Abstract: A vocal cord medialization prosthesis includes a preformed and presized vocal cord engagement member. The engagement member has a base surface and an engagement surface that is inclined a predetermined amount with respect to the base surface. Measurement indicia is provided on the engagement member to indicate elevation of the engagement surface at predetermined points along the prosthesis. A vocal cord medialization tool is used to measure displacement of a vocal cord to an optimum phonation and breathing position before insertion of the prosthesis. The medialization tool provides measurements that correspond to sizing indicia on the prosthesis. The prosthesis can thus be trimmed to eliminate elevations that are unnecessary for obtaining optimum positioning of a vocal cord. One embodiment of the medialization tool also includes provision for measuring the thickness of a thyroid cartilage.

Abstract: A process for creating a foot support, and the support created thereby. The foot support transfers the force of walking uniformly over the surface of the foot from the points of metatarsal contact through the arch to the heel. A mold prepared to match the foot in relaxed configuration is used to cast a positive impression representing the relaxed surface of the bottom of the foot. The positive impression is leveled horizontally by a level across the high points, or contact points on the bottom of the foot. A casting is made, matching this horizontal level; when cured the casting forms the insert of the invention.

Abstract: Combinations of alkyl siloxy siloxane-containing polymers admixed with liquid polydimethylsiloxanes are excellent non-stinging, non-irritating liquid coating material for forming films which act as conformable bandages adhering to and protecting nails, skin and mucous membrane wounds from abrasion, contamination, and desiccation, while stopping pain from exposed nerve ends and allowing body fluid evaporation.

Abstract: A method of using a sheet of silicone rubber with one smooth, tacky side as a non-slip surface for one or more articles. The sheet is placed on the surface of an object, and articles to be supported are placed on the smooth, tacky side of the sheet. The articles will not slide off the sheet despite inclination or movement of the object surface.

Abstract: A thromboresistant coating, method for forming same on a medical device, and the medical device thus prepared are provided. The thromboresistant coating is a highly cross-linked three-dimensional matrix copolymerized from an aminosilane component and a silane other than the aminosilane that is cured and dried into a thick matrix having amino groups interspersed therethroughout. The amino groups facilitate attachment of an antithrombogenic agent to the matrix and thus to the medical device. In addition, an antithrombogenic material is secured to the aminosilane copolymeric matrix.

Abstract: A surgical dressing comprising a sheet of silicone gel having a wound-facing surface and laminated to the other surface a film of silicone elastomer.The dressing is particularly adapted to the treatment of burns.

Abstract: Combinations of alky siloxy siloxane-containing polymers admixed with liquid polydimethylsiloxanes are excellent non-stinging, non-irritating liquid coating material for forming films which act as conformable bandages adhering to and protecting nails, skin and mucous membrane wounds from abrasion, contamination, and desiccation, while stopping pain from exposed nerve ends and allowing body fluid evaporation.

Abstract: A medical implant with an external surface layer of silicone elastomer and having an open-cell structure is made by applying solid particles to the external surface layer of the implant before it is cured, curing the external surface layer with the solid particles embedded therein and then dissolving the solid particles with a solvent that does not dissolve the silicone elastomer. An implant having such an external surface layer is expected to help prevent capsular contraction, to help prevent scar formation, and to help in anchoring the implant within the body.

Abstract: Uniform adherent coatings of antimicrobial agents are applied to the surface of implants by applying a film of silicone oil to the surface of the implant and contacting the film-bearing surface with antimicrobial agents in a film-adherent form. A durable antimicrobial coating is formed. The coated implants can be packaged using mechanized implant handling equipment without significant loss of the antimicrobial coating. In a preferred embodiment a controlled-release implant for administering an anabolic agent is coated with a durable nonvulcanizing silicone fluid plus oxytetracycline hydrochloride coating which does not interfere with diffusion of the anabolic agent from the implant.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprises, in one embodiment, a layer of apertured material, such as a cotton gauze, coated with a tacky silicone gel or a non-tacky silicone elastomer. In an alternative embodiment, the dressing has a tacky silicone gel on one surface and a non-tacky silicone elastomer on the other surface. The gel and elastomer may be formed by crosslinking a mixture of a vinyl-substituted poly(dimethylsiloxane) and a hydride-containing poly(dimethylsiloxane).

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 implant is disclosed, having a customary substrate, particularly at least partially of metal, and a one- or multi-layer coating of ceramic, biologically compatible glasses and/or bioactive glasses, the improvement comprising a second type layer covalently bound on said coating of ceramic or bioglass said second type of layer being from polymeric organo-silicon compounds, and said second type of layer being covalently coupled, with or without a coupling molecule, with a third type of layer of a synthetic or natural biopolymer. Also disclosed is a process for producing the implant, by applying in known mariner a coating of ceramic, biologically compatible and/or bioactive glasses onto a substrate of said implant, providing said coating with a second type of layer of polymerized organo-silicon compound (polysiloxane) in covalent connection therewith, and coupling said second type of layer with a third type of layer of a synthetic or natural biopolymer, with or without use of a coupling means.

Abstract: A prosthesis for subcutaneous implantation such as a mammary implant used in reconstructive surgery is made from a polyphosphazene elastomer (e.g. polyfluoroalkoxy phosphazene) sac containing a silicone gel. The sac is essentially impermeable to the silicone gel fill and overcomes a gel migration problem encountered with implants made using polysiloxane sacs.

Abstract: A soft vinyl chloride resin-silicone composite shaped article consisting of a soft vinyl chloride resin shaped article and a cured layer of an addition polymerization type silicone composition adhered to the surface of the vinyl chloride resin shaped article, wherein said addition polymerization type silicone composition contains an organohydrogenpolysiloxane having at least two hydrogen atoms directly bonding with silicon atoms in each molecule, in an amount enough to provide one to six such hydrogen atoms per one vinyl group of the silicone composition. The above composite shaped article has a very high bonding strength between the vinyl chloride resin shaped article and the cured layer of an addition polymerization type silicone composition.

Abstract: A laser shield consists essentially of a series of spherical glass bubbles densely packed within a range of 1.95.times.10.sup.3 bubbles per cubic centimeter to 1.25.times.10.sup.8 bubbles per cubic centimeter encapsulated in a matrix of silicone to provide a flexible and lightweight foam-like material to terminate CO.sub.2 laser radiation without producing a substantial carbon plume. The glass bubbles may be filled with a gas. In another embodiment, a laser shield consists essentially of water encapsulated in a matrix of silicone to provide a flexible and lightweight material to terminate CO.sub.2 laser radiation without producing a substantial carbon plume. In another embodiment, water bubbles and glass bubbles are both encapsulated within a matrix of silicone to provide a laser shield. A surgical drape, a surgical sponge and an endotracheal tube are formed of a flexible and lightweight material of a series of densely packed bubbles encapsulated in a matrix of silicone to terminate laser radiation.

Abstract: A prosthesis having an elongated strip of flexible material bearing intermediate its length a pressure pad, the strip ranging in length from about 50 to about 75 mm. The strip is passed behind the globe of the eye so that the pressure pad rests against the eye wall at a location obverse to the macula. The ends of the strip are attached, as by sutures, to the sclera, causing the pressure pad to press anteriorly upon the eye wall and to move the macula forwardly. Various pressure pads, including adjustable pads, such as pads that are inflatable, are disclosed.

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: A cast elastomer gel implantable prosthesis for implantation in the human body. The cohesive cast gel prosthesis is formed for subcutaneous implantation and may be subsequently coated with a membrane-thin elastomer or a dissolvable envelope so that when it is implanted, it will retain its natural softness after the human tissue capsule forms around the prosthesis.

Abstract: A silicone rubber catheter carries radiopaque stripes comprising a mixture of silicone rubber and the finely divided radiopaque material, the stripes being spaced from each other by transparent, longitudinal segments. The radiopaque stripes are preferably positioned in diametrically opposed, spaced relation to each other about the circumference of the catheter and occupy a total of 50.degree. to 270.degree. of the catheter circumference. The elongation of the catheter portion defining the stripes is preferably at least as great as the elongation of the catheter portion defining the transparent, longitudinal segments, and the tensile and tear strengths of the transparent segments are preferably higher, so that upon stretching of the catheter most of the stress can be diverted to the transparent segments of the catheter.

Abstract: Polymer pads are inserted between the bones of an arthritic or damaged body joint in order to better cushion the joint bones, thus relieving pain and improving function. It is preferred to introduce the pad by injecting a liquid that cures within the joint, while traction is applied to the joint bones. Silicones or tanned proteins are useful, and may contain radiopaque additives to enable radiographic inspection during injection and/or after the pad insertion is completed.

Abstract: A simple and efficient method of manufacturing a syringe needle is provided herein, which involves spreading a resin solution on the entire inside and outside of a cut stainless steel tube having the dimensions of a syringe needle, hardening the resin on the inside and outside of said cut tube, removing the hardened resin from the outside of the cut tube, grinding one end of the tube with a grinder to form a main bevel, changing the contact angle between the grinder and the cut tube to form side bevels to produce a syringe needle tube having a piercing point at the ground edge of said tube, and washing away grinding materials and pollutants from the tube.

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: The invention disclosed is a means of fastening flexible elastic tubing, such as silicone rubber, to a rigid connector. The invention allows for a liquid and gas tight, secure connection without the use of any bonding materials between the tube and the connector and without any external ribbing, threading, texturing, barbing, etc. of any kind on the connector and without any external clamping mechanism used to keep the tubing firmly attached to the rigid connector.The invention allows for the rigid connector portion of a component, such as a wound drainage surgical needle, to have a very smooth cylindrical surface. The use of a smooth surface with no other adhering mechanism to assist in making a secure connection that will not easily pull off is contrary to what is taught in the art.

Abstract: Monomeric polysiloxanes endcapped with activated unsaturated groups are copolymerized with polycyclic modulus modifiers and tear film stabilizers to form hard, gas permeable, polysiloxane contact lenses and other biomedical devices.

Abstract: A meniscus prosthetic device for a human knee joint can be inserted into the knee joint so that the articulating cartilage in the knee totally remains intact. The prosthesis device translates between the articulating cartilage during normal knee movement. Insertion of the prosthetic device is accomplished by applying force on the ends of the device, thereby elastically spreading them, and placing the device between the tibial articulating cartilage and one of the femoral condyles. The forces thus applied can then be released causing the device to conform to its original C-shape. Prominences on the ends of the device may superiorly extended into the space defined by the femoral condyles, thereby securing the device in place.

Abstract: A tubular flexible medical instrument of polytetrafluoroethylene capable of easy insertion into and extraction from body cavities. The tube has alternate solid portions and porous fibrillated portions in either a ring or spiral mode. Such a tube has sufficient rigidity to ensure easy penetration of the body cavities and yet the necessary flexibility to permit movement without damage to the cavities and with less pain to the patient.

Abstract: The disclosure is that of an invention directed to new compositions of matter comprising a mixture of a resin in particulate form and colloidal graphite; and the use of such mixture to form objects of predetermined sizes and shapes, the exposed surfaces of which are strip treated and coated with a cationic surface active agent to make them Heparin-receptive, after which the objects are Heparin-coated to make them thrombo-resistant and non-thrombogenic.

Abstract: Monomeric polyparaffinsiloxanes end-capped with activated unsaturated groups and polymers and copolymers thereof are disclosed herein for use as contact lenses and biomedical devices with improved properties, such as, oxygen transportability, hydrolytic stability, biological inertness, transparency and improved strength without the use of fillers. The polymer composition comprises a poly(organoparaffinsiloxane) monomer .alpha.,.omega. terminally bonded through divalent hydrocarbon groups to polymerized free radical polymerizably activated unsaturated groups.

Abstract: A flexible composition which is preferably radiopaque comprises a plastic material which may be mixed with from 10 to 50 percent by weight of a radiopaque filler. The plastic material comprises the product of (a) a block copolymer having thermoplastic, rubbery characteristics, having a central rubbery olefin block and terminal blocks of a polystyrene; (b) low crystallinity ethylene polymers such as poly (ethylene-vinyl acetate); and (c) a silicone gum containing a small amount of a silicon-bonded olefin group such as vinyl. Optionally, the addition of 5 to 40 percent by weight polypropylene may be included in these materials to improve their heat resistance and strength without affecting their transparency, when transparent materials are formulated.

Abstract: Monomeric polysiloxanes end-capped with activated unsaturated groups and polymers and copolymers thereof are disclosed herein for use as contact lenses and biomedical devices with improved properties, such as, oxygen transportability, hydrolytic stability, biological inertness, transparency and improved strength without the use of fillers. The polymer composition comprises a poly(organosiloxane) monomer .alpha.,.omega. terminally bonded through divalent hydrocarbon groups to polymerized free radical polymerizably activated unsaturated groups. Contact lenses and biomedical devices i.e. shaped article for use in biomedical applications made therefrom can be "hard" or "soft". This hardness or softness is a function of the comonomer or the molecular weight of the monomers. Preferably the contact lenses and biomedical devices are "soft".The copolymer compositions of the instant invention comprise the polymerization product of the polysiloxane monomers and monomer or monomers containing an activated vinyl group.

Abstract: A surgically implantable device for expanding skin and mucous tissue comprises a partially collapsed sealed envelope formed from a material which is permeable to extracellular body fluid. The envelope contains a material which establishes an osmotic potential across the envelope wall. Body fluid crosses the membrane to fill the envelope. As the envelope fills it expands the adjacent tissue. In use, the partially collapsed envelope is surgically implanted under the tissue to be expanded and is allowed to absorb fluid whereby expansion of the bag and subsequent tissue expansion is accomplished. A variety of surgical procedures using the expanded tissue are possible.

Abstract: A surgical tape in one embodiment having an elastomeric tubular body with the ends of the tubular body sealed to entrap air therein at substantially atmospheric pressure. A curved metal needle may be affixed to one end of the tubular body to facilitate insertion of the tape device between body structures. A clamping pad may be attached to the tubular body at a point intermediate the ends thereof. The clamping pad is adapted for use in ligating blood vessels by engaging the blood vessel between the clamping pad and a portion of the tubular body and drawing the tubular body into engagement with a jaw portion of the clamping pad.

Abstract: A hydrophilic, water-swellable, crosslinked gel is produced by copolymerizing a water soluble vinylic constituent in aqueous solution with olefinic hydrolyzable silanes which contain low molecular weight alkoxy groups. Copolymerization is via the unsaturated groups and crosslinking is by condensation reactions. The copolymer is swellable to a finite extent or to an infinite extent depending upon the water/vinylic monomer volume ratio and upon the vinylic monomer:silane mole ratio. Non-toxic embodiments of the gel are especially useful as prosthesis fillers. Such gels can be used to fill the prosthesis before implantation or the prosthesis can be swollen with an aqueous solution after implantation.

Abstract: A gel filled flexible article which is a container having silicone rubber walls of less than 0.0015 meter thick filled with a silicone gel such that the silicone gel contacts the silicone rubber wall, provides a low oiling article where the silicone rubber is based on an essentially polydimethylsiloxane gum and the gel is a crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane and has a penetration of 10 to 60 millimeters and produces a linear swell of the silicone rubber when said silicone rubber is encapsulated in the gel for 21 days at room temperature of less than 5 percent. The gel filled flexible articles are useful as external breast prostheses.

Abstract: A non-coagulative organosilicone resin is produced by causing an organosilicon compound containing an isocyanate group and possessing a siloxane-forming property to react with heparin in order to produce an organosilicon compound having a heparin residue linked thereto and subsequently causing the resultant organosilicon compound to react with an organosilicone resin intermediate capable of undergoing a polycondensation reaction via silanol intermediates and consequently forming a siloxane cross-link.

Abstract: A mammary prosthesis or orthopedic pad includes a flexible shell formed of silicone rubber. The shell is filled with a silicone gel, the specific gravity of which is reduced by a dispersion of glass or epoxy microspheres.

Abstract: Methods and an implant are disclosed for aerating the middle ear. The method requires the drilling of a hole in the bony external canal in a zone where the hole will be in communication with the middle ear either directly or through the mastoid air-cell system. The implant is formed from an inert, resiliently flexible material such as silicone rubber and includes a tubular portion and a flange at the posterior end thereof. The tubular portion is dimensioned to be a snug fit in the drilled hole and the flange is relatively large with its thickness and the wall thickness of the tubular portion being such as to enable the flanged end of the implant to be forced through the drilled hole with the flange then springing back into its normal position. The anterior end of the tubular portion is then pulled outwardly to seat the flange against the posterior surface of the bone structure.

Abstract: A medical tube, such as an endotracheal tube, having a balloon cuff filled with silicone gel.

Abstract: Rubber articles, such as medical, surgical or hygienic instruments, are produced from a rubber material in which are incorporated high molecular weight silicon compounds which are at least partly capable of migrating in the rubber material so that a water repellent and adherence inhibiting effect of the surface of the articles can be maintained.

Abstract: In the implantable pressure sensor disclosed herein, a radio-opaque liquid is contained within a resiliently compressible vessel of a silicone rubber, the volume of liquid actually contained within the vessel being then variable as a function of the pressure or force applied to the vessel. The silicone rubber is rendered impervious to the radio-opaque liquid by a treatment which involves expandng and saturating the cured silicone rubber with a mixture of a hydrocarbon solvent such as heptane containing a dissolved wax such as beeswax. The solvent expands and saturates the silicone rubber, carrying beeswax into the silicone rubber. When the solvent evaporates, the beeswax is then trapped within the interstices of the silicone rubber, under tension.

Abstract: Medical articles composed of silicone rubber coated with collagen to be used in living body, are manufactured by subjecting a surface of shaped articles composed of silicone rubber to a spark discharge, coating the thus treated surface with an acidic aqueous solution of collagen and then drying said surface to form collagen layer and irradiating the shaped article coated with collagen with high energy ionizing radiation under an atmosphere having such a humidity that the water content of the coated collagen becomes more than 20% by weight.

Abstract: An implantable vesical prosthesis for a bladder which includes a sterile pouch formed from flexible plastics material compatible with the organs surrounding the natural bladder of a patient, at least a portion of the pouch being deformable during the introduction and discharge of urine between two extreme positions, one corresponding to the full pouch and one to the empty pouch. Two inlet pipes open into the interior of the pouch and are connectable to two ureters of a patient and an outlet pipe is connectable to the urethra. The prosthesis is completely void of any internal artificial valves or flaps.

Abstract: An implantable double walled tissue augmentation prosthesis consisting of a gel or liquid filled container within a liquid fillable container. A one-way flap valve is positioned within the wall of the liquid fillable container so that liquid may be selectively added to that container for inflation. Following implanting of the prosthesis, the liquid filled container may be deflated by removal of liquid therefrom to reduce any spherical contracture of the prosthesis caused by tissue contraction around the prosthesis. The prosthesis is most suitable for mammary augmentation.