The invention is a composition comprising a biodegradable polymer and an additional component, said component comprising a cell, protein or drug, i.e. a therapeutic agent. The biodegradable polymer can change quality upon contact with a physiological parameter such as temperature or pH that causes, for example, a liquid polymer to gel or harden. The degradation of the polymer can be controlled to suit a tissue regeneration or wound healing time course.

A prosthetic valve comprising a conical shaped ribbon structure comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. The ribbon structure comprises a plurality of elongated ribbon members that are positioned proximate each other in a joined relationship, wherein the ribbon members are positioned adjacent each other and form a plurality of fluid flow modulating regions that open when fluid flow through the valve exhibits a negative flow pressure and open when fluid flow through the valve exhibits a positive flow pressure.

Methods of treating diverticulosis and medical devices suitable for use in such methods are described herein. In an embodiment, a method of treating diverticulosis in an animal comprises clearing the lumen of the colon of the animal of solid matter, isolating a treatment portion of the colon, applying suction at a point within the lumen of the colon to depressurize the treatment portion, applying a material to the external surface across at least one diverticulum of the diverticula on the colon, and removing the suction. In some embodiments, the material comprises an adhesive. A step of applying a second material across at least one diverticulum of the diverticula on the colon can also be included.

This invention relates to the design and function of a compressible valve replacement prosthesis, collared or uncollared, which can be deployed into a beating heart without extracorporeal circulation using a transcatheter delivery system. The design as discussed focuses on the deployment of a device via a minimally invasive fashion and by way of example considers a minimally invasive surgical procedure preferably utilizing the intercostal or subxyphoid space for valve introduction. In order to accomplish this, the valve is formed in such a manner that it can be compressed to fit within a delivery system and secondarily ejected from the delivery system into the annulus of a target valve such as a mitral valve or tricuspid valve.

This invention relates to the design and function of a compressible valve replacement prosthesis, collared or uncollared, which can be deployed into a beating heart without extracorporeal circulation using a transcatheter delivery system. The design as discussed focuses on the deployment of a device via a minimally invasive fashion and by way of example considers a minimally invasive surgical procedure preferably utilizing the intercostal or subxyphoid space for valve introduction. In order to accomplish this, the valve is formed in such a manner that it can be compressed to fit within a delivery system and secondarily ejected from the delivery system into the annulus of a target valve such as a mitral valve or tricuspid valve.

The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment non-soft tissue following introduction (e.g. via injection, transplantation, or implantation) into a site of non-soft tissue (e.g. bone) when combined with a biocompatible matrix, preferably SIS. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising muscle-derived progenitor cells with a biocompatible matrix for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, bone tissues in the treatment of various functional conditions, including osteoporosis, Paget's Disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, bone fracture, osteomalacia, decrease in bone trabecular strength, decrease in bone cortical strength and decrease in bone density with old age.

The invention is to articles made from extracellular matrix sheets that encase biodegradable polymeric material. Methods of healing wounds or regenerating tissue at sites of defect by placing said articles in mammals are claimed. The biodegradable polymer can change quality upon contact with a physiological parameter such as temperature or pH that causes, for example, a liquid polymer to gel or harden. The degradation of the polymer can be controlled to suit a tissue regeneration or wound healing time course. Additional components such as proteins, cells and drugs can be added to the biopolymer composition.

A method is provided for implanting a valve having at least one valve leaflet within the cardiovascular system of a subject. One step of the method includes preparing a substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve and then providing an expandable support member having oppositely disposed first and second ends and a main body portion extending between the ends. Next, the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve is attached to the expandable support member so that the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve is operably secured within the main body portion of the expandable support member. The expandable support member is then crimped into a compressed configuration and placed at a desired location within the cardiovascular system of the subject. Either before or after placement at the desired location, fluid, or blood re-hydrates the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve.

Method and device to prevent leakage of an intestine during surgery. The device is a tubular straw like device formed as one piece and having a first end opening, a second end opening and a lumen extending through an entire length of the device. The device can include an enlarged diameter rim to provide a radial force against the intestine. The device is placed at an anastomotic site of two intestine portions and attached by adhesive. The device can be used to close off perforations of body lumens.

Method and device to prevent leakage of an intestine during surgery. The device is a tubular straw like device formed as one piece and having a first end opening, a second end opening and a lumen extending through an entire length of the device. The device can include an enlarged diameter rim to provide a radial force against the intestine. The device is placed at an anastomotic site of two intestine portions and attached by adhesive. The device can be used to close off perforations of body lumens.