The disclosure relates to a simulated tissue useful as a surgical training aid, the simulated tissue including at least the following: (a) a skin layer, (b) a fat layer, (c) a muscle layer, (d) a first mesh, (e) an interstitial layer, (f) a second mesh, (g) a structural layer incorporating one or more anatomical components, and (h) a base layer. Methods for constructing the simulated tissue are also disclosed. The simulated tissues described herein can be used as a soft tissue surgical task trainer for numerous surgical procedures.

A tubular parison for forming a medical device balloon. The parison is formed of a polymeric material, for instance a thermoplastic elastomer. The parison has an elongation at break which is not more than 80% of the elongation of the bulk polymeric material. The elongation of the parison is controlled by altering extrusion conditions. Balloons prepared from the parisons provide higher wall strength and/or higher inflation durability than balloons prepared from conventional parisons of the same material.

The invention provides an implantable membrane for regulating the transport of analytes therethrough that includes a matrix including a first polymer; and a second polymer dispersed throughout the matrix, wherein the second polymer forms a network of microdomains which when hydrated are not observable using photomicroscopy at 400× magnification or less. In one aspect, the homogeneous membrane of the present invention has hydrophilic domains dispersed substantially throughout a hydrophobic matrix to provide an optimum balance between oxygen and glucose transport to an electrochemical glucose sensor.

The invention provides an implantable membrane for regulating the transport of analytes therethrough that includes a matrix including a first polymer; and a second polymer dispersed throughout the matrix, wherein the second polymer forms a network of microdomains which when hydrated are not observable using photomicroscopy at 400× magnification or less. In one aspect, the homogeneous membrane of the present invention has hydrophilic domains dispersed substantially throughout a hydrophobic matrix to provide an optimum balance between oxygen and glucose transport to an electrochemical glucose sensor.

A bone fixation device made of polysaccharide particles or microspheres fused into a solid structure is provided herein. The bone fixation device may be in the form of an orthopedic screw, orthopedic pin, or orthopedic plate. Methods of making the bone fixation devices described herein are provided as are methods of treating patients in need of bone repair or replacement by implanting a bone fixation device described herein in the patient at a site of bone damage, ligament damage, or bone deformity.

Photosensitizers are incorporated into articles, such a personal protective equipment. A method of applying continuous and consistent light includes fitting the articles with light sources and optical fibers to apply light to the areas of the articles incorporated with the photosensitizers. Photosensitizers can be applied to articles by various applicators in either a gel or solution. A gel can be particularly effective when used on hydrophobic surfaces. Photodynamic reactor systems can be used to determine the effective doses of photosensitizers and the light dosimetry which can then be applied for use with the articles.

Photosensitizers are incorporated into articles, such a personal protective equipment. A method of applying continuous and consistent light includes fitting the articles with light sources and optical fibers to apply light to the areas of the articles incorporated with the photosensitizers. Photosensitizers can be applied to articles by various applicators in either a gel or solution. A gel can be particularly effective when used on hydrophobic surfaces. Photodynamic reactor systems can be used to determine the effective doses of photosensitizers and the light dosimetry which can then be applied for use with the articles.

In one embodiment, a drug delivery system and method provide a member including a combination of a drug substance and a polymer or other material, and an encapsulating layer formed in an outer surface of the member by gas cluster ion beam irradiation of the outer surface of the member, which encapsulating layer is adapted to determine one or more characteristics of the drug delivery system.

In one embodiment, a drug delivery system and method provide a member including a combination of a drug substance and a polymer or other material, and an encapsulating layer formed in an outer surface of the member by gas cluster ion beam irradiation of the outer surface of the member, which encapsulating layer is adapted to determine one or more characteristics of the drug delivery system.

A method for coating a medical implant applies at least one coating to at least one surface of the implant by plasma polymerization. The implant has pores sized in the nanometer range. The method stabilizes the pores. The plasma polymerization is conducted in the presence of a coating gas and oxygen. A coating parameter can be selected so that a rough surface of the implant is coated. An implant includes a membrane having pores sized in the nanometer range. A surface of the implant is at least partially coated with a plasma polymer. The interior of the pores is uncoated.