Hydrogels, bioplastics, and techniques for generating the same are described herein. An example method includes generating a resin including a globular protein, a co-monomer, water, and a photoinitiator. A hydrogel is generated by exposing the resin to light, thereby polymerizing the globular protein and the co-monomer. Further, the example method includes dehydrating the hydrogel by removing at least a portion of the water; and rehydrating the hydrogel in the presence of a hydrogen bonding agent.

A longitudinal extending body with oriented fibers comprised of an organic compound, preferably cellulose fibers, with a hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymer having absorbable and non res sorbable qualities in the body, with an internal construction to promote cell growth. The longitudinal body has at least one wall having oriented fiber to include cellulose fiber extending the length of said body. This extending body has a surface that is smooth to the touch for additional processing methods such as machining, compression molding and 3 D printing.

A catheter is disclosed comprising a sheath surrounding an inner lumen. The inner lumen is configured to receive a fluid. The sheath includes a sheath portion that comprises a hydrophilic material, wherein the hydrophilic material is in direct contact with the fluid. The hydrophilic material helps resist formation of air bubbles along the inner lumen.

A catheter is disclosed comprising a sheath surrounding an inner lumen. The inner lumen is configured to receive a fluid. The sheath includes a sheath portion that comprises a hydrophilic material, wherein the hydrophilic material is in direct contact with the fluid. The hydrophilic material helps resist formation of air bubbles along the inner lumen.

Radiopaque polymer compositions and methods for making the compositions are provided. These radiopaque polymer compositions include polymer compositions comprising a crosslinked polymer network, the network comprising a first repeating unit derived from a monofunctional monomer and a second repeating unit derived from a multifunctional non-iodinated monomer wherein neither of the two monomers is fluorinated. Devices formed from radiopaque polymer compositions are also provided.

A medical device including a mesh prosthesis having a first mesh layer affixed to a second mesh layer along a perimeter area. An enclosure is defined between the first and second layers and extends inwardly from the perimeter area. An opening in the first layer passes through the first layer to the enclosure. A fixation guide template defines a guide pocket within the enclosure. A resilient deployment structure is removably disposed within the enclosure and extending toward the perimeter area. The resilient deployment structure has an elasticity that generates a resilient deployment force for urging the mesh prosthesis to a deployed configuration from a non-deployed configuration. A shield projection extends outwardly from a perimeter of the resilient deployment structure and is engaged within the guide pocket to prevent relative rotational movement between the resilient deployment structure and the mesh prosthesis. A method of using a medical device is also included.

A medical device including a mesh prosthesis having a first mesh layer affixed to a second mesh layer along a perimeter area. An enclosure is defined between the first and second layers and extends inwardly from the perimeter area. An opening in the first layer passes through the first layer to the enclosure. A fixation guide template defines a guide pocket within the enclosure. A resilient deployment structure is removably disposed within the enclosure and extending toward the perimeter area. The resilient deployment structure has an elasticity that generates a resilient deployment force for urging the mesh prosthesis to a deployed configuration from a non-deployed configuration. A shield projection extends outwardly from a perimeter of the resilient deployment structure and is engaged within the guide pocket to prevent relative rotational movement between the resilient deployment structure and the mesh prosthesis. A method of using a medical device is also included.

Formulations of shape memory polymer (SMP) are integrated with several existing clinically available medical fabrics. The SMP portion of a SMP integrated fabric can be fabricated in varying thicknesses with the minimum thickness determined by the thickness of the underlying fabric and up to almost any thickness. Integration of the SMP with the base fabrics does not alter the shape memory functionality of the SMP. The design tools for controlling activation rate for traditional SMP materials thus apply to SMP integrated fabrics. SMP integrated fabrics may also be steam sterilized without loss of shape memory functionality.

Formulations of shape memory polymer (SMP) are integrated with several existing clinically available medical fabrics. The SMP portion of a SMP integrated fabric can be fabricated in varying thicknesses with the minimum thickness determined by the thickness of the underlying fabric and up to almost any thickness. Integration of the SMP with the base fabrics does not alter the shape memory functionality of the SMP. The design tools for controlling activation rate for traditional SMP materials thus apply to SMP integrated fabrics. SMP integrated fabrics may also be steam sterilized without loss of shape memory functionality.

A coupling liquid for ultrasound devices, preferably high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). The coupling liquid comprises a liquid aqueous solution of at least one hydrophilic polymer having an average molecular mass of between 30,000 and 70,000 and at least one alcohol with a carbon chain of 1 to 7 carbon atoms. Also disclosed is a container (10) for an ultrasound coupling liquid having a thin wall.