This invention provides aragonite- and calcite-based solid substrates for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which solid substrates comprise or are made to ultimately comprise three phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, and methods of use thereof.

Disclosed are methods, devices and materials for the in situ formation of a nerve cap and/or a nerve wrap to inhibit neuroma formation following planned or traumatic nerve injury. The method includes the steps of identifying a severed end of a nerve, and positioning the severed end into a cavity defined by a form. A transformable media is introduced into the form cavity to surround the severed end. The media is permitted to undergo a transformation from a first, relatively flowable state to a second, relatively non flowable state to form a protective barrier surrounding the severed end. The media may be a hydrogel, and the transformation may produce a synthetic crosslinked hydrogel protective barrier. The media may include at least one anti-regeneration agent to inhibit nerve regrowth.

The splint kit provides a sealed splint, bandaging, and a water source for setting the splint. Different kits may be needed depending upon the size of the user to which the splint will be applied. The kits may also vary according to the body part to be set. The size of each splint is based upon the size of the user and the size of the body part(s) to be splinted to eliminate the need for the user to size the splint. The splint is self-contained in its own packaging to maintain the integrity of the splint. The fiberglass/hardening material is encased by a foam material and/or felt to further simplify the process of applying and setting the splint.

Example medical stents are disclosed. An example stent includes a tubular framework including an inner surface, an outer surface and a lumen extending therethrough. Additionally, the stent includes a tissue ingrowth scaffold extending along a portion of the outer surface of the tubular framework, wherein the tissue ingrowth scaffold is spaced radially away from the outer surface of the tubular framework to define an expansion cavity therebetween and wherein the tissue ingrowth scaffold permits tissue ingrowth along a portion thereof. Further, the stent includes an expandable member positioned within at least a portion of the expansion cavity.

An implantable ophthalmic device with flexible, fluid-filled membranes provide dynamically variable optical power to restore lost accommodation in individuals suffering from presbyopia or aphakia without moving parts or reducing the amount of transmitted light. Actuating the device causes the fluid-filled membrane to change curvature, which produces a corresponding change in optical power. For instance, squeezing the edge of the membrane causes the center of the membrane to bulge by an amount proportional to the squeezing force. Alternatively, heating or applying a voltage to the membrane may cause the liquid in the membrane to undergo a phase transition accompanied by a corresponding change in volume that causes the membrane to inflate so as to change the optical power of the device.

An intraocular lens supply system is provided. The intraocular lens supply system includes a housing and a cartridge. The cartridge is configured to receive an intraocular lens and can be inserted into the housing. The intraocular lens supply system further includes a heating element including a latent heat accumulator and a nucleating agent, and a pressure element which is coupled to the cartridge or the housing and which can be displaced such that the pressure element exerts a pressing force onto the nucleating agent when the cartridge is inserted into the housing in such a manner that thermal energy can be supplied to the cartridge from the heating element.

Tissue implants prepared for the repair of tissues, especially avascular tissues such as cartilage. One embodiment presents an electric potential capable of receiving and accumulating desirable factors or molecules from surrounding fluid when exposed to dynamic loading. In another embodiment the implant promotes tissue conduction by retarding, restricting and controlling cellular invasion through use of gradients until competent tissue forms. Further embodiments of the tissue implants may be formed into a multi-phasic device that provides deep tissue mechanical stimulus by conduction of mechanical and fluid forces experienced at the surface of the implant.

An orthopedic brace for preventing injury to a wearer including a body having a series of liquid filled regions, the body having a first more flexible state wherein the liquid filled regions contain a liquid material and a second more rigid state wherein the liquid within the regions is hardened to a second harder state, the body transformable from the first state to the second state upon receiving a force which exceeds a predetermined value. A chemical reaction or an isothermal process can cause the phase change.

Apparatus, systems, and methods for a medical implant with improved durability and strength. An implant structure having a mesh, wherein struts of the mesh vary in width as a function of length, where one or more segments are defined by one or more corresponding equations that define strut width. Connecting elements may be optionally included and may further optionally vary in width and shape. Strut tapering functions may be one or more segments of piecewise linear equations. Implant mesh structures may be symmetric, asymmetric, or may vary in segments along the length and/or circumference of the mesh. The mesh may be of a self-expanding or balloon expandable material suitable for medical use.

An orthopedic brace for preventing injury to a wearer including a body having a series of liquid filled regions, the body having a first more flexible state wherein the liquid filled regions contain a liquid material and a second more rigid state wherein the liquid within the regions is hardened to a second harder state, the body transformable from the first state to the second state upon receiving a force which exceeds a predetermined value. A chemical reaction or an isothermal process can cause the phase change.