Embodiments of the invention provide compositions including bio degradable polymers, medical implants fabricated from these compositions and methods of using such implants. Many embodiments provide medical implants comprising a first polymer backbone having a first rate of biodegradation and a second polymer backbone having a second rate of biodegradation faster than the first rate. In some embodiments, the second backbone is configured to be replaced by a natural tissue layer. The first backbone provides a scaffold for the implant while the second backbone degrades. This scaffold can enhance mechanical properties of the implant including various aspects of mechanical strength such as tensile, bending, hoop and yield strength; and elasticity. The scaffold also serves to maintain a minimum level of structural support of the implant during the period of degradation of the second backbone or for the entire life of the implant so that the implant does not mechanically fail.

The invention relates to biodegradable, magnesium alloys, compositions and composites, methods for their preparation and applications for their use as implantable medical devices in load-bearing conditions. The magnesium alloys are composed of alloying elements selected from yttrium, calcium, zirconium, zinc, and strontium, with the remainder being magnesium and impurities due to production, and are prepared by melting together the elements and casting the resulting melted mixture. In certain embodiments, the methods of preparation include solution treatment and hot extrusion.

The present invention relates to a method for producing biodegradable fibers on the basis of a silane compound, said silane compound being crosslinked during production and, at least to some extent, an organic acid being incorporated into the forming crosslinked structure via covalent bonds and/or contributing to the crosslinking. The present invention also relates to the fibers that can be produced by the method according to the invention and to the use thereof.

Treatment of palatal defects is accomplished through devices that have controlled start time. The devices expand directionally to provide appropriate levels of stress and strain to a target tissue to promote tissue growth over the course of days or weeks, even as the defect repairs itself.

The invention relates to biodegradable iron alloy-containing compositions for use in preparing medical devices. In addition, biodegradable crystalline and amorphous compositions of the invention exhibit properties that make them suitable for use as medical devices for implantation into a body of a patient. The compositions include elemental iron and one or more elements selected from manganese, magnesium, zirconium, zinc and calcium. The compositions can be prepared using a high energy milling technique. The resulting compositions and the devices formed therefrom are useful in various surgical procedures, such as but not limited to orthopedic, craniofacial and cardiovascular.

A cardiovascular fibrous implant for rebuilding elastin and the use of such an implant, wherein the implant is comprised of fibers forming a network, and wherein the fibers comprised in said network have a fiber diameter of 150 μm or less.

The invention relates to an arrangement (1) comprising at least one structural element (2) made of an absorbable material with an antibacterial effect with a mount, which possesses an aspect ratio greater than 10 and whereat the material is a rapidly corroding magnesium alloy. The invention further relates to a mount (10) with an arrangement (1) carried by the mount (10) comprising at least one structural element (2) made of an absorbable material with an antibacterial effect.

In various embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator can comprise one or more capsules and/or pockets comprising at least one medicament therein. In at least one embodiment, staples can be fired through the tissue thickness compensator to rupture the capsules. In certain embodiments, a firing member, or knife, can be advanced through the tissue thickness compensator to rupture the capsules.

A biocompatible adhesive is disclosed. The biocompatible adhesive includes a substrate and a plurality of micro-scale elements extending from a surface of the substrate having a length selected to puncture a layer of a target tissue or target material. At least some of the micro-scale elements include at least one protrusion dimensioned to anchor the biocompatible adhesive to the target tissue or target material. A medical device assembly is also disclosed. The medical device assembly includes the biocompatible adhesive coupled to a surface of a component of the medical device assembly and positioned to attach the medical device assembly to the target tissue or target material. A method of facilitating attachment of a medical device assembly to a target tissue is also disclosed. A method of facilitating treatment of a wound is also disclosed.

The present invention is directed to compositions containing polymer matrix, fiber and/or additives which are suitable for load bearing applications for medical devices. The matrix can be formed from a group of polymers which resorb inside the body after implantation. These compositions contain reinforcing fibers that are incorporated into a resorbable polymer matrix to improve properties such as mechanical. The reinforcing fibers can be resorbable, non-resorbable, natural, or metallic. Additives can be incorporated into the matrix material or the fibers or both to provide a secondary effect. These additives can be bioceramics to provide an osteoconductive effect; antimicrobial particles such as silver; coloring agents, and radiopaque additives to make the implants visible under fluoroscopy. The additives may also contribute to improve mechanical properties. The Composite composition with Matrix, Fibers and/or additives can provide enhanced functionality of mechanical, Osteoconductive and tailored degradation characteristics that can result in superior properties conventionally not achievable for Bioresorbable composites.