Abstract: A scanning apparatus, is used to effect multiple images of a tumor in which a contrast agent has been localized as a detectable marker over a selected time to map the change in the imaged marker. The rate of change in the imaged marker and/or contrast intensity of the dyed tissues is used to assess tumor aggressiveness and as an early predictor of response to cancer therapy. In particular, following the marking of tumor or cancerous tissues by the initial localization of an imageable contrast agent, the rate of change in the volume and/or area of the imaged marker is used to provide an indication of tumor interstitial fluid pressure (TIFP).

Abstract: The invention provides nanoparticles consisting of a polymer which is a metal chelating agent coated with a magnetic metal oxide, wherein at least one active agent is covalently bound to the polymer, said nanoparticles may optionally further comprise at least one active agent physically or covalently bound to the outer surface of the magnetic metal oxide. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these nanoparticles may be used, inter alia, for detection and treatment of tumors and inflammations.

Abstract: A suture passer including a stainless steel cylinder that has a rubber gasket at one end adapted to provide a seal through which laparoscopic forceps may be inserted. The suture passer further includes a thin stainless steel guide fastened to the other end of the cylinder and having a laterally extending eye through which a suture may be passed for use.

Abstract: A fiber optic catheter for continuous measurement of central venous oxygen saturation (Scv02) during human cardiopulmonary arrest and shock. When applied in cardiopulmonary arrest (cardiac arrest), the catheter provides therapeutic and prognostic guidelines in the management of a patient in this condition. The catheter also serves as a conduit for fluid and drug infusion and as a sampling port for venous blood. The catheter comprises a body having a first port that exits through a connector body to the computer interface that provides the sending signal and receiving signal which generates central venous oxygen saturation readings. A fiberoptic bundle of afferent and efferent light-conducting fibers transverses the first port to provide signal generation and interpretation of oxygen measured in the blood. A second port is a lumen that traverses and exits at the distal port to allow for pressure measurement and sampling of the venous blood.

Abstract: A bone gap bridging and fusing device for use where large portions of the bone are removed in limbs comprising first and second pin members adapted to be placed in axial openings formed in the opposed remaining bone portions. Each pin member includes a head and the heads of the pin members interengage one another to prevent relative rotation between the pin members. A collar telescopes over the interengaged heads to lock the pin members axially relative to one another.

Abstract: A method and system for continuously monitoring patient heart rate and blood pressure during hemodialysis and for automatically controlling fluid extraction rate and/or dialysate sodium concentration in the event that blood pressure and/or heart rate indicate onset or impending onset of a patient hypotensive episode. A decrease in patient blood pressure below preselected systolic and/or diastolic low alarm limits automatically initiates a second mode of therapeutic intervention wherein sodium concentration in the dialysate is increased for a predetermined time duration. Upon detection of such low blood pressure alarm, or upon detection of an increase in patient heart rate above a preselected alarm limit, the extraction rate of fluids from the patient through the ultrafiltration membrane is reduced in a first mode of therapeutic intervention by reducing such fluid extraction rate to a minimum level.

Abstract: A method and system for continuously monitoring patient heart rate and blood pressure during hemodialysis and for automatically controlling fluid extraction rate and/or dialysate sodium concentration in the event that blood pressure and/or heart rate indicate onset or impending onset of a patient hypotensive episode. A decrease in patient blood pressure below preselected systolic and/or diastolic low alarm limits automatically initiates a second mode of therapeutic intervention wherein sodium concentration in the dialysate is increased for a predetermined time duration. Upon detection of such low blood pressure alarm, or upon detection of an increase in patient heart rate above a preselected alarm limit, the extraction rate of fluids from the patient through the ultrafiltration membrane is reduced in a first mode of therapeutic intervention by reducing such fluid extraction rate to a minimum level.

Abstract: A delivery system for temporary radiation therapy comprising a sheet of material which is absorbable within the human body and having a plurality of parallel passages therein. The sheet is sutured to an area of the body which is to be treated and a catheter is inserted in each passage and extends to the exterior of the body. A tube carrying a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed therein is inserted in each catheter. After a period of treatment, the tubes and catheters are removed and the carrier remains in the body.

Abstract: A delivery system for interstitial radiation therapy comprising a substantially non-deflecting elongated member of material which is absorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the member. In one form, the member comprises an elongated member having the seeds longitudinally spaced therein and forming a needle that can be inserted in the tumor to be treated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing the spine wherein a bone graft has been provided between oppositely spaced vertebral bodies in the space where vertebral bodies have been removed which comprises forming spaced transversely extending holes in the vertebral bodies, and applying a stabilizing device. The stabilizing device comprises screws that are threaded into the holes and a threaded shaft that is attached and fixed with respect to the screws, to stabilize the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance imaging system comprising a high field solenoidal magnet providing a uniform static magnetic field surrounding a subject, an RF coil surrounding the subject, a receiver coil surrounding the subject, and a cylindrical shell of magnetic material surrounding the magnet and the RF and receiver coils. The shell is positioned such that the wall thereof lies in the area of the field of the magnet where the shell's permeability is substantially at a maximum for the imposed field such that the shell functions to substantially confine the field of the magnet to an area about the shell and the environment is not adversely affected and no additional protection is required surrounding the system.

Abstract: A universal guide device for drilling and inserting surgical pins which comprises an elongated bar, a plurality of blocks slideable along the bar and adapted to be adjustably locked in position on the bar. Each block supports a transverse opening, the openings in the blocks being parallel to one another. In one form a removable sleeve is provided and has a complementary external configuration corresponding to the internal configuration of the opening of each block. Each sleeve has an opening therethrough such that when the sleeves are positioned in the openings in the blocks, the openings of the sleeves are parallel to one another. Each sleeve has a serrated end for engagement with the bone of a portion of the body for holding the sleeve in position during drilling of an opening and insertion of a surgical pin.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of stabilizing the spine wherein a bone graft has been provided between spaced vertebral bodies which comprises engaging preformed wire members having loops connected by wire with each loop engaging the transverse process of a vertebra, forming the wire connecting loops in an arch extending posteriorly of the lamina, and packing bone cement about the wire members and longitudinally between the lamina.

Abstract: A method of setting fractures of a limb which comprises applying tension to the ends of the limb which is fractured while the limb is under X ray observation, engaging portions of the limb with hooks of tools grasped out of the range of the X ray exposure, moving the hooks transversely to manipulate the portions of the limb while the portions are under X ray observation to align the portions of the limb, and inserting a wire axially through the aligned portions.

Abstract: A surgical method and apparatus for placing wire is utilized in close proximity to the spinal cord wherein a first tool having a thin tip is inserted between the ligament closest to the spinal cord and the associated vertebra, the first tool is manipulated to form a small passage, a second tool having a thicker tip is inserted into said passage and manipulated said tool to enlarge the passage further, and a third tool having a tubular tip is inserted into said passage and held in position so that a wire can be threaded through the opening of the tubular tip, after which the third tool with the tubular tip is removed leaving the wire in the passage that has been created between the ligament and the vertebra.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing the spine wherein vertebral bodies have been removed which comprises forming recesses in the vertebral bodies which face one another, inserting a longitudinally extendable prosthetic device between the opposed vertebral bodies with the ends of the prosthetic device engaging the recesses, extending the prosthetic device to the desired predetermined distance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for administering large quantities of blood which has been stored at less than ambient temperatures continuously and rapidly to a patient at physiologically acceptable temperatures and pressures in a short time wherein the blood is continuously directed through a plurality of discrete capillary paths in heat-exchange relationship with a warming medium, the number of said paths being such that the pressure of the blood is not substantially increased, and the blood is rapidly administered directly to a patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of assessing peripheral arterial systems comprising positioning a patient on an examining table in supine position with the legs of the patient flexed, positioning a treadle mechanism on the table so that the resiliently mounted foot pedals thereof are engaged by the feet of the patient, causing the patient to successively depress and release successive left and right foot pedals for a predetermined time or until claudication occurs, and thereafter making systolic pressure measurements on the legs of the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for perfusing livers comprising a portable container and a liver receptacle removably positioned in such container. Portions of the receptacle are spaced from the walls of the container when the receptacle is in position so that ice may be positioned around the receptacle. A perfusate holder is mounted on the container. A second container surrounds a portion of the holder and is adapted to receive ice. An intermittently operated flow regulator controls gravity flow of perfusate at predetermined rate from the holder to the receptacle and a timer controls operation of controller at predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: A portable perfusion system for organ preservation comprising a cart on which a refrigeration unit, a pump unit and a cassette are mounted with the pump and cassette being removable for separate transport. The cassette includes an organ receptacle, a heat exchanger, a membrane oxygenator, a bubble trap and an ice deposit area. The heat exchanger is connected to the refrigeration unit and the perfusate is pumped by a non-pulsatile pump through the heat exchanger to the bubble trap and, in turn, to the organ. An oxygen supply on the cart supplies oxygen to the membrane oxygenator which functions to oxygenate the perfusate.