Abstract: One aspect relates to a method for producing an electrical bushing for an implantable device, a corresponding electrical bushing, and a corresponding implantable device. The method according to one embodiment is characterized in that a green blank is produced and sintered from an electrically insulating base body green blank made of a ceramic slurry or powder and at least one electrically conductive bushing body green blank made of a cermet material. The at least one bushing body green blank is inserted into a bushing opening of the base body green blank to form a composite green blank, a shape of the at least one bushing body green blank and a shape of the at least one bushing opening are complementary to each other at least in sections thereof and prevent slippage of the bushing body green blank through the bushing opening. The composite green blank is sintered while applying a force that keeps the bodies together.

Abstract: A device for introduction into a body in a straight configuration and assuming within the body a predefined curved configuration, includes an elongated element formed from a number of segments interconnected so as to form effective hinges therebetween. When the elongated element is confined to a straight state, the effective hinges transfer compressive forces from each segment to the next so that the elongated element can be pushed to advance it through a conduit. When the elongated element is not confined to a straight state, the effective hinges allow deflection of each segment relative to adjacent segments until abutment surfaces of the segments come into abutment, thereby defining a fully flexed state of the elongated element with a predefined curved configuration. The device can be produced with a wide range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional curved forms, and has both medical and non-medical applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making covalently crosslinked vinyl polymer hydrogels having advantageous physical properties, and covalently crosslinked vinyl polymer hydrogel compositions made by such methods, as well as articles of manufacture comprising such covalently crosslinked vinyl polymer hydrogel compositions. The physical properties of the produced hydrogels can be adjusted by varying controlled parameters such as the proportion of physical associations, the concentration of polymer and the amount of radiation applied. Such covalently crosslinked vinyl polymer hydrogels can be made translucent, preferably transparent, or opaque depending on the processing conditions. The stability of the physical properties of the produced vinyl polymer hydrogel can be enhanced by controlling the amount of covalent crosslinks.

Abstract: An implantable device composed of a biocompatible material having an enhanced surface topography that has an implanted calcium ion concentration and method of making the same.

Abstract: A method includes selecting a template from a plurality of different sizes of templates based on measurements of the abdominal cavity of a patient; orienting the template on the patient at a location overlying the abdominal cavity to select an appropriate size implant using fluoroscopic imaging; marking an incision location and an indicator of an angle of approach; and removing the template from the patient, wherein marks made by the marking remain on the patient. Methods apparatus, instruments and implants for treating a patient are provided.

Abstract: A method of intra-articular drug delivery may include selecting an attachment zone in a synovial joint; affixing a drug release device in the attachment zone, the drug release device comprising a base affixable in the attachment zone, a sustained-release drug carrier, and a drug, the device positioned so that the device releases the drug into the synovial fluid of the synovial joint, and so that agitation of the synovial fluid facilitates elution of the drug from the drug release device.

Abstract: Medical devices comprising an anti-connexin agent suitable for introduction into a subject.

Abstract: A substantially flat implant for repositioning a patient's eyebrow that may allow for a gradient lift across the eyebrow. The implant may be geometrically non-symmetrical, and/or may have non-symmetric physical properties. The implant may include a foot portion that extends along a first longitudinal axis and has a length, and a vertical strip portion that extends outwardly from the foot portion along a second longitudinal axis. The strip portion has a length and a width that is smaller than the length of the foot. The second longitudinal axis is offset from the center of the length of the foot portion.

Abstract: A medical implant includes a hermetically sealed hollow housing having a hermetically sealed feedthrough suitable for conducting electrical signals to and from the hollow housing without impairing the hermetic seal thereof. The hollow housing includes a circuit suitable for measuring signals from the human body, sending signals to the human body, and transmitting signals to a receiver located outside the body. The implant also includes a connection housing having an insulating connection body, an externally accessible cavity for connecting an implantable electrode line, an insulating substrate having at least one electrically conductive strip conductor structure, and contacts that are securely electrically connected to a strip conductor structure present in or on the substrate material. The substrate may be embedded in the connection body in such a way that the contacts are present in the externally accessible cavity.

Abstract: This invention provides a new class of medical devices and implants comprising amorphous metal alloys. The medical devices and implants may be temporary or permanent and may comprise other materials as well, such as polymers, ceramics, and conventional crystalline or polycrystalline metal alloys. Specifically, this invention provides implantable surgical fabrics comprising amorphous metal alloys. The presence of amorphous metal alloys in these fabrics can serve a variety of purposes, including structurally reinforcing the surgical fabric and/or imparting to the fabric the ability to shield against harmful radiation. The fabric may be used inside or outside the body during medical procedures. Further, the implantable surgical fabrics may be woven or non-woven fabrics.

Abstract: A method for treating a surface of a medical implant to create nanostructures on the surface that results in increased in-vivo chondrocyte adhesion to the surface. Further, disclosed is a method to fabricate a drug delivery system. The drug delivery system includes a medical implant that has undergone a surface treatment process that results in the modification of the surface configuration and topography. The modified surface acts as a depot or reservoir for loaded biological material, biologic agents or pharmaceutical products. Additionally, a device for delivering pharmaceutical products or other biological materials is disclosed. The device includes integrally attached nanostructures that retain or adsorb the loaded pharmaceutical products and/or biological materials. Further disclosed is a medical implant that includes a surface configured to allow for and regulate protein adsorption.

Abstract: A joint part (1) has a porous portion (2) that is defined by a multiplicity of solid regions where material is present and a remaining multiplicity of pore regions where material is absent, the locations of at least most of the multiplicity of solid regions being defined by one or more mathematical functions. The nature of the porous portion can be varied systematically by changing one or more constants in the mathematical functions and the part is made by a process of solid freeform fabrication.

Abstract: A device for introduction into a body in a straight configuration and assuming within the body a predefined curved configuration, includes an elongated element formed from a number of segments interconnected so as to form effective hinges therebetween. When the elongated element is confined to a straight state, the effective hinges transfer compressive forces from each segment to the next so that the elongated element can be pushed to advance it through a conduit. When the elongated element is not confined to a straight state, the effective hinges allow deflection of each segment relative to adjacent segments until abutment surfaces of the segments come into abutment, thereby defining a fully flexed state of the elongated element with a predefined curved configuration. The device can be produced with a wide range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional curved forms, and has both medical and non-medical applications.

Abstract: An x-ray marker for medical implants made of a biocorrodible metallic material, wherein the x-ray marker composite includes 1-40 weight parts of a carrier matrix having a melting point greater than or equal to 43° C., which comprises 90 weight-percent or more at least one triglyceride; and 60-99 weight parts of a radiopaque marker component which is embedded in the carrier matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating medical devices with a biocompatible protein coating.

Abstract: Provided are a nanoporous membrane including a support; a first separation layer with a plurality of first nano-sized pores and a first matrix; and a second separation layer having a plurality of second pores respectively corresponding to the plurality of first pores of the first separation layer and a second matrix, and formed on the first separation layer, wherein a density of the plurality of the first pores and the second pores is equal to or greater than 1010/cm2, and a diameter of each of the second pores is less than that of the corresponding first pore, a process of fabricating the same, and a device for a controlled release of biopharmaceuticals including the nanoporous membrane. The device for a controlled release of biopharmaceuticals including the nanoporous membrane can release biopharmaceuticals at a constant rate for a long period of time regardless of the concentration of the biopharmaceuticals including in pharmaceuticals, and high flex and selectivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical implant in the form of an elongated helix wherein at least one part of the helix is preformed in such a manner that it has a secondary structure of identically sized loops which it assumes during implantation at the placement site, with said structure in turn forming at the placement site during implantation a polyhedral tertiary structure, and the polyhedron being provided with at least one additional loop.

Abstract: A device for treating bone in a living body includes (a) comprises an implant configured for attachment to a bone; (b) a first sensor measuring a strain on a first portion of the implant, the first portion of the implant being configured to be mechanically coupled to a weakened portion of a bone when the implant is coupled to the bone in a target position in combination; and (c) a second sensor measuring strain in a non-weakened portion of the bone.

Abstract: Compositions, methods of production and use, and kits for an osteochondral graft involving both articular cartilage and underlying bone are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides viscosupplementation methods for treating osteoarthritis and joint injury with HA-based viscosupplements, particularly viscosupplements with an intra-articular residence half-life shorter than 3 weeks. Viscosupplements for use in the methods of the invention may be further characterized in that they contain less than 20 mg/ml HA, at least 5% (w/w) of which is in a gel form, such as, e.g., hylan B. In an illustrative embodiment, hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc®) is administered in a single intra-articular knee injection of 6±2 ml.

Abstract: A device for forming structurally stable curved structures includes an elongated element (10) with a number of segments (12) interconnected at effective hinges (14) to allow deflection of each segment relative to adjacent segments between a reduced-curvature state and a flexed state. Neighboring segments have interlocking features (16) forming an inter-segment locking configuration such that, when the segments are deflected from the reduced-curvature state to the flexed state, the interlocking features interlock adjacent of the segments so as to retain the segments in the flexed state corresponding to a predefined curved configuration of the elongated element. Additionally, or alternatively, a leading portion (44) and a rear portion (40) of the elongated element have features forming at least part of a loop-lock configuration effective to lock together the leading portion and the rear portion so as to form a closed loop structure.

Abstract: Described herein is conduit material that causes minimal inflammatory reaction, and serves as a structural guide for regenerating nerve tissue (e.g., axons). Thus, the invention is directed to methods of treating a nerve injury in an individual in need thereof. The methods employ an isolated, naturally occurring epineural sheath, and can be used, for example, to regenerate nerve tissue in an individual in need thereof. Also provided herein is a device for harvesting an epineural sheath.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is disclosed comprising: a structural element, wherein the structural element includes: a continuous phase comprising a first polymer of LPLG; a discrete phase within the continuous phase, wherein the discrete phase comprises a second polymer including rapidly eroding elastic discrete phase segments. The second polymer further includes anchor segments that have the same or substantially the same chemical make up as the first polymer of the continuous phase, and at least some of the anchor segments have partially or completely phase-separated from the discrete phase into the continuous phase.

Abstract: An implantable medical device including a porous membrane that is treated with a hydrophilic substance to obtain rapid optimum visualization using technology for viewing inside of a mammalian body. These technologies include ultrasound echocardiography and video imaging such as that used during laparoscopic procedures.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for coating a biocompatible medical implant with a surface layer having antioxidant activity. In various embodiments, a surface layer described herein destroys the oxidative activity of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon contact. An ROS can be, for example, an ROS generated by neutrophils in vivo. In various embodiments, a surface layer comprises a titanium oxide layer that can comprise a rutile, an anatase or a perovskite crystal structure, and can include defects comprising Ti(III). In some embodiments, the oxide layer can further comprise a dopant such as niobium. In some embodiments, methods for forming a surface layer on a biocompatible medical implant having antioxidant activity are disclosed.

Abstract: A percutaneous implant device is biologically attached to bone and soft tissue of a broken limb or amputated limb without longitudinal or lateral movement. Bone and soft tissue in-growth are promoted. The percutaneous implant device has a bio-compatible metal alloy stem member, having an integral tapered fluted section designed to fit into a taper reamed bone canal. A precisely dimensioned cylindrical central core cooperates with a suture ring and an external extension member, facilitating attachment of the percutaneous implant device to a hand or foot prosthesis. A porous metal outer body having a female taper at one end and the capacity to promote growth of bone and soft tissue, is press fitted on the central core contacting suture ring. The assembled implant is inserted into a taper reamed bone cavity until the male taper-reamed bone free end contacts the female taper. Soft skin is extended over the outer surface of the porous metal outer body and the surrounding suture ring.

Abstract: A porous carbon scaffold with a surface and pores, the porous carbon scaffold containing a primary metal and a secondary metal, where the primary metal is a metal that does not wet the surface of the pores of the carbon scaffold but wets the surface of the secondary metal, and the secondary metal is interspersed between the surface of the pores of the carbon scaffold and the primary metal.

Abstract: This invention includes malleable, biodegradable, fibrous compositions for application to a tissue site in order to promote or facilitate new tissue growth. One aspect of this invention is a fibrous component that provides unique mechanical and physical properties. The invention may be created by providing a vessel containing a slurry, said slurry comprising a plurality of natural or synthetic polymer fibers and at least one suspension fluid, wherein the polymer fibers are substantially evenly dispersed and randomly oriented throughout the volume of the suspension fluid; applying a force, e.g., centrifugal, to said vessel containing said slurry, whereupon said force serves to cause said polymer fibers to migrate through the suspension fluid and amass at a furthest extent of the vessel, forming a polymer material, with said polymer material comprising polymer fibers of sufficient length and sufficiently viscous, interlaced, or interlocked to retard dissociation of said polymer fibers.

Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising a silicone foam having pore walls and a plurality of hydrophilic particles anchored to the pore walls of the foam. Some of the hydrophilic particles have an anchored portion firmly anchored to the pore walls and an exposed portion extending outwardly away from the pore walls upon which the anchored portion is secured.

Abstract: A fibre-based surgical implant stabilized against fraying, includes a thermally crimped flat-knitted fabric of a biocompatible, optionally biodegradable, polymer material having a glass transition temperature or other thermally induced secondary conformational mobility threshold in the temperature range of from 20° C. to +170° C. Also disclosed is a corresponding fabric and methods of producing the implant and the fabric.

Abstract: Synthetic structures for soft tissue repair include a multi-layer planar fibrillar structure having layers which are intermittently secured to each other and which approximates mechanical properties comparable to those of soft tissue. In embodiments, the fibrillar structure possesses an intermittently secured edge portion secured by intermittent welds. In embodiments, the multi layer planar fibrillar structure includes a bioactive agent.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel method of controlling the open circuit potential (OCP) of a medical implant by coupling it with small amounts of metals having a lower OCP than the implant. Coupling of Mg to less than 1% of the surface area of a titanium implant is shown to induce cathodic polarization of the titanium that inhibits cell proliferation at the surface of the implant. Mg—Ti coupling in medical devices promises to attenuate or eliminate potential complications of surgery such as peri-implantitis and bacterial infections at the site of implantation.

Abstract: An artificial bone composite structure is provided. This structure includes a fibrous matrix that itself includes a plurality of fibers. Also, the structure includes a plurality of hydroxyapatite (HA) particles. These particles are dispersed within the fibrous matrix. Also, the HA particles have controlled size and aspect ratios and are aligned along long axes of the fibers. In some instances, the fibers include poly-(L-lactic acid) (PLLA).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental implant having recombinant bone morphogenic protein coated on the processed surface thereof, which, when implanted into the jawbone, enables undifferentiated adult cells around the implant site to be rapidly differentiated into osteoblasts so as to induce osteoconductive healing to thereby reduce a healing period, as well as a coating method thereof. According to the invention, recombinant bone morphogenic protein BMP-2 penetrates between ceramic balls formed on the dental implant surface, sheet structures of calcium triphosphate or fine pores formed by anodic oxidation, so as to form a coating film. Thus, the recombinant bone morphogenic protein BMP-2 is not detached from the dental implant surface even during the surgical implantation of the implant.

Abstract: An implant comprises a structure that may be implanted into tissue and that has a first material property at normal body temperature. The first material property is variable at elevated temperatures above normal body temperature. The implant also has a plurality of particles dispersed in the structure that are adapted to convert incident radiation into heat energy when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation. The particles are in thermal contact with the structure such that exposure of the particles to incident radiation raises the temperature of the structure thereby changing the first material property relative to the first material property at normal body temperature.

Abstract: A temporarily implantable medical device is disclosed. Said device is implantable in a predetermined body portion to be treated; wherein said device comprises (a) a reversibly implantable elongated continuous strip of a predetermined shape having a biocompatible surface; said strip having a distal end within the body of a patient and a proximal end located adjacent to the subcutaneous tissue of said body portion to be treated; and, (b) a cannula having a least one exposed portion located at said subcutaneous tissue of said body portion to be treated, accommodating at least a portion of said proximal end of said strip; said cannula comprises sealing means adapted to seal said cannula.

Abstract: An adhesion-preventive film is provided that is excellent in flexibility and can prevent cracks from occurring. The adhesion-preventive film contains a copolymer of lactide and caprolactone. The lactide and the caprolactone of the copolymer has a mole ratio in the range of 65:35 to 80:20. Even when this adhesion-preventive film is used in a curved state in vivo or is wound around an affected part such as a tendon, for example, it can provide an adhesion-preventive function for a sufficiently long period without cracking.

Abstract: Implant for reconstructing tissue of the musculo-skeletal apparatus selected by the group consisting of tendon, fascia, periosteum, ligament, muscle, includes a porous matrix or scaffold of a polymeric material having a tensile stiffness lower by 50% or more than the tensile stiffness of the native tissue it is intended to reconstruct.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention comprise of a method of integrating an RFID component in an implant or prosthesis substitute or in a surgical instrument. The method comprises at least a step to machine or bore the body of the substitute or of the surgical instrument to form a housing then a cavity intended to receive a cover for the housing. The method further comprises an ultrasonic welding step using a sonotrode to weld the cover to the body of the substitute or of the surgical instrument in polymer or plastic, so that the outer surface of the substitute or of the surgical instrument is bump-free and the weld obtained is sealed and durable. One or more embodiments of the invention also concerns the substitute or surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides implantable articles and methods of forming implantable articles from a crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMWPE”) blend stabilized with Vitamin E. The crosslinked UHMWPE blend may be prepared by combining the UHMWPE material and vitamin E prior to irradiating the UHMWPE blend with electron beam radiation at a sufficient radiation dose rate to induce crosslinking.

Abstract: A fiber matrix is provided for maintaining space in soft tissue, for example for use in procedures for assisting drainage of aqueous humor from an eye to treat glaucoma. The fiber matrix comprises a plurality of crossing fibers forming a mesh with a plurality of void spaces. The fibers and void spaces are sized and arranged so as to permit passage of fluid through the fiber matrix and to inhibit formation of scar tissue through the fiber matrix. The fibers may comprise a polymeric material, and the fiber matrix may be manufactured by electrospinning. The fibers may comprise a biostable and/or a biodegradable material. In one method of using a fiber matrix, the fiber matrix is positioned under a scleral flap, with at least part of the fiber matrix under the scleral flap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical implant which is equipped with an antimicrobial composition which comprises silicon dioxide and metal-containing nanoparticles, and processes for producing the medical implant.

Abstract: An antipathogenic biomedical implant is formed throughout its structure of a matrix material comprising at least about 1 weight percent of a photocatalytically active filler which exhibits an antipathogenic effect upon irradiation with light. The photocatalytically active filler is arranged in the matrix material in the implant to receive light irradiated from an external light source. In another embodiment, an antipathogenic biomedical implant comprises at least about 1 weight percent of a photocatalytically active material which exhibits an antipathogenic effect upon irradiation with light, wherein the photocatalytically active material is arranged in the implant to receive light irradiated from an external light source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing an (ultra) high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) article comprising:—incorporating into the HMWPE resin a Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer (HALS) and—cross-link the (U)HMWPE during or after molding the (U)HMWPE resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocompatible ceramic material comprising Baghdadite (Ca3ZrSi2O9), and a method for its preparation. Preferably the Baghdadite is synthetically prepared. The present invention also relates to an implantable medical device comprising biocompatible Baghdadite, and a method for its production. The present invention further relates to a method for improving the long term stability of an implantable medical device and an implantable drug delivery device comprising Baghdadite. Further, the present invention relates to the use of comprising biocompatible Baghdadite in the regeneration or resurfacing of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ceramic porous body for in-vitro and in-vivo use comprising a composition comprising a calcium aluminate (CA) containing phase and optionally at least one of an accelerator, a retarder, a surfactant, a foaming agent, a reactive alumina, water, a fiber, and a biologically active material, and combinations thereof. Ceramic compositions are provides as well as method of using the ceramic compositions and methods of manufacturing a ceramic porous body. The ceramic porous bodies of this invention may be used as artificial bones, joints, in-vitro support structures, and in-vivo support structures for cells, tissues, organs, and nerve growth and regeneration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for splinting and/or maintaining a cavity, an organ duct and/or a vessel in a human or animal body, said device comprising at least one compressible and self-expanding stent that is composed of at least three phases.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to devices and methods for repairing an aperture in biological tissue. In certain embodiments the invention provides as system for closing an aperture in a biological tissue including a handle, an elongate shaft connected to the handle, a deployment scaffold connected to the shaft, in which the scaffold is configured to releasably retain a surgical implant, and at least one adhesive dispensing system.

Abstract: A method for producing a polymeric surface-structured substrate includes: (a) preparing a first precursor substrate that is nanostructured on at least one surface with inorganic nanoparticles, (b) coating a hardenable substrate material for a second substrate different from the first precursor substrate material onto the nanostructured surface of the precursor substrate, wherein the hardenable substrate material includes cross-linkable monomeric, oligomeric or polymeric starting components for producing a polymeric substrate, (c) hardening the hardenable substrate material to obtain a polymeric substrate, and (d) separating the precursor substrate from the polymeric substrate as a result of which a polymeric substrate nanostructured with nanoparticles and including a polyurethane is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific DL-lactide-?-caprolactone copolymers and the application of these polymers in the production of biodegradable medical applications. According to the present invention a polymeric material comprising poly(DL-lactide-co-?-caprolactone) is provided, which is obtained by the copolymerization of DL-lactide and ?-caprolactone, having a lactide content of 51-75 mol %, most preferably of 62-69 mol %. The materials of the present invention have excellent mechanical properties and may be used to provide articles for medical application, in particular nerve guides.