Abstract: A dental strip comprised of uniformly thick, dead soft polymer, for use as a matrix in molding hardenable restorative materials. Matrixing processes for the strip permit the formation of interproximally contacting restorations without wedging; and the formation of composite restorations with smooth interproximal margins. Other processes for the strip permit the formation of removable restorations which are separated from prepared tooth surfaces by the strip; the formation of restorations with reduced resin excess; and stabilization of the strip on dental surfaces by affixing with a temporary adhesive.

Abstract: A medical barrier that includes a sheet of unsintered substantially unexpanded polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE) polymer material having a density in a range of about 1.2 gm/cc to about 2.3 gm/cc, and preferably in the range of about 1.45 gm/cc to about 1.55 gm/cc, and having at least one textured surface. Preferably, the sheet has one textured surface and one substantially smooth surface, and has substantially uniform strength in all directions.

Abstract: An implantable porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene material having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils wherein a surface of the material has been modified by the removal of fibrils from the surface so that under magnification the surface has the appearance of freestanding node portions not interconnected by fibrils but rather having open valleys disposed between the freestanding node portions. Unmodified material beneath the surface maintains the original microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils. The modification is preferably done by exposing the surface to radio frequency gas plasma discharge with a reactive etching gas for a lengthy amount of time such as about ten minutes. The depth of fibril removal from the surface is substantially a function of the duration and amount of energy applied to the surface.

Abstract: Porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene material having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils wherein a surface of the material has been modified to have increased hydrophobicity as indicated by having a water droplet roll-off angle of less than about 10 degrees in comparison to a typical roll-off angle of greater than about 12 degrees for the unmodified material. Under magnification, the surface morphology may be indistinguishable from that of the unmodified precursor material. The modification is preferably done by exposing the surface to radio frequency gas plasma discharge with a reactive etching gas for a lengthy amount of time such as about ten minutes. If surface etching is continued beyond a time adequate to produce the highly hydrophobic behavior, then the surface morphology includes the appearance of broken fibrils.

Abstract: A dental appliance promotes the healing of oral tissues, such as bone tissue, cementum, and periodontal ligament destroyed by periodontal disease. The appliance includes a flat piece of elastic material, connected at its two opposing edges to two pieces of a biocompatible membrane. The elastic material has one or more punch holes which allow the material to be fitted around a patient's teeth. The elastic material forms a barrier which protects the area of damaged tissue, and promotes regeneration of that tissue. The elastic seal minimizes intrusion of saliva and bacteria into the diseased area, and it is easily cleaned, thus preventing harmful bacteria from colonizing on the material, and prolonging the time during which the appliance can remain in the mouth. The membrane is held under the patient's gums. Due to the biocompatibility of the membrane, gum tissue becomes attached to the membrane, so that the appliance is firmly held in place for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A biopsy channel for a borescope or endoscope is formed of a thin-wall elastomeric tubular sleeve or sheath that is interference fitted over an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) liner. An end fitting can be formed of a metal or plastic tube, preferably with an internal chamfer. This can be secured by epoxy in either end of the channel, after suitably priming the elastomeric sleeve or sheath. This channel has high dimensional stability and can withstand bending to tight radii without kinking.

Abstract: A porous polytetrafluoroethylene material is disclosed having a molecular microfibrous structure having, at one surface, a strong orientation in a given direction and, at another opposite surface, a strong orientation and a direction at right angles to the first, in which the orientation of the microfibrous structure progressively changes from one surface to the other. A process for preparing such an element is also disclosed.

Abstract: Tissue expander system including a tissue expander, an injection port, and a tube connecting the tissue expander to the injection port. The tissue expander is of a one piece molded body of a pancake to waffle like configuration. Within the one piece molded body is a member of non-stick material of a slightly smaller geometrical shape similar to that of the one piece molded body. A self-sealing valve member closes off the tube in the tissue expander after injection of a solution for expanding the tissue expander. A Dacron mesh can be embedded in members of the one piece body providing for directional expansion of the tissue expander. In an alternative embodiment, Dacron mesh can be provided in both the upper and lower members of the one piece body. An accordion configured perimeter also provides for upward directional expansion. The tissue expanders can assume any geometrical configuration, whether it be square, rectangular, circular, oval, or kidney shaped.

Abstract: An improved tubing organizer for hospital use having Velcro.RTM. straps, a Teflon.RTM. loop and a stainless steel clip connected by stainless steel eyelets. The improved tubing organizer is able to withstand repeated exposure to temperatures up to two hundred eighty degrees Fahrenheit and can be permanently attached to a length of tubing.

Abstract: Electrode configuration for use in medical applications, in particular for implantable cardiac pacemakers, includes a porous synthetic material, in particular porous polyfluoroethylene which is used as insulation for the wiring associated with the electrode. The pore size should be 4 .mu.m or less. It is preferable to sinter the surface to a non-porous, smooth layer.

Abstract: Catheters for long term implantation having polymer surfaces in face-to-face contact which are provided with a thin film coating of a glow discharge plasma polymerized fluorocarbon to prevent adhesion of the contacting surfaces. The polymerized fluorocarbon film, between about 50 and 1000 Angstroms in thickness, is bonded to the substrate material giving a low surface energy without changing its bulk properties. The low surface energy will prevent adhesion of cured polymer surfaces in contact and act as a lubricant. The smooth pinhole-free films will control or prevent diffusion into or out of the bulk material. These biocompatible films provide an alternative use for polymers whose bulk properties are unacceptable but whose surface properties are desirable.

Abstract: An impermeable laminated membrane, constructed by the superposition of a silicone rubber membrane on a fluoro-rubber membrane, is disclosed.This laminated membrane has an extremely low permeability so that its is effective for implantation into living organisms.

Abstract: A flexible tube and a method of manufacturing same are provided. The flexible tube comprises a tubular body of a crystalline polymer material having a porous microstructure including a number of micro-nodes which are coupled together by fibrils. A synthetic resin material having gas tightness and stretchability is filled into the pores of the porous microstructure.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis comprising a tubing of porous polytetrafluoroethylene, the polytetrafluoroethylene tubing having a fibrous structure of nodes and fibers connecting the nodes together and having a structure in which the fibrous structure at the inside surface of the tubing is finer than the fibrous structure at the outside surface of the tubing.

Abstract: A structure suitable for in vivo implantation as a tension member to substitute for tension members such as ligaments and tendons. The structure includes an elongate member which is a biocompatible film, a biocompatible fabric which has a weave having substantially no permanent yield in one direction after said film is formed thereon and a biocompatible porous material which promotes the ingrowth of living tissue and such material is either bonded to the exterior of the elongate member or is contained within and exposed to the exterior. Also disclosed is a structure having a fabric with a film formed thereon and porous ingrowth material bonded to one or both sides thereof to form a patch for in vivo implantation. The film used on the patch may be porous or solid depending on whether the patch is to be permeable to body fluids.

Abstract: Improved septa for chromatographic apparatus and procedures comprise disc or cylindrical bodies of silicone rubber with a coating of polyimide which may in turn be covered by a coating of Teflon.