Abstract: Provided herein are improved compositions and methods of making and using the same, the composition comprising a polymer and a ceramic present at a ratio of from 3:1 to 1:3 of polymer:ceramic by weight, wherein the composition comprises or is a composite of the polymer and the ceramic having improved printability and/or having an improved elastic modulus and/or improved stress at failure (e.g., as compared to a blend of the polymer and the ceramic). Improved medical implants incorporating the same are also provided.

Abstract: A coated tubular construct for biological and industrial applications includes a plurality of channels, where each channel is radially surrounded by a wall comprising a first polymer, and a conformal coating comprising a second polymer is disposed on an outer and/or an inner surface of each wall. A method of producing a tubular construct includes 3D printing a template structure comprising a sacrificial material and a photoinitiator, and immersing the template structure in a first prepolymer solution comprising a first prepolymer and a co-initiator. During the immersion, the template structure is exposed to light, and the first prepolymer undergoes radical polymerization to conformally coat the template structure with the first polymer, forming a coated template. The sacrificial material is removed from the coated template, and a tubular construct comprising the first polymer is formed.

Abstract: This tissue-joining member comprises non-crosslinked fibrous collagen. A laminate body comprises: a support; a joining member that is layered on one surface of the support; and a first adhesive layer that is layered on said one surface of the support in a region on which the joining member is not layered. The method for using the joining member or the laminate body comprises: a heating step in which the joining member or the laminate body is heated to less than 60° C. and greater than body temperature after having being layered on the tissue; and a cooling step in which the heated joining member or laminate body is cooled to body temperature or lower. A treatment system comprises a heating unit and the joining member or the laminate body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mesh or membrane covering (2) based on biological material, for example collagen, or biosynthetic material for prostheses (1), in particular for a breast prosthesis (1), said prosthesis (1) having a rear surface that, when applied, is faced towards the person on whom (1) is applied, said covering (2) being characterized in that it provides a fixing system (4; 3) for fixing to said prosthesis (1), said fixing system providing a plurality of teeth or petals (4) or outer perimeter edge foldable on said rear surface of the prosthesis (1) by means (5). The invention further relates to a method for fixing said covering to a prosthesis, a prosthesis comprising said covering and a process for making said covering.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a surgical mesh, the apparatus comprising: a hollow outer tube having a distal end and a proximal end; a distal housing mounted to the distal end of the hollow outer tube; a hollow inner tube having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the hollow inner tube is slidably disposed within the hollow outer tube; a central rod having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the central rod is slidably disposed within the hollow inner tube; an actuation element mounted to the proximal end of the central rod; and a surgical mesh carriage comprising a plurality of legs, wherein each of the plurality of legs comprises a first hinged end mounted to the distal end of the hollow inner tube and a second hinged end mounted to the distal end of the central rod.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to skirted hernia repair devices which includes at least a first mesh layer having a first side, a second side, and an outer peripheral edge, a skirt mesh layer positioned on the first side of the first mesh layer, the skirt mesh layer having an inner peripheral edge defining an opening in the skirt mesh layer, and, at least one reinforcement member that prevents the skirt mesh layer from inverting.

Abstract: A method of preventing or reducing the occurrence and/or development of a hernia within a subject at risk of developing a hernia includes implanting a graft material in contact with an opening in an abdominal wall. The graft material promotes healing of the abdominal wall and includes placental or placental derived tissue.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to isolated and purified mammalian fetal allografts and kits and compositions containing these. Also disclosed are methods of preparing isolated and purified mammalian fetal allografts; methods of contacting a wound of a subject with these, and methods of treating a disease or condition with these.

Abstract: A nerve conduit loaded with adipose-derived stem cells and a preparation method thereof are provided. The preparation method includes: S1, adding polycaprolactone and polyvinylpyrrolidone into a binary organic solvent, performing ultrasonic treatment, and then adding reduced graphene oxide nanoparticles to obtain a spinning solution; S2, electrospinning with the spinning solution and then washing for several times to obtain a semi-finished conduit product; and S3, injecting a cell mixture into the semi-finished conduit product to obtain the nerve conduit. A fiber surface of the nerve conduit has groove structures, and thus a specific surface area and cell adhesion sites are increased, and adhesion and proliferation of cells are facilitated.

Abstract: To reduce the risk of a ruptured suture after a surgery or the like, a medical apparatus includes a biodegradable sheet in which a plurality of through-holes are formed, a value of a ratio (D/P) of a hole diameter D to a pitch P of the through-hole is in a range of 0.25 or more and less than 40. Such a medical apparatus is useful as an adhesion promoting device for promoting adhesion of biological tissue.

Abstract: A ceramic guide device includes a columnar ceramic guide including a first portion including a first end, a second portion including a second end and having a smaller diameter than a diameter of the first portion, and a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the columnar ceramic guide provided with an insertion hole through which a long wire electrode can be inserted from the first end to the second end; and the long wire electrode that penetrates through the insertion hole, the long wire electrode including a first protruding portion projecting from the first end, and a second protruding portion projecting from the second end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article fabrication system having a plurality of material deposition tools containing one or more materials useful in fabricating the article, and a material deposition device having a tool interface for receiving one of the material deposition tools. A system controller is operably connected to the material deposition device to control operation of the material deposition device. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating an article using the system of the invention and a method of fabricating a living three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: A graft includes a biological graft. An embroidered textile supports the biological graft. Sutures attach the biological graft and the embroidered textile together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell cultivation module comprising a polymer porous film and a casing that has two or more culture medium inflow/outflow ports and accommodates the polymer porous film, wherein the polymer porous film is a polymer porous film with a three-layer structure, having a surface layer A and a surface layer B that have a plurality of holes, and a macrovoid layer that is sandwiched between the surface layer A and the surface layer B, the average hole diameter of the holes present in the surface layer A is smaller than the average hole diameter of the holes present in the surface layer B, the macrovoid layer has dividing walls that are connected to the surface layers A and B, and a plurality of macrovoids that are surrounded by the dividing walls and the surface layers A and B, the holes in the surface layers A and B are in communication with the macrovoids, and the polymer porous film is accommodated within the casing.

Abstract: Implants with fillable reservoirs have been developed that are suitable for rhinoplasty, breast reconstruction, ear reconstruction, and replacement, reconstruction or repair of other soft tissues. The implants can be filled with graft material prior to implantation. The implants are preferably made from resorbable polymers, can be tailored to provide different geometries, mechanical properties and resorption rates in order to provide more consistent surgical outcomes. The implants preferably have an interconnected network of unit cells with microporous outer layers and optionally some or all of the unit cells having at least one macropore in their outer layers. The implants can be loaded by injection with microfat, collagen, DCF, cells, bioactive agents, and other augmentation materials, prior to implantation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a built-in bio-sleeve and preparation method and use thereof. In order to provide a suitable built-in bio-sleeve material for dorsal nerve isolation surgery and penis enlargement surgery, a novel acellular allogeneic dermal matrix material is prepared in the present invention, which is manufactured into a built-in bio-sleeve for the treatment of premature ejaculation and short and small penis. The acellular allogeneic dermal matrix or the built-in bio-sleeve of the present invention is used for dorsal nerve isolation surgery, penis enlargement or lengthening surgery without cutting off the dorsal nerve, thereby avoiding the probability of psychological erectile dysfunction caused by the patient's worry about cutting off the dorsal nerve.

Abstract: High intensity focused ultrasound systems for treating tissue are disclosed herein. A system of treating tissue in a patient in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, an ultrasound source having a focal region and configured to deliver high intensity focused ultrasound energy to a target site in tissue of the patient. The system can further include a controller operably coupled to the ultrasound source. The controller comprises a pulsing protocol for delivering the high intensity focused ultrasound energy with the ultrasound source to the target site. The controller is configured to cause the ultrasound source to pulse high intensity focused ultrasound waves to lyse cells in a volume of the tissue of the subject while preserving an extracellular matrix in the volume of the tissue exposed to the high intensity focused ultrasound waves.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a compressible core comprising a plurality of movable particles, and a wrap surrounding the compressible core. The plurality of movable particles may comprise at least one medicament. A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a compressible core comprising a plurality of crushable particles, and a wrap surrounding the compressible core. The plurality of crushable particles may comprise at least one medicament. The compressible core may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a biocompatible material. The wrap may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a biocompatible material. Articles of manufacture comprising the tissue thickness compensator and methods of making and using the tissue thickness compensator are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a surgical procedure for delivering a prosthetic implant comprises a flexible sleeve configured with a first end and a second end, the flexible sleeve being tapered such that a width of a region at the second end is relatively smaller than a width of a region at the first end, and an interior surface of the flexible sleeve that form an interior cavity, the interior cavity being sized to receive the prosthetic implant; one or more surface active coatings are applied to the interior cavity. The flexible sleeve is manipulatable such that when the prosthetic implant is positioned within the interior cavity, a manually applicable directional pressure in the direction of the second end causes the prosthetic implant to extrude from the second end.

Abstract: Tissue engineering devices and methods employing scaffolds made of absorbable material for use in the human body for tissue genesis and regenerative and cellular medicine including breast reconstruction and cosmetic and aesthetic procedures and supplementing organ function in vivo.

Abstract: A patella implant for knee arthroplasty includes a cap and a base. The cap has an articulating surface and a plurality of first connection members. The base is to be attached to the backside of a patella of a patient. The base includes a cap support mounted to the cap. The cap support includes a plurality of first connection recesses. Each first connection member of the cap is disposed in a corresponding one of the first connection recesses of the cap support to mount the cap to the base.

Abstract: A joint spacer, in particular a knee spacer and a hip spacer is provided which is long-lasting and is sufficiently cushioned and abrasion-resistant and which can also support locally very high loads. A method for treating osteoarthritis by inserting a disk-shaped member into a joint of a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to nanowires. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to systems and methods of individually addressing nanowires on a surface, e.g., that are substantially upstanding or vertically-oriented with respect to the surface. In some cases, one or more nanowires may be individually addressed using various integrated circuit (“IC”) technologies, such as CMOS. For example, the nanowires may form an array on top of an active CMOs integrated circuit.

Abstract: A surgical anvil assembly for use with a circular stapling instrument includes an anvil center rod defining a longitudinal axis and an anvil head pivotally coupled to the anvil center rod and movable between a first operative condition and a second tilted condition. The anvil assembly further includes a locking assembly configured to selectively lock the anvil head in each of the first and second conditions.

Abstract: A method of sealing a resected surface of an organ includes applying a synthetic matrix to a resected surface of an organ, and applying an adhesive on the synthetic matrix so that the adhesive penetrates through interstices of the synthetic matrix for contacting an interface between the synthetic matrix and the resected surface of the organ. The method includes curing the adhesive for bonding the synthetic matrix to the resected surface of the organ. The synthetic matrix is a non-woven mesh made of polyglactin 910 or any other synthetic or non-synthetic fabric having a similar porosity or density. The adhesive is a biosynthetic or a synthetic adhesive. After penetrating through the pores of the synthetic matrix and curing, the cured biosynthetic or synthetic adhesive mechanically interlocks with the synthetic matrix for adhering the synthetic matrix to the tissue for creating a sealing barrier.

Abstract: Non-woven graft materials for use in specialized surgical procedures such as neurosurgical procedures, methods for making the non-woven graft materials, and methods for repairing tissue such as neurological tissue using the non-woven graft materials are disclosed. More particularly, disclosed are non-woven graft materials including at least two distinct fiber compositions composed of different polymeric materials, methods for making the non-woven graft materials and methods for repairing tissue in an individual in need thereof using the non-woven graft materials.

Abstract: Provided herein are biomimetic osteochondral implants that are generally useful for the at least partial resurfacing of damaged cartilage within a joint. The implants are constructed to have a modular, layered structure in which the physical properties (e.g., stiffness and lubricity) or dimensions of each layer can be adjusted (e.g., by using the appropriate material and controlling the thickness thereof) based on the anatomy to be replaced. For example, the material and or thicknesses of the layers can be selected to approximate the physical properties and/or dimensions of cartilage (and, optionally, chondral and subchondral bone). Also provided herein are methods of treatment involving the use of said biomimetic osteochondral implants to repair an osteochondral defect in a joint.

Abstract: A soft tissue device can incorporate a composite material comprising a gel and at least one nanostructure disposed within the gel. A soft tissue device can further incorporate biologically active materials such as cells, tissues. A method for healing a soft tissue defect while promoting soft tissue regeneration can include applying a soft tissue device to a soft tissue defect, wherein the composite material includes a gel and a nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for manufacturing a soft tissue device for use in healing soft tissue defects can include providing a gel, disposing nanofibers within the gel, and a biologically active material.

Abstract: An implantable article for attaching tendons and/or ligaments to bone and/or cartilage, assemblies thereof, and methods of use thereof are provided. The article is configured for attaching at least one of a tendon and a ligament to at least one of bone and cartilage. The article comprises a membrane comprising a biological material that promotes cell growth. The membrane comprises a first end, a second end, a cavity, and an expandable portion. The second end is configured to be attached to at least one of the bone, the cartilage, the tendon, and the ligament. The cavity extends from the first end to the second end. The cavity is configured to receive the cell growth mixture from the open end. The expandable portion is positioned intermediate the first end and the second end and is configured to increase in size responsive to the cell growth mixture entering the cavity.

Abstract: Tissue engineering devices and methods employing scaffolds made of absorbable material for use in the human body for tissue genesis and regenerative and cellular medicine including breast reconstruction and cosmetic and aesthetic procedures and supplementing organ function in vivo.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for promoting and/or accelerating bone regeneration, repair, and/or healing and, in particular, to compositions and methods of promoting bone regeneration, growth, repair, and/or healing using graft or scaffold materials. In exemplary embodiments, the disclosed compositions may be used to promote and/or accelerate bone regeneration by delivering a composition to a bone site, the composition comprising (a) a citrate component, (b) a phosphate component, and, optionally, (c) a particulate inorganic material. The citrate component and/or phosphate component is advantageously released from the composition at the bone site. The released citrate component may function to increase alkaline phosphatase activity and/or expression at the bone site, and the increased alkaline phosphatase activity and/or expression may release the phosphate component. The composition may be delivered in various forms, e.g., as a biodegradable scaffold.

Abstract: A method for removing amorphous regions from a surface of a crystal substrate uses an accelerated neutral beam including reactive gas species for removing or reactively modifying material surfaces without sputtering. Accelerated neutral atom beam enabled surface reactions remove surface contaminants from substrate surfaces to create an interface region with exposed crystal lattice in preparation for next phase processing.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument includes a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples and a cartridge deck. The staple cartridge assembly also includes a compressible adjunct positionable against the cartridge deck, wherein the staples are deployable into tissue captured against the compressible adjunct, and wherein the compressible adjunct comprises a first biocompatible layer comprising a first portion, a second biocompatible layer comprising a second portion, and crossed spacer fibers extending between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for creating a modified tissue graft, wherein an anatomical site at which the modified tissue graft is to be placed is identified, desired characteristics for the modified tissue graft are identified based at least upon the anatomical site, one or more types of graft modifications and regions of the tissue graft to be modified are identified to achieve the desired characteristics; and at least a first area and a second area of the exterior surface of the tissue graft are modified by compressing, cutting and/or removing one or more portions thereof to create first designed surface features which cause the tissue graft to have first characteristics in the first area and second designed surface features which cause the tissue graft to have second characteristics in the second area.

Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a stapling assembly can include a cartridge and a knitted adjunct that is configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. The adjunct can have a tissue-contacting layer formed of at least first fibers, a cartridge-contacting layer formed of at least second fibers, spacer fibers intertwined with and extending between the tissue-contacting layer and the cartridge-contacting layer to thereby connect the tissue-contacting and cartridge-contacting layers together, and at least one fiber interconnecting at least a portion of a terminal edge of each of the tissue-contacting and cartridge-contacting layers to form a finished edge that substantially prevents fraying thereof.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes providing support material within which the structure is fabricated, depositing, into the support material, structure material to form the fabricated structure, and removing the support material to release the fabricated structure from the support material. The provided support material is stationary at an applied stress level below a threshold stress level and flows at an applied stress level at or above the threshold stress level during fabrication of the structure. The provided support material is configured to mechanically support at least a portion of the structure and to prevent deformation of the structure during the fabrication of the structure. The deposited structure material is suspended in the support material at a location where the structure material is deposited. The structure material comprises a fluid that transitions to a solid or semi-solid state after deposition of the structure material.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a medical device can comprise an elongate outer sheath that extends along a sheath longitudinal axis and defines a central lumen extending therethrough, the elongate outer sheath can comprise a proximal sheath portion and a distal sheath portion. A first guidewire can comprise a first guidewire end and a second guidewire end, the first guidewire can extend from the first and second guidewire ends through the central lumen and can form a distal looped portion. An occlusion device can be disposed at a distal end of an elongate flexible shaft. The elongate flexible shaft can extend from the proximal sheath portion through the central lumen. The occlusion device can include a guide lumen through which the first guide wire passes.

Abstract: A woven fabric comprising: a) A first layer of first uncrimped weft filaments; b) a second layer of second uncrimped weft filaments; wherein for each of the first uncrimped weft filaments there is one corresponding second uncrimped weft filament, and vice versa, to form successive filament pairs of first and second uncrimped weft filaments, c) crimped warp filaments having four different weave types c1-c4, but each weave type consisting of entwining around first uncrimped weft filaments; passing between first and second uncrimped weft filaments; entwining around second uncrimped weft filaments; and passing again between first and second uncrimped weft filaments; and d) uncrimped warp filaments passing between the first uncrimped weft filaments and the second uncrimped weft filaments of all filament pairs; wherein the fabric does not comprise crimped warp filaments which entwine around the first uncrimped weft filaments and the second uncrimped weft filaments in alternating manner.

Abstract: A tissue defect closure system includes an endoscopic surgical fixation device and an implant. The endoscopic surgical fixation device includes a handle assembly and an elongated outer tube having a distal end and including a plurality of fasteners disposed therein. The implant includes an elongated hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end, and defines an elongated pocket therein. The elongated pocket is dimensioned to engage the elongated outer tube of the endoscopic surgical fixation device.

Abstract: In a method for producing transparent biological preparations for examination by light microscopy biological tissue is electrophoretically clarified in that the tissue is immersed in an aqueous alkaline electrophoresis solution and is exposed to an electric field in the electrophoresis solution. The electrophoresis solution contains a buffer base, the cations of which have a molecular weight of at least 50 Da, at a concentration of 5 to 100 mol/m3 and a non-ionic detergent at a concentration of 0.1 to 10% (w/v).

Abstract: The invention relates generally to generation of biomimetic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering and, more particularly, to multi-level lamellar structures having rotated or alternated plywood designs to mimic natural bone tissue. The invention also includes methods of preparing and applying the scaffolds to treat bone tissue defects. The biomimetic scaffold includes a lamellar structure having multiple lamellae and each lamella has a plurality of layers stacked parallel to one another. The lamellae and/or the plurality of layers is rotated at varying angles based on the design parameters from specific tissue structural imaging data of natural bone tissue, to achieve an overall trend in orientation to mimic the rotated lamellar plywood structure of the naturally occurring bone tissue.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant transfer device is provided that may be used to insert a prosthetic implant through a surgical opening. In some embodiments, the device may comprise a flexible sheet of material that may be formed into an elongated hollow structure. The flexible sheet of material includes a plurality of fasteners that may be selected and engaged to define a desired size distal opening.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis for mending anatomical defects, including a groin hernia. The prosthesis includes a prosthetic repair patch that may be implanted in different tissue planes to mend a defect. The patch may include a medial portion configured to be positioned in a first tissue plane and a lateral portion configured to be positioned in a second tissue plane offset from the first tissue plane. The patch may include a transition region configured to extend through tissue and/or muscle, such as fascia, separating the tissue planes and transition the patch from one tissue plane to the other tissue plane. The transition region may be configured to inhibit buckling and/or bunching of the patch when implanted through the fascia. The lateral portion of the patch may have a level of stiffness that facilitates implantation of the patch in different tissue planes while inhibiting patient sensation to the implanted patch.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis for mending anatomical defects, including a groin hernia. The prosthesis includes a prosthetic repair patch that may be implanted in different tissue planes to mend a defect. The patch may include a medial portion configured to be positioned in a first tissue plane and a lateral portion configured to be positioned in a second tissue plane offset from the first tissue plane. The patch may include a transition region configured to extend through tissue and/or muscle, such as fascia, separating the tissue planes and transition the patch from one tissue plane to the other tissue plane. The transition region may be configured to inhibit buckling and/or bunching of the patch when implanted through the fascia. The lateral portion of the patch may have a level of stiffness that facilitates implantation of the patch in different tissue planes while inhibiting patient sensation to the implanted patch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis (100) comprising an openworked three-dimensional knit (101) comprising a front face and a rear face, each face being formed with one or more laps of yarns defining pores on said face, the front face being bound to the rear face by connecting yarns defining a spacer, characterized in that the connecting yarns are distributed so that they define an entanglement of yarns crossing each other at the spacer, without obstructing the pores of the front and rear faces.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are gender-specific implantable mesh for inguinal hernia repair in a patient, comprising: a fabric layer comprising a side defining a surface area wherein the fabric layer is configured to enable tissue adhesion to said mesh; an anti-adhesive barrier comprising a shape configured to prevent direct contact between the fabric layer and both a spermatic cord and a genital nerve upon implantation, wherein the shape covers a part of the surface area on the side of the fabric layer, the part being less than 25%, and wherein the shape is oblique to a horizontally-oriented centerline and a vertically-oriented centerline; and a keyhole configured to fit the genital nerve and the spermatic cord of the patient therethrough without constriction, wherein the keyhole is oblique and inferior to a horizontally-oriented centerline and medial to a vertically-oriented centerline.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a personalized naturally designed mitral valve prosthesis to precisely fit a specific patient for which the valve prosthesis is made for is provided. The method includes measuring size and shape of a mitral valve of the specific patient by using imaging methods, calculating geometry and dimensions of annular ring, leaflets and chords per the specific patient based on validated algorithms, and cutting and connecting the annular ring, leaflets and chords to form a personalized prosthesis mitral valve.

Abstract: A method includes forming a scaffold and seeding the scaffold with live cells; growing the cells in the scaffold; and 3D printing the cells into a living subject, where the cells continue to live in the living subject.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a solution for cryopreservation of animal cells or animal tissues which substantially includes a cryoprotectant that contains 0.5 w/v % to 6.0 w/v % of dextran or derivatives thereof or salts thereof and contains dimethyl sulfoxide, and includes a physiological aqueous solution; a cryopreserved product of animal cells or animal tissues which includes animal cells or animal tissues, and includes the above-described solution for cryopreservation of animal cells or animal tissues; and a cryopreservation method of animal cells or animal tissues, which is a method using the above-described solution for cryopreservation of animal cells or animal tissues.