Abstract: Provided is an apparatus that includes a nerve conduit, a manifold and a support structure for providing a reduced pressure. Also provided is a system that includes a source of reduced pressure, a nerve conduit, a manifold, a support structure and a conduit for providing fluid communication between the manifold support and the source of reduced pressure. Additionally provided is a method that includes implanting the above nerve conduit, manifold and support structure at a site of damaged nerve tissue and applying a reduced pressure to the manifold thereby stimulating repair or regrowth of nerve tissue.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to compositions and methods for promoting repair of damaged nerve tissue. The compositions and methods of the subject invention can be employed to restore the continuity of nerve interrupted by disease, traumatic events or surgical procedures. Compositions of the subject invention comprise one or more chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG)-degrading enzymes that promote axonal penetration into damaged nerve tissue. The invention also concerns methods for promoting repair of damaged nerve tissue using the present compositions and nerve tissue treated according to such methods. The invention also pertains to kits for nerve repair.

Abstract: A keratin hydrogel matrix serves as an effective acellular scaffold for axonal regeneration and facilitates functional nerve recovery.

Abstract: A biphasic material and devices comprising the same are provided for the development of conductive conduits that may be used for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury. These devices or conduits are designed such that repeated electric field gradients can be initiated to promote neurite and axonal outgrowth. Conducting conduits using doped synthetic and/or natural polymers create specifically patterned high and low conducting segmented materials, which are mechanically used to produce the electrical properties needed for nerve conduits. These electrical properties stimulate neurite outgrowth and axonal repair following a peripheral nerve transection.

Abstract: A nerve guidance conduit includes a spiral structured porous sheet decorated with channels on its surface and electrospun nanofibers in a parallel alignment with the channels and an outer tubular structure including randomly-oriented nanofibers. Such a structure provides augmented surface areas for providing directional guidance and augmented surfaces for enhancing and peripheral nerve regeneration. The structure also has the mechanical and nutrient transport requirements required over long regeneration periods. To prepare a nerve guidance conduit, porous polymer sheet is prepared by a solvent casting method while using a template of thin rods to form parallel channels on a surface of the sheet. Aligned nanofibers are deposited on the sheet parallel to the channels. The polymer sheet is then wound to form a spiral structure. A dense layer of randomly-oriented nanofibers may be deposited on the outside of the spiral.

Abstract: A nerve repair conduit configured to be secured on first and second portions of a selected nerve. The nerve repair conduit includes a polymeric body having a proximal end, a distal end, an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior lumen. In addition, the nerve conduit includes at least one drug reservoir to hold agent(s) that may, for example, facilitate nerve regeneration. The drugs diffuse from the drug reservoir(s) into the nerve repair conduit through an outlet (e.g., a semipermeable membrane) in proximity to the first and second portions of a selected nerve. The nerve repair conduit may be configured to deliver the agent(s) at a rate having substantially zero-order kinetics and/or at a constant rate over a selected period of time (e.g., at least 1 week).

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus that includes a nerve conduit and a nested manifold for providing a reduced pressure. Also provided is a system that includes a source of reduced pressure, a nerve conduit and nested manifold, and a conduit for providing fluid communication between the manifold and the source of reduced pressure. Additionally provided is a method that includes implanting the above nerve conduit and manifold at a site of damaged nerve tissue and applying a reduced pressure to the manifold thereby stimulating repair or regrowth of nerve tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices for providing a minimally-invasive placement of a mechanical structure for reducing the volume of a hollow body organ. Anchors may be secured within the hollow body organ and then cinched together using a tensioning member to form a stricture within the hollow body organ. In another embodiment a tensioning member may be threaded along the hollow body organ and then cinched to reduce the volume. The strictures may be placed anywhere within the hollow body organ, and more than one stricture may be formed within the hollow body organ.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for preventing glaucomatous optic neuropathy, an affliction of the eye. An incision is made in the scleral region of the eye and an optic nerve head shield is inserted and positioned proximate to the optic nerve head of the eye to form a pressure seal over the optic nerve head of the eye. The optic nerve head shield decreases the pressure differential across the cribiform plate preventing bowing of the cribiform plate and glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for repairing nerves and inhibiting atrophy of a muscle via a side-to side neurorraphy using a bridging element between a first epineurial window on a donor nerve and a second epineurial window on a recipient nerve.

Abstract: A nerve guide conduit comprising a first open cover, a second open cover and a connecting portion is provided. The first open cover has a first guiding recess, a first terminal surface and a second terminal surface opposite to the first terminal surface. The first guiding recess is extended to the second terminal surface from the first terminal surface. The second open cover has a second guiding recess, a third terminal surface and a fourth terminal surface opposite to the third terminal surface. The second guiding recess is extended to the fourth terminal surface from the third terminal surface. When the first open cover covers the second open cover, the first guiding recess and the second guiding recess together provide a nerve receiving space. The connecting portion connects the first open cover and the second open cover.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus that includes a nerve conduit and a nested manifold for providing a reduced pressure. Also provided is a system that includes a source of reduced pressure, a nerve conduit and nested manifold, and a conduit for providing fluid communication between the manifold and the source of reduced pressure. Additionally provided is a method that includes implanting the above nerve conduit and manifold at a site of damaged nerve tissue and applying a reduced pressure to the manifold thereby stimulating repair or regrowth of nerve tissue.

Abstract: A method and system for re-establishing a pathway in a damaged or severed neural network includes an imaging device, an alignment device and a treatment device. An accurate image of the damaged neural network is created. An alignment device imparts wave energy into a damaged region of the neural network to direct re-growth axons into a remaining endoneurial tube to direct axon growth back to the correct targets to re-establish the severed neural network.

Abstract: An apparatus for coaptation of first and second severed nerve segments. The apparatus includes a plurality of nerve-engaging features or coupling members that each connect to another coupling member to form coupling pairs. The coupling pairs are advantageously movable relative to each other to permit nerve swelling, inhibit nerve compression, and facilitate delivery of pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a nerve regeneration-inducing tube with excellent pressure resistance, shape recovery property, anti-kink property, film exfoliation resistance, resistance to invasion of outer tissues, and leakage resistance. The tubular body is formed by weaving together fibers made up of biodegradable polymer. The outer surface of the tubular body is coated multiple times with a collagen solution. The lumen of the tubular body is filled with collagen. Viscosity of the collagen solution that is first applied to the outer surface of the tubular body is between 2 to 800 cps. Viscosity of the collagen solution that is subsequently applied is higher than viscosity of the first applied collagen solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting two elongate body tissues is described. A flexible outer surface has a first outer end longitudinally spaced from a second outer end. A flexible inner surface has a first inner end longitudinally spaced from a second inner end. A first end aperture is defined by a flexible connection between the first outer end and the first inner end. The first end aperture is configured to accept a first elongate body tissue. A second end aperture is defined by a flexible connection between the second outer end and the second inner end. The second end aperture is configured to accept a second elongate body tissue. The outer and inner surfaces are configured for relative eversion operative to longitudinally shift an instantaneous midpoint of the apparatus with respect to a reference location on the inner surface. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the compositions and methods of preparing hydrogel-grafted nerve guides for peripheral nerve regeneration. Particularly, the present invention describes the nerve guides and methods for preparation of hydrogel-grafted nerve guides with encapsulated neurotrophic factors and a nanofiber mesh lining the inner surface of the guide. The present invention also provides methods for peripheral nerve repair using these hydrogel-grafted nerve guides.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A symmetrical drive system including a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct is further provided. In accordance with an alternate embodiment an apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct including an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member.

Abstract: A compression and kink resistant tubular implant for nerve repair. The implant includes a tubular biopolymeric membrane and a polymeric supporting filament. Also provided is a shaped compression resistant implant for ridge augmentation in dental surgery. Methods for producing the implants are also provided.

Abstract: A novel electrically conductive polymer composite composed of polycaprolactone fumarate-polypyrrole (PCLF-PPy) for applications in nerve regeneration is disclosed. The synthesis and characterization of PCLF-PPy and in vitro studies showing PCLF-PPy supports both PC12 cell and Dorsal Root Ganglia neurite extension. PCLF-PPy composite materials were synthesized by polymerizing pyrrole in pre-formed scaffolds of PCLF resulting in an interpenetrating network of PCLF-PPy. PCLF-PPy composite materials possess electrical conductivity up to 6 mS cm?1 with compositions ranging from 5-13.5 percent polypyrrole of the bulk material. Surface topographies of PCLF-PPy materials show microstructures with a RMS roughness of 1195 nm and nanostructures with RMS roughness of 8 nm. PCLF-PPy derivatives were synthesized with anionic dopants to determine effects on electrical conductivity and to optimize the chemical composition for biocompatibility.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating an injured or severed nerve pathway, wherein one or more microporous tubes are implanted into the nerve pathway to bridge the injured or severed region. A bioactive matrix including stem cells and nutrients is disposed within the microporous tube to facilitate growth of the stem cells and reestablishment of the sensory and motor conductive pathways through the injured or severed region. The microporous tube protects the bioactive matrix during development of the stem cells, and also retains the end regions in proper alignment during the nerve pathway regeneration.

Abstract: Devices and methods for protecting the neurovascular structures about the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a neuroprotective stent or device adapted for placement in an intervertebral foramen of a vertebral column and configured to resist compression or impingement from surrounding structures or forces. The stent or device may further comprise a flange or hinge region to facilitate attachment of the device to the vertebrae or to facilitate insertion of the device in the foramen, respectively.

Abstract: A neural implant comprising spider silk, especially a neural implant consisting of natural spider silk fibres. In particular, the present invention makes available spider silk for use for the production of a pharmaceutical composition whose medical indication is defects in nerves that are to be bridged. Thread-like spider silk is arranged essentially in an axial direction within a sheathing formed of spider silk threads. The sheathing can be knitted, woven, laced or braided of spider silk threads.

Abstract: A self-retaining neural retraction clip, preferably having controlled retraction level and an off-set retraction means. This device can reduce operative site clutter to enhance disc access while providing consistent and stable dural retraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peripheral nerve growth scaffold including poly ?-caprolactone (PCL) and microgrooves on an inner surface of the scaffold, the scaffold being adapted for use in treatment of damaged peripheral nerves. The microgrooves are suitably arranged as a pattern or array and preferably comprise sloping side walls, which arrangement has been found to provide a favourably environment for nerve and Schwann cell growth and proliferation. Experimental results demonstrate directed and aligned growth, which suitably reduces the rate of formation of neuromas. Embodiments comprising a PCL-PLA blend of the sloping side wall and a groove width greater than the spacing between adjacent grooves has been found to be particularly effective for directed cell growth and proliferation.

Abstract: A neural network is disclosed. The neural network comprises a plurality of optogenetically modified neural cells being three-dimensionally distributed in a hydrogel medium and being disconnected from any solid support having a shear modulus above 1 GPa.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus that includes a nerve conduit, a manifold and a support structure for providing a reduced pressure. Also provided is a system that includes a source of reduced pressure, a nerve conduit, a manifold, a support structure and a conduit for providing fluid communication between the manifold support and the source of reduced pressure. Additionally provided is a method that includes implanting the above nerve conduit, manifold and support structure at a site of damaged nerve tissue and applying a reduced pressure to the manifold thereby stimulating repair or regrowth of nerve tissue.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a three-dimensional scaffold including at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers. The at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers is curved in a direction substantially perpendicular to a general direction of the fibers. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for fabricating a three-dimensional scaffold. The method includes: electro spinning a plurality of fibers to produce at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers and forming the at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers into a three-dimensional scaffold without disturbing the alignment of the highly-aligned polymer fibers. A further aspect of the invention provides methods for using a three-dimensional scaffold to treat nerve or spinal cord injury.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biocompatible neural implant for bridging interruptions or defects in nerves resulting from injuries sustained in an accident or following surgery. Inventive neural implants comprise fibers made from natural or synthetic spider silk and allow interrupted nerves to regenerate across defects such that functional nerve conduction is made possible within a short period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a neural prosthesis, a neural prosthesis for use in the treatment of severed nerves and to a method for producing a neural prosthesis. Said neural prosthesis comprises a coupling element receptacle and at least one coupling element having a first and a second coupling section, wherein the coupling element is fixed by the coupling element receptacle, and wherein the first coupling section can be arranged on a first nerve region and the second coupling section on a second nerve region so that both nerve regions can be coupled by means of the neural prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid graft and methods of generating the hybrid graft. The hybrid graft comprises an exterior surface and a luminal surface. The luminal surface comprises a micropattern of grooves to which cells adhere and orient along. The exterior surface comprises electrospun microfibers wherein the microfibers provide mechanical properties to the graft. The hybrid graft is capable supporting endothelial cell attachment, endothelial cell alignment, cell proliferation, and maintaining their in vivo function. The graft of the invention can recapitulate the in vivo morphology and function of natural vascular endothelium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a precursor for producing a tissue regenerating instrument that regenerates a tissue, including: a tube made of a biodegradable material provided with a lumen in a longitudinal direction; a rod made of a biodegradable material swellable with a softening solvent, fixed to an inner wall of the tube substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tube; and an adhesive that fixes the rod to the inner wall of the tube, in which the rod in a non-swelled state has an occupied cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal direction that is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the lumen of the tube, and the occupied cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rod in a saturated swelled state with the softening solvent is substantially the same as the cross-sectional area of the lumen of the tube.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for applying tissue fasteners is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body that extends from the handle assembly, and a tool assembly mounted on the end of the elongate body. The tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly for receiving the tissue fasteners and a housing assembly for receiving a looped member. The tool assembly is configured to advance the tissue fasteners into the looped member to secure tissue between the fasteners and the looped member.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and a method for artificial nerve networking capable of restoring a damaged nerve and allowing selective detection, analysis, transmission and stimulation of a signal from the damaged nerve. The artificial nerve networking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first nerve conduit connected at one end of a damaged nerve; a second nerve conduit connected at the other end of the damaged nerve; and an artificial nerve networking unit electrically connected to the first nerve conduit and the second nerve conduit and recovering the function of the damaged nerve by transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the damaged nerve.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus that includes a nerve conduit, a manifold and a support structure for providing a reduced pressure. Also provided is a system that includes a source of reduced pressure, a nerve conduit, a manifold, a support structure and a conduit for providing fluid communication between the manifold support and the source of reduced pressure. Additionally provided is a method that includes implanting the above nerve conduit, manifold and support structure at a site of damaged nerve tissue and applying a reduced pressure to the manifold thereby stimulating repair or regrowth of nerve tissue.

Abstract: Nerve guides which are formed from three dimensional (3D) arrays of highly aligned electrospun fibers are provided. The electrospun fibers are oriented parallel to the long axis of the guide, and gaps and elongated spaces between the stacked fiber arrays provide channels for directed axonal growth. In some embodiments, the nerve guides also comprise high precision gradients of beneficial substances such as growth factors, which aid in nerve regeneration and growth along the guide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for repairing a peripheral nerve injury. The method comprises providing an immunologically inactive allogenic vessel at a peripheral nerve injury site and routing nerve tissue through the vessel lumen to bridge the peripheral nerve injury site.

Abstract: A gastric balloon and method of adding and removing fluid therefrom are disclosed. The gastric balloon includes a shell, a receiver, and a retractable tubing housed in the receiver and extendable from the stomach of a patient to the mouth of the patient. The shell is inflated and deflated from outside the body of the patient. The method of adding or removing fluid from the implanted gastric balloon includes steps of inserting a gastroscopic tool into the stomach of a patient and grasping an end of a retractable tubing housed in a receiver of the gastric balloon. Further steps of the method include withdrawing at least a portion of the retractable tubing from the stomach and out of a patient's mouth and adding or removing fluid from the gastric balloon via the retractable tubing withdrawn from the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silk nanofiber nerve conduit characterized in that fibroin nanofibers having a diameter of 200 to 400 nm, originated from silk fiber, are stacked layer upon layer to form a porous conduit-shape; and a method for producing thereof, more specifically, to a method for producing a silk nanofiber nerve conduit comprising: (Step 1) preparing a fibrous spinning solution; (Step 2) producing a silk nanofiber of conduit-shape by electrospinning the fibrous spinning solution prepared in step 1 into the cylindrical collecting part coated with polyethyleneoxide; and (Step 3) separating a silk nanofiber of conduit-shape produced in step 2 from the collecting part. The silk nanofiber nerve conduit of the present invention has excellent biocompatibility; allows the body fluid to be exchanged inter in and out of conduit through pores of the conduit, as well; has a proper elasticity, tensile strength, and tear strength.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to a conduit comprising an insulating material in a form of a tube having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of functionally connecting a portion of the peripheral nervous system of a vertebrate to a portion of the central or peripheral nervous system of said vertebrate, comprising the steps of bringing the portion of the peripheral nervous system and the portion of the central or peripheral nervous system close to each other, applying to the gap between the two portions a fibrin glue mixture comprising a growth factor, fibrinogen, aprotinin and divalent calcium ions so that the fibrin glue mixture is simultaneously in contact with the two portions, and forming an attachment between the portion of the peripheral nervous system and the portion of the central or peripheral nervous system of said vertebrate.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for repairing nerves and inhibiting atrophy of a muscle via a side-to side neurorraphy using a bridging element between a first epineurial window on a donor nerve and a second epineurial window on a recipient nerve.

Abstract: Method and systems for nerve repair and for microfabrication. In specific embodiments, nerve repair is accomplished by repairing axons. In further embodiments, a modular, 3D system having very small dimensions is described. In further embodiments, a method and system for performing surgery on axons is disclosed.

Abstract: A novel bridge clip tissue connector includes two clips separated by a bridge portion. The clips allow for the connecting of tissue at two positions that are maintained by the bridge portion. The connector can be used for performing a wide variety of surgical procedures, including anastomosis and a horizontal mattress suture-like connection.

Abstract: A medical device comprises a tubular body having a lumen and a long axis; and a plurality of silk elements laid substantially parallel along the long axis of the lumen of the tubular body. A method of manufacturing the medical device comprises forming the tubular body and introducing the silk elements into the lumen of the tubular body so as to lie substantially parallel along the long axis of the lumen of the tubular body. The device can be used in a method for the regeneration of nerve cells comprising the implantation of a medical device at a site for regeneration of nerves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nerve regeneration-inducing tube in which collagen having excellent adhesive property, cell growth property and differentiation inducing property to nerve cells is used as a scaffold for the nerve regeneration. The nerve regeneration-inducing tube is characterized in using the collagen which is made the concentration of sodium chloride contained therein not more than 2.0% by weight or, preferably, 0.1 to 1.5% by weight in a dry state. Purification of collagen is carried out by means of an isoelectric precipitation where the pH is 6.0 or higher and is lower than 10.0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial tissue growth guides comprising a core and an outer sleeve, which facilitates the regeneration of damaged tissues, such as nerves. The core is fixed to the sleeve at two attachment sites so that cells seeded within the core produce mechanical tension between the attachment sites. This tension aligns the cells and the fibres of the core and provides an improved substrate for tissue regeneration. Growth guides may be surgically implanted into an individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fabrication of multichannel nerve conduits for use in the repair of nerve injury. In particular, the invention relates to collagen multichannel nerve conduits which are suitable for use in repair of peripheral nerves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peripheral nerve growth conduit for peripheral nerve repair, in particular conduits through which peripheral nerves can grow. The conduit includes poly-?-caprolactone (PCL). Preferably, the inner (luminal) surface of the conduit comprises pits having a depth of 1-4 ?m. Suitably, the conduit may also include poly-lactic acid (PLA). The inner surface of the conduit may have been treated with an alkaline composition. The present invention also provides a method for treating a peripheral nerve damage using a peripheral nerve growth conduit including poly-?-caprolactone (PCL). The present invention also provides a kit for treating a peripheral nerve damage having a peripheral nerve growth conduit including poly-?-caprolactone (PCL).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a field of biocompatible membranes, tubes and conduits which comprising a photosensitizer which is capable of being crosslinked to form a three dimensional structure which can be implanted into a subject to assist in tissue bonding and nerve maintenance and development. Methods of making such membranes, tubes and conduits and kits comprising them are also described.