Abstract: A prosthesis for an anterior cruciate ligament features first and second elongate members, first and second separately tensionable cords, a catch means on the bore surface of each elongate member, and a means for securing the elongate members to the femur and tibia, respectively. The prosthesis has the significant advantage of being able to replace and to perform in substantially the same manner as a natural anterior cruciate ligament. The separate tensioning followed by fixing of the two cords in the implanted prosthesis results in a substantially smoother and more stable range of motion than has been possible with prior art prostheses.

Abstract: Purified diisocyanate polyetherurethane prepolymers and process therefor. Polyetherurethane urea polymers prepared by mixing said prepolymers with an aqueous solution of an amino, ureido or hydroxy substituted amine or a like-substituted alpha-amino acid, and a method of using same as a space filling adhesive sealant in surgery.

Abstract: A sternum closure device for closing the sternum of a patient comprising a head portion, tail portion and flexible spine portion. The head portion includes a locking tang to prevent backward movement of the spine portion once it is received and engaged in the head portion. The spine is made of a biocompatible metal coated with a biocompatible polymer along part of its length. One end of the spine is sharpened to serve as a needle. The tang pierces the polymer and locks against a serration of the spine. A method of using the sternum closure device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A three-component acetabular cup assembly for receiving and releasably retaining the femoral head component of a prosthesis, said cup assembly comprising an outer metal shell, a cup-shaped inner bearing of substantially rigid plastic fixedly secured within said metal shell, and a locking ring made from the same plastic as the inner bearing; the outer surface of the bearing and the inner surface of the locking ring having cooperating configurations forming a secure but releasable latch.

Abstract: An improved intraintestinal bypass graft for attachment in the lumen of a resectioned intestine or duct upstream of the anastomosis site in order to protect the healing anastomosis comprises an elongated tube formed of a thin, highly flexible, water-impervious wall material terminating at its distal end in a short, reduced diameter nipple. The surgical procedure for implanting the bypass graft can be simplified and shortened in time by readily fitting the distal nipple over one end of an elongated pliable leader, or alternatively over the terminal anvil nut of a circular anastomosis surgical stapler, and then drawing the leader or stapler body through the patient's anus to pull the distal end of the bypass graft out of the anus. The need to tie the distal end of the bypass graft to the leader or surgical stapler is eliminated.

Abstract: A fluid drainage system includes a suction chamber and a collection chamber. The suction chamber includes a suction regulator comprised of first and second chambers separated by a divider. An opening in the divider has a biased closing member associated therewith for opening or closing the opening according to the pressure differential between the chambers. A dash pot is connected to the closing member for damping the force on the closing member. The drainage system further includes devices for measuring the patient airflow, patient negativity and imposed suction. Those devices consist of diaphragms having dials connected thereto such that movement of the diaphragm results in movement of the dial and thereby indicating a change in one of the above noted variables. As an alternative, the drainage system includes a venturi meter for measuring airflow. Finally, the system contains an anti-spill device that prevents the spilling of fluids from the collection chamber to other chambers in the device.

Abstract: A spinal implant adapted to replace a disc between adjacent vertebrae having a predetermined thickness and profile chosen to match the space between said vertebrae and characterized by elongated protuberances adapted to be located in grooves drilled in said vertebrae and a porous coating on at least a portion of its surface. A method and apparatus for placement of said spinal implant are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispersion strengthened cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy produced by gas atomization containing a fine oxide dispersion, and characterized, after fabrication by gas atomization, thermomechanical processing and further high temperature exposure, by excellent corrosion resistance, high fatigue strength, high ductility and high temperature stability; a process for producing said alloy and prostheses formed from said alloy.

Abstract: A device for affixing a pretensioned ligament or tendon prosthesis to a bone of a patient includes a hollow elongated sleeve adapted to fit within a through drill hole in the bone and a cooperating wedge. A portion of the bore of the hollow sleeve is tapered with decreasing bore cross-sectional thickness towards the front end of the elongated sleeve. Th wedge is shaped so that a portion of a ligament or tendon prosthesis can be securely trapped between the wedge and the inner wall of the sleeve when the wedge is fully advanced forwardly within the sleeve. The device also includes a locking nut or ferrule for releasably locking the sleeve and wedge together with the wedge fully advanced within the sleeve, and a releasable bolt/washer assembly for preventing the prosthesis from being pulled forwardly through the drill hole in the patient's bone. The device is easy to use and provides a highly secure fixation of the pretensioned prosthesis.

Abstract: A drainage device has a collection chamber for receiving liquids and gases from the body of a patient, an underwater seal chamber and a one-way outflow valve. A partition extending across a portion of the device forms the underwater seal chamber, which prevents the flow of atmospheric air from the device into the pleural cavity of the patient, above the partition and the collection chamber below it. The underwater seal is created at the lower end of an extension connected to the inlet to the device by liquids drained from the patient. The one-way outflow valve communicates with a trap chamber for collecting liquids inadvertently conducted toward the valve. The trap chamber is closed off from the underwater seal chamber but is connected to the collection chamber by means of a passageway through a wall separating the trap and collection chambers.

Abstract: A dispersion strengthened cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy produced by gas atomization containing a fine oxide dispersion, and characterized, after fabrication by gas atomization, thermomechanical processing and further high temperature exposure, by excellent corrosion resistance, high fatigue strength, high ductility and high temperature stability; a process for producing said alloy and prostheses formed from said alloy.

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: An acetabular cup assembly prosthesis comprises the combination of a support shell for introduction into an acetabulum and a socket insert in nesting engagement within the shell. The shell has a generally hemispherical outer surface and a downwardly extending concavity surrounded by a peripheral rim, At least one anchoring post secures the shell to the acetabulum, and a central opening in the bottom of the concavity serves as a connection location for the socket insert. The insert has a hemispherical concavity that articulates with the rounded head of a femoral prosthesis, while the outer surface of the insert nests within the concavity of the support shell. A central fastening tab extends from the insert into locking engagement with the opening in the support shell, and structure is provided to prevent relative rotation of the shell and insert.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved absorbable surgical suture. The suture is coated with an absorbable composition consisting essentially of a high molecular weight poly(alkylene oxide).

Abstract: A process for the purification of glycolide which comprises dissolving the glycolide to be purified in a suitable organic solvent, adding alumina to the resulting solution to form a slurry wherein the alumina is in intimate contact with the dissolved glycolide, stirring the slurry under controlled conditions for a period of 1 to 60 minutes, and filtering to remove the alumina and, if desired, evaporating to remove the solvent and recovering the purified glycolide; and the production of suture-grade polyglycolic acid by the polymerization of the resulting purified glycolide.

Abstract: A socket insert component of an acetabular cup prosthesis is held securely within its support shell by a locking mechanism comprising a circumferential groove in the shell concavity perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the concavity, a first circumferential rib on the outer surface of the insert congruent with the groove, and a second circumferential rib on the outer surface of the insert parallel to and proximate the first rib, the first rib snapping into the groove and the second rib being deformed and pressed against the concavity when the insert and shell are assembled.

Abstract: An oxide dispersion strengthened cobalt-chromium superalloy produced by mechanical alloying containing a refractory oxide, preferably yttrium oxide, and characterized by excellent corrosion resistance, high fatigue strength and high temperature stability; and prostheses formed from said superalloy.

Abstract: High molecular weight caprolactone polymers are coated on surgical sutures to improve suture properties such as smooth surface, single knot slipdown, two throw knot slipdown for repositioning, and three throw knot security.

Abstract: A surgical suture made of a polymer filament having the "hard" elastic properties of reversible elasticity and retention of diameter on stretching.

Abstract: A guide for femoral neck osteotomy comprises a longitudinal rod having attaching structure at the lower end thereof for securing the rod to a femur at the greater trochanter. A transversely extending support arm is secured to the rod adjacent the lower end thereof, and a guide bar is connected to the support arm. The guide bar has at least one elongate planar surface disposed at an angle of 45.degree. to the axis of the rod. In use, the rod is aligned with the long shaft axis of the femur and attached to the femur at the greater trochanter. The rod is manipulated until the support arm and the long shaft axis of the tibia are disposed in the same plane. This procedure properly positions the elongate planar surface of the guide bar whereby an instrument in engagement with that surface traverses the femoral neck at an angle of 45.degree. to the long shaft axis of the femur.