use as the force modules or assemblies is compressed (e.g., when closing the jaw). The expansion force provides a desired corrective force for corrective Class II and/or III malocclusions. The outer body, plunger, spring, and push rod can be configured in a telescoping relationship in order for the components to be telescopically compressed and expanded during use. The distal end can include a bendable pin or latch mechanism for attachment to a buccal tube. The push rod can include a hook, hole, or slot for attachment to an archwire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical template arrangement (10) for a dental application, the surgical template arrangement comprising: a surgical template (12) including a through hole (18); and a guide sleeve (22) placed in the through hole and riveted to the surgical template. The present invention also relates to a method of attaching a guide sleeve (22) in a through hole (18) of a dental surgical template (12), and a corresponding system.

Abstract: A procedure applicable in a dental implant with at least one outer surface made of titanium or titanium alloy includes a prior preparation of the external surface of the implant, including at least one of the following operations: roughing, polishing, cleaning, decontamination and/or elimination of a layer of titanium oxide from said outer surface of the implant; and the deposit of particles of silver on an outer surface of the implant, made of titanium or titanium alloy, through a pulsed current electrochemical anodization process. The obtained dental implant with antibacterial protection is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated dental component, carrier and affixation tool provides a clinician with a large object to hold the dental component, and allows for single-handed orientation, placement and fastening with the integration of an affixation tool.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for determining surface topography of a three-dimensional structure. The apparatus can include a probe and an illumination unit configured to output a plurality of light beams. In many embodiments, the apparatus includes a light focusing assembly. The light focusing assembly can receive and focus each of a plurality of light beams to a respective external focal point. The light focusing assembly can be configured to overlap the plurality of light beams within a focus changing assembly in order to move the external focal points along a direction of propagation of the light beams. The apparatus can include a detector having an array of sensing elements configured to measure a characteristic of each of a plurality of light beams returning from the illuminated spots and a processor coupled to the detector and configured to generate data representative of topography of the structure based on the measured characteristic.

Abstract: A removable system and method for helping position and stabilize implant supported dentures during the healing process after surgery is provided, wherein a removable system comprises a soft tissue supported provisional denture structure configured to help position and stabilize the provisional denture during the transfer of the implant positions to the provisional denture. In the surgical process of providing implant-supported dentures, immediately after the implants are surgically implanted, adhesive is applied to the underside of the provisional denture, and implant connectors are seated on the implants. The provisional denture is seated in the patient's mouth wherein the soft tissue supported provisional denture structure helps stabilize and position the denture. The implant connectors adhere to the adhesive and transfer the implant positions to the provisional denture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer program and to a method for controlling the computer program, wherein a control signal is sent to the computer program when an optical marker, in particular a two-dimensional barcode (2a, 2b, 2c), is detected by an intraoral scanner (1), which signal switches the computer program to a predefined state. A device for controlling the computer program comprises a support (3) on which at least one optical marker is arranged. The optical marker has an inscription (21a, 21b, 21c) which indicates a state of the computer program to which the computer program can be switched by detection of the optical marker by the intraoral scanner (1).

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a zirconia block for an artificial tooth having a color gradient. The method includes: preparing colored zirconia-based powder and white zirconia-based powder; preparing a plurality of raw materials in which the colored zirconia-based powder and the white zirconia-based powder are mixed in different weight ratios by mixing the colored zirconia-based powder and the white zirconia-based powder while changing a mixing ratio in order to express a desired color gradient; sequentially injecting the plurality of raw materials into a compression mold or a mold frame to mold in increasing or decreasing order of content of the colored zirconia-based powder of the raw material; and calcining a molding result. According to the present invention, it is possible to express aesthetics of a natural tooth by implementing a color gradient of the natural tooth in the zirconia block itself without using porcelain powder or a liquid color set.

Abstract: A method for producing a prosthesis base (1) from plastic material for a full or partial dental prosthesis (2), in which the prosthesis base (1) has prosthesis base receiving openings (3) for artificial teeth (4) and is produced on based on a digital data set which reflects a shape of the prosthesis base (1) having the prosthesis base receiving openings (3). On the basis of this digital data set first a wax temporary prosthesis (6) having corresponding wax temporary receiving openings (7) for the artificial teeth (4) is made, and subsequently the prosthesis base (1) is made using the wax temporary prosthesis (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for constructing tooth surfaces of a dental prosthesis and for producing dental restorations, starting from a 3D data record of an upper mandible layout and a 3D data record of a lower mandible layout, each layout comprising a number of teeth arranged in each mandibular arch and the teeth of the upper mandible layout and the teeth of the lower mandible layout at intercuspation making contact with each other at multiple contact points. The contact surfaces are selected by approximation. Relevant surface pairs lying opposite one another are identified and are incorporated by an optimization algorithm into local minimum distances, taking into consideration surfaces that can slide past one another. This allows the desired contact points to be produced.

Abstract: A toothpick assembly including a toothpick and case within which the toothpick is detachably engaged. The toothpick includes a tapered tip which is generally triangular in cross-section having opposed sides connected by a generally flat bottom and an apex. A bristle array is provided on each side and the bottom and apex are free of bristles. The bristle array is configured as a sinuous or serpentine wave. Bristles in each array are smallest closest to an end of the tip and progressively increase in size as you move away therefrom. The toothpick is movable within the case's bore between a fully retracted, a partially extended and a fully extended position. A locking mechanism selectively locks the toothpick in any of these positions. When the toothpick is to be changed, the locking mechanism is disengaged and the toothpick is slid out of the bore and is replaced with a new toothpick.

Abstract: A replacement head for an oral care implement, such as a powered toothbrush, wherein the replacement head utilizes a specially designed structure for coupling the replacement head to an oral care implement body. In one embodiment, the invention can be a replacement head comprising: a head having a plurality of tooth cleaning elements mounted thereto; a tubular sleeve comprising a cavity for receiving a stem of the body, a proximal edge defining an opening into the cavity, and a distal end to which the head is coupled, the tubular sleeve comprising a locking tab for engaging an undercut surface of a locking section of a boss.

Abstract: An electric linear actuator includes a fixed block, an output movable block, a counter movable block, a projecting side coupling member, a retracting side coupling member, a block coupling member, and an output functional member. The output movable block and the counter movable block are configured to be reciprocated in the movable direction in opposite phases by electromagnetic force acting between the fixed block and the output and counter movable blocks. The projecting side coupling member is coupled to the output movable block and the counter movable block. The retracting side coupling member is coupled to the output movable block and the counter movable block. The projecting side coupling member and the retracting side coupling member have different shapes.

Abstract: A non-surgical treatment for receding gums utilizes the fact that tissue responds to continuous controlled mechanical forces with growth. The treatment system includes an impression of the upper and/or lower teeth, including the surrounding existing gums, so that a vacuum can be established within the impression around teeth and gums. Before use, selected portions of the impression are carved out a desired amount to create a location for the expansion and regrowth of the gums. Additionally, one or more channels may be included in the impression for delivery of the vacuum to all areas encompassed by the impression. The treatment system also includes a vacuum source operatively attached to the impression so as to be able to deliver a vacuum to the impression once the impression is place in the patient's mouth over the teeth and gums.

Abstract: An intra-vaginal device for the control of stool passage, including a body mechanism for securing the device around the area of the pubic notch and in the area of the posterior fornix, the body mechanism including a force applying mechanism for reversibly applying a force to a posterior portion of the vagina to occlude the rectum. A method of controlling the passage of stool in a patient, by inserting an intra-vaginal device into the patient's vagina such that an anterior end rests around the pubic notch and a posterior end rests in the posterior fornix, exerting a force towards the posterior side of the vagina, moving an anterior wall of the patient's rectum towards the posterior wall of the rectum with the force applying portion, impeding the passage of stool, and removing the force, allowing stool to pass.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein relate to expandable, reversible implants. In an embodiment, the implants are controllable by way of at least one biochemical, chemical, or physical means. In an embodiment, the implants are programmable and/or pre-programmed for a particular level of expansion and/or contraction. In an embodiment, the implants are controlled remotely from a control source that is external to the subject's body.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein relate to expandable, reversible implants. In an embodiment, the implants are controllable by way of at least one biochemical, chemical, or physical means. In an embodiment, the implants are programmable and/or pre-programmed for a particular level of expansion and/or contraction. In an embodiment, the implants are controlled remotely from a control source that is external to the subject's body.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein relate to expandable, reversible implants. In an embodiment, the implants are controllable by way of at least one biochemical, chemical, or physical means. In an embodiment, the implants are programmable and/or pre-programmed for a particular level of expansion and/or contraction. In an embodiment, the implants are controlled remotely from a control source that is external to the subject's body.

Abstract: A prosthesis and a method for securing a prosthesis at a treatment site are provided. The prosthesis includes a material portion. The material portion includes a liquid-impermeable material layer, a porous material layer having a pore size adapted for promoting tissue ingrowth, and an adhesive portion provided on the porous material layer adapted to secure the material portion to a site for at least 24 hours following implantation of the prosthesis at the site. In some embodiments, the prosthesis further includes a body.

Abstract: Methods for treating diseases of the rectum or colon are provided. The methods can comprise accessing the rectal mucosa through a trans-anal approach; performing a mucosectomy to remove mucosal tissue from at least a portion of the rectal or colonic wall; and securing a flexible scaffold material to a region of the rectal or colonic wall from which mucosa has been removed, wherein the scaffold material is selected to facilitate cellular ingrowth and formation of new mucosal tissue.