Abstract: A tumorous patient is injected with a compound including an element that accumulates in tumors and that has an isotope which emits an alpha particle in a neutron capture reaction. The patient is positioned in front of a radiation beam that has been filtered to remove most neutrons having energies above 30 KeV and most thermal neutrons, leaving predominantly epithermal neutrons which are moderated to a thermal level by outer layers of tissue and are captured by the incorporated isotope.A radiation beam having neutrons with a wide distribution of energies is filtered with aluminum and sulfur filters, whose cross sections complement each other in providing a beam with energies predominantly in the epithermal range. The filter mass attenuates the gamma radiation. Beams with lower ratios of undesirable gamma radiation to epithermal beam intensity can be attained with filter combinations which include liquid argon. A poor geometry filter of bismuth or lead can also improve the gamma to neutron ratio.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system for determining if a patient's brain electrical activity reflects a significant evoked response to a sensory stimulus. A test measure of the difference between two sets of averaged waveforms, one in the absence and another in the presence of the stimulus, is derived on the basis of (i) mean values of spectral measures of the two sets and (ii) the variance of these spectral measures. This test measure is matched against acceptance and rejection levels which are defined on the basis of both (i) the number of averaged waveforms in each set and (ii) the desired degree of probability of avoiding false positive or false negative results.

Abstract: A blade is drawn by means of a rod attached centrally of its cutting edge so that a portion of the blade extends on either side of the rod. An elongate centering device precedes the blade and its protective encasement so as to ensure that the device will not engage side branches of the vein. A catheter follows the valve cutter so that fluid may be introduced into the vein to snap valves shut ahead of the cutting device. The assembly is drawn through a vein by a rod having sufficient torsional rigidity to permit controlled orientation of the blade for efficient engagement and cutting of valve leaflets.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating spasmodic torticollis comprises a light emitter for giving off a light beam, a fastener band for fastening the light-emitter on the head of a person being treated, a photosensor which is responsive to a light beam from the light emitter to change its output and a support for supporting the photosensor in a fixed position with respect to the chest of the person so that the photosensor may receive a light beam from the light emitter while the person holds his head in a mid position.

Abstract: An extension mechanism of an adaptor for a laser-powered scalpel, in which an adaptor top portion is reciprocally movable in the axial direction along the length of the main body of an adaptor is disclosed. An internally threaded sleeve is mounted rotatably around the main body. The adaptor top portion includes a threaded portion engaging with the threads of the sleeve and positioned between the main body of an adaptor and the sleeve. The adaptor top portion is reciprocally movable by rotating the sleeve.

Abstract: A commissurotomy catheter and method for separating fused heart valve leaflets using the catheter is disclosed. The catheter is comprised of a lumen having at least two inflatable balloons at its operational end and at least one cutting edge between the balloons. To separate the fused leaflets the catheter is positioned within the heart so that it extends through the fused leaflets with a balloon on either side of the leaflets. Then the balloons are inflated which forces the cutting edge against the fissure between the fused leaflets and separates them. After separation the balloons are deflated and the catheter is removed.

Abstract: A pressure generating device for applying compressive pressures from a compressor against a patient's limb through means of a flexible, pressurizable sleeve which encloses the limb having an overpressure circuit which causes venting of the pressurizable sleeve and termination of power to the compressor in the event of the pressure assuming an excessive value. The sleeve has a ventilation chamber and a controller which generates electrical signals to actuate a solenoid controlled valve to periodically connect the compressor to the ventilation chamber during cooling cycles.

Abstract: An endocardial lead which includes an elongated, flexible, insulative tubing, a central flexible conductor positioned within the tubing and having one end adapted to be electrically connected to a pulse generator. A ribbon-shaped bonding member is connected to the other end of the central conductor. The ribbon-shaped bonding member extends through an aperture in the wall of the insulative tubing and is positioned along the outer surface of the tubing. A ribbon-shaped electrode is helically wound around the outer surface of the insulative tubing and positioned over the ribbon-shaped bonding member. With this configuration, a low impedance electrical connection is provided between the ribbon-shaped electrode and the central conductor, and between adjacent turns of the electrode.

Abstract: The useful life of the wire probe in an ultrasonic kidney stone disintegration instrument is enhanced and prolonged by attaching the wire (24) of the wire probe to the tip (26) of an ultrasonic transducer (28) by means of a clamping arrangement comprising opposing set screws (60, 65), one (60) of which is adapted to accept the clamping load from the other set screw (65) without deforming the wire by machining a pair of mutually transverse grooves (64) in the inner end face (62) of the screw (60) which is adapted to accept and hold the wire probe along the central longitudinal axis (52) of the transducer tip which is adapted to impart ultrasonic energy to the wire. Additionally, damping material is applied to the wire probe (24) in the form of a damper tube (70) through which the wire probe passes in the region adjacent the transducer tip. The damper tube extends outwardly from the transducer tip (26) a predetermined distance, terminating in a resilient soft rubber joint (72).

Abstract: A test for occult blood comprises an indicator that registers a chromatic change in the presence of heme and an oxygen-releasing compound, the indicator being carried on a support; a solid oxygen-releasing compound dispersed in a spreadable base and applicator to sample biological material and apply the biological material sample along with the base material-dispersed compound to the support. A chromatic change on the support indicates the presence of occult blood. An examining glove may carry the support at one location and the base material-dispersed compound at another location while a finger of the examining glove may be used as the applicator.

Abstract: A method for allergy testing is carried out by applying to the skin of a patient a thin, flexible strip of adhesive tape a portion of which carries on its adhesive side at least one group of closely spaced projecting lances carrying an allergen, so that the tape releasably adheres to the skin, pressing at least the lance-carrying portion against the skin to cause the lances to penetrate the skin to a depth less than the subcutaneous tissue thereby carrying the allergen into the skin, and maintaining contact between the allergen and the thus-traumatized skin cells, leaving the strip in place for a period of time sufficient for the patient's skin, if allergic to the allergen, to produce an allergic reaction; and removing the strip from the skin whereby the patient's allergy to the allergen may be determined by visual observation of the skin area penetrated by the lances.

Abstract: A quick-release ratcheting holder for a surgical retractor which includes a spring detent to keep the holder from coming off the ring member when the retractor is relaxed.

Abstract: Binaural thermal-response differentials which are symptomatic of vertigo, particularly Meniere's disease, are treated by establishing a thermal treatment operative via liquid contact with at least one eardrum, thereby establishing a difference in thermal exposure of one ear with respect to the other. Portable apparatus of the invention enables the patient to apply his own therapy whenever he senses onset symptoms of an attack. In certain cases, the apparatus is also useful for prophylactic treatment on an intermittent basis, to foreclose or substantially reduce chances of an attack in periods between treatments.

Abstract: A method of providing medical treatment of the prostate area. A urethrally inserted apparatus having an outer sheath, and a removable obturator located within the sheath during insertion of the sheath into the urinary tract by way of the externally urethra orifice in the penis is disclosed. Once the sheath is inserted, the obturator portion is removed and a medication depositing structure is inserted into the sheath. The depositing structure carries selected medication, as for example, radioactive iodine seeds. The obturator may be provided with means for inserting a viewing lens element to assure that the appropriate location adjacent to the prostate is obtained. Once the medication depositing structure is adjacent a selected area in the prostate, the prostate is pierced by the depositing structure so as to position the medication within the selected area. The medication is released and the deposition structure is withdrawn from the sheath. Thereafter, the sheath is withdrawn from the urethra.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for automatically extracting a sample of tissue of a predetermined size and shape from a body, e.g. female uterine cervix. The apparatus is generally comprised of a generally cylindrically core-cutter with a rotatably mounted cutting blade faired within the circumference of the cutting end of the core cutter for severing the tissue sample upon rotation of the blade. A plunger, slidably mounted within the core-cutter, is used to both limit the depth which the core-cutter advances into the tissue body and thus in part limit the size of the sample to be severed, and to expel or eject the severed sample in response to a forward movement of the plunger. An outer sleeve, preferably having a pronged edge located adjacent the cutting edge of the core cutter for properly positioning the apparatus against the tissue surface, telescopically surrounds the core cutter.

Abstract: The non-intrusive measurement of preocular tear film evaporation employs a goggle fitted on a subject and connected with apparatus for introducing air of known conditions to a goggle chamber over one eye, apparatus for controlling air movement within the goggle chamber, and apparatus for humidity measurement of the chamber air.A measure of palpebral aperture readily provides the area of the exposed eye surface, for calculating the rate of tear evaporation.

Abstract: A cardiac pacer lead which includes an insulated electrical conductor having one end adapted to be electrically connected to a pulse generator and the other end electrically connected to an electrode, and a plurality of tines spaced around the circumference of the insulated electrical conductor and projecting in a direction away from the electrode. A curved, flattened spring is embedded within the insulated electrical conductor in a region on the lead near the electrode to thereby provide a lead of a generally J-shaped configuration. The spring serves to maintain the curved configuration of the lead when the lead is implanted in the heart.

Abstract: A nebulizer comprising of an elongated body including a nebulized fluid emission opening at one end with a nebulizer fluid reservoir communicating with the opening and a fluid barrier means adjacent to the opening. A wick extends between the reservoir and barrier for conveying nebulizer fluid to the barrier region from the reservoir. A source of pressurized gas is within a housing along with a means for conveying the pressurized gas to the wick in the region of the barrier. The conveying means includes a perforated section which extends into the region of the wick and through the barrier. The pressurized gas traverses the conducting means and aspirates the nebulizer fluid during passage through the barrier. The perforated section is a helical spring and the wick is a carpet-like fabric. A novel form of perforated barrier in the form of a closely spaced helical spring is enclosed. A novel filter formed from a knurled rod within a passage also is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for providing an oxygen bearing liquid to a blood vessel during the performance of a medical procedure is disclosed. In one preferred embodiment the blood flow is temporarily occluded, a substantially clear oxygen bearing liquid is introduced into the blood vessel and the inside of the blood vessel is inspected through a viewing system and treated with laser irradiation.

Abstract: Device for taking samples of cells from the cervix for preparation and testing of whether abnormal cells are present in the sample, the device consisting of a conical body (1) with a concave undulated lateral surface (5) and a hemispherical tip (3), the undulated surface extending from the base of the conical body to the hemispherical tip. The base radius of the cone is 5-15 mm. The radius of the hemispherical tip is 2-4 mm. The radius of the circular arc defining the concave lateral surface (5) of the conical body (1) is less than 50 mm. The undulated lateral surface defines in cross section taken through an imaginary conical section normal to said surface, and the apex of which lies on the longitudinal axis of the conical body, a sine curve with decreasing wavelength and amplitude along the circular arc approaching the tip. The amplitude and wavelength are 1.5-5 mm at the base of the conical body.