Abstract: A kit for preventing or treating arterial dysfunction resulting from an angioplasty procedure and particularly, in myocardial angioplasty procedures in human beings. The kit provides the materials necessary to introduce a selected amount of an intraarterial prostaglandin compound into an artery, such as a coronary artery, in which an angioplasty procedure is to occur and an intravenous prostaglandin compound. The prostaglandin compound will provide cyto-protection and provide antithrombotic effects and antiplatelet effects and antispasmatic effects. A composition is also provided for reducing dysfunction in angioplasty procedures and comprises a selected amount of a carrier and a prostaglandin compound carried in a specified amount and which carrier does not alter the prostaglandin compound and releases the prostaglandin compound at a rate sufficient to dilate blood vessels to thereby produce the required efficacy.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system for fixing vertebrae. A rigid elongated plate having openings is provided for being placed over the vertebrae. A plurality of screws having apertures extending along the longitudinal axis are provided for extending through the openings in the plate and into the vertebrae to attach the plate to the vertebrae.

Abstract: A method of and system for fixing one or more levels of the vertebrae of a spinal column. Elongated guide wires are provided for being inserted into the vertebrae. A rigid plate is provided for being placed over the vertebrae with the guide wires passing therethrough. Cannulated screws are provided for being inserted over the guide wires, through the plate and into the vertebrae for securing the plate to the vertebrae.

Abstract: The physical condition of a bicycle rider is tested by monitoring the heart beat of the rider and the distance traversed during testing. A portable electronic instrument housing includes a digital computer responsive to signals indicative of the heart beat and travel distance, numerical quantities associated with physiological parameters of the rider, and a clock source to derive signals indicative of different physical activities of the rider. The distance signal is derived by mounting a permanent magnet in a reflector carried by wheel spokes of the bicycle. A first reed switch responds to flux from the permanent magnet to derive a pulse for each wheel revolution. A pulse for each revolution of the bicycle sprocket assembly, derived by a second permanent magnet-reed switch combination, is coupled to the computer and combined with the clock source to derive a signal indicative of number of sprocket assembly turns per unit length of time.

Abstract: The physical condition of a subject is tested by a transducer mounted on the subject which derives a first signal indicative of heart activity.