This invention relates, e.g., to a Myocyte-based Flow Assist Device (MFAD) for treating a subject in need of increased flow of a biological fluid, such as venous blood or lymph, comprising a sheath which comprises rhythmically contracting myocytes.

Accommodating intraocular lenses and methods of use. The accommodating intraocular lenses include peripheral regions that are adapted to be more responsive to certain types of forces than to other types of forces. For example, the accommodating intraocular lenses can include haptics that are stiffer in an anterior-to-posterior direction than in a radial direction.

A fiber-based surgical implant stabilized against fraying, includes a thermally crimped flat-knitted fabric of a biocompatible, optionally biodegradable, polymer material having a glass transition temperature or other thermally induced secondary conformational mobility threshold in the temperature range of from 20? C. to +170? C. Also disclosed is a corresponding fabric and methods of producing the implant and the fabric.

A stent and method of making incorporating flexible, preferably polymeric, connecting elements into the stent wherein these elements connect element(s) across an intervening space. The polymeric connecting elements are designed to fold within the space between the outer diameter of the stent and the inner diameter of the stent.

Accommodating intraocular lenses and methods of use. The accommodating intraocular lenses include peripheral regions that are adapted to be more responsive to certain types of forces than to other types of forces. For example, the accommodating intraocular lenses can include haptics that are stiffer in an anterior-to-posterior direction than in a radial direction.

A stent has a tubular shaped framework that includes a plurality of vertices that are each defined by a pair of struts. A plurality of induction responsive muscles are associated, respectively, with one of the plurality of vertices by being attached to each strut of a pair of struts. The induction responsive muscles have a relaxed state at body temperatures, and have a contracted state at an elevated temperature greater than body temperature. If the stent has an initial unsatisfactory implant orientation or position or other expansion irregularity, the application of an electromagnetic induction field may be applied to temporary 11 reduce the diameter of the stent to adjust its positioning and/or orientation.

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward providing enhanced structural support to an organ. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes structure configured and arranged to partially encircle a tubular organ, having a semi-cylindrical shape with a tapered end and blunt end of the cylinder. A gap region provides a region of the organ that is unrestricted/unsupported. Struts/lattice facilitate ingrowth of tissue, and couple the apparatus to the organ, which allows the apparatus to provide support/restrict flow in the organ without necessarily coupling to any other structure (e.g., with the majority or all of the support provided via the apparatus as coupled onto and terminating on a sidewall of the tubular organ).

A fiber-based surgical implant stabilized against fraying, includes a thermally crimped flat-knitted fabric of a biocompatible, optionally biodegradable, polymer material having a glass transition temperature or other thermally induced secondary conformational mobility threshold in the temperature range of from 20? C. to +170? C. Also disclosed is a corresponding fabric and methods of producing the implant and the fabric.

The present invention is directed to a low profile intervertebral implant for implantation in an intervertebral disc space in-between adjacent vertebral bodies. The intervertebral implant includes a plate preferably coupled to a spacer. The plate is preferably formed from a first material and the spacer is preferably formed from a second material, the first material being different from the second material. The plate is preferably sized and configured so that the plate does not extend beyond the perimeter of the spacer. In this manner, the plate preferably does not increase the height profile of the spacer and the plate may be implanted within the intervertebral disc space in conjunction with the spacer.

Absorbable implants for breast surgery that conform to the breast parenchyma and surrounding chest wall have been developed. These implants support newly lifted breast parenchyma, and/or a breast implant. The implants have mechanical properties sufficient to support a reconstructed breast, and allow the in-growth of tissue into the implant as it degrades. The implants have a strength retention profile allowing the support of the breast to be transitioned from the implant to regenerated host tissue, without significant loss of support. Three-dimensional implants for use in minimally invasive mastopexy/breast reconstruction procedures are also described, that confer shape to a patient's breast. These implants are self-reinforced, can be temporarily deformed, implanted in a suitably dissected tissue plane, and resume their preformed three-dimensional shape. The implants are preferably made from poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) and copolymers thereof. The implants have suture pullout strengths that can resist the mechanical loads exerted on the reconstructed breast.