The present disclosure provides methods of improving structure of a face in a patient, more particularly by classifying the facial shape in order to allow the design of a specific treatment plan directed to each type of face shape.

Particles of non-woven graft materials for use in specialized surgical procedures such as soft tissue repair and wound management procedures, methods for making the powder, and methods for repairing tissue such as neurological tissue using the powder are disclosed. The particles can advantageously be used to fill irregular shaped areas or can be used in conjunction with non-woven graft materials.

The data presented herein relates to therapeutic compositions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In particular, pharmaceutically acceptable MSC compostions are xenogen-free and do not have immunological adverse effects. Mesenchymal stem cells expanded in a cell culture media comprising bone marrow supernatant produce xenogen-free mesenchymal stem cells. Such xenogen-free MSC compositions improve therapy for medical conditions including, but not limited to, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disorders and/or diabetes.

A composite material can include a gel and at least one nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for healing a soft tissue defect can include applying a composite material to a soft tissue defect, wherein the composite material includes a gel and a nanostructure disposed within the gel. A method for manufacturing a composite material for use in healing soft tissue defects can include providing a gel and disposing nanofibers within the gel.

An injectable in situ pore-forming hydrogel system and its preparation method and use are provided. The injectable in situ pore-forming hydrogel system uses an injectable hydrogel as a continuous base phase, and isolated live cells and magnesium particles are distributed in the continuous base phase, where the injectable hydrogel is a precursor or prepolymer of hydrogel, which can form hydrogel by cross-linking. The injectable in situ pore-forming hydrogel system can be used to create pores while the gel encapsulates live cells, which makes use of both the injectability and porous structures of hydrogel, which is important for the repair of cavitary, surgically difficult and irregularly defective tissues; meanwhile, magnesium particles generate magnesium ions after the former undergoes gas production and degradation, which can improve the bioactivity of the gel and aid in tissue repair.

In a representative embodiment, a method comprises implanting first and second inflatable bodies within an annulus of a native heart valve by securing the inflatable bodies to tissue of the native heart valve with sutures, and implanting a prosthetic heart valve between the inflatable bodies such that the prosthetic heart valve is retained within the annulus by the inflatable bodies.

Polymers suitable for forming carbon nanotube-functionalized reverse thermal gel compositions, compositions including the polymers, and methods of forming and using the polymers and compositions are disclosed. The compositions have reverse thermal gelling properties and transform from a liquid/solution to a gel—e.g., near or below body temperature. The polymers and compositions can be injected into or proximate an area in need of treatment.

Provided are liposomes that encapsulate adenosine. The liposomes may be formed from sphingomyelin or a combination of sphingomyelin and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) or a combination of sphingomyelin and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylglycerol (DMPG) or a combination of sphingomyelin, DMPG, and DMPC. The liposomes encapsulating adenosine may be used to induce cartilage regeneration, treat osteoarthritis, alleviate joint pain, and/or slow, arrest, and/or reverse progressive structural tissue damage associated with osteoarthritis or treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute gouty arthritis, and/or synovitis. The liposomes may release adenosine for up to two weeks.

The present disclosure provides biomaterials and methods for preventing and minimizing progression of cartilage and/or connective tissue damage. Also provided herein are biomaterials and methods for alleviating and/or reducing the risk for developing arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis) associated with joint injury and/or joint surgery.

Embolization compositions and methods for controlling undesired bleeding and other treatments are provided. Preferred composition may comprise (a) a crosslinked hydrogel material; and (b) a fiber material, wherein the composition comprises a plurality of macropores; and the hydrogel material and fiber material are bonded by covalent and/or non-covalent bonds.