Abstract: A method and apparatus for tightening a surface of a skin with an underlying collagen containing tissue applies radiant energy through the skin to underlying collagen tissue without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A porous membrane is adapted to receive an electrolytic solution and become inflated to substantially conform a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. The membrane includes a cooling lumen for receiving cooling fluid. One or more thermal electrodes positioned in the membrane and transfers thermal energy to the electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution and cooling fluid creates a reverse thermal gradient from the skin surface to the underlying collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes, and a source of electrolytic solution is coupled to the membrane.

Abstract: A method and a device for testing a brain lesion electrode (1) which is intended for use in treatment of a specified area in the brain, for instance, by controlled coagulation or lessening. The device comprises a transparent container (2) which in adapted to accommodate a solution of coagulatable protein with a predetermined salt content, a seal (6), which the brain lesion electrode (1) can penetrate and which is adapted to seal the container (2) containing the solution, a heating device (3) for heating the solution to a selected temperature, a power unit (23) for supplying, during a selected period, current of a predetermined intensity and frequency between the electrode (1) and a backplate electrode (18) in the container (2) to increase the temperature of the solution in the area at the tip of (21) of the electrode when the electrode (1) is introduced into the solution and positioned therein.

Abstract: A resorbable, flexible implant in the form of a continuous macro-porous sheet is disclosed. The implant is adapted to protect biological tissue defects, especially bone defects in the mammalian skeletal system, from the interposition of adjacent soft tissues during in vivo repair. The membrane has pores with diameters from 20 microns to 3000 microns. This porosity is such that vasculature and connective tissue cells derived from the adjacent soft tissues including the periosteum can proliferate through the membrane into the bone defect. The thickness of the sheet is such that the sheet has both sufficient flexibility to allow the sheet to be shaped to conform to the configuration of a skeletal region to be repaired, and sufficient tensile strength to allow the sheet to be so shaped without damage to the sheet. The sheet provides enough inherent mechanical strength to withstand pressure from adjacent musculature and does not collapse.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implant device and an associated method for interconnecting human vessels rapidly, safely and in a minimally invasive manner. The device comprises a first segment, a second segment, and a flow opening along the periphery of the two connected segments. The first and second segments are bendable for easy insertion into an incision made within each vessel. Upon release, each bendable segment subsequently conforms to the interior walls of a vessel to provide a sealing contact along the contact surface of the segment inserted within. The flow opening provides fluid interconnectivity between the vessels connected by the implant device.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable material such as a terpolymer of poly-(L-lactide/D-lactide/glycolide). The material may consist of 85 molar percent L-lactide, 5 molar percent D-lactide, and 10 molar percent glycolide. The material may have a heat of fusion of about 15-25 J/G, tensile strength retention at 26 weeks of incubation of at least about 50%, and tensile strength retention at 52 weeks of incubation of at most about 25%. The material may be used in implantable devices such as bone fixation devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implant device and an associated method for interconnecting human vessels rapidly, safely and in a minimally invasive manner. The device comprises a first segment, a second segment, and a flow opening along the periphery of the two connected segments. The first and second segments are bendable for easy insertion into an incision made within each vessel. Upon release, each bendable segment subsequently conforms to the interior walls of a vessel to provide a sealing contact along the contact surface of the segment inserted within. The flow opening permanently connects the segments and provides fluid interconnectivity between the vessels connected by the implant device.

Abstract: Medical devices or components for medical devices formed from bioabsorbable elastomers comprising a segmented copolymer are disclosed. The segmented copolymer is a copolymer of from about 30 to about 40 mole percent of lactide and the balance being substantially p-dioxanone. The segmented copolymers surprisingly exhibit elastomeric properties, and the copolymers are bioabsorbable. The combination of physical and biological properties of these elastomeric copolymers are particularly well suited for numerous medical and surgical applications.

Abstract: An implant which includes a porous matrix sheet made of a biopolymeric material which is biocompatible and bioresorbable. The porous matrix sheet has at least one portion spaced from and overlapping another portion of the matrix sheet, and has a density ranging from about 0.05 g/cm.sup.3 to about 1.3 g/cm.sup.3, a pore size ranging from about 0.1 .mu.m to about 1,500 .mu.m, and a spacing between overlapping portions of the matrix sheet ranging from about 0.1 .mu.m to about 2,000 .mu.m.

Abstract: An implantable bioabsorbable article for the separation and regeneration of tissue at a tissue defect site in the form of a fibrous matrix laminarly affixed to both surfaces of a cell-barrier sheet material. When implanted it allows ingrowth of tissue into the fibrous matrix side of the material; simultaneously the tissue to be regenerated at the tissue defect site is separated from the ingrowing tissue by the cell-barrier sheet material. A method for making the implantable bioabsorbable article is also described.

Abstract: A textile surgical implant includes a base cloth, and an array of fibers provided on the base cloth. The base cloth is removable from the fibers before or after the location of the implant in a patient. A method of making a textile surgical implant is further disclosed. The method includes the step of placing an array of fibers on a base cloth by embroidery. The base cloth is removable from the fibers before or after the implant is implanted.

Abstract: An implantable bioresorbable membrane for the separation and regeneration of tissue in a defect site and augmentation of tissues surrounding other implants comprises: (a) porous bioresorbable polymer matrix made of a bioresorbable polymer selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), polycarprolactone, polyparadioxanone, polytrimethylene carbonate and a mixture thereof; and (b) a reinforcing fabric made of bioresorbable fibers embedded in said matrix, and is produced by preparing a fabric as a support from bioresorbable fibrous materials, coating the fabric with a solution containing a bioresorbable polymer and a pore forming agent, and treating the coated fabric to generate pores.

Abstract: A guidance channel or conduit for promoting nerve regeneration includes a body constructed of a biocompatible polymeric material and having a first end for connection to a proximal stump of a severed nerve and a second end for connection to a distal stump of the severed nerve. The body includes a plurality of internal lumens extending between the first and second end to facilitate rejoining of the proximal and distal stumps of the severed nerve by providing increased surface area for Schwann cell adherence. A method for promoting nerve regeneration using a multi-lumen nerve guidance channel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A resorbable, flexible implant in the form of a continuous macro-porous sheet is disclosed. The implant is adapted to protect biological tissue defects, especially bone defects in the mammalian skeletal system, from the interposition of adjacent soft tissues during in vivo repair. The membrane has pores with diameters from 20 microns to 3000 microns. This porosity is such that vasculature and connective tissue cells derived from the adjacent soft tissues including the periosteum can proliferate through the membrane into the bone defect. The thickness of the sheet is such that the sheet has both sufficient flexibility to allow the sheet to be shaped to conform to the configuration of a skeletal region to be repaired, and sufficient tensile strength to allow the sheet to be so shaped without damage to the sheet. The sheet provides enough inherent mechanical strength to withstand pressure from adjacent musculature and does not collapse.

Abstract: A syringe pump having a drive head (1) mounted on a lead screw (2) which drives the drive head (1) to cause the plunger (P) of the syringe (S) to be advanced to deliver the contents of the syringe in a controlled manner. The drive head (1) supports a sensing module (3) having a cylindrical outer metallic body supporting a sensor disk (9) to which a sensing button (10) is attached. The disk (9) has a central insulating disk (15) supporting copper plates (16 and 17) and thin layers of dielectric (18, 19) separated from ground plates (20, 21) by an air gap (22) defining separate electrical capacitors each having a significantly different value of capacitance such that a large fall in capacitance occurs in the first capacitor while a large rise in capacitance occurs in the second capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to medical devices comprising biodegradable guide channels for use in the repair and regeneration of nerve tissue. The guide channels of the present invention comprise interlaced threads imbedded in a matrix, wherein both the matrix and the threads comprise biocompatible and bioabsorbable esters of hyaluronic acid. The matrix of the present invention further optionally comprises biologically or pharmacologically active factors in association with the guide channels.

Abstract: Absorbable, segmented copolymers of aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers lactide, and p-dioxanone are described. The segmented copolymers exhibit a broad range of properties, especially high strength and long elongations. This unique elastomeric behavior makes the copolymers of the present invention useful in a varity of medical device applications, especially adhesion prevention barriers and hemostatic devices.

Abstract: The invention provides an artificial dura mater comprising a sheet made of bioabsorbable synthetic polymers formed from copolymers of lactic acid and .epsilon.-caprolactone.

Abstract: A method for joining or reconstructing biological tissue comprises providing a solid filler material in the form of a preformed sheet, where the sheet comprises collagen, gelatin or a mixture thereof. The filler material is placed over tissue. Radiofrequency energy or optical energy is thereafter applied to the filler material in an amount sufficient to melt or denature the filler material.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for coating a biomaterial to be placed in contact with a patient's blood flow to inhibit blood coagulation from adhering to the biomaterial that would otherwise result from such contact. A biodegradable material of liquid state compatible with the blood and tissue of the human body is prepared, and an anti-coagulant drug is incorporated into the liquid state of the biodegradable material to form a liquid coating material. The liquid coating material is adhesively applied to a surface of the biomaterial in a substantially continuous overlying layer having a formulation, pattern and thickness selected according to the period of time over which the coating material is to perform its anti-coagulant action. Thereafter the coating material is dried to a layer thickness less than about 100 microns for continuous disintegration thereof as a function of time when the layer is in contact with flowing blood.

Abstract: Biological materials are joined, repaired or fused by heating the material in proximity to a mechanical support. Preferably, the mechanical support comprises a patch or bridge structure. In the most preferred embodiment, the patch is formed from collagen having a thickness from between 2 to 30 mils, and most preferably from 2 to 15 mils thick. Preferably, the patch or support structure contains holes or interlock vias which permit the coagulum to form a mechanical bond therewith, whether preformed or generated by an electrical energy source during welding. The preferred method comprises the steps of: first, placing the patch in contact with the materials to be joined, supplying energy to the tissue in an amount sufficient to form a coagulum at the surface of the patch, and finally, permitting the coagulum to form a mechanical bond with the support or patch.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable, ternary block copolymer consisting essentially of (A) polylactic acid segment, (B) poly(.epsilon.-caprolactone) segment and (C) polyglycolic acid segment, preparation process of the block copolymer, and medical molded articles prepared from said block copolymer. The bioabsorbable block copolymer is excellent in mechanical strength and flexibility and has moderate hydrolyzability and is especially utilized for a surgical monofilament suture.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to medical devices comprised of biodegradable guide channels for use in repair and regeneration of nerve tissue. The guide channels are comprised of threads embedded in a matrix and coextruded with active factors wherein both the matrix and the threads are comprised of biocompatible and bioabsorbable esters of hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: A radiation-curable prepolymer of a polyurethane endtipped with an hydroxy (acrylate or methacrylate) is disclosed. The polyurethane is derived from the reaction of a polyfunctional isocyanate with a hydrolyzable oligomer of an anhydrous cyclic ester of an hydroxy acid. Crosslinked polymers prepared by irradiating the prepolymers are also disclosed. The crosslinked polymers are bioabsorbable and biocompatible with bodily tissue, yet still maintain the outstanding mechanical properties one would expect from a polyurethane. The prepolymers and crosslinked polymers are especially well-suited for the fabrication of surgical devices, particularly wound closure devices such as surgical staples and clips, in a stereolithography apparatus.

Abstract: A temporary stent and method for vascular anastomosis are disclosed. The method comprises placing, in a vessel to be anastomosed, a stent comprising a biocompatible material; applying staples to anastomose the vessel; and converting the stent material into a liquid that is miscible with blood by melting with warmed saline or pulsed radiation. Also disclosed is a method and composition for delivery of a drug that prevents thrombus formation and/or intimal hyperplasia at the anastomosis.

Abstract: This invention is designed to help restrain small structural or minor fracture fragments (5), and the macromolecules they produce (8) in specified compartment. The device is composed of a single sheet of material (1) that in its principal embodiment is supplied as a thin, pliable, fabric that is flexible in three dimensions and is minimally porous to macromolecules. When the method of use contains the secondary step of affixing a treating material (12) to the device prior to use, additional materials can be delivered directly and preferentially into specific compartments. Moreover, because the device can be made of a soft fabric, a needle can be passed through the device and additional treating materials can be repeatedly injected into and contained after the device has been deployed. The invention also permits delivery of energy (23)directly and specifically to the treated surface.

Abstract: A method and a device for holding together a pair of tissue edges defining a wound in a skin layer of a patient, the skin layer having an epidermic top layer and an underlying dermic layer. The device includes a first locking element, a second locking element, a locking structure positioned on either one of the first or second locking element for locking the first locking element to the second locking element. A first grasping structure is positioned on the first locking element for grasping on a portion of the dermic layer positioned adjacent the first locking element. A second grasping structure is positioned on the second locking element for grasping on a portion of the dermic layer positioned adjacent the second locking element. The first and second locking elements are adapted to be inserted by a puncturing action, on each side of the wound, through the epidermic layer and into the dermic layer, so that the first and second locking elements are completely embedded into the dermic layer of the skin.

Abstract: An anastomosis cuff for performing a vascular anastomosis procedure includes a ridge of material that extends in the radial direction. The ridge can be easily grasped with forceps or a hemostat to immobilize the cuff during an anastomosis procedure. Alternately, the anastomosis cuff can be grasped between gripping fingers of a manipulator tool designed to surround the cuff such that the ridge is trapped between and grasped by the gripping fingers.

Abstract: A compression device for the anastomosis of a tubular hollow organ, having a first collapsible member movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, said first collapsible member having a first end and a second end; a second collapsible member movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, said second collapsible member adapted to be joined with said first end of said first collapsible member; and a third collapsible member adapted to be joined with said second end of said second collapsible member; wherein at least one of said first, second or third collapsible members comprises at least one resilient hinge portion disposed thereon which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of said device to facilitate the collapsibility thereof. Also provided are surgical instruments for carrying and placing the compression device components and a device for approximating surgical devices. A method for forming a compression anastomosis, is also provided.

Abstract: An ionomer suture exhibits excellent properties. The suture may be monofilament or multifilament, and methods of making and using the suture are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical stent is provided for use in supporting the walls of a tubular organ during anastomosis. The stent includes a tubular body having a diameter adapted to be about equal to the diameter of the organ and having opposed axial ends a circumferential ridge intermediate the ends. The ridge has a diameter adapted to be greater than the diameter of the tubular organ so that when the tubular organ is supported on the body, the ends of the tubular organ may be joined together along the ridge, and are everted to facilitate suturing.

Abstract: A composition of an absorbable polymer and a filler to increase the stiffness of the polymer is disclosed. The filler is a poly[succinimide], which is a bioabsorbable polymer that degrades into a nontoxic, simple amino acid. The composition can be melt processed to prepare medical and surgical devices, particularly those devices which are designed to penetrate bodily tissue or to withstand heavy loads. Typical surgical devices which can be made from the composition include surgical staples and ligating clips.

Abstract: The present invention is related to prostheses, their methods of manufacture and methods for repairing vascular lesions using such prostheses. Natural polymers such as collagen are processed and fabricated to form tubular resorbable vascular wound dressings with unique physico-chemical and mechanical properties for repairing selected vascular segments, and for delivering therapeutic agents at selected sites within vessels and at the anastomoses.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming a compression anastomosis of a hollow organ. The apparatus comprising a first collapsible member movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, the first collapsible member having a longitudinal bore defined by an inner surface, a first mating member, locking structure disposed on the first collapsible member for locking the first collapsible member with the first mating member, a second collapsible member movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, the second collapsible member having a longitudinal bore defined by an inner surface, a second mating member, locking structure disposed on the second collapsible member for locking the second collapsible member with the second mating member, and the first member adapted to interlock with the second member.

Abstract: A stent includes a main body of a generally tubular shape for insertion into a lumen of a vessel of a living being. The tubular main body includes a substantially biodegradable matrix having collagen IV and laminin that enclose voids within the matrix. The tubular main body also includes a biodegradable strengthening material in contact with the matrix to strengthen the matrix. The tubular main body is essentially saturated with drugs.

Abstract: The invention and the corresponding method of fracture stabilization provided is a malleable medication-containing device that is capable of both stabilizing fracture fragments and delivering medicines directly to fracture fragments when wrapped around or affixed to fractured tissues. This invention is designed to be used in conjunction with rigid fixation devices when rigid fixation is required of the major fragments. The novel device is comprised of two layers affixed to each other by chemical or mechanical means: a flexible, minimally-porous biologically-compatible fabric and a flexible biologically-compatible microporous polymer into which desired medications have been embedded. The preferred method of employment is to wrap the device around a fracture with the medication side in; and tighten it until the desired tension is achieved, thereby holding native fracture fragments in register.

Abstract: A stent made of biodegradable material includes a drug that is released at a rate controlled by the rate of degradation of the biodegradable material. The stent includes a main body of a generally tubular shape. The main body may further include a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and a slot defined by opposing edges which permits insertion and positioning of the stent.

Abstract: Directing to the difficulties involved in the deep rectal surgery, the present invention relates to a sutureless intestinal anatomosis gun which facilitates the rectal surgery to be performed by entering through the anus and protruding out from the upper end of rectum so as to install an anastomosis ring that has been connected to the intestine for anastomosis of the rectum, comprising a plurality of tubes, an anastomosis ring seat, a fixed shaft, a screw rod and a nut. During the operation of intestinal anastomosis, the inner sleeve and the anastomosis ring seat can be driven in sequence by means of the nut and the screw rod such that the end of the rectum is pushed precisely to enter into the gap of the anastomosis ring and then the anastomosis ring is precisely closed. Thereafter, the anastomosis ring seat and the anastomosis ring are disengaged and then the said anastomosis gun is removed to complete the intestinal anastomosis.

Abstract: A novel surgical instrument suitable for insertion and assembly of surgical fasteners, such as multi-ring compression devices, for circular anastomosis of tubular or hollow organ tissue sections, including a body having means to support and align the rings, means for clamping the rings around the free ends of the tissue sections, means for coring away excess clamped tissue and the centers of the rings, separate means for releasing the clamped rings from the instrument and dwell means to delay releasing the rings until after the coring operation is complete. The dwell means consists of an external cup containing separate and coaxial elements for the coring means and the releasing means which are provided with a series of recesses and a plurality of shifter keys to separate the operation of coring from the separate operation of releasing the assembled multi-ring compression device from the instrument.

Abstract: Following recanalization of a stenotic blood vessel, a photosensitizer is administered by means of a vaso-absorbable stent to maintain the photosensitizer concentration level in the atheromatous plaque and smooth muscle cells in the vicinity of the lesion for a period of 5-18 days, the period in which cell proliferation can occur. The Vaso-Absorbable Stent (VAST) is described along with the method for its use in Photoatherolytic (PAL) Therapy. The VAST device is used post cardiovascular intervention to: a) deliver a series of drugs to prevent cell proliferation leading to restenosis; and, (b) maintain the patency of the treated vessel and prevent elastic recoil of the vessel by providing support for the vessel wall; and c) deliver and maintain a level of photosensitizer to the treatment site which inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation and, when activated by light energy, induces cell lysis.

Abstract: The present invention is related to prostheses, their methods of manufacture and methods for repairing vascular lesions using such prostheses. Natural polymers such as collagen are processed and fabricated to form tubular resorbable vascular wound dressings with unique physico-chemical and mechanical properties for repairing selected vascular segments, and for delivering therapeutic agents at selected sites within vessels and at the anastomoses.

Abstract: A kit for effecting hemostatis of an organ comprises a mesh and a sack. The mesh is formed of semirigid, bioabsorbable material adapted to be generally conformingly disposed on at least the bleeding surface of an organ. The sack is made of flexible, elastic, air-impermeable material adapted to be elastically stretched over the mesh and over a substantial portion of the organ and then released to compress the organ portion and thereby decrease the flow of blood thereto. The sack further permits operative attachment of the undersurface thereof to a vacuum source so that portions of the organ may be pulled outwardly by the vacuum into the interstices of the underlying mesh to promote hemostasis.

Abstract: A mechanism and applier therefor which is capable of inverted anastomosis of two lumens by an absorbable fastener. The fastener is made from two washer-like plate assemblies and a pair of introducers. Each such plate assembly has slots to receive latching prongs protruding from the other plate, and pins to impale tissue. Fastening is done through an applier that causes the pins to pierce the tissue, and causes a knife blade to cut through excess tissue. Fastening is done by attaching fastener halves. Insertion and removal of the fastener and applier optimally is done in an endoscopic procedure through a trocar or through the surgical incision in an open procedure. The system can be used such that the plates can be placed to properly set gaps between and anastomose tissue. The introducer portion will soften intraluminally and be expelled, in about 24 hours. The coupler portion will remain in place for 2-3 weeks, typically, and then fragment and be expelled with the feces.

Abstract: An annuli pair provide an anastomotic clamp. Each operatively associated, opposed face of the annuli pair has a plurality of serrated impaling pins and tang-containing apertures that lockingly associated in assembly for anastomosis. The back surface of each annulus is substantially recessed about each aperture whereby to accommodate all or substantially all of the impaling pin extending past the locking tang. The annuli have alignment indicator means integral therewith to facilitate handling and assembly.

Abstract: An absorbable stent for placement at the locus of a stenotic lesion which is flexible and compliance for safe and effective delivery to the cite of a coronary obstruction, for example, and so as to avoid arterial rupture or aneurysm formation while under continuous stress of a beating heart. The stent is expandable from a reduced diameter configuration, which facilitates delivery to the cite of a targeted arterial obstruction, to an expanded configuration when disposed within the targeted area. The stent can be carried to the cite to be treated and expanded to its supporting diameter on any suitable expandable catheter such as a mechanically expandable catheter or a catheter having an inflatable balloon. The stent is formed so as to have a wall with pores and/or holes to facilitate tissue ingrowth and encapsulation of the stent. The stent will subsequently be bioabsorbed to minimize the likelihood of embolization of the dissolved material.

Abstract: A transanal insertion device for surgically inserting an anastomosis ring having two unitary members into a tubular anatomic member comprises a distal adapter, a proximal adapter and an actuator. The distal adapter includes a hollow distal sleeve and a spring-loaded distal spool axially movable within the distal sleeve. The distal spool is biased in a first direction by a distal spring and includes alignment fingers pivotably connected thereon for aligning a first unitary member. The proximal adapter has a hollow proximal sleeve and a spring-loaded proximal spool axially movable within the proximal sleeve. The proximal spool is biased in a second direction by a proximal spring and includes alignment fingers connected thereon for aligning a second unitary member. The proximal member also includes a proximal gripper for securing the second unitary member on the proximal hollow sleeve.

Abstract: A method for use in performing an anastomosis includes the steps of juxtaposing free ends of two sections of a ressected tubular organ of a patient so as to form a continuous lumen through the sections, placing a strip of a biocompatible material over the sections along a seam therebetween, and bonding the strip to outer surfaces of the sections so as to form a seal about the sections at the seam. The juxtaposition of the organ sections is facilitated by inserting an inflatable balloon made of bioabsorbable material into the sections at their free ends, inflating the ballon and pulling the sections over the inflated balloon.

Abstract: A mechanism which is capable of anastomosis of two lumens by an absorbable fastener. The fastener is made from two washer-like plates. One such plate has holes to receive latching prongs protruding from the other plate. Fastening is done through a single linear motion that causes the prongs to pierce the tissue, latches the prongs into a receiver and causes a knife blade to cut through excess fastener material and tissue. The ease of removal, by pulling the mechanism through the formed anastomosis, is greatly enhanced. The system can be used such that the plates can be placed in any configuration to properly anastomose tissue.

Abstract: An anastomotic device of a pair of telescopically and frictionally locked annuli which each have a plurality of spaced retaining pins that each project from a respective outer wall of the annuli and are adapted to pierce a lumen wall to be joined, extend axially within said lumen wall and into the body of the opposed lumen wall.

Abstract: A stent assembly, delivery system and method of manufacture therefor. A stent assembly includes a compact stent. A dissolvable material impregnates the stent in liquid form. In its cured, solid form, the material contains the stent in its compact form. When the stent is positioned in a vessel, the temperature and liquids in the vessel dissolve the material thereby to release the stent for positioning in a final configuration. The expansion of the stent then allows removal of the delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention is related to prostheses, their methods of manufacture and methods for repairing vascular lesions using such prostheses. Natural polymers such as collagen are processed and fabricated to form tubular resorbable vascular wound dressings with unique physico-chemical and mechanical properties for repairing selected vascular segments, and for delivering therapeutic agents at selected sites within vessels and at the anastomoses.