A thin-film covered stent device may include a thin-film mesh and a stent backbone covered by the thin-film mesh, thereby forming a dual-layer stent structure. The thin-film covered stent device may have smaller pores and a high pore density compared to conventional stents. For example, the thin-film covered stent device may have a slit length of between 50 and 250 micrometers and a pore density of between 134 and 227 pores per mm.sup.2. The thin-film covered stent device facilitates rapid healing of tissue defects such as those encountered during the endovascular treatment of an aneurysm.

A thin-film covered stent device may include a thin-film mesh and a stent backbone covered by the thin-film mesh, thereby forming a dual-layer stent structure. The thin-film covered stent device may have smaller pores and a high pore density compared to conventional stents. For example, the thin-film covered stent device may have a slit length of between 50 and 250 micrometers and a pore density of between 134 and 227 pores per mm.sup.2. The thin-film covered stent device facilitates rapid healing of tissue defects such as those encountered during the endovascular treatment of an aneurysm.

A process for chemical crosslinking of tissue joining partners including crosslinkable groups, such as free amino groups, by a suitable crosslinking agent under static, quasi-static or periodic pulsatile pressure compression. The compression can be in a defined overlap region for seamless, dense and tight tissue closure. This results in a seamless, homogeneous, and at the same time mechanically stable connection/joining of tissue/tissue components. Seamless connected tissue is provided that includes a piece of tissue having at least two tissue parts overlapping each other and the at least two tissue parts overlapping each other that are materially bonded to each other via crosslinked groups of the tissue.

Disclosed are methods for isolating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC). More particularly, the present invention discloses methods for isolating endothelial progenitor cells that exhibit self-renewal and differentiation capacity. The isolated cellular population of the present invention is useful in a wide range of clinical and research setting including inter alia, the in vitro or in vivo generation of endothelial cells and the therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of a range of conditions via the administration of these cells. Also facilitated is the isolation of endothelial progenitor cells for research purposes such as in vitro based screening systems for testing the therapeutic impact and/or toxicity of potential treatment or culture regimes to which these cells may be exposed to. The present invention also discloses methods for isolating mesenchymal stem cells, in particular mesenchymal stem cells of fetal and/or maternal origin. These cells are also useful in a range of in vitro and in vivo therapeutic, prophylactic and research applications.

An implantable medical product and method of use for substantially reducing or eliminating harsh biological responses associated with conventionally implanted medical devices, including inflammation, infection and thrombogenesis, when implanted in in a body of a warm blooded mammal. The bioremodelable pouch structure is configured and sized to receive, encase and retain an electrical medical device therein and to allow such device to be inserted into the internal region or cavity of the pouch structure; with the pouch structure formed from either: (a) first and second sheets, or (b) a single sheet having first and second sheet portions. After receiving the electrical device, the edges around the opening are closed by suturing or stapling. The medical device encased by the bioremodelable pouch structure effectively improves biological functions by promoting tissue regeneration, modulated healing of adjacent tissue or growth of new tissue when implanted in the body of the mammal.

The subject invention provides devices and methods for alleviating discomfort associated with neuroma formation. The devices and methods of the invention effectively use the body's natural response of reconstructing implanted biomaterials to minimize the size of, isolate, and protect a neuroma. In preferred embodiments, the subject device is a cylindrical cap, wherein the internal chamber of the cylindrical cap physically partitions the nerve to enable an arrangement of nerve fibers (as opposed to haphazardly arranged nerve fibers often produced in neuromas). Tabs arranged on the outside of the cap can be used to manipulate the cap into place on a nerve. The open end can also be configured with flaps that can be used to widen the open end for easier insertion of the nerve into the cap. In addition, the cap's material remodels into a tissue cushion after implantation, which protects the neuroma from being stimulated and inducing pain.

Disclosed are antimicrobial silicone substances, which are obtained by using multifunctional cellulose/silver and silicon matrix nanocomposites. Using environmentally friendly, simple deposition techniques, Ag particles were deposited on cellulose. Silicone was filled with the obtained composites of cellulose and silver particles. The created modified cellulose/silver and silicone composite is characterized by good physical and chemical properties, as well as strong antimicrobial effect on both Gram- positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Disclosed are antimicrobial silicone substances, which are obtained by using multifunctional cellulose/silver and silicon matrix nanocomposites. Using environmentally friendly, simple deposition techniques, Ag particles were deposited on cellulose. Silicone was filled with the obtained composites of cellulose and silver particles. The created modified cellulose/silver and silicone composite is characterized by good physical and chemical properties, as well as strong antimicrobial effect on both Gram- positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Certain embodiments according to the present invention provide sleeve devices suitable for a wide range of therapeutic uses. In accordance with certain embodiments, the therapeutic sleeve device includes a nanofiber fabric assembly, which defines a plurality of pores, and at least one layer of cells embedded in the nanofiber fabric assembly.

The subject invention provides devices and methods for alleviating discomfort associated with neuroma formation. The devices and methods of the invention effectively use the body's natural response of reconstructing implanted biomaterials to minimize the size of isolate, and protect a neuroma. In preferred embodiments, the subject device is a cylindrical cap, wherein the internal chamber of the cylindrical cap physically partitions the nerve to enable an arrangement of nerve fibers (as opposed to haphazardly arranged nerve fibers often produced in neuromas). Tabs arranged on the outside of the cap can be used to manipulate the cap into place on a nerve. The open end can also be configured with flaps that can be used to widen the open end for easier insertion of the nerve into the cap. In addition, the cap's material remodels into a tissue cushion after implantation, which protects the neuroma from being stimulated and inducing pain.