Embodiments generally relate to propulsion tube units and propulsion devices for progressing instruments along passages, and associated methods of use. For example, the instruments may include, tools, sensors, probes and/or monitoring equipment for medical use (such as endoscopy) or industrial use (such as mining). In some embodiments, the propulsion device may comprise an elongate tube defining a channel configured to accommodate a liquid and a pressure actuator in communication with the channel. The pressure actuator may be configured to selectively adjust a pressure of the liquid in the channel to alternatingly: reduce the pressure to induce cavitation and form gas bubbles in the liquid; and increase the pressure to collapse some or all of the gas bubbles back into the liquid, thereby accelerating at least part of the liquid towards the first end of the tube and transferring momentum to the tube to progress the tube along the passage.

The present invention provides an implantable bioreactor comprising cells enclosed within an enclosure, said cells being capable of producing paracrine factors, wherein the enclosure is collapsible or expandable or both or neither, wherein the enclosure is semipermeable such that it provides containment of the cells preventing the egress of the cells while further providing a barrier that shields the cells from immunological attack, and wherein the enclosure is permeable to the entire secretome of the cell including exosomes, nucleic acids and proteins. The implantable bioreactor can have various configurations and can house internally a cell culture matrix than can include hydrogels, microbeads, and nanofiber matrices along with other active agents.

The present disclosure is directed toward a composite balloon comprising a layer of material having a porous microstructure (e.g., ePTFE or expanded polyethylene) and a thermoplastic polymeric layer useful for medical applications. The layers of the composite balloons become adhered through a stretch blow-molding process. Methods of making and using such composite balloons are also described amongst others.

A biocompatible soft tissue implant for introduction into a human body includes at least one layer comprising an elastomeric material, and at least one textile fabric arranged on the at least one layer comprising the elastomeric material. The at least one textile fabric forms a surface of the biocompatible soft tissue implant. The at least one textile fabric includes bioresorbable fibers which are embedded at least partially in the at least one layer comprising the elastomeric material.

A biocompatible composite material for complete or partial insertion into a human body includes at least one layer comprising an elastomeric material, and at least one textile fabric arranged on the at least one layer comprising the elastomeric material. The at least one textile fabric forms a surface of the biocompatible composite material. The at least one textile fabric includes bioresorbable fibers that are embedded at least partially in the at least one layer comprising the elastomeric material.

A method for promoting healing of tissue by delivering a bioreactor into a subject is provided. The bioreactor is an enclosed housing with paracrine factor producing cells enclosed within the housing. The housing is impermeable to the paracrine factor producing cells, impermeable to immunological cells outside of the housing, and permeable to paracrine factors produced by the paracrine factor producing cells. The paracrine factors produced by the paracrine factor producing cells are released out of the housing to promote healing of the tissue.

A medical device with an expandable element and expandable tubular sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the expandable element which influences the rate, shape and/or force required to expand the expandable element and methods for use in a body lumen are provided.

The present invention provides materials and methods for forming an interface between an appliance and living tissue using a foamed elastomeric material which contacts the tissue or similar surfaces. The elastomeric material is in the form of a durable and washable material that when applied to living tissue or similar surfaces displaces and flows in to non-conforming areas creating an air and/or water tight seal that substantially returns to an original shape when removed from the contact surface. The appliance may also include structural elements designed to optimize comfort, compliance and seal achieved through minimizing the pressure variation along the contact surface of the therapy device.

The present invention is an inflatable balloon which is enclosed by an expandable cover which becomes increasingly porous/permeable during expansion. The balloon is coated or enclosed with a matrix which contains a pharmaceutically active agent. During expansion of the balloon, the pharmaceutically active agent is released or extruded through the expandable cover into a body cavity such as an artery or vein. The present invention also provides for a method of treating a disease or condition by delivering the inflatable balloon to a particular body cavity.

A medical prosthesis includes a tube having a length between a first end and a second end. The tube includes a polymer and at least one drug. The tube is configured to be manipulated to selectively increase and decrease the length of the tube. Kits, systems and methods are disclosed.