Characterization of a new degradable polymer scaffold for regeneration of the dermis: In vitro and in vivo human studies.

Full thickness skin wounds in humans heal with scars, but without regeneration of the dermis. A degradable poly(urethane urea) scaffold (PUUR), Artelon(R) is already used to reinforce soft tissues in orthopaedics, and for treatment of osteoarthritis of the hand, wrist and foot. In this paper we have done in vitro experiments followed by in vivo studies to find out whether the PUUR is biocompatible and usable as a template for dermal regeneration.

Construction of skeletal myoblast-based polyurethane scaffolds for myocardial repair.

Intramyocardial transplantation of skeletal myoblasts augments postinfarction cardiac function. However, poor survival of injected cells limits this therapy. It is hypothesized that implantation of myoblast-based scaffolds would result in greater cell survival.

The inflammatory cell influx and cytokines changes during transition from acute inflammation to fibrous repair around implanted materials.

The inflammatory and fibrous responses in a subcutaneous rat model were evaluated around degradable polyurethane urea (PUUR; Artelon), with titanium and tissue culture polystyrene (PS) discs having different surface chemical properties but similar surface topography. Cytokines, viability, cellular response, differentiation of cells and fibrous capsule formation and vascularization was investigated after 1, 7 and 21 days of implantation. The exudates retrieved from the pockets were analysed with respect to the total cell numbers, the proportions of cell types, the differentiation of monocytes/macrophages (ED1, ED2), the DNA content and the viability (LD, Trypan blue).

Results from a degradable TMC joint Spacer (Artelon) compared with tendon arthroplasty.

Purpose: A new spacer for the trapeziometacarpal joint (TMC) based on a biological and tissue-preserving concept for the treatment of TMC osteoarthritis (OA) has been evaluated. The purpose was to combine a spacing effect with stabilization of the TMC joint.

Methods: Artelon (Artimplant AB, Sweden) TMC Spacer is synthesized of a degradable polyurethaneurea (Artelon), which has been shown to be biocompatible over time and currently is used in ligament augmentation procedures.

Studies of polyurethane urea bands for ACL reconstruction.

The present report describes the mechanical tests, in vitro and in vivo studies of a poly(urethane urea) (PUUR) intended for clinical use in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. In the mechanical tests, no evidence of severe fatigue was observed after repeated cyclic loading. Testings for mutagenicity and delayed contact hypersensitivity were found negative.

Resorbable and nonresorbable hydroxyapatite granules as bone graft substitutes in rabbit cortical defects.

Background: The use of various synthetic calcium phosphate compositions for the promotion of bone in bone defects is of potential interest because such materials may be tailor made and may bond to bone. There is yet an inadequate knowledge of the role of calcium phosphate composition and resorbability for the bone response.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to compare the ability of resorbable versus nonresorbable hydroxyapatite (HA) granules to promote new bone formation in cortical bone defects.