Abstract: The invention relates to an intravascular stent wherein the intravascular stent has its inner surface treated to promote the migration of endothelial cells onto the inner surface of the intravascular stent. Particularly, the inner surface of the intravascular stent includes at least one groove. Methods for manufacturing an intravascular stent are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention produces osteoinductive bone using a controlled-flow apparatus. The apparatus allows for the controlled extraction of undesirable constituents from a body tissue. The invention provides for the demineralization of ground bone particles or pieces of cancellous or cortical bone which permits the controlled and reproducible demineralization of bone to produce bone which is maximally osteoinductive. It has been demonstrated that ground cadaveric bone which is demineralized to a residual calcium level approximating 2% by dry weight of bone is optimally osteoinductive as assayed using in vivo and in vitro assays of osteoinductivity. The controlled-flow apparatus includes one or more solution containers which supply solutions to be pumped into one or more vessels filled with tissue samples to be extracted. Solvent outflowing from the vessels can be monitored for pH, calcium ion concentration or conductivity as a basis for determining when extraction is complete.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making vascular prostheses from ePTFE said prostheses having a diameter which is larger, and a wall thickness which is smaller than previously achievable using ram extrusion techniques. The method consists of extruding a PTFE tube, finish processing the tube into an ePTFE tube, laterally dilating it by expansion in incremental steps, calendering the tube after each dilating step, while the tube is being maintained at an elevated temperature. Once the tube is dilated it can be sintered with another tube to form a laminate. Alternatively, a wire stent may be joined with one or more tubes, thereby biasing the laminate to a cylindrical configuration.

Abstract: In a process for producing a natural implant for tissue of a human or animal body, the body's own cells are multiplied and/or differentiated on a cell base using a culture medium to form the implant.

Abstract: Solid free-form fabrication (SFF) methods are used to manufacture devices for allowing tissue regeneration and for seeding and implanting cells to form organ and structural components, which can additionally provide controlled release of bioactive agents, wherein the matrix is characterized by a network of lumens functionally equivalent to the naturally occurring vasculature of the tissue formed by the implanted cells, and which can be lined with endothelial cells and coupled to blood vessels at the time of implantation to form a vascular network throughout the matrix. The SFF methods can be adapted for use with a variety of polymeric, inorganic and composite materials to create structures with defined compositions, strengths, and densities, using computer aided design (CAD). Examples of SFF methods include stereo-lithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), ballistic particle manufacturing (BPM), fusion deposition modeling (FDM), and three dimensional printing (3DP).

Abstract: A medical implant made of polymeric material having an increased oxidation resistance is formed by a method including the step of placing a resin powder in a sealed container. A substantial portion of the oxygen is removed from the sealed container by either a vacuum, an oxygen absorbent or by flushing with inert gas. The container is then repressurized with a gas such as nitrogen, argon, helium or neon so that long term storage may be possible. On use, the resin is transferred to a forming device which both melts and forms the resin in an oxygen reduced atmosphere to produce a polymeric raw material such as a rod or bar stock. The medical implant is then formed from this raw material annealed and sealed in an airtight package in an oxygen reduced atmosphere. The implant is then radiation sterilized and thereafter annealed in the package for a predetermined time and temperature sufficient to form cross-links between any free radicals in neighboring polymeric chains.

Abstract: A flexible leaflet heart valve includes a base, a peripheral portion and a plurality of leaflets. Each leaflet includes a scalloped free margin having opposite ends and a mid-portion between the opposite ends. The opposite ends are attached to the peripheral portion of the valve at a first height above the base. The mid-portion of each free margin is positioned at a second height above the base, less than the first height. Each free margin is adjacent each other free margin to form a gap therebetween. Each leaflet is of a first thickness and at least a portion of each free margin is of a second thickness, greater than the first thickness. This may include extending the second thickness along the entire free margin between the opposite ends or extending the second thickness only along the mid-portion of the free margin.

Abstract: The preparation and use of medical devices are described. A thiol group agent is loaded onto a medical device such as a stent or a catheter. Preferably, the loading is accomplished onto a polymeric surface that had been activated by water vapor RF plasma treatment. The thiol group agent is structured to exhibit sulfhydryl groups. These sulfhydryl groups are available for interaction with NO carriers such as nitrovasodilators. This interaction can take place in situ at an in vivo location within a vascular system, for example, in which event the sulfhydryl groups would be delivered by the medical device while the NO carrier will be delivered by suitable pharmaceutical administration means. Alternatively, the NO carrier can be loaded onto the treated medical device surface at a suitable time prior to insertion of the medical device into the body, such as immediately before the initiation of a medical procedure such as stent delivery and implantation.

Abstract: A medical device of metallic or non-metallic material coated with a combination of antiseptics and a method for coating such an implant with a combination of antiseptics is provided. Different combinations of antiseptics can be used for different types of medical devices depending on the spectrum of organisms that cause the infections related to each device. The combination of different antiseptics has a synergistic effect against certain bacteria and fungi. The combination of antiseptic can be applied to the surface of a metallic device by dissolving the combination of antiseptics and a polymeric sticking agent in an acid solution to form an antiseptic solution, and applying the antiseptic solution, in an effective concentration to inhibit the growth of bacterial and fungal organisms, to at least a portion of the surfaces of the medical device.

Abstract: A cement mold for use in forming a temporary orthopedic implant used in an orthopedic surgical procedure. The cement mold includes a first mold to define a first portion of the temporary implant and a second mold to define a second portion of the temporary implant. A coupling mechanism joins the first mold to the second mold such that the cement mold is substantially sealed to define the temporary implant. The cement mold further defines an input port which is operable to receive a delivery nozzle to supply antibiotic loaded bone cement within an inner sidewall of the cement mold. At least one ventilation port is defined by the cement mold which is operable to vent trapped air upon filling the cement mold with the antibiotic loaded bone cement through the input port. The cement mold further includes a removal mechanism which is operable to assist in tearing and separating the cement mold from the temporary implant.

Abstract: An alloplastic device and process for replacement of a damaged or diseased spinal vertebral column disk. The replacement disk is hollow room temperature vulcanizable (RTV) silicone shaped to mimic the natural disk being replaced. The shape can be derived from a mold of the natural disk or an MRI scan. The replacement disk may be trabeculated (honeycombed) and may be filled with a lubricating fluid including triglyceride oil, preferably soybean oil. The replacement disk is formed by allowing RTV silicone injected into a mold to vulcanize at room temperatures until a wall of sufficient thickness is formed. The unvulcanized silicone is expressed to form the hollow interior. The replacement disk is formed with a nipple having an interior concavity. The nipple is cut from the body of the replacement disk leaving an opening into the hollow interior.

Abstract: A method of preparing a prosthetic eye having a matching appearance of a natural eye by (a) taking an impression of the missing eye socket and evaluating soft tissue, (b) positioning a wax try in the socket for proper aperture and centering, (c) taking pictures of the natural eye using a high resolution camera and projecting the resulting pictures on a screen with color enhancement to obtain correct shades and color for the prosthetic, and (d) printing the color enhanced reproduction of the natural eye on the prosthetic, which is a material stable with acrylics, to obtain an exact duplicate of the natural eye. The information obtained from the natural eye can be stored and reproduced whenever required.

Abstract: Solid free-form fabrication (SFF) methods are used to manufacture devices for allowing tissue regeneration and for seeding and implanting cells to form organ and structural components, which can additionally provide controlled release of bioactive agents, wherein the matrix is characterized by a network of lumens functionally equivalent to the naturally occurring vasculature of the tissue formed by the implanted cells, and which can be lined with endothelial cells and coupled to blood vessels at the time of implantation to form a vascular network throughout the matrix. The SFF methods can be adapted for use with a variety of polymeric, inorganic and composite materials to create structures with defined compositions, strengths, and densities, using computer aided design (CAD).Examples of SFF methods include stereo-lithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), ballistic particle manufacturing (BPM), fusion deposition modeling (FDM), and three dimensional printing (3DP).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a covered endoprosthesis employs a conformed polymeric coating about an expandable stent. The expandable stent has an open tubular construction. A first polymeric liner is positioned about an inner surface of the tubular stent and a second polymeric liner is positioned about an outer surface of the tubular stent. The first and second polymeric liners are conformed to the tubular stent and laminated together through the open construction of the stent at a location coextensive with the inner surface of the tubular stent.

Abstract: An external custom prosthetic device is created and positioned upon a patient such that an area to be covered is matingly engaged with a product that is a simulacrum of the part desired to be replaced due to reversed imaging, by laser photography or laser mapping. A method for creating a silicone based prosthetic, process for generating same with or without an air pocket disposed therein, and products by these processes are likewise taught.

Abstract: A bone connective prosthesis and method of forming same comprising the addition of a biocompatible plasticizer to a PMMA film and/or bone cement, which preferably copolymerizes with the PMMA film and/or bone cement. Preferably, this plasticizer comprises the FDA approved, biocompatible hydrophilic monomer known as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (commonly referred to as "HEMA") and its associated water. HEMA has the ability to absorb water. An important feature of this invention is that this ability to absorb water results in a measurable and controllable plasticization.In one embodiment of the present invention, the plasticizer (HEMA and its associated water) copolymerizes with the PMMA film to form a PMMA/HEMA coating which is preferably used as a coating on a bone prosthesis. In a further embodiment, the plasticizer (HEMA and its associated water) copolymerizes with a PMMA base bone cement to form a PMMA/HEMA bone cement.

Abstract: A tissue press and method for shaping or compressing a piece of tissue comprises first and second members movable relative to each other. A first forming element of a predetermined shape is selectively engageable on the first member. A second forming element of predetermined shape is selectively engageable on the second member. The first and second forming elements are positionable on opposite sides of the piece of tissue. The first and second members are relatively movable between a first spaced apart condition and a second condition in which the piece of tissue is held between the first and second forming elements. Means are preferably provided for monitoring and controlling the amount of pressure applied to the piece of tissue, in order to maintain the tissue in a viable living condition. Means may also be provided for draining off fluid from compressed tissue, so that the tissue can be implanted in a compressed state and imbibe fluid from the host site.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis includes a porous polymeric member having pores present in its wall structure wherein these pores contain a variety of therapeutically useful compositions including, collagen, genetically altered cells and piezoelectric materials. A process of preparing such a prosthesis is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a medical device and medical devices which can be formed in accordance with the method. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of a) providing a metal fabric formed of a plurality of strands formed of a metal which can be heat treated to substantially set a desired shape; b) deforming the metal fabric to generally conform to a surface of a molding element; c) heat treating the metal fabric in contact with the surface of the molding element to substantially set the shape of the fabric in its deformed state; and d) removing the metal fabric from contact with the molding element. The resulting metal fabric will define a medical device which can be collapsed for passage through a catheter or the like for deployment in a channel of a patient's body. Medical devices made in accordance with this method can have varying structures.

Abstract: Bioprosthetic devices made of collagen-based material having collagen amine groups and collagen carboxyl groups are provided as well as methods for their formation. The methods comprise combining an epoxy functionalized crosslinking agent with the collagen-based material in an aqueous medium at an acidic pH to react a portion of the collagen carboxyl groups with the epoxy functionalized crosslinking agent to form crosslinked collagen-based material comprising residual collagen carboxyl groups.

Abstract: A bypass conduit having a desired hollow internal geometry for defining a bounded blood flow path from an open first end positioned in a heart chamber and an open second end connected to a lumen of a coronary vessel is made by forming a master having an external surface with an external geometry complementary to the desired internal geometry of the conduit. The external surface of the master is coated with pyrolytic carbon to define a pyrolytic carbon conduit of pyrolytic carbon bonded to the external surface of the master and with the pyrolytic carbon having an internal surface with a conduit geometry complementary to the external geometry of the master. The master is removed from the pyrolytic carbon conduit.

Abstract: A method for constructive modelling of articles including prostheses and anatomical pathology wherein CT scan data is computed to construct a plurality of two dimensional cross sectional images along one axis and the two dimensional image data is computed to create three dimensional coordinate data sets for the articles to be modelled. The three dimensional data sets are then computed to obtained spaced parallel two dimensional image data sets in a second plane of the article and the reconstructed two dimensional image data sets are employed in a constructive modelling process to produce a three dimensional model of the article or part thereof.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and method of making and implanting the article made of a polyolefin star or linear copolymer are disclosed in which the polyolefin copolymer is biostable and crack-resistant when implanted in vivo. The polyolefin copolymer is the reaction product of a rubbery component which when homopolymerized produces a polymer having a low level of hardness, and a hardening component which when homopolymerized produces a polymer having a high level of hardness. The polyolefin copolymer is elastomeric, has a hardness intermediate the low and high levels of hardness, and has a backbone in which the majority of polymer linkages along the copolymer chain are alternating quaternary and secondary carbon atoms.

Abstract: A dowel (300) is provided by obtaining a plug from the shaft (diaphysis) of various long bones. The dowel (300) has an intra-medullary canal (30) which can be packed with any of a variety of osteogenic materials. The dowel (300) has a cortical surface (10) into which an instrument attachment hole (15) may be machined and onto which an alignment mark (16) may be inscribed for proper orientation of the intra-medullary canal (30) or a driver slot (56) which may be used to assist in further machining of the bone dowel (300). The dowel (300) ha a chamfered insertion end and has improved biomechanical and vertebral fusion induction properties as compared to standard dowels known in the art. A threaded (31) or grooved (32) dowel (300) and an apparatus (400) for efficient production thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for using tubular material to replace a semilunar heart valve (i.e., an aortic or pulmonary valve). To create such a replacement valve, the native valve cusps are removed from inside an aorta or pulmonary artery, and the inlet end of a tubular segment is sutured to the valve annulus. The outlet (distal) end of the tube is either "tacked" at three points distally, or sutured longitudinally along three lines; either method will allow the flaps of tissue between the suture lines to function as movable cusps. This approach generates flow patterns that reduce turbulence and closely duplicate the flow patterns of native semilunar valves. An article of manufacture is also disclosed, including a sterile biocompatible synthetic material which has been manufactured in tubular form, by methods such as extrusion or coating a cylindrical molding device, to avoid a need for a suture line or other seam to convert a flat sheet of material into a tubular shape.

Abstract: A solid woven tubular prosthesis having sufficient inherent wall stiffness so as to be radially self-supporting. The solid woven prosthesis is capable of being formed with a smooth, continuous inner wall that improves the hemodynamic flow with respect to conventional woven prosthesis, thereby facilitating the flow of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A method for forming the outer surface of a breast prosthesis is disclosed. A digital, three-dimensional image is formed of a patient's breast using a computerized scanner. A computer-controlled milling machine utilizes the image to form a solid model of the breast. A sheet of flexible, moldable material having a uniform, precise thickness is then vacuum-formed over the breast model. A hard, two-piece mold is cast from the flexible sheet. A soft, curable material is then either poured or injected between the two pieces of the mold to form the breast prosthesis outer surface. The breast prosthesis outer surface is then turned inside out to form a shape that is a mirror image of the patient's breast.

Abstract: An implantable microporous ePTFE tubular vascular graft exhibits long-term patency, superior radial tensile strength, reduction in tear propagation, and increases in suture retention strength and crush resistance. The graft includes an ePTFE tubular structure having a preselected microporous structure. The tubular structure is wrapped externally with a PTFE yarn in a helical fashion. The helical wrap of yarn is bonded to the exterior surface of the tubular structure by application of heat or heat in combination with force to form a composite structure which substantially maintains the porosity of the underlying tubular structure while increasing the suture retention strength, radial tensile strength, crush resistance, and tear propagation resistance.

Abstract: A method for forming a work hardened modular component connector for use in orthopedic surgery. This method includes machining a member which forms a portion of the orthopedic implant into an initial configuration having an oversized region. Work hardening a portion of the oversized region of the member. Machining the member into a final precision configuration upon work hardening at least a portion of the oversized region of the member.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided that is advantageously used to fill a soft tissue or muscle defect, such as an inquinal or femoral hernia. In a first aspect of the invention, multiple layers of a flexible, mesh material are attach together at a finite number of joins. A tab is placed at the geometric center of one of the mesh layers to facilitate insertion of the mesh into the defect. The tab also creates a blunt tip that reduces irritation and discomfort to the patient. In a second aspect of the invention, a prosthesis is provided that includes a barrier layer between two or more layers of flexible, mesh material to prevent adhesion of the device to the tissue. All layers are attached together by a finite number of joins. A tab is placed at the geometric center of one of the mesh layers to facilitate insertion of the mesh into the defect.

Abstract: The invention discloses pH-controlling devices that comprise a biodegradable polymer and a pH-controlling substance, particularly an alkaline, acidic or buffering agents. By way of example, such alkaline agents include calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. Methods of preparing such devices are also described. Methods for enhancing biocompatibility of an implantable device are also provided, as neutralizing alkaline materials are released at a rate that offsets changes in pH typically observed as polymers degrade to various acidic or alkaline by-products. By way of example, biodegradable polymers include PLA, PGA, polycaprolactone, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof. A new technique is disclosed to increase the surface porosity of porous implants which have a tendency to form relatively impermeable coverings. This technique entails the use of mechanical means to remove at least part of said covering, thus increasing the implant's surface porosity and permeability.

Abstract: Surgical devices such as implants or suture fastenings are assembled from a plurality of discrete components, one of which components includes a heat bondable plastic material for bonding the components together. At least two components are bonded to each other by the applying heat to the heat bondable plastic material of one component. The heat bondable plastic material is preferably a polymeric or composite material suitable for surgical applications and implantation in humans, and may be a biodegradable material. A laser may be used as the heat source. The present invention is advantageously embodied in heat bonded fastenings for sutures or K-wires, in which a variety of different suture anchors are usable, including expandable distal suture anchors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for partially embedding a biocompatible material, such as a titanium coil, in the surface of a polymer bone implant to provide a porous coating for bone cells to grow through thereby promoting long term stabilization of the implant. In one embodiment, the coil is wrapped around the implant and placed in a manifold where rollers biased by springs press against the coil. The coil-implant is rotated and heated by a hot gas stream, the rollers-springs pushing the coil into the surface of the implant. In a second embodiment, the coil is compressed and placed onto a needle wire which is placed against the surface of the implant. The point of contact is heated and the implant is rotated with the needle wire creating a channel in the softened polymer and feeding the coil, which is simultaneously stretched, therein. The needle wire then pulls the polymer over a portion of the coil as it passes.

Abstract: An implantable microporous ePTFE tubular vascular graft exhibits long term patency, superior radial tensile strength and suture hole elongation resistance. The graft includes a first ePTFE tube and a second ePTFE tube circumferentially disposed over the first tube. The first ePTFE tube exhibits a porosity sufficient to promote cell endothelization tissue ingrowth and healing. The second ePTFE tube exhibits enhanced radial strength in excess of the radial tensile strength of the first tube.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for tanning of a stentless aortic bioprosthesis, and articles manufactured by such method. The system includes a circulating bath which contains a tanning solution, and a support insert apparatus upon which the bioprosthesis is mounted during the tanning prosthesis. The support insert has i) two (2) coronary Sinus of Valsalva support projections for maintaining the coronary Sinuses of Valsalva in their substantially open, non-collapsed configurations, and ii) one (1) non-coronary Sinus of Valsalva support projection for maintaining the non-coronary Sinus of Valsalva in its substantially open, non-collapsed configuration, during tanning. Additionally, the system may include internal or external support members for maintaining the patency of right and left coronary artery segments, such coronary artery segments being permitted to remain attached to the Aortic bioprosthesis during tanning.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve is provided for enabling a physician to impart a preselected shape in an implantable tubular device, such as a cardiac lead, a catheter, or some other tubular structure. The sleeve may be deformed by the surgeon before or at the time of implantation to customize the shape of the tubular device to the particular anatomical structures to be encountered by the device. To retain the deformation imparted by the physician, the sleeve may be composed of a heat-sensitive shape-memory material or an elastomeric material provided with a plastically deformable rib.

Abstract: Improved glaucoma filtration device materials comprise at least one monomer having the formula: ##STR1## wherein: X is H or CH.sub.3 ;m is 0-10;Y is nothing, O, or S;R is nothing, H, or an aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic/aromatic combination of up to twelve carbon atoms, which can be unsubstituted or substituted with Cl, F, Br, or an alkoxy of up to four carbon atoms; anda cross-linking monomer having two or more ethylenically unsaturated groups.

Abstract: A medical device is coated with a thin coherent bond coat of acrylics, epoxies, acetals, ethylene copolymers, vinyl polymers, polymers containing hydroxyl, amine, carboxyl, amide, or other reactive groups, and copolymers thereof. Outer layers may be applied and remain adherent to the substrate in water for an extended period. The bond coat may comprise cross linkers such as urea resins, melamines, isocyanates, and phenolics. Preferred polymers include vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate, styrene acrylic polymer, ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, carboxyl function acrylic polymer, hydroxyl function acrylic polymer, and acrylic dispersion polymer. The coatings may be applied to inert metal or plastic surfaces of medical devices such as needles, guide wires, catheters, surgical instruments, equipment for endoscopy, wires, stents, angioplasty balloons, wound drains, arteriovenous shunts, gastroenteric tubes, urethral inserts, laparoscopic equipment, pellets, and implants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material of a three-dimensional framework of supporting, trabecular structures encompassing cavities which are connected with one another and which can be predeterminedly adjusted. The material is obtainable by forming the framework around the shaped bodies serving as space retainers for the cavities and subsequently removing the shaped bodies. The material according to the invention can be used for example as a implant or as a filter.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a prosthetic device comprising a support member comprising a stent, a conduit or a scaffold; and a layer of elastin or elastin-based material located on said support member. Preferably, the layer of said elastin or elastin-based biomaterial completely surrounds said support member. The support member can be formed of a metal or a synthetic material such as a polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention includes a poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel construct having a wide range of mechanical strengths for use as a human tissue replacement. A process in connection with the present invention eliminates any step involved with dehydration of the hydrogel prior to implantation thereof. The hydrogel construct may include a tissue scaffolding, a load bearing surface within a joint, or any other structure which is suitable for supporting the growth of tissue.

Abstract: A method of providing biocompatible surface texturing on a metal component of an implantable device and the device so produced. The coating is provided by applying particles of metal falling substantially entirely in the range of 1 to 5 microns to a surface of said component to provide a layer of generally uniform thickness and sintering said particles to one another and to said component to provide a generally continuous external surface having surface texturing in the form of projections formed from said sintered particles. The particles are preferably applied to a depth of 1 to 25 microns. In a preferred embodiment particles of titanium are applied to a surface of a titanium component.

Abstract: An externally supported, tape-reinforced tubular prosthetic graft and method of manufacturing therefore. The graft comprises a tubular base graft formed of expanded, sintered fluoropolymer material, a strip of reinforcement tape helically wrapped about the outer surface of the tubular base graft and attached thereto, and, an external support member helically wrapped around the outer surface of the reinforcement tape and attached thereto. The helical pitch of the reinforcement tape is different from the helical pitch of the external support member. Preferably, the helical pitch of the reinforcement tape is in a direction which is opposite the direction of the external support member.

Abstract: A prosthesis socket material includes a pre-formed tubular sleeve-like reinforcement web of fibers pre-impregnated with an uncured, preferably water activatable, moldable, hardenable resin material, with an integrated prosthesis coupler at one end, the coupler provided with a central aperture. The material is moldable under compression using a one-step compressive molding system. The web of fibers preferably is constituted of a radially compliant tube made of bias braided carbon fibers.

Abstract: A method of constructing an artificial limb from individual components comprising providing a plurality of logical unit tables (2A, 2B) arranged to contain data related to a respective class of the components, providing a plurality of component records (4A, 4B) located in at least one of the logical unit tables (2A, 2B) arranged to hold data related to a respective plurality of components of the same class providing an interface field (6A, 6B) located in each respective component record (4A, 4B) arranged to hold data related to an interface of the component to which the component record relates, selecting a component record (4A, 4B) generating a list of compatible component records from a logical unit table (2A, 2B) other than the logical unit table containing the selected component record (4A, 4B), which are compatible with the selected component taking account of the information contained in the interface fields (6A, 6B) of the selected component record (4A, 4B) and the component records in the other logica

Abstract: A definitive socket for residual limb prosthetic use is formed in a single molding step by compressive pressure casting or molding a pre-formed, moldable, hardenable socket material over a residual limb and curing the socket material to a load-bearing hardened condition while it is maintained under peripheral compressive pressure against the residual limb and while the residual limb is tensioned in a distal direction during the casting process. The combination of pressure casting the socket material and applying tension to the residual limb in a distal direction while the socket material is curing results in forming a definitive socket that fits well to the residual limb after curing without substantial rectification. Pressure relief formations, socket coverings, and a prosthesis coupler may be compression molded simultaneously with the socket.

Abstract: A living tissue replacement of crystallized glass having bioaffinity and mechanical strength is briefly obtained simply by pressure molding or machining without using a special equipment. A glass material having a softening point below its crystallization temperature and exhibiting viscous flow at temperatures below its melting point is heated at a temperature above its Tg and pressed at the temperature to mold to a desired shape, thereby manufacturing a living tissue replacement such as a dental crown. Molding can be done under a pressure of up to 20 MPa.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of intravascular stents of bioresorbable material comprises the following steps:preparing a viscous solution of poly-.beta.-hydroxybutanoic acid as a bioresorbable polymeric material in a solvent,successively coating a male mold core with layers of the polymer solution in several steps by precipitation of the polymeric material by the solvent being evaporated and by the layer previously precipitated being dissolved at least partially for a homogeneous stent blank to build up,drawing the stent blank off the male mold core, andsubsequently treating the stent blank to finish the shaping of the stent.

Abstract: The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic articular cartilage heterograft for implantation into humans. The invention further provides a method for preparing an articular cartilage heterograft by removing at least a portion of an articular cartilage from a non-human animal to provide a heterograft; washing the heterograft in saline and alcohol; subjecting the heterograft to at least one treatment selected from the group consisting of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, immersion in alcohol, ozonation, freeze/thaw cycling, and optionally to chemical crosslinking. In accordance with the invention the heterograft has substantially the same mechanical properties as the native xenogeneic articular cartilage.

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