Abstract: A fully absorbable prosthesis (1) for the repair of damaged ligaments and/or tendons in the form of a multilayer spiral roll comprising the following spiral layers: a foraminous layer (2) of a synthetic bioabsorbable material; a bioabsorbable film (3); and a layer (4) of a bioabsorbable biopolymer sponge. The invention also provides a method of making such a prosthesis, comprising the steps of: providing a laminate of a foraminous layer of bioabsorbable material and a bioabsorbable film; coating the laminate with a layer of an aqueous gel comprising a bioabsorbable polymer; rolling up the laminate and the gel layer into a spiral roll, followed by drying the gel to form a layer of bioabsorbable sponge. The foraminous layer (2) preferably comprises a synthetic bioabsorbable polymer having high tensile strength. The bioabsorbable film (3) and sponge layer (4) preferably comprise a chemotactic biopolymer such as collagen.

Abstract: Incised or injured tissue is treated by introducing material that encourages healing to desired depths within the tissue. Particularly, the invention provides treatment of an access channel to a blood vessel by introducing to the tissue a hemostatic material to a position that is located adjacent, but does not extend beyond, the vessel wall.In one aspect, the invention features a device for treating an incision channel through tissue and the wall of a body lumen. The device includes a member having a proximal portion constructed to remain outside the body and an elongate generally tubular distal portion that is constructed to be introduced axially into the channel and be moveable axially therein. A detector is disposed on the side of the tubular distal portion. The detector is adapted to detect a predetermined condition indicative of an axial position within the channel.

Abstract: Collagen-containing sponges comprising an absorbable gelatin sponge, collagen, and an active ingredient are disclosed as are methods of enhancing wound healing of external and internal wounds using such sponges.

Abstract: The process and apparatus for an autologous dermal graft transfer provides for the easy and accurate placement of dermal grafts during plastic surgery, typically for the filling of wrinkles or scars.

Abstract: Materials and methods for photoreactive suturing of biological tissue are disclosed. The suture material includes a structure adapted for positioning at an anastomotic site and has at least a portion of the structure formed by a photoreactive crosslinking agent, such that upon irradiation of the structure the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material. In one embodiment, the suture material can also include a high tensile strength element which is coated with a laser activatable crosslinking agent or glue. The suture methods can be practiced manually, or with various apparatus, such as endoscopes, catheters or hand-held instruments.