Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for improving coaption of the mitral valve leaflets to reduce or eliminate mitral valve regurgitation. The devices may be used to perform mitral valve annuloplasty, or to serve as a docking station for a transcatheter prosthetic heart valve. The various embodiments of devices are configured for percutaneous and, in some cases, transvascular delivery. Delivery systems useful for routing the devices to the mitral valve are also disclosed, including catheters, balloons and/or mechanical expansion systems. The devices themselves include at least one tissue penetrating member. Methods of delivery include partially embedding the devices in the mitral valve annulus via at least one tissue penetrating member. Tissue penetrating members may be embedded into the tissue in a simultaneous or a nearly simultaneous fashion. Upon embedding, the devices employ various expansion and/or contraction features to adjust the mitral valve diameter.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing localized pressure to a region of a patient's heart to improve heart functioning, including: (a) a jacket made of a flexible biocompatible material, the jacket having an open top end that is received around the heart and a bottom portion that is received around the apex of the heart; and (b) at least one inflatable bladder disposed on an interior surface of the jacket, the inflatable bladder having an inelastic outer surface positioned adjacent to the jacket and an elastic inner surface such that inflation of the bladder causes the bladder to deform substantially inwardly to exert localized pressure against a region of the heart.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating or repairing a heart are disclosed. The device includes at least one radially expandable tissue-engaging element, an elongate member (e.g., suture) coupled to the expandable element, and a locking mechanism (e.g., locking clip, suture knot). The expandable element may be anchored to heart tissue within the heart, such as in the left ventricle, with the elongate member extending from the expandable element and across a heart chamber to a second location such as the heart apex where the elongate member is held by the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resorbable, macroporous bioactive glass scaffold comprising approximately 24-45% CaO, 34-50% SiO2, 0-25% Na2O, 5-17% P2O5, 0-5% MgO and 0-1% CaF2 by mass percent, produced by mixing with pore forming agents and specified heat treatments.

Abstract: Porous regions are formed using selected additive manufacturing techniques. The porous regions can assist in fibro-inductive regions and/or osteo-inductive regions. A prosthetic member can be formed completely with the additive manufacturing technique and/or the additive manufacturing techniques can be used to form an augment portion that is added to the prosthetic member formed separately.

Abstract: An arthroplasty device is provided having an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel that is strain-hardened by swelling and adapted to be held in place in a joint by conforming to a bone geometry. The strain-hardened IPN hydrogel is based on two different networks: (1) a non-silicone network of preformed hydrophilic non-ionic telechelic macromonomers chemically cross-linked by polymerization of its end-groups, and (2) a non-silicone network of ionizable monomers. The second network was polymerized and chemically cross-linked in the presence of the first network and has formed physical cross-links with the first network. Within the IPN, the degree of chemical cross-linking in the second network is less than in the first network. An aqueous salt solution (neutral pH) is used to ionize and swell the second network. The swelling of the second network is constrained by the first network resulting in an increase in effective physical cross-links within the IPN.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to compositions and methods for enhancing attachment of soft tissues to a metal prosthetic device. In one embodiment a construct is provided comprising a metal implant having a porous metal region, wherein said porous region exhibits a nano-textured surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a customized implant comprising the steps of obtaining a plurality of medical images of a bone region with a defect area; converting the medical images into a three-dimensional data; designing a mould customized for the defect area based on the three-dimensional data to produce a customized mould; and fabricating a customized implant from a biocompatible plate using the customized mould via an additive manufacturing technique.

Abstract: A medical device for treating hip joint osteoarthritis in a human patient is provided, the hip joint comprises an acetabulum, being a part of the pelvic bone, and a caput femur, being connected to the collum femur and being the upper extremity of the femoral bone. The caput femur and collum femur further comprises cortical bone, the outer more sclerotic bone, and cancellous bone, placed in the bone marrow, said medical device comprising: an artificial caput femur surface, adapted to be in contact with the acetabulum surface or an artificial replacement therefor, and a fixating member adapted to at least partly be stabilized by the cortical bone of a stabilizing part of the collum femur.

Abstract: A trapeziometacarpal joint implant includes a body defining a median plane, a metacarpal joint surface, and a trapezium joint surface. A first central region of the metacarpal joint surface is situated on an opposite side of the median plane from a second central region of the trapezium joint surface. The first and second central regions correspond to profiles of a first axial segment and a second axial segment, respectively. The first and second axial segments are one of a cylinder, a cone and a torus and are centered on a first axis and a second axis, respectively, where the first and second axes, as projected on the median plane, are substantially perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A prosthesis for a vertebral column has an upper part (10) for attachment to an upper vertebrae, a lower part (12) for attachment to a lower vertebrae and a middle part (11) located between the upper and the lower parts, wherein the upper part has a lower surface portion with a first radius of curvature, the middle part has an upper surface portion with a second radius of curvature and a lower surface with a third radius of curvature and the lower part has an upper surface with a fourth radius of curvature. The centre of the radius of curvature for at least two surfaces is offset rearwardly with respect to a central vertical axis (13) through the upper and lower vertebrae and/or the upper and lower parts. Also defined is device for linking bones, in the form of a band with attachment portions having a number of filaments that provide zones conducive to cellular growth as well as a method of modelling a prosthesis and a process for analysing performance of a prosthesis.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant is provided for insertion into an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebrae. The expandable intervertebral implant includes a pair of outer sleeve portions and an inner core disposed between the outer sleeve portions. Movement of the inner core relative to the outer sleeve portions causes the outers sleeve portions to deflect away from each other, thereby engaging the expandable intervertebral implant with the vertebrae and adjusting the height of the intervertebral space.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc is provided having an upper plate, a lower plate, and a core. The upper and lower plates include outer vertebral body contacting surfaces which are provided with attachment enhancing features to ensure bone integration. The attachment enhancing features shown include one or more fins, serrations and teeth. An opposite surface of the plates from the vertebral body contacting surfaces is formed with a recess which serves as a bearing surface for the core. In order to form an intervertebral disc with a lower disc height, at least one of the recesses is provided opposite a corresponding dome shaped portion on the vertebral body contacting surfaces. This allows the plates to be formed with a thinner profile for a smaller overall disc height. In addition to providing a lower overall height to the artificial disc, the dome shaped portion of the plates also provides a more anatomically shaped outer vertebral body contacting surface.

Abstract: In the use of devices and methods for measuring applied pressure on an article, such as a patella construct during a surgical procedure, differently sized and configured clamp bushing adapters can be interchangeably employed with, and removably secured to, a clamp stem to adapt to the relative sizes of objects being clamped. Embodiments of an installation cap can also be provided to assist with proper setup and operation by, for example, removably covering spike elements associated with a working surface of embodiments of the device.

Abstract: Systems including a provisional tibial prosthesis system are disclosed. The provisional system can include a tibial component, a base component, and a shim component. The tibial component can have a proximal surface and a distal surface, the distal surface can be configured to seat on a resected proximal surface of a tibia. The base component can have a proximal surface and can be configured to couple with the tibial component when disposed on the proximal surface thereof. The shim component can have a proximal surface and a distal surface. The proximal surface can be configured as an articulating surface sized and shaped to articulate with a femoral prosthesis and the distal surface can be configured to couple with the base component at the proximal surface thereof.

Abstract: At least partial function of a human limb is restored by surgically removing at least a portion of an injured or diseased human limb from a surgical site of an individual and transplanting a selected muscle into the remaining biological body of the individual, followed by contacting the transplanted selected muscle, or an associated nerve, with an electrode, to thereby control a device, such as a prosthetic limb, linked to the electrode. Simulating proprioceptive sensory feedback from a device includes mechanically linking at least one pair of agonist and antagonist muscles, wherein a nerve innervates each muscle, and supporting each pair with a support, whereby contraction of the agonist muscle of each pair will cause extension of the paired antagonist muscle. An electrode is implanted in a muscle of each pair and electrically connected to a motor controller of the device, thereby simulating proprioceptive sensory feedback from the device.

Abstract: A vacuum suspension system includes a prosthetic socket adapted to receive a residual limb. A pump system includes a pump mechanism in fluid communication with the prosthetic socket, and at least one sensor associated with the prosthetic socket and/or the pump mechanism. A control system is operably connected to the pump mechanism and the least one sensor. The control system is arranged to receive and process data from the at least one sensor and to actuate the pump mechanism based on the received data from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: An artificial or modified natural blood flow tubing has a helical-flow inducer to induce helical flow in such a fashion as to eliminate or reduce turbulence. One inducer is a tubular stent of expansible mesh having a helical vane.

Abstract: A stent is formed by encasing or encapsulating metallic rings in an inner polymeric layer and an outer polymeric layer. At least one polymer link connects adjacent metallic rings. The stent is drug loaded with one or more therapeutic agent or drug, for example, to reduce the likelihood of the development of restenosis in the coronary arteries. The inner and outer polymeric materials can be of the same polymer or different polymer to achieve different results, such as enhancing flexibility and providing a stent that is visible under MRI, computer tomography and x-ray fluoroscopy.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the prevention of stroke. Devices and systems hereof comprise stents configured to fit within at least part of an artery extending from an aortic arch, and at least one component comprising parallel convex struts for diverting emboli from entering an artery when the component is positioned at or near its ostium. The stents and the deflection component(s) are coupled in a linked configuration. Additionally, a retrieval system is provided, the retrieval system comprising a sleeve catheter and a retrieval device slidably disposed therein. The distal end of the retrieval device comprises an attachment portion configured to engage a device positioned within an artery extending from the aortic arch.

Abstract: Y-stents and delivery apparatus for delivering the Y-stents include a delivery catheter with an open distal end having two, circumferentially opposed extensions separated by two receiving portions which receive an anatomical junction.

Abstract: An implantable stent includes multiple circumferential segments that surround a bore and are connected in series along a length to form a tubular wall. Multiple adjacent alternating opposite facing crowns arranged along each segment's circumference are bridged by struts. The struts include a series of staggered arcuate edges with limited flats to provide a limited region of maximum width between significantly extended reducing diameter tapers at either end where they transition into the crowns. Connections between adjacent segments are wider and stiffer than the struts and strut-crown transitions in the segments. The crowns include inner and outer radii with off-set centers along a common axis to provide medial crown peaks along the axis that are wider than the narrowed crown shoulders on either side of the axis and from which the tapered struts extend. Material strain and flexure along the stent during lateral bending is distributed mainly within the segments, e.g.

Abstract: An assembly for loading a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve into a delivery device, includes a compression member having a longitudinal axis, a first open end with a first diameter, a second open end with a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a wall decreasing in diameter from the first open end to the second open end, a support member having a longitudinal axis, a base and a recess extending along the longitudinal axis and adapted to receive an end of the valve, the support member and the compression member being movable between an initial position and an operative position, and a substantially tubular restrainer disposed within the support member and, in the operative position of the compression member and the support member, defining a passageway for accepting a portion of the delivery device and leaflets of the valve when the valve is assembled on the support member.

Abstract: An endoscope (1) having an operating handle comprising a handle housing (2) and an insertion tube (3) extending from said handle towards a distal end of the endoscope (1) and terminating in a tip part (4) at the distal end of the endoscope (1). The endoscope (1) comprises a tool operating member (22) for operating a tool (55) at the tip part (4). A control means connects the tool operating member (22) and the tool (55), so as to allow movement (55) of the tool in response to activation of said tool operating member (22). Also disclosed is an endoscope including a grasping tool and a method of removing a stent from a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for deploying implantable devices within the body. The delivery and deployment systems include at least one catheter or an assembly of catheters for selectively positioning the lumens of the implant to within target vessels. Various deployment and attachment mechanisms are provided for selectively deploying the implants.

Abstract: A gastric tube for use in a bariatric procedure includes an elongate tube and a cannulated plug coupled to the elongate tube. The elongate tube has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The elongate tube defines a lumen along a length thereof. The proximal end portion defines an opening in communication with the lumen. The elongate tube includes a blunt tip and an outer surface. The blunt tip is formed on the distal end portion. The outer surface defines a side opening in communication with the lumen. The cannulated plug includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is configured for connection to a vacuum source. The distal end is configured for removable receipt in the opening of the proximal end portion of the elongate tube to control a flow of one of aspiration and irrigation through the lumen.

Abstract: A gastric tube for use in a bariatric procedure includes an elongate tube and a cannulated plug coupled to the elongate tube. The elongate tube has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The elongate tube defines a lumen along a length thereof. The proximal end portion defines an opening in communication with the lumen. The elongate tube includes a blunt tip and an outer surface. The blunt tip is formed on the distal end portion. The outer surface defines a side opening in communication with the lumen. The cannulated plug includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is configured for connection to a vacuum source. The distal end is configured for removable receipt in the opening of the proximal end portion of the elongate tube to control a flow of one of aspiration and irrigation through the lumen.

Abstract: A joint support device is provided. The joint support device may include a first tubular layer and a second tubular layer both made of crisscrossing fibers. The crisscrossing fibers of the first tubular layer may be oriented in a spiral in a first direction and the crisscrossing fibers of the second tubular layer may be oriented in a spiral in an opposite direction of the first direction. The first and second tubular layers may be layered together and may be attached to an existing elastic knee brace.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes an elongate and rigid or semirigid strut assembly, an arcuate cuff pivotally secured to the strut assembly, and a strap securing to the cuff and forming an adjustable circumferential configuration therewith. A tensioning device may be mounted on the cuff and coupled to the strap in order to incrementally adjust the tensioning device among a plurality of preselected levels such that a first end of the strap secures to the tensioning device and a second end of the strap couples to the cuff. A soft-good assembly connects to the strut assembly and has a flexible stay embedded within with a plurality of layers. The soft-good assembly is adapted to form an adjustable circumferential loop with the stay only located within a segment short of the circumference of the loop.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a sleep device that includes a core having a top portion, a bottom portion, a top side, a bottom side, a first side, and a second side. A first padded surface covers the top portion of the core, and a second padded surface covers the bottom portion of the core. The top side is generally linear and extends to a first end and a second end on either side of the top side, a first side extends downwardly from the first end and a second side extends downwardly from a second end, the first end and second end extends downwardly to a bottom side, wherein the bottom side contains two-spaced apart knobs and centrally located cavity between the two spaced-apart knobs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layered soft palate support and an implantation method for treating sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome or snoring. The layered soft palate support is a layered structure formed by two or more supporting plates. The layered soft palate support has a hard palate connecting end and a soft palate insertion end, where the soft palate insertion end is configured for insertion into a soft palate, and the hard palate connecting end is configured to be fixed to a hard palate. At least two of the two or more supporting plates have distinct lengths with respect to a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A patient warming device with patient access for maintaining normothermia and/or treating hypothermia is provided. The device includes a first compliant layer and a second compliant layer sealed together around an outer border to contain a liquid between the two layers and to form a wrap that surrounds and conforms to a body portion of a patient. A plurality of flaps extends from opposite sides of a generally longitudinal central portion of the wrap, such that one or more flaps from the opposite sides fasten to each other to surround the body portion. The flaps are openable during functional use to provide access to an underlying patient body surface. A continuous fluid flow path extends between the first compliant layer and the second compliant layer between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet to carry liquid and deliver heat through the wrap.

Abstract: The invention therefore relates to a heating device (1), in particular a hot water bottle or a heat cushion, which at the very least will have indirect contact with a living being. The heating device consists of at least one receiving space (2) for holding material that is able to flow (4), wherein the receiving space (2) is partially sectioned off with a flexible wall (6) and the flexible wall (6) has, at the very least, indirect contact with the living being. The invention includes a latent heat storage means (8), wherein the latent heat storage means (8) ensures for at least some of the time that there is temperature control of the material that is able to flow (4), wherein the latent heat storage means (8) has a phase change material, in particular sodium acetate, which causes the phase change material to absorb energy during an endothermic change of state due to warming and release energy during an exothermic change of state in the form of heat.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.

Abstract: In a method for generating an ablation program for ablation of material from a surface of a body according to a predetermined desired ablation profile by emission of pulses of a pulsed laser beam onto the surface, the ablation program is generated from the desired ablation profile as a function of the shape of a beam profile of the laser beam and of an inclination of the surface to be ablated and/or considering a water content of the material to be ablated.

Abstract: A system for ophthalmic surgery on an eye includes: a pulsed laser which produces a treatment beam; an OCT imaging assembly capable of creating a continuous depth profile of the eye; an optical scanning system configured to position a focal zone of the treatment beam to a targeted location in three dimensions in one or more floaters in the posterior pole. The system also includes one or more controllers programmed to automatically scan tissues of the patient's eye with the imaging assembly; identify one or more boundaries of the one or more floaters based at least in part on the image data; iii. identify one or more treatment regions based upon the boundaries; and operate the optical scanning system with the pulsed laser to produce a treatment beam directed in a pattern based on the one or more treatment regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for calculating a laser shot file for use in an excimer laser comprising the steps of providing information with respect to a desired ablation profile, calculating the shot density of the desired ablation profile, using a cost function for placing laser shots of the excimer laser on grid positions wherein a threshold value is determined based on the calculated shot density of the desired ablation profile.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical device includes an element positionable within a shaft having a lumen defined therethrough with the element movable from a stored position to a deployed position in which a larger portion of the element extends out of the distal end of the lumen. The element forming a closed loop which is positioned around the lens while the lens is within a capsular bag. The closed loop is reduced in size to form a cut in the lens.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a tissue separation system to separate the posterior vitreous cortex from the inner limiting membrane in the eye, and to the separation of other body tissues. A system includes a flexible elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The flexible elongate member is coupled to a fluid reservoir and has a lumen configured to deliver fluid from the reservoir for use in a surgical procedure and further includes a pump system coupled to the proximal end of the flexible elongate member and to the fluid reservoir, configured to pressurize the fluid to a pressure suitable for separating tissues. The system also includes a control system arranged to control the pump system to provide a series of pulses of fluid through the flexible elongate member and out from the distal end thereof to suitably separate the tissues during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification system includes a platform controlling the phacoemulsification process and a handpiece attached to the platform and used by a surgeon to perform an operation. The handpiece includes a hollow phaco needle with a flexible sleeve around the needle and provides an infusion fluid sourced at the platform into the eye. The sleeve, which may be disposable, is provided with a sensor device configured to sense the instantaneous fluid pressure in the eye during the operation and send this information to the platform. This information is used by the process to control the pressure of the infusion fluid to insure that the eye is not injured and to otherwise protect the eye during the operation.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical pulse control apparatus has a pulse generator, which, during a switch-on duration of the pulse generator, generates pulses having a pulse duration during which a needle of a phacoemulsification handpiece substantially vibrates at resonance and which, during a switch-on duration of the pulse generator, produces pulse pauses having a pulse pause duration during which the needle vibrates only minimally or not at all. A pulse with a follow-on pulse pause forms a pulse packet having a pulse packet duration. The pulse generator generates pulse packets which immediately follow one another and the sequence of the values of pulse duration and pulse pause duration of sequential pulse packets during the entire switch-on duration of the pulse generator is an aperiodic sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods of treating an ocular disorder including forming a self-sealing incision in a cornea into an anterior chamber of an eye; introducing through the incision a fluid drainage tube having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal, internal lumen extending through the fluid drainage tube, wherein at least the proximal end passes through the anterior chamber; and implanting the distal end of the fluid drainage tube in fluid communication with the suprachoroidal space such that the proximal end of the fluid drainage tube remains in fluid communication with the anterior chamber.

Abstract: Providing neuroprotective therapy for glaucoma includes generating a micropulsed laser light beam having parameters and characteristics, including pulse length, power, and duty cycle, selected to create a therapeutic effect with no visible laser lesions or tissue damage to the retina. The laser light beam is applied to retinal and/or foveal tissue of an eye having glaucoma or a risk of glaucoma to create a therapeutic effect to the retinal and/or foveal tissue exposed to the laser light beam without destroying or permanently damaging the retinal and/or foveal tissue and improve function or condition of an optic nerve and/or retinal ganglion cells of the eye.

Abstract: System and method of photoaltering a region of an eye using an enhanced contrast between the iris and the pupil of the imaged eye. The system includes a laser assembly outputting a pulsed laser beam, a user interface displaying one of a first digital image of the eye and a second digital image of the eye, and a controller coupled to the laser assembly and the user interface. The first digital image has a first contrast between the pupil and the iris, and the second digital image has a second contrast between the pupil and the iris. The controller selectively increases the first contrast between the pupil and the iris to the second contrast between the pupil and the iris and directs the pulsed laser beam to the region of the eye based on one of the first and second digital images.

Abstract: System and method of photoaltering a region of an eye using an enhanced contrast between the iris and the pupil of the imaged eye. The system includes a laser assembly outputting a pulsed laser beam, a user interface displaying one of a first digital image of the eye and a second digital image of the eye, and a controller coupled to the laser assembly and the user interface. The first digital image has a first contrast between the pupil and the iris, and the second digital image has a second contrast between the pupil and the iris. The controller selectively increases the first contrast between the pupil and the iris to the second contrast between the pupil and the iris and directs the pulsed laser beam to the region of the eye based on one of the first and second digital images.

Abstract: A sleep mask having ear covers to prevent a user from being disturbed by light or noise while sleeping. The sleep mask includes a pair of ear covers that can be positioned over the user's ears to dampen sounds in order to prevent noise from disturbing the user. The ear covers are disposed on opposing ends of an ear cover strap that can be positioned over the top of a user's head. The sleep mask further includes an eye cover that covers both eyes of the user to prevent light from reaching the user's eyes. The eye cover includes an eye cover strap extending therefrom, wherein the strap can be wrapped around the back of the user's head so as to secure the eye cover on the user's head. The eye cover strap is removably securable to the ear covers of the sleep mask.

Abstract: An improved personal protective device and composition thereof. The device comprises arc flash spectacles or goggles, an arc flash faceshield or an arc flash hood window to provide optical clarity, specifically color acuity. The spectacles or goggles, the faceshield and the hood window include polycarbonate material for high-impact, high-mass performance, and surface charring during arc flash exposure and provides an arc flash protective rating of at least 4 cal/cm2 (in the case of eyewear and face shields) or at least 15 cal/cm2 (in the case of hood windows).

Abstract: An auto-darkening filter of a welding shield has a brightness-sensing unit, an optical shutter and a processor. The brightness-sensing unit generates a first signal or a second signal. In a high-sensitivity mode, the processor controls the optical shutter to operate in a dark state or a bright state depending on intensity of the first signal being higher or lower than a threshold value. In a low-sensitivity mode, the processor controls the optical shutter to operate in the bright state when intensity of the second signal is lower than the threshold value, and automatically change to the high-sensitivity mode from the low-sensitivity mode when intensity of the second signal is higher than the threshold value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hemostatic fabrics that include agents, including metal fibers or powders, that can control bleeding and contribute to faster wound healing.

Abstract: An improved skin substitute is presented comprised of a silicone layer backed up with a woven nylon fabric layer, the silicone layer possessing a regular pattern of slits that permit the porosity of the skin substitute to be adjusted by clinicians by means of applying tension to the skin substitute that differentially opens the slits. A variety of therapeutic substances can be applied to the skin substitute to promote healing, including aloe and other medicinal preparations. A layer of water soluble or water insoluble anti-scar compound is also present, the preferred compound being salinomycin.