An apparatus includes a flexible container, a port, and a support structure. The container includes a first layer coupled to a second layer to define a storage volume within which a tissue specimen can be contained. The first layer is characterized by a first stiffness and the second layer characterized by a second stiffness. An edge of the first layer is spaced apart from an edge of the second layer to define an opening into the storage volume. The edge of the first layer and the edge of the second layer are configured to form a peelable seal that hermetically seals the storage volume such that the first layer can be peeled away from the second layer to expose the storage volume. The port is coupled to the flexible container and allows fluid communication between the storage volume and an external volume. The support structure is configured to support the tissue specimen within the storage volume and is characterized by a third stiffness. The third stiffness is greater than the first stiffness and the second stiffness.

Storage devices, loading devices, delivery systems, kits, and associated methods for implantable medical devices are described. An example embodiment of a storage device includes a storage member, a first cap, and a second cap. The storage member has a first end, a second end, and a main body that defines a first opening, a second opening, a passageway, a separating wall, and a plurality of holes. The passageway has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends from the first end of the storage member to the separating wall and the second portion extends from the second end of the storage member to the separating wall. Each hole of the plurality of holes extends through the separating wall and provides access between the first portion and the second portion. Each of the first and second caps is releasably attached to the storage member.

Soft tissue grafts, packaged soft tissue grafts, and methods of making and using soft tissue grafts are disclosed. One soft tissue graft includes processed tissue material having first and second opposed surfaces. The first and second opposed surfaces are bounded by first and second edges. The first edge has a concave shape that curves toward the second edge. The second edge has a convex shape that curves away from the first edge. The first surface comprises a plurality of apertures. At least one of the apertures is formed from a multi-directional separation in the first surface. One method of making a soft tissue graft includes positioning a cutting die on a surface of tissue material, pressing the cutting die into the tissue material to cut the tissue material, and processing the cut tissue material to create processed tissue material.

The invention relates to a safety cartridge (1) for a removable vena cava filter (20), having a proximal end (2) and a distal end (3) and having an inner channel (4) extending between the ends. The cartridge is characterized in that it comprises, on the distal end (3) thereof, a linking device (5) for forming a link with a catheter (30) and, in the inner channel thereof, a projection (6) having a limited size in the axial direction of the cartridge (1) so as to locally reduce the cross-section of the channel (4).

A medical implant system is described for inhibiting infection associated with a joint prosthesis implant. An inventive system includes an implant body made of a biocompatible material which has a metal component disposed on an external surface of the implant body. A current is allowed to flow to the metal component, stimulating release of metal ions toxic to microbes, such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. One detailed system is completely surgically implantable in the patient such that no part of the system is external to the patient while the system is in use. In addition, externally controlled devices are provided which allow for modulation of implanted components.

An apparatus and method for inserting prosthesis implants into a patient pocket. The apparatus has three openings including a prosthesis opening and two implant insertion openings. The apparatus prevents infection; eases insertion and placement; and reduces complications. In use, the first implant insertion end of the bellow is placed through the patient incision while allowing the bellow to be manipulated to force the first implant into a surgical pocket of a patient. Then the bellow is rotated 180 degrees so that the second implant insertion end becomes the opening through which the second implant is inserted into the second incision while allowing the bellow to be manipulated to force the second implant into a surgical pocket.

An improved holder and storage system for a tissue-type prosthetic mitral heart valve that constricts the commissure posts of the valve and prevents suture looping. A rod axially movable relative to the holder tensions lengths of attachment sutures that extend between the commissure post tips to create a tent and flex the tips inward, thus helping to prevent looping of any of an array of pre-implanted sutures around the leading tips during delivery of the valve. The holder has a safety mechanism that prevents valve delivery before the rod is deployed. One embodiment automatically deploys the rod upon opening a storage jar. One embodiment permits a delivery handle to directly deploy the rod, while another uses a separate worm screw and coupling. A holder clip that attaches to a packaging sleeve may be formed of flexible members meshed together from which the heart valve and holder are easily pulled free to eliminate a step of decoupling the clip from the sleeve.

A bone implant holding and shaping tray is provided. The tray includes a first segment having a distal end and a first surface sized to hold and shape at least a portion of the bone implant with bone material. The tray includes a second segment having a second surface sized to hold and shape at least a portion of the bone implant with bone material, the second segment having a proximal end configured to be coupled to the distal end of the first segment so as to extend the first surface to hold and shape the bone implant. Methods of making and using the bone implant holding and shaping tray are also provided.

Modular pre-loaded implant subassemblies that can be packaged separately from a handle, which allows using any one of a plurality of separately packaged modular pre-loaded implants with a common handle.

The aim of the invention is to ensure a secure support and/or a secure transport of a graft (4) or an implant. This is achieved by a device for supporting and transporting a graft (4) or implant, comprising a container (2) which can be filled with a medium (1), preferably a nutrient medium, and a receiving device (3) which can be arranged in the container (2) for the graft (4) or implant. The receiving device (3) has a receiving chamber (5) for the graft (4) or implant and two passages (6, 7) which lead to the receiving chamber (5), at least one of said passages (6, 7) being dimensioned for introducing and/or removing the graft (4) or implant into or out of the receiving chamber (5). The device also comprises a respective closure device (8, 9) for each of the two passages (6, 7), at least one of the closure devices (8, 9) being permeable for the medium (1). The invention further relates to a corresponding receiving device (3) and to a set comprising a corresponding device.