A method includes mixing a polymer, an organic solvent, and a porogen such that an initial paste is formed. The method also includes in-situ shaping the initial paste; creating a plurality of channels within the shaped paste and removing the organic solvent from the shaped paste such that a solidified perforated paste is formed; and leaching out the porogen from the solidified perforated paste such that a porous scaffold is formed.

Procedural methods are provided that are capable of forming a protuberant region, in which the surface of a living body protrudes, in a less-invasive manner and a medical device capable of forming the protuberant region in a less-invasive manner. A procedural method for forming a protuberant region, in which a surface of a living body protrudes, includes an introduction step of introducing a container having flexibility into the living body, a protuberant region forming step of forming the protuberant region, in which the surface of the living body protrudes, by filling the container with a filling material to expand the container, and a placement step of placing the expanded container in the living body.

Procedural methods are provided that are capable of forming a protuberant region, in which the surface of a living body protrudes, in a less-invasive manner and a medical device capable of forming the protuberant region in a less-invasive manner. A procedural method for forming a protuberant region, in which a surface of a living body protrudes, includes an introduction step of introducing a container having flexibility into the living body, a protuberant region forming step of forming the protuberant region, in which the surface of the living body protrudes, by filling the container with a filling material to expand the container, and a placement step of placing the expanded container in the living body.

A differential pressure regulating device is provided for controlling in-vivo pressure in a body, and in particularly in a heart. The device may include a shunt being positioned between two or more lumens in a body, to enable fluids to flow between the lumens, and an adjustable flow regulation mechanism being configured to selectively cover an opening of the shunt, to regulate the flow of fluid through the shunt in relation to a pressure difference between the body lumens. In some embodiments a control mechanism coupled to the adjustable flow regulation mechanism may be provided, to remotely activate the adjustable flow regulation mechanism.

A mobile electronic device comprising at least one part made of a polymer composition [composition (C), herein after] comprising at least one part made of a polymer composition [composition (C), herein after] comprising from at least one polyaryletherketone polymer [(PAEK) polymer], and at least one nitride (NI) of an element having an electronegativity (∈) of from 1.3 to 2.5, as defined in <<Handbook of Chemistry and Physics>>, CRC Press, 64.sup.th edition, pages B-65 to B-158, based on the total weight of the composition (C).

Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide systems and methods for providing improved surgical implants. Embodiments of the implants may include a thin porous sheet formed on a mandrel. The porous sheet that is formed has an interconnected pore structure that may be compressed by a heat compression mold without losing porosity. Additional membrane materials or other layer materials may be applied to one of the face surfaces of the porous sheet or to one of the edges of the porous sheet. For example, a solid membrane surface may be compressed, bonded, welded, or secured a surface face or an edge of the porous sheet. The solid membrane may be compressed or laminated to the upper surface, lower surface, or both. The solid membrane may be welded to at least one edge of the porous sheet (by, for example, being butt welded, thermally bonded, or heat compressed to the at least one edge).

A method and device for anchoring a prosthetic heart valve or annuloplasty ring to a valve annulus in a heart and a method of implanting same is disclosed. The device can include a prosthetic valve or annuloplasty ring with one or more anchors configured to be threaded or otherwise passed underneath a native leaflet and/or subvalvular tissue to secure the device at the native annulus.

A method and device for anchoring a prosthetic heart valve or annuloplasty ring to a valve annulus in a heart and a method of implanting same is disclosed. The device can include a prosthetic valve or annuloplasty ring with one or more anchors configured to be threaded or otherwise passed underneath a native leaflet and/or subvalvular tissue to secure the device at the native annulus.

The tissue regeneration platform of one embodiment may exhibit excellent biocompatibility and tissue culture property on various supports, comprising a support and a coating layer disposed on the support, and comprising a hyaluronic acid-catechol compound.

The present invention provides implants comprising a therapeutic drug and a polymer containing polylactic acid (PLA) and optionally polyglycolic acid (PGA). The present invention also provides methods of maintaining a therapeutic level of a drug in a subject, releasing a therapeutic drug at a substantially linear rate, and treating schizophrenia and other diseases and disorders, utilizing implants of the present invention.