A processing technique for creating nanowires and hierarchically porous micro/nano structures of ceramic materials is provided. The process includes evaporation of micron-sized water droplets containing dissolved organic salts on heated substrates followed by thermal decomposition of the deposited material. The micron-sized droplets may be generated by supercritical CO.sub.2 assisted nebulization, in which high-pressure streams of aqueous solution and supercritical CO.sub.2 are mixed, followed by controlled depressurization through a fine capillary. Rapid evaporation takes place on the heated substrates and structures are generated due to CO.sub.2 effervescence from the droplets and evaporation of water, along with the pinning of the three phase contact line. Depending on the mass deposited, a mesh of nano-wires or membrane-like structures may result. Sintering of the membrane-like scaffolds above the decomposition temperature of the organic salt creates nanopores within the structures, creating a dual hierarchy of pores.

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 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.

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to microsurgical cutting devices for ophthalmic procedures. In certain embodiments, a cutting tool assembly includes a first blade in a fixed position and a second blade configured to move relative to the first blade to perform a cutting motion. The first blade includes a first longitudinal body portion and a first end portion extending laterally from the first body portion. A distal surface of the first end portion has a bowed morphology to match a curvature of a retinal surface and is further coated with a first coating to reduce damage to ocular tissues during use. The second blade includes a second longitudinal body portion and a second end portion extending laterally from the second body portion. A distal surface of the second end portion includes a cutting edge for cutting tissues, while a proximal surface thereof is coated with a second coating.

Intraocular pressure sensors, systems, and methods of use. Implantable intraocular pressure sensing devices that are hermetically sealed and adapted to wirelessly communicate with an external device. The implantable devices can include a hermetically sealed housing, the hermetically sealed housing including therein: an antenna in electrical communication with a rechargeable power source, the rechargeable power source in electrical communication with an ASIC, and the ASIC in electrical communication with a pressure sensor.

A surgical staple comprising a substrate and one or more coatings which slows the bioabsorption of the substrate. The coating can be selected so as to affect the environment surrounding the staple once the staple is implanted in the patient. The effect on the environment can cause the bioabsorption to occur within a desired time frame.

Described are medical devices including expandable tubular bodies configured to be implanted into a lumen, wherein the outer surface of the expandable tubular bodies are coupled to a polymer(s).

The present disclosure relates to medical devices, and methods for producing and using the devices. In embodiments, the medical device may be a buttress including a porous substrate possessing a therapeutic layer of a chemotherapeutic agent and optional excipient(s) thereon. By varying the form of chemotherapeutic agents and excipients, the medical devices may be used to treat both the area to which the medical device is attached as well as tissue at a distance therefrom.

The present disclosure relates to medical devices, and methods for producing and using the devices. In embodiments, the medical device may be a buttress including a porous substrate possessing a therapeutic layer of a chemotherapeutic agent and optional excipient(s) thereon. By varying the form of chemotherapeutic agents and excipients, the medical devices may be used to treat both the area to which the medical device is attached as well as tissue at a distance therefrom.

Embodiments herein include implantable medical devices including chemical sensors with bioerodible masking layers to allow for staged activation of the sensors. In an embodiment, an implantable medical device includes a substrate defining wells and a first chemical sensor and a second chemical sensor disposed within separate wells of the substrate. The first chemical sensor and the second chemical sensor can be configured to detect one or more analytes. The device can include a first bioerodible masking layer disposed over the second chemical sensor, sealing off the second chemical sensor. The device can further include a protective planarization layer disposed over at least one of the first chemical sensor and the second chemical sensor such that the outermost surface of the medical device over the first sensor is flush with the outermost surface of the medical device over the second sensor. Other embodiments are also included herein.