A device for the administration of substances onto the epicardial surface of the heart includes a frame structure for at least partially encircling a circumference of the heart which is able to assume shaping, positioning, guiding and stabilizing functions. The frame structure may be coupled to a heart-shaped sleeve. A substance carrier for accommodating the substance to be administered may be coupled to the device.

A bioactive filamentary structure includes a sheath coated with a mixture of synthetic bone graft particles and a polymer solution forming a scaffold structure. In forming such a structure, synthetic bone graft particles and a polymer solution are applied around a filamentary structure. A polymer is precipitated from the polymer solution such that the synthetic bone graft particles and the polymer coat the filamentary structure and the polymer is adhered to the synthetic bone graft particles to retain the graft particles.

Methods and systems for stiffening of tissue are presented to allow improved processing. Solutions including an acid or a base can be contacted with tissue to stiffen one or more components of the tissue. The resulting stiffened tissue can be used in the creation of wound treatment devices.

Provided are an alloy member which is usable in organisms, makes use of features of bio-affinity and biodegradability of magnesium, and is able to realize required duration of biodegradability, and a production method therefor. According to the present invention, the alloy member usable in organisms includes a base body that contains a magnesium alloy, a first protective layer that contains an oxide derived from a component of the base body or a complex of an oxide and a hydroxide derived from a component of the base body, and a second protective layer that contains a hydroxide derived from a component of the base body.

Provided are an alloy member which is usable in organisms, makes use of features of bio-affinity and biodegradability of magnesium, and is able to realize required duration of biodegradability, and a production method therefor. According to the present invention, the alloy member usable in organisms includes a base body that contains a magnesium alloy, a first protective layer that contains an oxide derived from a component of the base body or a complex of an oxide and a hydroxide derived from a component of the base body, and a second protective layer that contains a hydroxide derived from a component of the base body.

Aspects herein relate to apparatus and methods for coating medical devices. In an embodiment, a coating system is included having a two-part fluid applicator defining a central channel, the two-part fluid applicator can include a first part having a first degree of flexibility; and a second part having a second degree of flexibility. The system can further include a fluid supply conduit in fluid communication with the fluid applicator; and a fluid supply reservoir in fluid communication with the fluid supply conduit. Other embodiments are also included herein.

The invention comprises an implantable cell device that includes a membrane defining and enclosing a chamber; a distance body within the chamber for reducing the diffusion distance for a biological active factor to or across the membrane; and a support scaffold within the chamber for increasing the cell support surface area per unit volume of the chamber for distributing cells.

A biocidally active polymer composition formed from an oligomeric or polymeric additive and a thermoplastic polyurethane polymer is disclosed. The biocidally active polymer may further include a non-fouling and/or non-thrombogenic polymer. The biocidally active polymer provides biocidally active properties, and may also provide non-fouling and/or non-thrombogenic properties. The composition is particularly useful in articles and materials for medical applications.

A hybrid medical device that can aid in reconstructive or augmentative surgery of the breast is disclosed. The device can utilize a suitable biological collagen tissue matrix combined with a synthetic material, for example, that can impart a high initial strength to the repair site while permitting proper healing and revitalization of the implanted device.

The present disclosure provides devices for treating deep or tunneling wounds, such as fistulas. The device can include a regenerative tissue matrix that can be tailored to a variety of different wound shapes and sizes, and can be secured in place to help regenerate tissue within the wound.