493 results about "Connective tissue fiber" patented technology

The present invention relates to the use of a gene transfer product to reduce hyperplastic connective tissue growth after tissue trauma or implantation of a medical device. The present invention also relates to a medical device with improved biological properties for an at least partial contact with blood, bodily fluids and / or tissues when introduced in a mammalian body, which device comprises a core and a nucleic acid, encoding a product capable of leading to production of extracellular superoxide dismutase present in a biologically compatible medium. Said nucleic acid encodes a translation or transcription product, which is capable of inhibiting hyperplastic connective tissue growth and promoting endothelialisation in vivo at least partially on a synthetic surface of said core. The present invention also relates to a method of producing a medical device according to the invention.

Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of connective tissue growth factor. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding connective tissue growth factor. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of connective tissue growth factor expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of connective tissue growth factor are provided.

Devices, systems, and methods treat cosmetic defects, and often apply cooling with at least one tissue-penetrating probe inserted through of the skin of a patient. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and / or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments of the cooling treatments will interfere with the nerve / muscle contractile function chain so as to mitigate wrinkles of the skin. Related treatments may be used therapeutically for treatment of back and other muscle spasms, chronic pain, and the like. Some embodiments may remodel subcutaneous adipose tissue so as to alter a shape or appearance of the skin surface.

A bone marrow isolate rich in one or more connective tissue growth components, methods of forming the isolate, and methods of promoting connective tissue growth using the isolate are described. A biological sample comprising bone marrow is centrifuged to separate the sample into fractions including a fraction rich in connective tissue growth components. The fraction rich in connective tissue growth components is then isolated from the separated sample. The isolate can be used directly or combined with a carrier and implanted into a patient at a tissue (e.g., bone) defect site. The biological sample can comprise bone marrow and whole blood. The isolate can be modified (e.g., by transfection with a nucleic acid encoding an osteoinductive polypeptide operably linked to a promoter) prior to application to the tissue defect site. The isolate can be made and applied to the tissue defect site in a single procedure (i.e., intraoperatively).

Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for promoting blood flow to a target tissue. In one aspect, the invention involves canalizing or boring channels, divots, trenches or holes through an avascular connective tissue, or through a tissue having sparse vascularity, such as a tendon or a meniscus, in order to increase blood flow within the tissue. In one method, an active electrode is positioned in close proximity to a target site on a tendon, and a high frequency voltage difference is applied between the active electrode and a return electrode to selectively ablate tendon tissue at the target site, thereby forming a channel or void in the tendon. The active electrode(s) may be moved relative to the tendon during, or after, the application of electrical energy to damage or sculpt a void within the tendon, such as a hole, channel, crater, or the like. In another aspect of the invention, an electrosurgical probe is used to elicit a wound healing response in a target tissue, such as an injured tendon, in order to stimulate vascularization of the target tissue. The present invention may also be used for vascularization of a torn or damaged tissue in conjunction with a surgical repair procedure.

An endoscopic apparatus for harvesting a desired blood vessel including an endoscopic barrel having at least two lumens, one of the lumens dimensioned for receiving an endoscope, a handle disposed at a proximal end of the endoscopic barrel, a cone portion disposed over a distal end of the endoscopic barrel, and at least one manipulator fork extendable from the cone portion for dissecting the desired blood vessel from connective tissue.

The present invention provides antisense compounds and methods for modulating the expression of target genes expressed in the kidney. In particular, this invention provides antisense oligonucleotide compounds optimized for targeting nucleic acid molecules expressed in the kidney. Such compounds are shown herein to efficiently modulate the expression of target genes SGLT2 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the kidney.

Tissue repair compositions, particularly bone repair compositions, containing demineralized bone fragments and homogenized connective tissues. The compositions can be used in the form of an injectable gel, an injectable paste, a paste, a putty, or a rehydratable freeze-dried form.

Connective tissue, including neo-tendons and ligaments, has been constructed using biodegradable synthetic scaffolds seeded with tenocytes. The scaffolds are preferably formed from biodegradable fibers formed of a polymer such as polyglycolic acid-polylactic acid copolymers, and seeded with cells isolated from autologous tendon or ligament by means of enzymatic digestion or direct seeding into tissue culture dishes from explants. The cell polymer constructs are then surgically transplanted to replace missing segments of functioning tendon or ligament.

The disclosure provides a method and apparatus for noninvasive and minimally-invasive treatment of skin and subcutaneous tissues with ultrasound with or without nano- or microparticles. The treatment includes, but is not limited to, hair removal, skin rejuvenation (wrinkle removal), scar removal, treatment of spider veins and varicose veins, removal of birthmarks, acne treatment, wound treatment, abnormal pigmentation and stretch mark removal, abnormal tissues in skin and subcutaneous layers, and tattoo removal. Skin and subcutaneous tissues which can be treated with the methods described include, but are not limited to, the dermis, epidermis, subcutaneous fat, connective tissue, muscle tissue, blood vessels, scar tissues, tendons, and cartilage tissues, and abnormal tissues in skin and subcutaneous layers. The disclosure is especially applicable to hair removal and skin rejuvenation.

The present invention provides adipose-derived stem cells and lattices. In one aspect, the present invention provides a lipo-derived stem cell substantially free of adipocytes and red blood cells and clonal populations of connective tissue stem cells. The invention also provides a method of isolating stem cells from adipose tissues. The cells can be employed, alone or within biologically-compatible compositions, to generate differentiated tissues and structures, both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, the cells can be expanded and cultured to produce hormones and to provide conditioned culture media for supporting the growth and expansion of other cell populations. In another aspect, the present invention provides a lipo-derived lattice substantially devoid of cells, which includes extracellular matrix material from adipose tissue. The lattice can be used as a substrate to facilitate the growth and differentiation of cells, whether in vivo or in vitro, into anlagen or even mature tissues or structures.

A method and system for non-invasive treatment of a soft tissue, such as adipose tissue, muscle tissue or connective tissue. The apparatus comprises an applicator configured to apply a pressure pulse to the skin surface having a negative pressure phase with respect to ambient pressure. The method comprises applying at least one pressure pulse to the skin surface overlying the soft tissue, where the pressure pulse has at least one negative pressure phase.

For promoting tissue regeneration on wound surfaces (1) mechanical oscillation is coupled into the wound surfaces. A treatment instrument (2) coupled to an oscillation drive is brought into contact with the wound surface (1), or an implant is impinged with oscillation during and / or after being positioned in the tissue. The oscillation acts mechanically and thermally on the tissue in the region of the treated wound surface (1), and according to the intensity acts in a stimulating, traumatic, necrotic or cell-destroying manner. Therefore, biological elements inhibiting tissue regeneration are destroyed or denatured and the metabolism in the region of the wound surface is stimulated. The effect may also be a mechanical one, slightly compacting or regionally dislocating the tissue. Since the treatment can be effected during or after positioning an implant, necrosis in particular effects undesired cells, such as connective tissue cells, mucous cells and diseased cells having been brought to the wound surface with the implant, which cells may inhibit the intergrowth between tissue and implant.

A method and apparatus that will alter the fibrous strands in the fatty layers of the skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue. Electromagnetic energy is used to selectively shrink or alternatively photoacoustically ablate the collagen in the constricting bands of connective tissue that causes the dimpled appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue while avoiding damage to the surrounding fatty cells.

In one embodiment, an ultrasound device disposed in a housing is provided. The ultrasound device comprises a first transducer for imaging a region of interest, and a second transducer that generates one or more ultrasound frequencies for cavitating fat cells in the region of interest, and one or more frequencies for thermally treating connective tissues in the region of interest.

A method and apparatus that will alter the fibrous strands in the fatty layers of the skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Electromagnetic energy is used to selectively shrink or alternatively loosen the collagen in the constricting bands of connective tissue that causes the dimpled appearance of cellulite while avoiding damage to the surrounding fatty cells.

Apparatus for treating cellulite under the surface of the skin comprising a surgical ultrasonic energy source is disclosed. An ultrasonic energy transmitting surface is driven by a surgical ultrasonic energy source. The ultrasonic energy transmitting surface is configured to concentrate ultrasonic energy in the layer of connective tissue lying at the interface between the dermis and the subcutaneous adipose tissue. The surgical ultrasonic energy source is of sufficient power to cause disruption of the layer of connective tissue lying at the interface between the dermis and the subcutaneous adipose tissue during a dosage period. An imaging ultrasonic energy transmitting surface is driven by the imaging ultrasonic energy source. An imaging ultrasonic energy detector is coupled to receive the reflected output of the imaging ultrasonic energy transmitting surface. A computing device is coupled to the output of the imaging ultrasonic energy detector. A program resident in the computing device configures the computing device to generate an image of tissues under the surface of the skin of a patient. A display for displaying the image of tissues under the surface of the skin of the patient provides the person implementing the treatment with first and second images. The first image is a before ultrasound treatment three dimensional or other image and the second image is an after ultrasound treatment image of the tissue is treated. An applicator housing is configured to be held by the hand of an individual, the imaging ultrasonic energy detector is mounted on the applicator housing.

Disclosed is an apparatus for attaching tissue to bone. The apparatus includes a bone anchor having a distal anchoring portion for implantation in bone and a proximal reception portion that receives a fixation member. The fixation member has a distal engagement portion for releasably engaging the proximal reception portion of the bone anchor. A support flange included with the fixation member proximal to the distal engagement portion selectively compresses the tissue to be attached to the bone. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes an intermediate support member dimensioned and configured for placement between the proximal reception portion of the bone anchor and the support flange of the fixation member. Also disclosed is a method for attaching tissue to bone utilizing said apparatus.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for sealing a puncture in a tubular tissue structure or the wall of a body cavity. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for sealing a puncture site in the wall of a tubular tissue structure, or in the wall of a body cavity with a bioabsorbable material such as submucosal tissue, another extracellular or matrix-derived tissue, or a synthetic material capable of remodeling endogenous connective tissue in vivo. The bioabsorbable material is inserted into the puncture site as a sheet on an introducer element used to access the lumen of a tubular tissue structure or used to access a body cavity.

A medical lead for electrical stimulation or sensing. The medical lead has a generally flat paddle on the distal end of the lead body. An electrode array is provided on the paddle, with the electrode array displaced along the length of the paddle toward the distal end. Advantages include allowing the electrode array may be advanced into position for electrical stimulation or sensing with the flat paddle extending through connective tissue, such as the ligamentum flavum, thus facilitating repositioning, withdrawal or explanting the medical lead, as well as using the flat features of the paddle to anchor the lead to the connective tissue.

This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for tightening tissue of the female genitalia by heating targeted connective tissue with radiant energy, while cooling the mucosal epithelial surface over the target tissue to protect it from the heat. Embodiments include a treatment tip that comprises both an energy delivery element and a cooling mechanism. As the treatment tip contacts the epithelial mucosa, the tip cools the mucosa by contact, and delivers energy thought the epithelium to the underlying tissue, thereby creating a reverse thermal gradient. The effect of the applied heat is to remodel genital tissue by tightening it. Such remodeling may include a tighter vagina and a tighter introitus. The tightening may be a consequence of thermal denaturation of collagen as well as a longer term healing response in the tissue that includes an increased deposition of collagen.

An innovative bone anchor and methods for securing soft tissue, such as tendons, to bone, which permit a suture attachment that lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface. Advantageously, the suturing material between the soft tissue and the bone anchor is secured without the need for tying a knot. The suture attachment to the bone anchor involves the looping of a length of suture around a pulley within the bone anchor, tightening the suture and attached soft tissue, and clamping the suture within the bone anchor. The bone anchor may be a tubular body having a lumen containing a plurality of suture-locking elements that clamp the suture therein. The locking elements may be thin and C-shaped. One or more locking plugs attached to separable actuation rods displace axially within the lumen and act on the locking elements to displace them radially. A generally uniform passage through the locking elements in their first positions converts to a smaller irregular passage after the locking plug displaces the elements to their second positions, thus effectively clamping the suture. The bone anchor further may include locking structure for securing itself within a bone cavity.

Methods for introducing at least one gene encoding a product into at least one target cell of a mammalian host for use in treating the mammalian host are disclosed. These methods include employing recombinant techniques to produce a vector molecule that contains the gene encoding for the product, and infecting the target cells of the mammalian host using the DNA vector molecule. A method to produce an animal model for the study of connective tissue pathology is also disclosed.

Methods and compositions for reducing fibrosis and cirrhosis are provided in which an effective dose of an admixture of a polysaccharide compound and, for example, a compound selected from the group consisting of antibodies specific to intracellular or cell-surface: (i) beta-PDGF receptors; (ii) synaptophysin; (iii) zvegf3; (iv) CCR1 receptors; (v) connective tissue growth factor; (vi) alpha 1-smooth muscle actin; (vii) matrix metalloproteinases MMP 2 and MMP9; (viii) matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors TIMP1 and TMP2; (ix) integrins; (x) TFG-β1; (xi) endothelin receptor antagonists; and (xii) collagen synthesis and degradation modulating compounds; (xiii) actin synthesis and degradation modulating compounds; and (xiv) tyrosine kinases is administered to an animal in order to treat fibrosis.

By providing a hide processor or tanning drum with appropriate equipment for applying vacuum and microwave energy concurrently, these tanning machines become a versatile means of drying to yield dry hides that contain no salt yet store better than salted hides. In this novel process, fresh hides are loaded into the tanning machine where they are washed, demanured and then dried in situ under vacuum with concomitant application of microwave energy. Because the dried hides thus obtained are soft and pliable, they can be mechanically fleshed or shaved to remove the subcutaneous tissues rich in collagen and fat. Alternatively, the hides may be first dried in the tanning machine to below 35% moisture content and degreased using a solvent such as hexane. The solvent remaining in the hides after decantation of the unabsorbed liquid is vaporized at low temperature using vacuum and microwave energy. The hides are then dried in situ to the desired final moisture content. By shaving off the subcutaneous tissues of these hides a dry, fat-free, valuable undenatured collagen product is obtained. If the hides are unhaired before drying, they may be shaved and then accurately split. The process is also suitable for removing hair and fat from hide trimmings to obtain a valuable undenatured collagen product and fat. Furthermore, it can be used to remove fat from connective tissues and other animal offal containing no hair yielding a dry undenatured collagen product.

Methods are described for using compositions containing platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of a variety of tissue lesions. Particularly, delivery of platelet-rich plasma to connective tissue is described. The described method and compositions have been shown to provide both pain relief and improved mobility in treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Disclosed are engineered, living, three-dimensional connective tissue constructs comprising connective tissue cells. In some embodiments, the connective tissue cells are derived from multi-potent cells such as mesenchymal stem / stromal cells. In some embodiments, the cells are cohered to one another. In some embodiments, the multi-potent cells have been exposed to one or more differentiation signals to provide a living, three-dimensional connective tissue construct. In some embodiments, the constructs are substantially free of pre-formed scaffold at the time of use. Also disclosed are implants for engraftment, arrays of connective tissue constructs for in vitro experimentation, as well as methods of making the same.

The invention provides a strap apparatus for stretching and strengthening muscles and connective tissue, and includes a segment of strap material having a first end, a medial portion, and a second end, having a loop formed in the first end, length adjustment means formed in the medial portion, and a connector element attached to the second end. The connector element is adapted for releasable connection to an anchor article, e.g., an extremity cuff member or a clothing article, bearing a receiver adapted for releasable attachment to the connector element.