Abstract: A system for assisting the operation of a patient's heart. The system includes a muscle energy converter which is capable of connecting to a muscle of the patient for converting energy of the muscle into a mechanical force. The system also includes a ventricular assist device connected to the muscle energy converter for receiving the mechanical force from the muscle energy converter and compressing the heart of the patient. The assist device is capable of connection and operational engagement with the heart. A method for assisting the operation of a patient's heart. The method includes the steps of converting energy from a muscle to a mechanical force with a muscle energy converter. Then, there is the step of compressing the heart of the patient with an assist device with the mechanical force from the muscle energy converter.

Abstract: A muscle energy converter pump. The muscle energy converter is comprised of a piston having an attachment head for connection to a muscle. The muscle energy converter also comprises a cylinder having a chamber in which the piston is disposed. The cylinder has a port for transport of fluid in and out of the chamber as the muscle moves the piston. A method for pumping fluid in a patient. The method comprises the steps of attaching an attachment head of a piston to tissue, such as a muscle, of the patient. Next, there is the step of placing a housing, such as a cylinder, to the patient's body. The piston is disposed in and extending from the housing. Then, there is the step of introducing fluid into a fluid cavity of the cylinder. Next, there is the step of moving the piston with the muscle of the patient connected to the piston attachment head so the fluid in the fluid cavity is pumped out of the fluid cavity by a base of the piston pushing fluid out of the fluid cavity.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a blood pump device which comprises a blood pump having blood transport ports and cannulae connected to the ports. The blood pump device also comprises a coating material covering the junction between the inner surfaces of the ports and cannulae. This forms a smooth transition so blood can flow unimpeded therefrom and collection cavities for the blood are eliminated. The invention is also related to a method of producing a smooth coating. The present invention is a blood pump device comprising a second portion having a stator mechanism and a rotor mechanism disposed adjacent to and driven by the stator mechanism. The second portion has a journal disposed about the rotor mechanism to provide support therewith. The second portion has an impeller disposed in the chamber and a one-piece seal member for sealing about a shaft of the impeller. The seal member is fixedly attached to the journal so that the seal member is supported by the journal.

Abstract: A fixative-stain system, which gives superior preservation of nuclear detail, is free from toxic mercury compounds, and which is simple and easy to use, includes a zinc salt and a cobalt salt, in combination, as a fixative, and at least one of Chlorazol Black E, Fast Green FCF and May-Grunwald stains, and preferably the three in admixture, as a staining composition. The fixative may also be used alone. The present fixative-stain system is suitable for fixing and staining all types of parasites such as enteric and other parasites which infect animals and humans.

Abstract: A muscle energy converter comprised of a piston having an attachment head for connection to a muscle. The muscle energy converter also comprises a cylinder having a chamber in which the piston is disposed. The cylinder has a port for transport of fluid in the chamber as the muscle moves the piston. Preferably, movement of the piston within the cylinder is frictionless. The piston comprises a first magnetic section and the cylinder comprises a second magnetic section. The first magnetic section and the second magnetic section provide opposing fields to maintain the piston in co-axial alignment within the cylinder. Preferably, there is a rolling diaphragm sealing mechanism connected between the piston and the cylinder. The rolling diaphragm mechanism can include a first rolling diaphragm and a second rolling diaphragm spaced from and opposing the first rolling diaphragm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for enhancing high resolution ECG signals acquired with electrodes on the surface of a patient's thorax so that ventricular late potentials can be detected and observed. The ECG signals are detected, measured and digitized and are then processed to remove low frequency components and preferably, common mode signals. Enhancement is then accomplished by filtering out the remaining electrical interference caused by underlying muscle tissue, nerve tissue and environmental noise with a particular adaptive filtering technique.

Abstract: A tether system for an animal. The tether system has an apparatus which is electrically or fluidically powered or monitored with greater than 200 milliamps of current. The tether system is also comprised of an area for the animal and a structure above the area. The tether system is comprised of an anchor for attachment to the structure. The tether system is also comprised of a mechanism for providing power to the apparatus to operate it. The providing mechanism is in electrical communication with the anchor and the apparatus. The anchor prevents entanglement of the power providing means or mechanism as the animal moves freely about the area. Preferably, the tether system also includes a mechanism for providing fluid to or from the animal. The fluid providing mechanism is fluidically connected to the anchor and the patient. Additionally, the tether system can include a mechanism for transmitting electrical signals from the animal.

Abstract: A compound for the treatment of calcium oxalate kidney stone disease and viral infections caused by enveloped viruses which can be extracted and purified from leaves of the plant Eriobotrya japonica is disclosed. The compound has the following characteristics: inhibits calcium oxalate crystal growth in vitro; inhibits renal calcium oxalate crystal deposition in rats which are fed ethylene glycol, causes rats which are fed ethylene glycol and said compound to excrete less oxalate in their urine as compared to rats which are fed ethylene glycol without said compound; shows little or no loss in activity when exposed to an aqueous solution of pH 1.5 for 14 hours; shows increased activity when exposed to an aqueous solution of pH 12.7 for 15 hours; is polyanionic; is stable when heated in an aqueous solution (at pH of extract) at 98.degree. C. for 3 hours; water-soluble; insoluble in heptane, hexane, chloroform/methanol mix, diethyl ether, and ethanol/aqueous mix; binds to DEAE-A-25 Sephadex at pH 8.

Abstract: A method for the rapid identification and differentiation of HSV-1 and/or HSV-2 with fluorescein-conjugated Helix pomatia lectin. Clinical specimens are processed, with centrifugation, in pre-prepared shell vials of cell culture, with subsequent supplementation and 20 hour incubation (approximately) at 37.degree. C. Coverslips of the shell vials are then fixed, air dried, overlaid with fluorescein-conjugated Helix pomatia lectin, washed, dried, mounted and examined under a microscope equipped with an ultraviolet light source. The identification of fluorescence confirms herpes virus infection. Granular fluorescent patterns confirm presence of HSV-2 serotype and diffuse fluorescent patterns confirm presence of HSV-1 serotype.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrode for use in measuring low level signals amidst competing noise signals. The electrode includes an electrically non-conductive substrate having a closed loop of electrical conductive and adhesive material carried by the substrate which defines therein an open area on the substrate. A first electrically conductive terminal is embedded within the closed loop of electrically conductive and adhesive material. Within the open area is an inner mass of electrically conductive and adhesive material. The inner mass of electrically conductive and adhesive material is spaced from the closed loop. The electrode also includes a second electrically conductive terminal which is embedded with the inner mass of electrically conductive and adhesive material. The electrode includes a first contact device for making electrical contact with the first terminal and a second contact device for making electrical contact with the second terminal.

Abstract: An electronic test instrument for rapid comprehensive verification of correct operation of medical pacers. This portable microprocessor-based test instrument includes a device for measuring and displaying pacer characteristics including pacing rate, pulse duration, pulse amplitude, sensitivity, sensed refractory interval, stimulus refractory interval, atrio-ventricular delay, D.C. leakage, susceptibility to A.C. interference, frequency response and battery drain. The test instrument includes a device for selecting each test and entering associated parameters, a device to convert the analog pacer pulses to digital values for detection and measurement, a device to generate variable amplitude test waveforms and apply them to a medical pacer at a specified rate or at a specified delay from a previous pacer pulse or with a specified delay between two test waveforms and a device for displaying test results.

Abstract: This invention pertains generally to an implantable medical lead for stimulating muscle or tissue contraction and a method for using the same, and specifically to a paraneural electro-stimulating bipolar shielded lead and a method for using the same, for use in surgical procedures such as the Muscle Flap Heart Function Augmentation Procedure and/or other circulatory augmentation procedures, and/or wherever stimulation of muscle or tissue is desired.

Abstract: An extract for the treatment of calcium oxalate kidney stone disease which can be extracted and purified from leaves of the plant Eriobotrya japonica is disclosed. The extract has the following characteristics: inhibits calcium oxalate crystal growth in vitro, inhibits renal calcium oxalate crystal deposition in rats which are fed ethylene glycol, causes rats which are fed ethylene glycol and said extract to excrete less oxalate in their urine as compared to rats which are fed ethylene glycol without said extract, shows little or no loss in activity when exposed to an aqueous solution of pH 1.5 for 14 hours, shows increased activity when exposed to an aqueous solution of pH 12.7 for 15 hours, is polyanionic, is stable when heated in an aqueous solution (at pH of extract) at 98.degree. C. for 3 hours, water-soluble, insoluble in heptane, hexane, chloroform/methanol mix, diethyl ether, and ethanol/aqueous mix, binds to DEAE-A-25 Sephadex at pH 8.6 and is eluted from the DEAE-A-25 Sephadex with 2 M NaCl.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the output of a cardiomyostimulator comprising a magnet of sufficient intensity to interrupt an output signal of a cardiomyostimulator when placed externally over the abdomen of a patient in whom a cardiomyostimulator has been implanted in close proximity to the cardiomyostimulator, and a belt member for removably securing the magnet over the patient's abdomen.

Abstract: A means for identifying C. jejuni, from stool specimens, by the extraction and agglutination of its soluble antigen(s). More specifically, bacteria are concentrated from fresh (unpreserved) stool specimens, soluble antigen is released--preferably either by a specified heating protocol or by the action of a particular enzyme--and the antigen is detected by agglutination upon exposure to monoclonal, polyclonal or other corresponding antibodies. The method of the invention not only fosters efficiency in the laboratory but also provides rapid diagnosis of the presence of C. jejuni, so that appropriate patient treatment may begin at the earliest opportunity.

Abstract: A surgical method of reconstructing damaged cardiac muscle via latissimus dorsi autograft. The latissimus dorsi is dissected from its origin and insertion while maintaining the neurovascular bundle intact. The dissected muscle flap is passed into the thorax through a rib resection in the corresponding axilla. After appropriate midsternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass, etc., the muscle flap and its preserved neurovascular bundle may be used as graft muscle in the reconstruction of cardiac muscle. The latissimus dorsi autograft minimizes or eliminates the problems of histoincompatibility associated with cardiac transplantation. A subsequent protocol of suitable pacing of the autograft enables it to contribute to the overall cardiac function, and the structural presence of the grafted muscle tissue permits cardiac muscle repair without distorting the shape of the heart in the area(s) of excised cardiac muscle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting low level bioelectric signals on the surface of a patient. The bioelectric signals are enhanced by filtering out noise through a particular adaptive filtering technique. In detecting His signals at the chest of a patient, surface ECG's are acquired at a plurality of external locations, the acquired data is digitized and stored. One of the ECG signals is selected as a reference channel and the remaining ECG signals are used as input channels. With the use of a feedback coefficient, each data point of interest in each cycle is adaptively filtered to remove the noise and the filtered signal is displayed. The adaptive filtering involves performing two pre-updates of a weight matrix associated with each sample point of each input channel based on the measured samples before and after a sample point, calculating an output signal based on the weight matrix and the input channel, and updating the weight matrices based on the calculated output signal.

Abstract: The present invention is a ready-to-use microtube and method for the simple and accurate identification of beta-hemolytic streptococci from inoculated swabs. Non-volatile reagents are selected and affixed to two separate loci within the microtube by means of a stable, water-soluble or -dispersible binder. At the time of patient examination, the patient site (pharynx, etc.) is swabbed and the swab is placed, tip down, in the prepared microtube. Four to six drops of distilled water are added, the swab is rotated and, after a brief incubation period, an agglutination agent is used to verify the presence or absence of a specific streptococcus group antigen by the presence or absence of a visible agglutination. The test is suitable for use in identifying any streptococcus group which bears antigens susceptible to extraction by nitrous acid, including in particular the clinically significant group A, B, C, F, and G beta-hemolytic streptococci.

Abstract: A stain-fixative composition, for use in the microscopic identification of enteric protozoa and other parasites in fecal specimens, contains Ponceau S Stain, Chlorazol Fast Pink BK Stain, Trypan Blue Stain, dimethyl sulfoxide and a fixative component. The fixative component may be either a polyvinyl alcohol fixative or may be a mixture of isopropanol, acetic acid, liquified phenol, distilled water and optional glutaraldehyde. The stain-fixative composition is simple to prepare, has a long shelf life at ambient conditions, is easy to use and is suitable for preparing formalin or tap water concentrates, wet mount slides, or permanent smears prepared with gelatin-glycerol or resinous mounting media. In addition, the stain-fixative composition is free from the toxic mercury compounds often found in prior art staining reagents. The stain-fixative composition gives superior fixation and resolution, yet its use requires a minimum of time and attention in the laboratory.