Abstract: A modular femoral internal implant system for use in the treatment of femoral disorders resulting from injury, disease or congenital defect includes at least three interconnectable components: 1) an elongated epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant, 2) an intramedullary rod and 3) an angled side plate having an elongated plate portion adapted to be secured to the outer cortical wall and a hollow sleeve adapted to extend into the femur. The epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant can be connected to either the angled side plate or the intramedullary rod. The system may also include an elongated bone plate connectable to the angled side plate, one or more additional epiphyseal/metaphyseal implants of variable length, an additional angled side plate, a distal buttress plate connectable to the elongated bone plate, and a plurality of bone screws of a universal design. Preferably, many or all of the components of the system are made of an inert, resilient titanium-base alloy.

Abstract: A novel method for replacing a previously implanted knee joint prosthesis in a patient is disclosed in which the previously implanted femoral component is replaced with a revision femoral component having thicker distal and posterior bearing portions so as to restore the natural anatomic transverse joint plane and collateral ligamentous balance in extension and flexion of the prosthetic joint. Instrumentation for use in this method includes a novel revision cutting jig which is used in the preparation of the distal end of the femur for the implantation of the revision femoral component.

Abstract: A three-component knee joint prosthesis is disclosed including femoral, tibial and patellar components. During flexion of the prosthetic knee, the patellar component, which has a convex bearing surface, cooperates with and is guided by a patellar track defined by the anterior plate portion, lateral condylar bearing portion and medial condylar bearing portion of the femoral component and a web portion joining the two femoral condylar bearing portions. The inner regions of the two femoral condylar bearing portions are steeply sloped towards the web portion to permit the patellar component to "ride deeply" upon the femoral component at high degrees of flexion, thereby reducing quadriceps tension and expanding the permissible range of motion in flexion.

Abstract: An intraoperative blood recovery system and method for salvaging operative blood while simultaneously delivering previously collected blood to a reinfusion system. A blood collection and transfer reservoir, having multiple compartments which can be separated by vacuum or pressure barriers, is designed to maintain a continuous suction for blood inflow while blood previously collected can be simultaneously transported through the reservoir to achieve the uninterrupted flow of blood into and delivery of blood out of the reservoir.

Abstract: A blood washing and plasma separation device and method are disclosed, which utilize lumen-side fed hollow fiber membranes in multiple separation passes in conjunction with countercurrent flow wash injection.

Abstract: The bone prosthesis of the present invention comprises a first body member or stem for placement into a bone cavity, such as an intramedullary canal. The body member is configured and dimensioned so as to provide a nonuniform interference press-fit. The apparatus further comprises a second body member or broach for placement into the broach configured and dimensioned so as to prepare and removal from a bone cavity, the bone cavity so as to provide a nonuniform interference press-fit with the stem. THe apparatus further comprises a distal sleeve configured and dimensioned so as to be attached to the stem so as to centralize the stem in the bone cavity. The distal sleeve preferably is provided with an interior conical slope and an exterior conical slope on a portion thereof to aid in insertion into the canal. The stem further comprises at least one groove and preferably a plurality of grooves along its corners.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for use in the preparation of bone surfaces and the implantation of a modular total knee prosthesis in a patient, which apparatus comprises cutting guides, templates, alignment devices, a distractor and clamping instruments which provide modularity and facilitate bone resection and prosthesis implantation.

Abstract: A water based slurry for use as backup coat on a wax model has colloidal silica and milled zircon as primary ingredients. The slurry is utilized as a backup coat on a wax model used in a lost wax investment casting technique. The slurry comprises of colloidal silica, a latex glue, ammonium alginate, a wetting agent, milled zircon, tabular alumina, glass rock and an anti-foaming agent.

Abstract: A reservoir outlet control device for controlling fluid flow from a reservoir. The device is particularly suitable for controlling fluid outflow from a blood collecting and blood delivery reservoir.

Abstract: A method for preventing adhesion utilizes a viscoelastic gel formed from xanthan gum. The gel is more viscous than blood and is soluble in aqueous solutions. The gel is placed between the tissues by a syringe. The method includes mixing the xanthan gum with either a saline solution or Tyrode's solution to form the gel.

Abstract: A guide wire for an intravascular catheter is disclosed. In one embodiment, the guide wire has Doppler means positioned on the distal end, with preferred Doppler means being piezoelectric ceramics or piezoelectric polymeric materials, both having electrical leads connected thereto. In another embodiment, the guide wire has a Laser Doppler means.

Abstract: A device, suitable for use in repairing a lacerated or severed tendon, particularly a hand flexor tendon, having a flat band body with opposite ends of the body designed to anchor connecting sutures. The device also finds applicability in the repair of lacerated or severed ligaments. Also disclosed is a method of repairing a severed tendon by implanting a flat band device suturing together the device and the tendon to effect an anastomosis along approximated ends of the severed tendon. Further disclosed is a method of repairing a lacerated or severed ligament.

Abstract: A steerable catheter having a Doppler crystal at the tip to measure the velocity of blood in vivo--and inferentially the blood flow. The catheter includes two passageways, one passageway being exposed to the blood stream with the other passageway containing the electrical leads to the Doppler crystal. The one passageway is dimensioned for receiving a wire guide for accurately manipulating the catheter. Preferably, the catheter incorporates an inflatable angio-balloon operable to distend the blood vessel in the region of a stenosis. Thus, blood flow can be determined in the region of the stenosis before and/or after the vessel is distended. The passageways are preferably defined by a pair of generally concentric tubes with the Doppler crystal doughnut-shaped and sealingly disposed at the tip of the catheter.

Abstract: A drainage device, particularly adapted for use in medical procedures for draining fluids from a body cavity of a patient, incorporating a suction control chamber dimensioned and configured to provide an enhanced air and liquid flow pattern within the chamber. The suction control chamber might also include a baffle plate for air and noise control. The drainage device might further include a seal chamber and an improved high negativity relief valve. The present invention also includes a device, having an integral sampling or injection port, for coupling tubing.

Abstract: A support stand, particularly suitable for use in securing an article against overturn, being coupled to the article in a locked article stabilizing position. Preferably, the stand is rotatively coupled to the article for selective location of the stand in either an inoperative position or in a locked operative article stabilizing position.

Abstract: Method for preparing a high strength, low modulus, ductile, biocompatible titanium base alloy containing one or more isomorphous beta stabilizers, eutectoid beta stabilizers and optional alpha stabilizers, characterized by a modulus of elasticity not exceeding 100 GPa; comprising blending pre-selected amounts of the alloying ingredients, melting the blend in a plasma arc furnace, allowing the melt to cool and solidify, vaccum arc remelting and thermomechanically processing the resulting solid to provide the desired alloy.

Abstract: A novel method for replacing a previously implanted knee joint prosthesis in a patient is disclosed in which the previously implanted femoral component is replaced with a revision femoral component having thicker distal and posterior bearing portions so as to restore the natural anatomic transverse joint plane and collateral ligamentous balance in extension and flexion of the prosthetic joint. Instrumentation for use in this method includes a novel revision cutting jig which is used in the preparation of the distal end of the femur for the implantation of the revision femoral component.

Abstract: A compression anastomosis assembly of interlocking coupling members, particularly suitable for use in achieving anastomosis of tubular organs, having an improved locking feature to prevent inadvertent disassembly of installed coupled members. The design and configuration of the members also provide for ease in placement of the assembly in a living body wherein preferably one assembly member includes a cutting guide and a cutting ring which facilitate use of a cutting implement commonly associated with a device suitable for use during assembly implantation.

Abstract: An intraoperative blood recovery system and method for salvaging operative blood while simultaneously delivering previously collected blood to a reinfusion system. A blood collection and transfer reservoir, having multiple compartments which can be separated by vacuum or pressure barriers, is designed to maintain a continuous suction for blood inflow while blood previously collected can be simultaneously transported through the reservoir to achieve an uninterrupted flow of blood into and delivery of blood out of the reservoir.