An implantable containment apparatus for receiving and retaining a biological moiety or a therapeutic device within a tissue bed is disclosed. The device includes a shaping element to maintain the device in a generally toroidal configuration and to return the apparatus to that configuration after deformation. The apparatus can be placed in a host tissue with minimal trauma to the patient. Methods for implanting and using the apparatus are also disclosed.

A density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant is disclosed. The implant includes a first homogeneous matrix layer and a second homogeneous matrix layer having a density different from that of the first homogeneous matrix layer. Biopolymeric fibers at the surface of the first homogeneous matrix layer are physically in contact with and cross-linked to the biopolymeric fibers at the surface of the second homogeneous matrix layer. Also disclosed is a three-dimensional density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant that includes a first homogeneous matrix surrounding a second homogeneous matrix having a different density. Biopolymeric fibers at an inner surface of the first homogeneous matrix are physically in contact with and cross-linked to biopolymeric fibers at an outer surface of the second homogeneous matrix. Furthermore, methods for preparing the density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant and the three-dimensional density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant are provided.

A density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant is disclosed. The implant includes a first homogeneous matrix layer and a second homogeneous matrix layer having a density different from that of the first homogeneous matrix layer. Biopolymeric fibers at the surface of the first homogeneous matrix layer are physically in contact with and cross-linked to the biopolymeric fibers at the surface of the second homogeneous matrix layer. Also disclosed is a three-dimensional density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant that includes a first homogeneous matrix surrounding a second homogeneous matrix having a different density. Biopolymeric fibers at an inner surface of the first homogeneous matrix are physically in contact with and cross-linked to biopolymeric fibers at an outer surface of the second homogeneous matrix. Furthermore, methods for preparing the density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant and the three-dimensional density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant are provided.

The invention relates to a chamber (100) for encapsulating secreting cells producing at least one substance of interest, the chamber comprising: —an upper washer (120) and a bottom washer (110) configured to be oppositely placed on a side and on another side of two semi-permeable membranes (141, 142), —optionally at least one intermediate washer (130), provided between both membranes, in a plane sensibly parallel to upper and bottom washers planes and delimiting two superposed half cells spaces (S1, S2) capable of containing the secreting cells producing the at least one substance of interest, —optionally sealing means (150) the upper and the bottom washers (120, 110) being tightly clipped together, incorporating the intermediate washer (130) therebetween.

Systems featuring two or more encapsulation devices stacked together. The encapsulation devices house cells, such as but not limited to islet cells or stem cell derived beta cells or the like. e.g., for regulating blood glucose, or other cells or spheroids that can produce and release a therapeutic agent that is useful in the body, etc. The system may feature oxygen delivery, or in some cases no exogenous oxygen is delivered and vascularization of the device can help provide oxygen and other needed nutrient to the cells. The system of the present invention may be used in conjunction with other therapies such as an artificial pancreas. Stacking the devices with blood vessel formation around and in between them may allow for a decrease in the footprint that would be needed for implantation.

Systems featuring two or more encapsulation devices stacked together. The encapsulation devices house cells, such as but not limited to islet cells or stem cell derived beta cells or the like. e.g., for regulating blood glucose, or other cells or spheroids that can produce and release a therapeutic agent that is useful in the body, etc. The system may feature oxygen delivery, or in some cases no exogenous oxygen is delivered and vascularization of the device can help provide oxygen and other needed nutrient to the cells. The system of the present invention may be used in conjunction with other therapies such as an artificial pancreas. Stacking the devices with blood vessel formation around and in between them may allow for a decrease in the footprint that would be needed for implantation.

Shape memory alloys are used in aerospace structures, orthodontics, cardiovascular prosthetic devices, sensors and controllers, and many other engineering, technology, science, and other fields. The methods are described in the case of a temporary heart assist pump to illustrate the concepts, but the method applies to many other fields. The properties of shape memory alloys are used to fold or collapse and implant in the human body a device without breaking the device as it reaches body temperature or without reaching permanent plastic deformation. The properties of nitinol are also used to describe intended explantation of the device, at body temperature, from the body without breaking it. Such planned explantation may be needed in cases where the device is designed for temporary use, such as mechanical circulatory support devices intended for temporary use and then removal of all components of the device from the body. The same method can be used for devices that have not been initially designed for removal, such as stents or valves, that must later be explanted for reasons unanticipated when they were installed. The methods ensure that the devices stay within stress-strain-temperature conditions so they remain elastic, or under the upper stress plateau, or remain plastic, but always under the breaking strain, of shape memory alloys at: room or environmental conditions; cooler than environmental conditions; and at a higher temperature, or body temperature. The methods described may also be applied to other industrial applications, where shape memory alloys may be installed and removed at different temperatures. Applications in other industries, include aerospace, civil structures, mechanical structures are contemplated.

A woven prosthesis, such as a woven vascular graft, woven from warp and weft yarns. Velour warp yarns forming the prosthesis are selectively incorporated into a base layer of the prosthesis so as to provide a bulbous section without compromising the porosity of the prosthesis.

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.

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.