An implant for attaching a tendon or ligament to a hard tissue is provided. The implant includes a shaft, a convex first surface, a flat or concave second surface, first pillars for contacting a hard tissue, first slots to be occupied by the hard tissue, second pillars for contacting a tendon or ligament, and second slots to be occupied by the tendon or ligament. The implant has a first surface ratio of the sum of the volumes of the first slots to the sum of the volumes of the first pillars and the volumes of the first slots of 0.40:1 to 0.90:1, and a second surface ratio of the sum of the volumes of the second slots to the sum of the volumes of the second pillars and the volumes of the second slots of 0.60:1 to 0.98:1. The second surface ratio is greater than the first surface ratio.

An implant for attaching a tendon or ligament to a hard tissue is provided. The implant includes a shaft, a convex first surface, a flat or concave second surface, first pillars for contacting a hard tissue, first slots to be occupied by the hard tissue, second pillars for contacting a tendon or ligament, and second slots to be occupied by the tendon or ligament. The implant has a first surface ratio of the sum of the volumes of the first slots to the sum of the volumes of the first pillars and the volumes of the first slots of 0.40:1 to 0.90:1, and a second surface ratio of the sum of the volumes of the second slots to the sum of the volumes of the second pillars and the volumes of the second slots of 0.60:1 to 0.98:1. The second surface ratio is greater than the first surface ratio.

Certain embodiments according to the present invention provide sleeve devices suitable for a wide range of therapeutic uses. In accordance with certain embodiments, the therapeutic sleeve device includes a nanofiber fabric assembly, which defines a plurality of pores, and at least one layer of cells embedded in the nanofiber fabric assembly.

The subject invention provides devices and methods for alleviating discomfort associated with neuroma formation. The devices and methods of the invention effectively use the body's natural response of reconstructing implanted biomaterials to minimize the size of isolate, and protect a neuroma. In preferred embodiments, the subject device is a cylindrical cap, wherein the internal chamber of the cylindrical cap physically partitions the nerve to enable an arrangement of nerve fibers (as opposed to haphazardly arranged nerve fibers often produced in neuromas). Tabs arranged on the outside of the cap can be used to manipulate the cap into place on a nerve. The open end can also be configured with flaps that can be used to widen the open end for easier insertion of the nerve into the cap. In addition, the cap's material remodels into a tissue cushion after implantation, which protects the neuroma from being stimulated and inducing pain.

Provided are methods for improving the efficacy and success of cell-based therapies by administration of stem cells which have been preconditioned with an inhibitor of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEHI), as well as kits, stents and patches for administering sEHI-preconditioned stem cells, as sole active agent or in combination with an agent that increases the production and or levels of EETs.

Various embodiments of biocompatible textile mesh and tissue constructs from Manicaria saccifera, methods of growing cells and tissues using the Manicaria saccifera-based textile mesh/tissue scaffolds, and methods of treating subjects with the biocompatible textile mesh and tissue constructs are described. The mesh, constructs and methods can include a biocompatible textile mesh made from a naturally woven fiber mat from a Manicaria saccifera palm bract that has been treated to remove oils and lignin from the surface of palm fibers in the mat and seeded with a population of cells. An engineered, biocompatible tissue construct, a method of growing mammalian tissue in vivo, and a method of treating a subject are also described.

Synergistic compositions for use in treatment during gynecological procedures are provided. Synergistic compositions that enable practitioners to perform gynecological procedures without pain or bleeding to patients are provided.

A bioartificial device, such as a bioartificial pancreas, for implantation in a patient's vascular system. The bioartificial pancreas includes a scaffold adapted to engage an interior wall of a blood vessel, a cellular complex support by the scaffold and extending longitudinally within the interior cavity of the scaffold so as to be exposed to the blood flow when the scaffold is engaged with the blood vessel, the cellular complex support comprising one or more pockets bordered by thin film; and cellular complex comprising pancreatic islets disposed in the one or more pockets, the thin film being adapted to permit oxygen and glucose to diffuse from flowing blood into the one or more pockets at a rate sufficient to support the viability of the islets. The invention also includes methods of making and using a bioartificial pancreas.

A biomaterial including a plurality of fatty acid chains cross-linked together and elemental silver metal formed within the material. Method(s) for forming the material are also included. The silver-containing biomaterial can be utilized alone or in combination with a medical device for the release and local delivery of one or more anti-infective agents.

The Invention features an implantable cell device that includes a membrane defining and enclosing a chamber; a distance body within the chamber for reducing the diffusion distance for a biological active factor to or across the membrane; and a support scaffold within the chamber for increasing the cell support surface area per unit volume of the chamber for distributing cells.