A medical device including a mesh prosthesis having a first mesh layer affixed to a second mesh layer along a perimeter area. An enclosure is defined between the first and second layers and extends inwardly from the perimeter area. An opening in the first layer passes through the first layer to the enclosure. A fixation guide template defines a guide pocket within the enclosure. A resilient deployment structure is removably disposed within the enclosure and extending toward the perimeter area. The resilient deployment structure has an elasticity that generates a resilient deployment force for urging the mesh prosthesis to a deployed configuration from a non-deployed configuration. A shield projection extends outwardly from a perimeter of the resilient deployment structure and is engaged within the guide pocket to prevent relative rotational movement between the resilient deployment structure and the mesh prosthesis. A method of using a medical device is also included.

Exemplary methods, endoscopes, and endoscope sheaths are provided having an integrally formed imaging window. The sheath may comprise thin coiled wires and may be made using a dip-casting process.

Composites and methods of producing a mouldable bone substitute are described. A scaffold for bone growth comprises nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA), a bioresorbable plasticizer, and a biodegradable polymer. Plasticizers of the invention include oleic acid, tocopherol, eugenol, 1,2,3-triacetoxypropane, monoolein, and octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside. Polymers of the invention include poly(caprolactone), poly(D,L-Lactic acid), and poly(glycolide-co lactide). Methods of regulating porosity, hardening speed, and shapeability are also described. Composites and methods are described using nanocrystalline HA produced with and without amino acids. The scaffold for bone growth described herein displays increased strength and shapeability.

Composites and methods of producing a mouldable bone substitute are described. A scaffold for bone growth comprises nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA), a bioresorbable plasticizer, and a biodegradable polymer. Plasticizers of the invention include oleic acid, tocopherol, eugenol, 1,2,3-triacetoxypropane, monoolein, and octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside. Polymers of the invention include poly(caprolactone), poly(D,L-Lactic acid), and poly(glycolide-co lactide). Methods of regulating porosity, hardening speed, and shapeability are also described. Composites and methods are described using nanocrystalline HA produced with and without amino acids. The scaffold for bone growth described herein displays increased strength and shapeability.

The invention relates to methods of preparing a bone matrix solution, a bone matrix implant, and variants thereof. The invention also relates to methods of cell culture using the same. The invention further relates to bone matrix scaffolds comprising one or more bone matrix nanofibers, methods of preparing, and methods of use thereof. The invention also relates to methods of culturing cells and promoting differentiation of stem cells using the same.

The invention relates to methods of preparing a bone matrix solution, a bone matrix implant, and variants thereof. The invention also relates to methods of cell culture using the same. The invention further relates to bone matrix scaffolds comprising one or more bone matrix nanofibers, methods of preparing, and methods of use thereof. The invention also relates to methods of culturing cells and promoting differentiation of stem cells using the same.

An implantable bioreactor containing a barrier which is designed to allow the release of cell-derived biomolecules, but restricts the entry of immunologic and other cells, or the egress of the cells contained within the bioreactor. Two broad classes of implantable bioreactors are envisioned, encompassing devices for both systemic delivery of the bio-products and local delivery at the target tissue. Bioreactors of both classes can be implanted via surgery, through percutaneous techniques, or other techniques which effect implantation.

An implantable bioreactor containing a barrier which is designed to allow the release of cell-derived biomolecules, but restricts the entry of immunologic and other cells, or the egress of the cells contained within the bioreactor. Two broad classes of implantable bioreactors are envisioned, encompassing devices for both systemic delivery of the bio-products and local delivery at the target tissue. Bioreactors of both classes can be implanted via surgery, through percutaneous techniques, or other techniques which effect implantation.

A capsule device and a method for the capsule device remain in a very low power state and monitor whether it enters a desired section of the gastrointestinal track. The capsule device is coated with an enteric material that is expected to dissolve after it enters the small bowel. In the monitoring state, the capsule device captures a first image using the camera and the light source at a first frame rate substantially below a target frame rate. The capsule device compares first information related to the first image with second information related to a coating image corresponding to the coating. If the first information does not matches the second information, the capsule device declares that the coating has dissolved and the capsule device configures the camera to capture third images at the target rate after declaring that the coating has dissolved.

A capsule device and a method for the capsule device remain in a very low power state and monitor whether it enters a desired section of the gastrointestinal track. The capsule device is coated with an enteric material that is expected to dissolve after it enters the small bowel. In the monitoring state, the capsule device captures a first image using the camera and the light source at a first frame rate substantially below a target frame rate. The capsule device compares first information related to the first image with second information related to a coating image corresponding to the coating. If the first information does not matches the second information, the capsule device declares that the coating has dissolved and the capsule device configures the camera to capture third images at the target rate after declaring that the coating has dissolved.