Abstract: A knee joint endoprosthesis is provided, having a femur component to be anchored by a shaft and equipped with two gliding runners, which between them define a hollow space extending anteriorly to posteriorly and open toward the tibia, and a tibia component also to be anchored by a shaft and having two gliding surfaces on which the gliding runners of the femur component can execute rolling and gliding movement. The knee joint endoprosthesis is characterized by the tibia component being equipped with a double truncated cone, which is arranged with its main axis toward the femur and which serves as a guiding and stress reducing element. Further, a pair of guiding surfaces is constructed in the hollow space of the femur component. These surfaces are inclined at angles corresponding respectively to the angles of inclination of the two half truncated cones that form the double truncated cone. The cone surfaces of the half truncated cones are partially surrounded by and glide upon the pair of guiding surfaces.

Abstract: A thoracic cavity drainage device includes a first vessel having a plurality of chambers one of which is a regulated drainage chamber, and a separate transfer vessel which receives fluid collected in the drainage chamber of the first vessel. The chambers of both vessels are interconnected in a series by fluid passageways which cooperate to maintain a uniform range of suction in the drainage chamber while preventing passage of water into the drainage chamber and permitting a different level of suction in the transfer vessel. This operation is effective despite relatively large pressure and vacuum impulses caused by stripping of drainage lines, patient coughing, and the like, and despite discrete changes in the physical configuration of the system caused by disconnection of the transfer vessel, connection of the transfer vessel to an infusion line or the opening or closing of fluid lines and ports. A novel transfer vessel empties the drainage device and provides gravity reinfusion of the collected fluids.

Abstract: A dressing for a wound of a patient having, an absorbent fabric, a base sheet for placement on the skin of the patient surrounding the wound, with the base sheet having an opening extending therethrough located over the wound and being sufficiently large to receive the absorbent fabric into the wound, with the base sheet having adhesive on a front surface thereof for securement of the base sheet to the skin surrounding the wound. The dressing has a cover sheet resistant to the passage of bacteria, with the cover sheet having dimensions larger than the opening. The cover sheet is secured over the base sheet in a position to cover the opening.

Abstract: A sanitary article which comprises an absorbent layer, a leak-proof sheet and a surface sheet, at least one of the absorbent layer, leak-proof sheet and surface sheet having a porous aggregate of fibers integrated therewith.

Abstract: A cochlear implant auditory prosthesis corrects sensorineural deafness by generating stimulus signals to neurons connected to the auditory nerve in response to vibrations in the basilar membrane of the cochlea of the inner ear. The prosthesis comprises a plurality of transducer elements disposed along the length of the cochlea adjacent to the basilar membrane, whereby each transducer element responds to vibrations in the basilar membrane at the corresponding location of the respective transducer element. Each transducer element comprises a transducer for detecting the respective vibrations of the basilar membrane, and a signal processing element for generating a stimulus signal in response to the vibration. The frequency response and gain of each transducer element of the prosthesis can be tuned by a compact control unit to provide an ideal response for the user.

Abstract: A bandage consisting of elastic textile material, e.g. stocking, which is provided with a cushion covered by an overlay consisting of the same or similar textile material and which is secured to the textile material of the bandage by means of a border which projects over the cushion. The overlay is provided with, on the side facing the cushion, an elastic thermoplastic synthetic coating which is adhered to the textile material of the bandage in the region of the border areas by heating and whose softening temperature is below that of the textile material.

Abstract: A method and system for introducing one or more devices into a biological fluid vessel. The system includes a device having a coupling structure comprising a pair of spaced-apart fingers adapted for receiving a guidewire therebetween. Preferably, the system includes a guidewire having a constricted fitting region at its proximal end where the coupling structure may be easily connected to the guidewire. In one use, the method is used in coronary angioplasty to diagnose and treat stenosis across a coronary valve or other vessel in the coronary arterial tree. In this method, a guiding catheter is percutaneously inserted with its distal end proximate the ostium. A guidewire is inserted through the guiding catheter and subselectively positioned in a region of interest in the coronary arterial tree. Multiple devices may be coupled to the guidewire in accordance with the present invention and then threaded down the guidewire and positioned in the region of interest.

Abstract: Methods and artificial matrices for the growth and implantation of cartilaginous structures and surfaces are disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, chondrocytes are grown on biodegradable, biocompatible fibrous polymeric matrices. Optionally, the cells are proliferated in vitro until an adequate cell volume and density has developed for the cells to survive and proliferate in vivo. One advantage of the matrices is that they can be cast or molded into a desired shape, on an individual basis, so that the final product closely resembles a patient's own ear or nose. Alternatively, flexible matrices can be used which can be manipulated at the time of implantation, as in a joint, followed by remodeling through cell growth and proliferation in vivo. The cultured cells can also be maintained on the matrix in a nutrient media for production of bioactive molecules such as angiogenesis inhibiting factor.

Abstract: An improved U-shaped base guide for rigid attachment to the proximal end of a femur with at least one pin through the femoral cortex to enable cement to be applied to the femoral canal under pressure and having at least a first orifice in one side of the U-shaped guide and a second orifice in another side of the U-shaped guide in axial alignment with the first orifice. The second orifice is larger in cross-section than the attaching pin and an insert easily penetrable by the attaching pin is removably placed in the second orifice whereby the attaching pin in passing through the first orifice, the femoral cortex and the easily penetrable insert may deviate from axial alignment between the first and second orifices without striking the base guide.

Abstract: Implants containing a reasonably biocompatible fabric, which is to be exposed to blood flow after implantation, are rendered biocompatible and substantially impervious to blood, by applying a collagen composition containing soluble collagen, and preferably also collagen fibers, to the fabric in such a manner that the collagen composition penetrates into the interstitial spaces of the fabric. The fabric retaining collagen composition is then incubated at elevated temperature for sufficient time to form collagen fibers from the soluble collagen. Thereafter, the implant is dried. The steps of applying collagen composition, incubating and drying are repeated approximately two to four times. The implants, particularly when they comprise tubular vascular grafts, are tested for porosity by placing a pressurized column of aqueous solution, such as saline, into their interior.

Abstract: A vacuum bag method for in-situ molding of surgical implants. The method comprises creating an implant precursor material composed of an aggregation of polymer beads coated with a hydrophilic monomer dispersion. A flexible bag containing the implant precursor is molded in-situ to a desired specific shape, and the implant precursor is then rigidified by applying a vacuum to the interior of the bag. The implant precursor is cured by heating to form a unitary porous prosthesis which may be implanted into body tissue to remedy bone defects.

Abstract: A transcutaneously implantable element in which at least a portion thereof in contact with the cutaneous tissue of a living body is composed of a ceramic material comprising, as the main raw material, at least one member selected from the group consisting of hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, and tetracalcium phosphate, and which comprises (a) an electrically conductive member for electrically connecting the interior and exterior of the living body to each other or (b) a through hole for mechanically connecting the interior and exterior of the living body to each other.This transcutaneously element can be semipermanently and safely used in a living body without causing any undesirable bacterial infection, bleeding, and background noise.

Abstract: An improved urinary device for use by male incontinent persons of the type in which a collector bag is supported upon the leg of the user. In lieu of the conventional leg-engaging straps, the collector bag is supported in a pocket on the outer surface of the leg member of an undergarment. The undergarment is made of highly resilient material including a lycra spandex component. The pocket is formed of relatively non-stretchable woven material and includes a rear wall extending from the waistband of the undergarment to a point below the lower edge of the pant leg, and a front wall approximately half the length of the rear wall and congruent with the lower half of the rear wall. A laminar type collector bag is carried within the pocket which has a lower opening for drainage. The rear wall of the pocket is stitched at the entire upper edge and side edges thereof to the undergarment to distribute the weight of a filled bag over a substantial area of the undergarment.

Abstract: Titanium or other biocompatible metal fibers having a diameter of from about 20 to about 200 .mu.m, a length of from about 2 to 50 mm and a length-to-diameter ratio of at least about 100 are formed into a flexible and deformable mass, for example, a sheet, of interlocked fibers, which may be sintered for additional coherence, to a thickness of from about 0.5 to 30 mm. The amount of fibers is such that the sheet has a voids volume of at least 65%, preferably about 90%. The diameter of the pores of the porous sheet are at least about 150 .mu.m such that bony tissue can grow in the pores. These porous sheets are highly malleable without loss of structural integrity or pore size distribution. Accordingly, the porous metal fiber mesh sheets are useful for stabilizing prosthetic devices or for general repair of defective bone structures.

Abstract: A transcutaneously implantable element in which at least a portion thereof in contact with the cutaneous tissue of a living body is composed of a ceramic material comprising, as the main raw material, at least one member selected from the group consisting of hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, and tetracalcium phosphate, and which comprises (a) an electrically conductive member for electrically connecting the interior and exterior of the living body to each other or (b) a through hole for mechanically connecting the interior and exterior of the living body to each other.This transcutaneously element can be semipermanently and safely used in a living body without causing any desirable bacterial infection, bleeding, and background noise.

Abstract: A medical injector apparatus includes a syringe having a barrel with a lateral projection, a needle, a plunger in the barrel having a portion extending from the barrel opposite the needle.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant prosthetic ligament or tendon includes a strap-like element formed of a stable biocompatible material which is attached at opposite ends to a patient. Attached to the strap-like element are one or more protective layers having sacrificial areas which are positioned in areas where abrasion between the prosthetic ligament and the patient's bones is anticipated. The sacrificial areas can be substantially abraided before any significant loss of strenth occurs, because the sacrificial areas are non-load-bearing, and protect the strap-like element from abrasion.

Abstract: An implantable injection chamber device comprising a housing which encloses an injection chamber and has at least one wall that can be pierced with a hollow needle, and a bore provided in a wall of the chamber, there being further provided connecting means for connecting a catheter to the bore, and in which the connecting means comprise a tube of pliable material which is connected to the bore and in operation extends through a bore in a first member of the connecting means, at least a part of said first member surrounding the tube relatively tightly and said part being provided with a plurality of radially disposed longitudinal grooves; and a second member of the connecting means is provided, which in operation surrounds the part of the first member that is provided with longitudinal grooves and is capable of pressing inwardly the parts of the first member between the longitudinal grooves.

Abstract: A noningestible separation barrier having one or more pores of micropores (of one or more diameters) therein, with the pores or micropores being initially plugged with one or more materials selected for its/their solubility and/or integrity characteristics relative to certain environmental conditions. Ordinarily, the pores or micropores of the noningestible separation barrier are initially filled with at least one material having greater erodibility, under a given environmental condition, than the material constituting the separation barrier itself. The combination of the release rate (if any) or other membrane characteristic of the separation barrier, combined with the release rate and/or erosion life of the plugged pores, enables complex separations including variable release of cells, colloids, solutes or solvents over time, such as when the plugged pores remain intact until erosion is triggered by an environmental change such as solvent addition or ionic conditions or pH or thermal change.

Abstract: A disposable diaper can be fastened securely around a person and be refastenable when it has an adhesive patch on the faces of corners at the back of the diaper, each of which patches contacts an adhesive patch on the front of the diaper, which patches form bonds to each other that have strong resistance to shear forces, can easily be peeled apart after 2 hours at room temperature and do not adhere either to ordinary packaging materials or to nonadhesive surfaces of the diaper. All of the adhesive patches can be cut from a single adhesive tape that has a flexible backing, one face of which bears a layer of the peelable adhesive while the other layer bears a layer of an adhesive that forms a strong, permanent bond to the diaper.