Disclosed are an artificial biomembrane using a silk matrix and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein the artificial biomembrane is configured such that a silk matrix having a cross-section with a first thickness, produced from silkworms, is subjected to planar division into two or more silk matrix pieces having a predetermined shape with the first thickness. Furthermore, the manufacturing process is relatively simple, thus reducing the manufacturing cost compared to when manufacturing typical artificial biomembranes, and moreover, the artificial biomembrane can exhibit outstanding cell culture capacity, is biocompatible, and has superior tensile strength and elongation, which are required of biomembranes.

Described herein is a generalized injection device for delivering formulations of various mechanical properties to precise locations. Of particular interest is the manifestation intended for the application of a thermally responsive hydrogel to the tear duct for the purpose of occlusion, as a treatment for symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome. Further, a modular solution to the need for an injection device across a variety of applications, mechanism, and physical considerations is provided. This disclosure provides examples of methods for precise injection of low volumes, moisture retention in pre-filled injection devices, and actuation for automatic or manual injection, to name a few.

A multi-element, vascular stent may be used to maintain or enhance patency of a blood vessel. The stent may be used in peripheral blood vessels, which may be long and/or tortuous. By using multiple, separate stent elements that are balloon expandable, the multi-element stent may be stronger than a traditional self-expanding stent but may also be more flexible, due to its multiple-element configuration, than a traditional balloon-expandable stent. The distance between stent elements may be based on characteristics of the stent and the target vessel location such that the stent elements do not touch one another during skeletal movement. Thus, the multi-element, vascular stent described herein may be particularly advantageous for treating long lesions in tortuous peripheral blood vessels.

A biocompatible membrane comprised of alginate and hyaluronate. The membrane may be used to prevent unwanted scarring after surgery. The tissue adherence and the rate of bioresorption of the membrane may be modified through an external stimulus comprising a sequestering agent and a viscosity modifier.

A sheet structure comprising two joined extracellular matrix (ECM) tissue or sheet layers and a physiological sensor disposed therebetween; the ECM tissue being derived from a mammalian tissue source that includes small intestine submucosa (SIS), urinary bladder submucosa (UBS), stomach submucosa (SS), urinary basement membrane (UBM), liver basement membrane (LBM), amniotic membrane, mesothelial tissue, placental tissue and cardiac tissue.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an injectable sol into a body, suited for delivery through a catheter, and usable for tissue perforation closure, ulcer protection, or vascular embolization. Provided are a sol for tissue perforation closure, a sol for ulcer protection, and a sol for vascular embolization, each containing from 0.6 mass % to 3 mass % of a collagen, water, from 200 mM to 330 mM sodium chloride, and a buffer and having a pH from 6.0 to 9.0.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an injectable sol into a body, suited for delivery through a catheter, and usable for tissue perforation closure, ulcer protection, or vascular embolization. Provided are a sol for tissue perforation closure, a sol for ulcer protection, and a sol for vascular embolization, each containing from 0.6 mass % to 3 mass % of a collagen, water, from 200 mM to 330 mM sodium chloride, and a buffer and having a pH from 6.0 to 9.0.

The invention provides compositions featuring chitosan and methods for using such compositions for the local delivery of biologically active agents to an open fracture, complex wound or other site of infection. Advantageously, the degradation and drug elution profiles of the chitosan compositions can be tailored to the needs of particular patients at the point of care (e.g., in a surgical suite, clinic, physician's office, or other clinical setting).

Compositions-of-matter comprising a matrix made of one or more, preferably two or more elastic layers and one or more viscoelastic layer are disclosed. The compositions-of-matter are characterized by high water-impermeability and optionally by self-recovery. Processes of preparing the compositions-of-matter and uses thereof as tissue substitutes or for repairing damaged tissues are also disclosed.

The disclosure provides a method for cleaning an implanted medical device. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a medical device including a membrane; wherein the membrane comprises a thermoresponsive hydrogel including N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) or poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), and a volume phase transition temperature (VPTT). The method also includes implanting the medical device into a target area; wherein the membrane temperature is maintained at substantially the same temperature as the target area; wherein temperature fluctuations within the target area that approach, meet and/or exceed the volume phase transition temperature induce deswelling or relative deswelling in the membrane and temperature fluctuations within the target area that are relatively lower and/or approach and/or fall below the volume phase transition temperature induce swelling or relative swelling in the membrane.