Abstract: Methods and apparatuses involving biocompatible structures for tissue engineering and organ replacement and, more specifically, biocompatible structures formed by three-dimensional fabrication, are described. In some embodiments, the biocompatible structures are scaffolds for cells that can be used as tissue engineering templates and/or as artificial organs. The structures may be three-dimensional and can mimic the shapes and dimensions of tissues and/or organs, including the microarchitecture and porosities of the tissues and organs. Pores in the structure may allow delivery of molecules across the structure, and may facilitate cell migration and/or generation of connective tissue between the structure and its host environment. Structures of the invention can be implanted into a mammal and/or may be used ex vivo as bioartificial assist devices.

Abstract: A material and method for augmenting soft tissue. The tissue augmentation material consists essentially of water and a polysaccharide gel former selected from the group consisting of a cellulose polysaccharide, starch, chitin, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, hydrophobe modified polysaccharide, an alginate, a carrageenan, agar, agarose, an intramolecular complex of a polysaccharide, an oligosaccharide and a macrocylic polysaccharide. Glycerin may also be included. The material may be used to augment soft tissue in a variety of areas, including the facial region and vocal folds.

Abstract: Implantable biomaterials, particularly hydrogel substrates with porous surfaces, and methods for enhancing the compatibility of biomaterials with living tissue, and for causing physical attachment between biomaterials and living tissues are provided. Also provided are implants suitable for load-bearing surfaces in hard tissue repair, replacement, or augmentation, and to methods of their use. One embodiment of the invention relates to an implantable spinal disc prosthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bio-electrospinning technique for preparing a cell-containing, oriented, continuous tubular scaffold, made of biodegradable polymer, designed for use as a nerve guide conduit (NGC) in nerve regeneration. With a coaxial spinneret, the PC-12 cell medium solution was co-electrospun into a core of tubular fibers, with PLA on the outer shell. The resulted fibers' morphology was characterized via SEM and optical microscopy, and following structural characteristics were found: 1. the larger, hollow fibers had diameters in tenth of microns and wall thicknesses around few microns, 2. an orientation in a preferred direction with the aid of a high-rotating collection device. The fluorescent PC12 cells embedded within the scaffold were cultured and nerve growth factor was added. We observed cells could not only survive the process, but also sustain their viability by undergoing differentiation process, extending neurite along the micro tubular scaffold in the desired direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to implantable bioabsorbable non-woven self-cohered web materials having a high degree of porosity. The web materials are very supple and soft, while exhibiting proportionally increased mechanical strength in one or more directions. The web materials often possess a high degree of loft. The web materials can be formed into a variety of shapes and forms suitable for use as implantable medical devices or components thereof.

Abstract: A composition, a medical implant constructed from the composition, and a method of making the composition are described. The composition is a composite material, comprising a porous, reticulated, open cell network having at least part of its surface coated with blue-black or black oxidized zirconium.

Abstract: Described are expanded collagenous materials and methods for their preparation and use. Certain expanded collagenous materials can be prepared by treating a first collagenous material with an alkaline substance under conditions effective to expand the first collagenous material, and recovering the expanded material. Expanded materials can exhibit beneficial persistence and tissue generation characteristics when implanted, and can be used in the formation of highly porous medical implant bodies which can be compressed to fractions of their original volume and will thereafter substantially recover their original volume.

Abstract: Described is an implant for use in medical applications and methods of making and using the implant. The implant includes a hydrated substrate and a diamond-like carbon coating on the substrate. The substrate may be a biological substrate, such as collagen or elastin. The implant may be used to replace or restore the function of damaged tissue in a patient requiring such treatment.

Abstract: An implantable fluid management device, designed to drain excess fluid from a variety of locations in a living host into a second location within the host, such as the bladder of that host. The device may be used to treat ascites, chronic pericardial effusions, normopressure hydrocephalus, hydrocephalus, pulmonary edema, or any fluid collection within the body of a human, or a non-human mammal.

Abstract: Described are medical devices which are or can be used to form tubular medical devices, and related methods. Preferred devices include tubular grafts of biomaterial having lumen walls which present no seam edge that traverses the entire length of the lumen, illustratively including devices having lumen walls which have a discontinuous seam presenting multiple seam edges. Such a device may include a tubular structure formed by inserting a plurality of extensions of a biomaterial sheet through a plurality of corresponding apertures of the sheet.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the present invention is directed to implantable or insertable medical devices which comprise polymeric regions that comprise high vinyl acetate content EVA (or another soft polymer) and a therapeutic agent. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to implantable or insertable medical devices which comprise (a) a first region comprising a first EVA and (b) a second region adjacent to the first region that is of lower durometer than the first region.

Abstract: A medical stent provides an active agent to a patient's body while simultaneously maintaining an open passageway within the body of the patient. The stent includes a first segment, a second segment, a connecting segment disposed between the first and second segments, and the active agent. The active agent may be a hemostatic agent that stops or controls bleeding by coagulation, or any other medical drug, such as, for example an antibiotic or an anticoagulant. When the stent is properly positioned within the patient's urinary system, the first segment is located on one side of the external sphincter and the second segment is located on the other side. The connecting segment is sized to extend through the external sphincter to couple the first and second segments together while not interfering with the normal operation of the external sphincter.

Abstract: An apparatus for operation into the intestine of humans and animals includes a flexible, double-walled tube. The outer wall of the tube is porous for the inward growth of blood vessels, while its inner wall is tight for a barrier effect against the contents of the intestine. A degradable, support structure is advantageously disposed inside the inner wall of the tube.

Abstract: Medical electrical lead systems and related methods are described. The lead systems may be configured to be at least partially implanted in neural tissue of a subject, such as a brain of a subject. Some variations of the lead systems may comprise a lead body, an electrode connected to the lead body, and a bioactive agent. The electrode and/or lead body may comprise a substrate, and the bioactive agent may be supported by the substrate (e.g., by a substantial portion of the area of the substrate). Examples of bioactive agents that may be used in the lead system include antiproliferative agents, bactericidal agents, bacteriostatic agents, antiepileptic agents, and/or antifungal agents. Methods described herein may comprise coating a lead body and/or an electrode of a medical electrical lead system with at least one bioactive agent, where the lead body and the electrode are connected to each other.

Abstract: An implantable fluid management device, designed to drain excess fluid from a variety of locations in a living host into a second location within the host, such as the bladder of that host. The device may be used to treat ascites, chronic pericardial effusions, normopressure hydrocephalus, hydrocephalus, pulmonary edema, or any fluid collection within the body of a human, or a non-human mammal.

Abstract: Prostheses with improved chemical and mechanical properties manufactured that includes a radiation resistant and hydrolytically stable biocompatible fabric having outer and first and second ends with a textile fabric that includes a naphthalene dicarboxylate derivative polymer having the general formula: wherein R1 and R3 are the same or different groups and are independently selected from the naphthalene dicarboxylate derivative repeating unit (I), a hydrogen radical and a methyl radical. R2 is an alkylene radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; n is from 10 to 200. Also contemplated are implantable prostheses that are flat constructions useful as patches and filters or tubular constructions useful as vascular grafts. A further aspect of this invention provides a method for making a radiation and thermal resistant and hydrolytically stable, steam sterilizable biocompatible prosthesis.

Abstract: This invention relates to an instrument for regenerating a living organism tissue or organ, characterized in that a support (A) formed from a biodegradable material or a bioabsorbable material includes a sponge-like fine matrix (B) formed from a biodegradable material or a bioabsorbable material and a linear guide channel (C) for a living organism tissue or organ.

Abstract: The valve mounting system of the invention incorporates a hard cartridge with a grove on its outer, distal surface and a slot communicating distal from the end of the cartridge with the grove and a specially configured elastomeric valve attached to an outer band with a short tab. The band is positioned with the tab aligned with the slot and is stretched and is slid proximally over the cartridge until the tap enters the slot and the band snaps into the seats in the groove. The width of the slot is the same as the width of the tab providing exact alignment of the valve element with the seat provided in the cartridge. The tab can be disposed at an angle to the seat to preload the valve element against the seat.

Abstract: A stent is designed to be placed within a patient's ureter to facilitate drainage from the patient's kidneys to the bladder. An elongated portion of the stent includes a length sufficient to extend substantially within the ureter from the kidney to the bladder, and defines a lumen extending therethrough. A first end portion extends from one end of the elongated portion and is adapted to assume a retaining configuration when placed substantially within the kidney. A second end portion extends from another end of the elongated portion and flares outward when placed substantially within the bladder to maintain position. The second end portion allows fluids to flow through the lumen and into the bladder and is collapsible to prevent fluid from passing from the bladder to the kidney.

Abstract: A process for producing implants made of a bioresorbable metal, particularly magnesium alloys or zinc alloys, in which the material properties of the magnesium or the zinc are changed and the processing and utilization properties are improved by combining process steps for adjusting the properties of the material and subsequent machining. In this way it is possible to produce thin-walled tubular implants, particularly blood vessel support stents, from bioresorbable magnesium or zinc alloys, which are readily deformable without the risk of fracture during implantation.

Abstract: Endoluminally delivered tissue patches and related systems and methods for delivering the tissue patches for treating lesions of the alimentary tract are disclosed. A tissue patch includes a tissue implant imbedded in a substrate to form a first layer and a second layer of substrate on a top surface and a bottom surface of the tissue implant. A predetermined thickness of the first layer is different from a predetermined thickness of the second layer. A tissue patch may include a tissue implant imbedded in a substrate formed of a plurality of sections capable of being folded into a contracted state for endoluminal delivery to the lesion. A system for delivering a tissue implant includes a catheter having an expandable member at a distal end portion, a carrier placed around the expandable member, and the carrier configured to expand from a contracted state to an expanded state and to receive the tissue implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for treating biological tissue. The treatment comprise implanting a scaffold implant device into in combination with a therapeutic material such as cells, tissue or cell components. The scaffold device serves to hold the therapeutic material at the treatment site, protecting it from being squeezed out by surrounding tissue. Additionally the scaffold device is believed to trigger an injury response that leads to angiogenesis in the tissue, which provides blood flow and nutrients to the associated therapeutic material to sustain it for a therapeutically effective amount of time. The devices may also be implanted at a tissue site already treated with a therapeutic material to initiate angiogenesis at the treatment site to sustain the material. The devices and methods also may be used to treat tumors with a necrosis factor.

Abstract: A stent with rapid return and strong shape memory prevents migration of the stent out of a desired site within a patient's body due to peristaltic actions. One particular stent includes an elongated member which defines an eccentric lumen extending longitudinally therethrough such that a first wall portion of the elongated member is thicker than a second wall portion of the elongated member. The first wall has a stronger shape memory than the second wall, and it recoils faster than the second wall. Another particular stent includes a co-extruded elongated member. The elongated member comprises a first material co-extruded with a second material where the second material forms at least a portion of a wall of the elongated member. The second material can have a higher modulus of elasticity than the first material. Additionally or alternatively, the second material can include a shape memory material.

Abstract: A Ti—Zr type alloy manifesting excellent plastic workability at normal temperature fit for the use in general industry, allowing improvement in corrosion resistance fit for the use in medical treatment, offering improved corrosion resistance in an acidic solution, particularly a HCl solution, and having flexibility as evinced by a low Young's modulus on a par with a bone; and a medical appliance such as a guide wire to be directly inserted into a blood vessel of a human body under the X-ray fluoroscopy and a stent retained in a human body for a long time, which are made of the Ti—Zr type alloy are provided. The Ti—Zr type alloy of the present invention consists of 25 to 50% by weight of Ti, 25 to 60% by weight of Zr, 5 to 30% by weight of Nb, and 5 to 40% by weight of Ta, provided that the weight ratio of Zr to Ti be in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 and the weight ratio of Nb to Ta be in the range of 0.125 to 1.5.

Abstract: A temporary bioabsorbable-radiopaque marker for use on an implantable endoprosthesis. The bioabsorbable-radiopaque marker is adapted to be disposed on or adjacent an implantable endoprosthesis in a body lumen for a predetermined amount of time until the bioabsorbable and radiopaque materials are absorbed or dispersed in the body.

Abstract: Novel endoprostheses comprising one or more photocurable materials are disclosed. Said endoprostheses may comprise regions wherein said photocurable materials are selectively disposed about said endoprosthesis and are cured according to desired parameters to achieve varying desired properties. Said properties may include but are not limited to cross-linking density, material density, modulus of elasticity, rate of erosion, extensibility, compressibility, mechanical strength, tensile strength, crystallinity, diffusion coefficient, and permeability.

Abstract: An improved method of implanting cells in the body of a patient includes positioning viable cells on a support structure. One or more blood vessels may be connected with the support structure to provide a flow of blood through the support structure. A support structure may be positioned at any desired location in a patient's body. The support structure may be configured to replace an entire organ or a portion of an organ. An organ or portion of an organ may be removed from a body cells and/or other tissue is removed to leave a collagen matrix support structure having a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the organ or portion of an organ. Alternatively, a synthetic support structure may be formed. The synthetic support structure may have a configuration corresponding to a configuration of an entire organ or only a portion of an organ.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a xenotransplantable porcine islet preparation capable upon xenotransplantation of producing porcine insulin in an appropriate recipient mammal, the method including or comprising: (i) harvesting the pancreas of piglets at or near full term gestation, and (ii) extracting islets from a culture of the harvested pancreas using a suitable collagenase, (iii) the culture of the harvested pancreas being a) of mechanically reduced harvested pancreas, and b) a supportive mammalian albumin substantially free of non-human microbiological agents,wherein (at least some stage in the method) the islets are associated with Sertoli cells.

Abstract: A non-metallic medical device treated with a antimicrobial agents is provided. Different combinations of antimicrobial agents can be used for different types of non-metallic medical devices depending on the types of infections related to each device. The combination of different antimicrobial substances has a synergistic effect against certain bacteria and fungi. An antimicrobial agent can be used to treat a non-metallic medical device by mixing the antimicrobial agent with an acid solution and glycerol and exposing the non-metallic medical device to the resulting mixture such that an enough of the antimicrobial agent binds to a portion of the non-metallic medical device to inhibit the growth of bacterial and fungal organisms.

Abstract: The aggregation of platelets on the surface of a foreign body exposed to the flowing blood of a living being (such as plastic tubing, a balloon or the end of a catheter surgically inserted in a blood vessel, a stent implanted therein or synthetic grafts, which surface normal promotes such platelet aggregation to form a coating firmly affixed to that surface which would restrict the flow of blood past that surface or to form a blood clot detachable from that surface), is inhibited by a gas permeable coating on the surface of a physiologically acceptable polymer as which contains dissolved or dispersed therein a nitrosyl-containing organometallic compound, such as sodium nitroprusside, which is protected from diffusion from the coating and from direct contact with the blood and which slowly decomposes at the body temperature within the coating and in so doing releases a platelet aggregation-inhibiting amount of nitric oxide which diffuses from the coating during the period when platelet aggregation by the surfa

Abstract: The present invention provides a soft-tissue prosthesis which is formed from a tubular textile substrate and a liner. The liner is affixed to the intraluminal surface of the tubular textile portion of the soft-tissue prosthesis to form a fluid-tight barrier on the intraluminal surface of the prosthesis. The liner is preferably formed from a polymer. Thus, the soft-tissue prosthesis formed in accordance with the present invention provides the advantages of both a textile prosthesis and a polymer prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to bioengineered vascular graft support prostheses prepared from cleaned tissue material derived from animal sources. The bioengineered graft prostheses of the invention are prepared using methods that preserve cell compatibility, strength, and bioremodelability of the processed tissue matrix. The bioengineered graft prostheses are used for implantation, repair, or for use in a mammalian host.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tissue engineered testicular prosthesis for implanting within a patient having a scaffold with a biodegradable polymer scaffold having a substantially elliptical body in longitudinal cross-section replicating the shape of a testicle and a substantially circular cross-section in transverse cross-section, the biodegradable scaffold defining an interior and an exterior of the prosthesis, and the scaffold being seeded with disassociated chondrocytes or Leydig cells, or both chondrocytes and Leydig cells. The interior of the prosthesis can be at least partially filled with testosterone.

Abstract: An implant system which facilitates and improves the non-penetrating deep sclerectomy/canalostomy surgery by assured maintenance of the scleral aqueous filled space by a basic permanent chamber which can be easily connected into the opening of the Schlemm's canal by adjustable connecting tubes. This implant system also provides surgical options for penetrating through Descemet's membrane as well as for outflow into the subconjunctival space though the superficial scleral layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable or insertable medical devices that provide resistance to microbial growth on and in the environment of the device and resistance to microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on the device. In particular, the invention discloses implantable or insertable medical devices that comprise at least one biocompatible matrix polymer region, an antimicrobial agent for providing resistance to microbial growth and a microbial adhesion/biofilm synthesis inhibitor for inhibiting the attachment of microbes and the synthesis and accumulation of biofilm on the surface of the medical device.

Abstract: A tube system (1) for reconstructing a hollow organ, comprising a tube (2) for draining a substance, like e.g. urine, wherein the tube (2) for draining the substance is arranged within an outer tube (5) and that the space (4) between the two tubes (2, 5) is provided for the application of cells, and wherein the outer tube (5) is formed by a membrane (5) permeable for the cells to be applied, in particular a micro-perforated membrane (5).

Abstract: A soft tissue implant material is formed from biologically-compatible polymeric particles. The particles may have a diameter of up to about 500 microns and intraparticulate pores sized for ingrowth of soft tissue. The particles may have an inner core of a first biologically-compatible polymeric material and an outer layer generally surrounding the inner core, with the outer layer comprised of a second biologically-compatible polymeric material being hydrophilic and having a composition different from the composition of the first polymeric material. The material may be utilized with collagen or other matrix materials. This material may be used in a method of reforming soft tissues by implanting the material within soft body tissues to modify soft tissue defects such as wrinkles or oral gingival tissue defects and reshape soft tissue, e.g., for urinary bladder inconvenience.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent-graft endoprosthesis is provided. The graft included in the stent-graft is a knitted tubular structure circumferentially disposed and securably attached to the stent. The knitted tubular structure has a knit pattern of interlacing yarns in an Atlas or a modified-Atlas pattern to provide greater than 150 percent longitudinal stretchability. A knitted tubular graft and a knitted medical fabric with greater than 150 percent longitudinal stretchability are also provided.

Abstract: Septal defect occluders are disclosed which can be used with a catheter deployment system to occlude a septal defect. The septal defect occluders of the present invention comprise a metallic frame structure that supports a biodegradable member. The frame structure is made from a shape memory metal such as Nitinol. The frame forms two opposing umbrella or disc shaped halves that are connected via a central region. The biodegradable member is attached to the umbrella or disc shaped halves and can be any of numerous biodegradable materials and is preferably a co-polymer of glycolide and lactide. This material initially forms a barrier to blood flow that occludes the defect. Over time, this material is replaced by the body with scar tissue formation and endothelial cells. The metal frame is left coated with the body's own material that blocks the defect.

Abstract: Continuously flat-woven implantable tubular prostheses have seamless woven sections which gradually change the number of warp yarns to smoothly transition, i.e., taper, from one diameter to another. Multi-diameter endoluminal grafts having a variety of shapes and configurations are made using a seamless weaving process without unacceptable voids or gaps in the tubular wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial dura mater characterized by comprising at least a sheet of a biodegradable and bioabsorbable synthetic polymer and having a storage modulus at ordinary temperature of from 1×107 to 5×108 (Pa); and a process for producing an artificial dura mater characterized by dissolving a lactide/&egr;-caprolactone copolymer (in a molar ratio ranging from 40/60 to 60/40) in a solvent, filtering the resultant solution and casting the same followed by air drying.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a tissue-engineered organ or organ portion or specific section thereof comprising the steps of loading organoid units into a biocompatible polymer scaffold and implanting the polymer scaffold into a subject. Organs produced by this method are also encompassed by the invention. Organoid units can be derived from tissues including, but not limited to, spleen, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, endocrine tissue, heart, esophagus, colon, stomach, gall bladder and uterus. The resulting engineered tissue can comprise spleen, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, endocrine, cardiac muscle, esophagus, colon, stomach, gall bladder or uterus. The invention further relates to a tissue-engineered organ or organ portion or specific section thereof comprising compact tissue grown in a biocompatible polymer scaffold, wherein the tissue is derived from spleen, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, endocrine, heart, esophagus, colon, stomach, gall bladder or uterus.

Abstract: A method for repairing defects and reconstructing urothelial structures in vivo has been developed using a fibrous, open synthetic, biodegradable polymeric matrix which is configured to provide the desired corrective structure. The matrix is shaped to correct the defect, then implanted surgically to form a scaffolding for the patient's own cells to grow onto and into. The implantation of the matrix initiates an inflammatory reaction, resulting in urothelial cells, endothelial cells and mesenchymal cells, to migrate into the matrix. The polymer forming the matrix is selected to be biocompatible and degradable in a controlled manner over a period of one to six months, in the preferred embodiment. A preferred material is a poly(lactic acid-glycolic acid) in a fibrous form, such as a woven or non-woven mesh. Examples demonstrate the repair of defects in bladder in rabbits.

Abstract: A prosthesis, and method for forming same, are provided which includes expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubes having angularly offset node and fibril configurations. Also, the node and fibril configurations are angularly offset from the longitudinal axes of the respective tubes, providing resistance against failure in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A cartilaginous structural member (CSM) for use in penile reconstruction, for the correction of developmental defects, postoperative reconstruction, and for reconstructive preprosthetic surgery. The cartilaginous structural member (CSM) comprise of live cells seeded onto pre-formed shaped structure which may be biodegradable. The live cells may comprise chondrocyte and the cartilaginous structural member (CSM) for use in reconstructive surgery may be constructed of polyglycolic acid. The implant structure is applicable to use for the regeneration and reconstruction or augmentation of semirigid members of the body such as the penis, nose, ear and locations which naturally has cartilage. Further, the cartilaginous structural member (CSM) may be used in plastic surgery such as, for example, breast augmentation or pectoral augmentation.

Abstract: This is a surgical device and a method of using it. In particular, the device is one for reinforcing the pericardial sac surrounding the heart to assist in the treatment of congestive heart failure. The device, generically, is an enclosure having an interior and an exterior. The interior surface is made in such a way that it tends not to or does not form adhesions with or accept ingrowth with the myocardial tissue of the epicardium. The exterior surface of the device, in contrast, is adapted to adhere to or to ingrow with or otherwise attach sufficiently to the pericardium so that it reinforces that membrane or structure. The nature of the device is that it tends not to allow the pericardium to expand further with time. The device, after complete deployment, should envelope some measure of pericardial fluid in its interior separating it from the epicardial surface. This device helps to prevent further declination of the heart during congestive heart failure.

Abstract: A body compatible stent is formed of multiple filaments arranged in at least two sets of oppositely directed helical windings interwoven with one another in a braided configuration. Each of the filaments is a composite including a central core and a case surrounding the core. In the more preferred version, the core is formed of a radiopaque and relatively ductile material, e.g. tantalum or platinum. The outer case is formed of a relatively resilient material, e.g. a cobalt/chromium based alloy. Favorable mechanical characteristics of the stent are determined by the case, while the core enables in vivo imaging of the stent. The composite filaments are formed by a drawn filled tubing process in which the core is inserted into a tubular case of a diameter substantially more than the intended final filament diameter. The composite filament is cold-worked in several steps to reduce its diameter, and annealed between successive cold-working steps.

Abstract: A hybrid medical implant having a biocompatible, nonabsorbable core portion and a bioabsorbable textured outer surface portion overlying the core portion. The hybrid implant is useful as a prosthesis for tissue augmentation and/or reconstruction. The core portion of the implant includes a body formed from a nonabsorbable, biocompatible implantable material such as silicone or urethane elastomer. The core portion may be either a solid body, a viscous gel body or a fluid-filled shell. The textured outer surface portion envelops the core portion and presents an irregular, bioabsorbable textured surface to the exterior environment. As a capsule forms around the implant following implantation, the irregular contour of the outer surface of the implant disorients structural proteins in the capsule to impede spherical contraction thereof. Either during the formation of the capsule and/or after the capsule is formed, the outer bioabsorbable surface portion of the implant is absorbed by the body of the host.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exoluminal stent. The stent includes a bioabsorbable matrix having a plurality of apertures passing therethrough. The matrix is capable of being dimensioned and configured to complement an external diameter of a vessel to be stented. The stent can be adhered to the outer diameter of the vessel to be stented via sutures that pass through the apertures in the matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial dura mater prepared from an biodegradable and bioabsorbable synthetic polymer sheet and having a total light transmittance of 30% or more as defined by JIS K7105, a haze (cloudiness value) of 80% or less as defined by JIS K7105 or a specular glossiness at 60° (Gs 60°) of 10-20% as defined by JIS Z8741.