Abstract: In some illustrative examples, a bridge suitable for treating a tissue site may include a bridge sealing member and one or more bridge wicking layers. The bridge sealing member may extend along a length of the bridge, and may define an internal passageway in fluid communication between a receiving end of the bridge and a transmitting end of the bridge. The one or more bridge wicking layers may be disposed within the internal passageway of the bridge sealing member. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A supportive brace to be worn circumferentially around the forearm for preventing and reducing pain and discomfort associated with epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow or Golfer's Elbow) of the elbow is disclosed. The brace includes a padded counterforce strap assembly band circumferentially fitted around the forearm. The strap assembly has an elastomeric buttress positioned to apply targeted compression to the ECRB. A toric ring forms a cushioned border around the concavity on the dorsal face of the elastomeric buttress, so that when the band is fittingly secured around the forearm about 1-1.5 in distal to either of the epicondyles, the hemispherical/ovaloid convex shape on the inside face of the elastomeric buttress exerts controlled pressure to tissues associated with the epicondylitis.

Abstract: A dressing (as well as uses, systems, and methods including such dressing) is provided that includes a contact layer with a first surface configured to contact a tissue site in a subject and includes a scaffold configured to structurally support the contact layer, where the contact layer includes a bioresorbable material. The dressing may advantageously exhibit protease-modulating activity under physiological conditions.

Abstract: The kit for locating a vein is configured for use in inserting an intravenous (IV) catheter into a targeted vein of a patient. The kit for locating a vein is a transparent structure. The kit for locating a vein: a) removably attaches to the skin of the patient; b) numbs the skin of the patient; c) generates a vasomotor response; d) provides the ability to insert the IV catheter into the targeted vein while the kit for locating a vein remains attached to the patient; and, e) forms a dressing that captures bodily fluids. The kit for locating a vein comprises a parchment sheeting, a working media, a transparent pocket, and a plurality of apertures. The parchment sheeting, the working media, and the transparent pocket form a transparent composite textile structure. The plurality of apertures are apertures that are formed through the composite textile structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthesis (1) for the repair of an inguinal hernia comprising: a textile (2) of elongate shape, a resilient frame (3) connected to said textile, characterized in that said frame comprises a convex cranial segment (3c), a caudal segment (3d), a lateral corner segment (3b) joining together the convex cranial segment and the caudal segment, and a folding segment (5) joining a medial end of said convex cranial segment to a point located on the caudal segment while leaving the region of the medial end of the textile free of any frame, said frame being able to adopt an unstressed configuration, in which said textile is deployed, and a stressed configuration, in which said convex cranial segment, said caudal segment and said folding segment are substantially collected together and aligned on one folding direction, said textile forming thereby at least one fold along said folding direction.

Abstract: An anchorage device is provided that is configured to surround an implantable medical device. The anchorage device includes a substrate and a hemostatic agent. The substrate includes a first piece and a second piece that is joined with the first piece. The first piece includes the hemostatic agent and the second piece includes an active pharmaceutical ingredient. Kits, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Computer implemented method, system and computer program product for simulating the behavior of a knitted fabric at yarn level. The method comprises: retrieving structural information of a knitted fabric; representing each stitch with four contact nodes (4) at the end of the two stitch contacts (5) between pair of loops (2), each contact node (4) being described by a 3D position coordinate (x) and two sliding coordinates (u, v) representing the arc lengths of the two yarns in contact; measuring forces on each contact node (4) based on a force model including wrapping forces to capture the interaction of yarns at stitches; calculating the movement of each contact node (4) at a plurality of time steps using equations of motion derived using the Lagrange-Euler equations, and numerically integrated over time, wherein the equations of motion account for the mass density distributed uniformly along yarns, as well as the measured forces and boundary conditions.

Abstract: A system and method of treating vaginal prolapse and incontinence comprises a kit. The kit includes a mesh graft configured for attachment to the anterior and posterior vaginal walls to thereby treat the vaginal prolapse. A graft delivery device is also provided for introducing and placing the mesh graft to a location deep within the peritoneal cavity and for attaching the graft thereto. A leg assembly is provided and coupled to an end of the mesh graft and cooperates with the graft delivery device to anchor and affix the mesh graft to the desired anatomical structures. The method according to the present invention contemplates a laparoscopic graft placement utilizing the components of the kit.

Abstract: A wound dressing for use in vacuum wound therapy comprising a wound contact layer which is an open structure comprising a yarn comprising gel-forming filaments or fibres, the structure having a porosity which allows exudate to flow through it.

Abstract: Devices and methods for skin graft harvesting are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, substrates for transplanting skin grafts are disclosed that include a soft-tack, biocompatible composition having a surface adapted to contact at least one excised skin graft and engage the graft for removal from a donor site. In another aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the skin-contacting surface of the substrate (or dressing) is porous to facilitate fluid transport into (or out of) the graft site during harvesting and/or transplantation. The substrates can also incorporate an absorbent component to capture fluids. The substrate can be a mesh or fabric or web, e.g. woven, knitted, nonwoven or molded. The substrate can be a mesh of biocompatible fibers, for example, cellulosic, polyolefins, polyurethanes, polyesters or polyamide fibers. In one embodiment the mesh is formed of cellulose acetate fibers and coated with a silicone gel, to imparted the desire degree of tackiness.

Abstract: A hernia repair device is provided which may include a soft tissue repair prosthesis and an expandable device configured to be removably connected with the soft tissue repair prosthesis. Attachment components may be used to removably connect the soft tissue repair prosthesis with the expandable device. The hernia repair device may be manipulated into a reduced configuration for insertion into the body. When expanded, the expandable device may be configured to position the soft tissue repair prosthesis adjacent a hernia defect. The expandable device and/or the attachment components may be shaped and/or configured to minimize the maximum dimension of the hernia repair device in its reduced configuration.

Abstract: A conventional sock, in which a pile yarn knitted into loops together with a polyurethane yarn has cushioning properties, but has a problem in that it cannot be used for a long period of time. According to the present invention, a first component yarn 15a composed of two yarns, namely, a woolly nylon yarn 13a and a cotton yarn 14a, and a second component yarn 15b composed of two yarns, namely, a woolly nylon yarn 13b and a cotton yarn 14b, are alternately knitted into float loops every 10 loops. Accordingly, the cotton yarns that are less stretchable appear on the surface, and thus cushioning properties can be improved. Also, the yarn strength can be increased by the woolly nylon yarns that are highly stretchable, and also the strength can be further increased by using the component yarns each composed of two yarns: a woolly nylon yarn; and a cotton yarn. Accordingly, the obtained sock can be used for a long period of time.

Abstract: A tissue fixation apparatus can include a flexible construct and an elongated locking member. The flexible construct can include at least two adjustable loops and tensioning members. The two adjustable loops can be configured to pass through the first tissue, and to be spaced apart along an outer surface of the first tissue in a first direction. The tensioning members can extend from the two adjustable loops, and can be configured to reduce the two adjustable loops from a first size to a second size. The flexible construct can be attached to the second tissue by an anchor. The locking member can be configured to be received within the two adjustable loops at the first size, and to engage the two adjustable loops at the second size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound dressing material with a biocompatible monofilament fabric which forms a contact face on a wound and is designed as a carrier layer on which a cover element is applied and is firmly connected at least in parts to the carrier layer. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a wound dressing material, in which method a biocompatible monofilament fabric is formed as a first web material, a cover element is formed as a second web material, and the first web material and the second web material are brought together, wherein the biocompatible monofilament fabric and the cover element are firmly connected to each other, in particular welded, and the wound dressing material is produced as a band.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis for repairing or augmenting anatomical defects, including an inguinal hernia. The prosthesis may include a repair fabric having a body portion and a pocket on one side of the body portion to facilitate deployment and/or placement of the prosthesis at the defect site. For some applications, such as a reversible prosthesis, a second pocket may be provided on the opposite side of the body portion. Each pocket may be configured to receive a sufficient length of one or more fingers of an individual for deploying and/or positioning the prosthesis. A support member may be provided to help deploy the repair fabric at the surgical site and/or help inhibit folding or buckling of the repair fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis (10) intended to be implanted at an implantation site, comprising i) at least one fabric called the base fabric (2) having at least one apertured surface (3), ii) and at least one patch (4) provided with at least one barb (5) projecting from one of its surfaces and grippingly fastening said patch to said apertured surface of said base fabric at a specific place on said surface, said patch comprising at least one radiopaque element. The invention also relates to a kit comprising a fabric and a patch.

Abstract: A manifold member for use in applying reduced pressure to a tissue site on a patient looks or feels like medical cotton gauze but has a plurality of plurality of interlocking synthetic fibers and a plurality of asperities that provide enhanced performance. Other manifold members, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable prosthetic device for the repair of connective tissue in an animal or a human. In one embodiment, an implantable prosthetic device (100) for the repair of connective tissue (500) in an animal or human is disclosed which comprises a biocompatible pad (101) having an open structure to provide a scaffold for the in-growth of tissue into the pad; and a reinforcement region (206) attached to or formed integrally with the pad. The device is arranged so that it can be attached to tissue by forming a puncture (301) either a) within the reinforcement region, or b) in an area of the pad which is inboard of the reinforcement region, so that a suture (300) can be located through the puncture, the reinforcement region serving to support tensile loading in the device during use by resisting pull-through of the suture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a negative pressure appliance and methods of using the same in the treatment of wounds. Some embodiments are directed to improved fluidic connectors or suction adapters for connecting to a wound site, for example using softer, kink-free conformable suction adapters.

Abstract: The invention provides unique releasable adhesive devices that are high-load bearing and highly stable while allowing adjustment of the weight-bearing angle in a wide range, thereby greatly expanding the scope of applications for technology. Adhesive systems and devices of the invention can be designed to fit applications ranging from household weight-bearing shelves and holders, components for transportation, athletic equipment, labels and advertising posts, automobile interior trims, permanent or reversible fasteners, as well as instruments and devices for industrial, commercial, medical or military applications.

Abstract: A urethral support sling implant for treatment of male urinary incontinence is produced in a biocompatible material and comprises a central part intended to form the area supporting the urethra, including an inferior base prolonged into two trans-obturator arms in the same plane and in opposition to each other. The inferior base is prolonged upwards by a section extending beyond the inferior base in the form of two pre-pubic arms. The prolonging arms are made of the same material as the central part, and the arms are produced in the same direction of knit. The pre-pubic arms are configured in a ‘V’ relative to each other, and each of the pre-pubic arms is configured in a ‘V’ relative to the subjacent trans-obturator arm.

Abstract: A subsea antifouling sign and a method for mounting such a sign on a structure to be located subsea. The sign comprises a body of an antifouling material, and a first surface of the body has indicia or markings thereon. An adhesive layer or coating is provided on a second opposing surface, and a protective lining is located on the adhesive layer or coating. The method comprises removing the protective lining from the adhesive layer or coating; and attaching the subsea antifouling sign to the structure by adhering the adhesive layer or coating to a surface of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for producing a biodegradable and/or absorbable silica sol material which is advantageous especially with regard to the reproducibility of the material, the rapidity of the synthesis and the possibility of being able to produce the silica sol material on an industrial scale. A further subject matter of the invention relates to a biodegradable and/or absorbable silica sol material which can be produced by the synthesis process according to the invention.

Abstract: A reduced pressure tissue treatment system includes an applicator having an aperture, a first pad section, and a second pad section substantially covering the aperture and positioned substantially adjacent the first pad section. A fabric layer is located at least partially between the second pad section and the drape, and the fabric layer includes a woven or non-woven fabric made from a fiber material. A drape substantially covers the first pad section, the second pad section, the fabric layer, and the applicator. A reduced pressure source is in fluid communication with at least one of the first pad section and the fabric layer for providing reduced pressure to the aperture.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a bandage comprises the following steps: preparing multiple complex yarns each comprising chitosan fibers and rayon fibers; (b) weaving solely the multiple complex yarns to form a preformed bandage; (c) immersing the preformed bandage in an acid alcohol, and then washing the preformed bandage by alcohol to obtain an alcohol-washed bandage; and, (d) heating the alcohol-washed bandage to obtain the bandage. The bandage related to the method is comprised of complex yarns, wherein each of the complex yarns is composed of chitosan fibers and rayon fibers. By means of immersing the preformed bandage into an acid alcohol, the bandage thus obtained has enhanced tensile strength, decreased dissolution rate and reduced hemolytic dose.

Abstract: An elongate adhesive article having a length substantially greater than a width includes a backing layer having an adhesive layer and a single weakened region formed of a removable strip of backing layer that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the article length. The removable strip of backing layer is at least partially defined by a pair of lines of weakness separated by a gap of between about 2 and about 15 mm. The elongate article may include an absorbent pad in the form of an adhesive bandage or sticking plaster. A method of using such an elongate article includes the steps of applying the article to the skin of a mammal, removing a predefined strip from the article; and removing the remainder of the article from the skin.

Abstract: A wound treatment device comprises a wound surface contacting plug and a cover for covering the wound surface and the plug, wherein said plug consists of a flat textile isolating material comprising at least one first surface layer, one second surface layer and one intermediate space arranged between said surface layers. At least the first surface layer is provided with a biocompatible surface and a structure which enables a liquid to pass and prevents a wound tissue from growing in said structure. The intermediate space is provided with isolating threads elastically holding the first surface layer and the second surface layer at a certain distance from each other.

Abstract: The invention refers to a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, a pant or a sanitary napkin. The disposable absorbent article further comprises a structure which is able to elongate and simultaneously convert from an initial flat configuration into an erected configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adherent interface dressing intended for application directly to a wound.

Abstract: Wound dressings, methods for their production and components for use therein. A knitted structure comprising a blend of gelling fibres and non-gelling fibres wherein the yarn comprises at least 50% w/w gelling fibres, a three-dimensional textile material comprising gelling fibres, and a yarn comprising a blend of gelling and non-gelling fibres which may be used in their production, the knitted structure and three-dimensional textile material beings suitable for use as wound dressings or as components of composite wound dressings. The wound dressings may be adapted for use in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). It has been found that the incorporation of gel-forming fibres provides a material which has a high absorbency, enabling good transfer of exudates away from a wound, which retains structural integrity, and which is non-adherent and easily removed from the wound.

Abstract: A sheath for covering an intravenous device to shield the device from a patient's skin. The sheath includes a layer of a soft woven material; and a thin layer of a plastic material formed on an inner surface of the soft woven material to form, with said soft woven material, a pliable wrap meant to be disposed about the intravenous device for shielding the patient's skin from the intravenous device. The pliable wrap has inner and outer surfaces, top and bottom ends, and respective sides. An elastic member is secured to at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the pliable wrap to provide a gathered area surrounding the intravenous device at at least one end thereof. A fastening member is secured between the respective sides of the pliable wrap to extend in a closed manner about the intravenous device.

Abstract: A medical device for example a wound dressing having antibacterial and optionally, antifungal properties, are provided together with methods for making the device. An exemplary dressing includes a layer of silver-containing fabric, (optionally) a layer of absorbent material, and (optionally) a layer of flexible air-permeable and/or water-impermeable material. The dressing can be used for prophylactic and therapeutic care and treatment of skin infections and surface wounds (including surgical incisions), as a packing material, and as a swab for surface cleaning.

Abstract: Auxetic fabric structures, of the sort which can be useful in conjunction with composite materials, and related methods of fabrication.

Abstract: A device for protecting an area of skin of a human body includes a plate. The plate includes a first face covered by an external layer and a second face opposite the external layer. The second face is configured to be applied onto an area of skin to be protected. The plate also includes a protective part made of a polymer gel and at least one adhesive part made of a polymer gel. The protective part is configured to ensure mechanical protection of the area to be protected and the adhesive part is configured to come into contact with the skin. The adhesive part has an adhesive power greater than an adhesive power of the protective layer to hold the plate on the area to be protected.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal is disclosed. An exemplary device comprises a permeable structure having a plurality of depressions formed in a surface thereof. In use, the surface having the depressions is disposed adjacent a surface of the wound. A method of manufacturing a therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal comprising the steps of providing a permeable substrate, and forming a plurality of depressions into a surface of the permeable substrate to provide the therapeutic device. A method of treating a wound comprises: providing a permeable structure comprising a plurality of randomly disposed fibers and having i) a plurality of wound surface contact elements disposed between end portions of the structure, and ii) a plurality of voids defined by the contact elements; and applying the permeable structure to at least one surface of the wound.

Abstract: A knit hemostatic bandage provided herein can include a continuous rayon fiber and a continuous glass fiber. The knit hemostatic bandage can have a gauge of between 10 and 30 stitches per inch. The knit hemostatic bandage can have a Young's modulus of elasticity of less than 50 MPa.

Abstract: A reduced pressure tissue treatment system includes an applicator having an aperture, a first pad section, and a second pad section substantially covering the aperture and positioned substantially adjacent the first pad section. A fabric layer is located at least partially between the second pad section and the drape, and the fabric layer includes a woven or non-woven fabric made from a fiber material. A drape substantially covers the first pad section, the second pad section, the fabric layer, and the applicator. A reduced pressure source is in fluid communication with at least one of the first pad section and the fabric layer for providing reduced pressure to the aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a primary dressing for moist wound healing with a reduced risk of inflammation. The elastic primary dressing according to the invention for moist wound healing is in the form of a lattice or a netting made of elongated elastic bodies, said lattice or netting containing non-resorbable elongated bodies that consist of silicone and optionally at least one additive selected from active pharmacological ingredients, collagens, hydrocolloids, and/or dyes. The lattice or netting preferably contains resorbable elongated bodies in addition to the non-resorbable elongated bodies, said resorbable elongated bodies containing at least one resorbable and bioactive organic compound, in particular selected from collagens and hydrocolloids. The invention also relates to a wound dressing that the primary dressing according to the invention contains in combination with a secondary dressing. The invention also relates to methods for producing primary dressings according to the invention.

Abstract: A method of making a wound dressing comprising the steps of: providing an apertured substrate layer; coating the substrate layer with a fluid silicone prepolymer composition; thermally partially curing said silicone prepolymer composition to form a partially cured silicone coating on the substrate; laminating the coated substrate layer to a base layer to form a laminate having said partially cured silicone coating in contact with a surface of the base layer; followed by exposing the laminate to ionizing radiation, to further cure the partially cured silicone coating and to bond the silicone coating to said surface of the base layer. The radiation cure results in strong bonding between the siliconized substrate and incompatible base layers such as polyurethane foams. Also provided are wound dressings obtainable by the process of the invention.

Abstract: As a wound dressing that includes a perforated material having through-holes, in which the perforated material can be coated with a low-adhesive resin without closing the through-holes, and that has excellent adhesion prevention properties to wounds, provided is a wound dressing 1 that includes a sheet-shaped perforated material 11 having through-holes 111 and a low-adhesive resin 12 with which at least one face of the perforated material 11 is coated without closing the through-holes 111, the perforated material 11 is a knitted fabric or a woven fabric formed of a multifilament, and the perforated material 11 has an average opening area of the through-holes 111 of 0.02 to 1.2 mm2 and an average number of through-holes of 40 to 220 cm?2.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hemostatic textile, comprising: a material comprising a combination of glass fibers and one or more secondary fibers selected from the group consisting of silk fibers; ceramic fibers; raw or regenerated bamboo fibers; cotton fibers; rayon fibers; linen fibers; ramie fibers; jute fibers; sisal fibers; flax fibers; soybean fibers; corn fibers; hemp fibers; lyocel fibers; wool; lactide and/or glycolide polymers; lactide/glycolide copolymers; silicate fibers; polyamide fibers; feldspar fibers; zeolite fibers, zeolite-containing fibers, acetate fibers; and combinations thereof; the hemostatic textile capable of activating hemostatic systems in the body when applied to a wound. Additional cofactors such as thrombin and hemostatic agents such as RL platelets, RL blood cells; fibrin, fibrinogen, and combinations thereof may also be incorporated into the textile. The invention is also directed to methods of producing the textile, and methods of using the textile to stop bleeding.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical devices, in particular body support bandages and orthoses, for the human or animal body having at least one element, which generates or provides supporting force, compression or introduction of pressure, and which comprises or consists of shape memory material.

Abstract: A bandage for improved wound care is disclosed. The bandage comprises a non-adherent, deformable inner layer, a leak-proof outer layer that is substantially coextensive with the inner layer, and an absorbent middle layer contacting both the inner and outer layers. An adhesive strip and adhesive tabs along the bandage's side attach and adjust the fit of the bandage to securely hold the absorbent layer in contact with the wound, without any adhesive touching the skin, thereby eliminating pain and discomfort upon removal or replacement. The bandage allows substantial freedom of motion without slipping. The adhesive strip and tabs secure the bandage in place without any adhesive touching the skin, thereby providing convenience and causing no pain or discomfort upon removal or replacement of the bandage. The bandage may use a non-stick netting material layer to improve patient comfort, and elastic cuffs to improve fit and leakage.

Abstract: A bandage for applying to a human or animal body, includes a two-dimensional tape material as base structure with a longitudinal extent, made of a textile material with a first side and a second side, wherein a cushion layer is provided on one of the two sides, at least over part of the longitudinal extent of the base structure, wherein the cushion layer is composed of threads and/or fibers which are part of the textile base structure, i.e. which are introduced into and/or drawn out of the textile base structure.

Abstract: Examples of multi-layer bandages and methods for dressing a wound are described. An example multi-layer bandage includes a first layer and second layer and an optional third layer. An exemplary method for dressing a wound may include applying a bandage having a top layer, a middle layer, and a bottom layer to a wound with the bottom layer being provided in contact with the wound, wherein the top layer includes an adhesive for securing the bandage to a surface near the would, and where the bottom layer includes copper; and allowing the bandage to remain over the would for a predetermined period of time. In some examples, the method may further include removing the bottom layer without removing the top and middle layers. In other examples, the method may include removing the bandage when the middle layer or the bottom layer change in color.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy bandage including a three-dimensional knitted fabric formed of fibers that are moisture resistant and that define an exudates transport layer for transporting wound exudates away from a wound. The bandage may further include a non-adherent material adapted for preventing the exudates transport layer from adhering to the wound during therapy.

Abstract: A hemostatic device for promoting the clotting of blood includes a gauze substrate, a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate, and also a polyol such as glycerol or the like disposed on the gauze substrate to bind the clay material. When the device is used to treat a bleeding wound, at least a portion of the clay material comes into contact with blood emanating from the wound to cause the clotting. A bandage that can be applied to a bleeding wound to promote the clotting of blood includes a flexible substrate and a gauze substrate mounted thereon. The gauze substrate includes a clay material and a polyol. A hemostatic sponge also includes a gauze substrate and a dispersion of hemostatic material and a polyol on a first surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for administering reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site including a wound filler for positioning adjacent a wound site on a patient. The wound filler includes at least one strand having a plurality of nodes positioned along a length of the strand. The at least one strand has a charged state and an uncharged state. In the charged state, the at least one strand includes a stored energy that when released would deform or move the at least one strand. In the discharged state, the stored energy has been released. The wound filler further includes a removable sheath encasing the at least one strand. The at least one strand transitions from the charged state to the uncharged state as the removable sheath is removed.

Abstract: A wound dressing product comprising: a substrate layer having an upper surface and a lower surface; a tacky silicone coating composition present on said upper surface and on said lower surface; and upper and lower release sheets covering said substrate and said tacky silicone coating composition on said upper and lower surfaces, respectively, and adhered to said surfaces by said tacky silicone coating composition, wherein said upper surface is less tacky than said lower surface whereby said upper release sheet can be removed from said upper surface more readily than said lower release sheet can be removed from said lower surface. The same silicone composition is used to form both the upper and the lower surface. Also provided are methods for making such dressings.

Abstract: A wrap (20) for securing about a blood vessel (36) by encasing a section of the vessel. The wrap (20) being of thin flexible construction having two ends (22, 24) and two sides (26, 28). The wrap (20) is more elastic or stretchable at, near, or along at least some of its sides (22, 24) compared to at, near, or along its centre, to provide strain relief from wrapped to unwrapped aorta. The wrap (20) is not inelastic, so that loss of aortic compliance is minimised or enhanced. The wrap (20) is adapted to apply, in use, less compressive force at, near, or along at least some of its sides (22, 24) compared to at, near, or along its centre.