Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the treatment and repair of defects or lesions in the cartilage of humans and other animals. The defect or lesion in the cartilage may be first treated with an enzyme to remove proteoglycans from the defect area. To induce cartilage formation, the defect is filled or otherwise dressed with a biodegradable matrix having pores sufficiently large to allow repair cells to populate the matrix. The matrix filling the defect contains a proliferation agent at a concentration sufficient to stimulate proliferation of repair cells and a transforming factor in an appropriate delivery system to release the transforming factor at a concentration sufficient to transform repair cells in the matrix and defect area into cartilage-producing chondrocytes. The matrix may also contain a chemotactic agent to attract repair cells. The entire treatment may be carried out in a single arthroscopic or open surgical procedure.

Abstract: A hemostatic surgical blade and methods of manufacturing such blades are provided, wherein the blade comprises a laminate region having a hardenable center layer and highly thermally conductive outer layers, joined to a second region of a low thermal conductivity material. A heating element is secured to the laminate region and in thermal communication therewith to thermally reform the collagen of tissue as it is incised. The heat generated by the heating element is conducted to the cutting edge of the blade to maintain the cutting edge temperature within 20.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. of a user-selected operating temperature. The second region reduces the conduction of heat to the handle of the instrument.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the treatment and repair of defects or lesions in the cartilage of humans and other animals. The defect or lesion in the cartilage may be first treated with an enzyme to remove proteoglycans from the defect area. To induce cartilage formation, the defect is filled or otherwise dressed with a biodegradable matrix having pores sufficiently large to allow repair cells to populate the matrix. The matrix filling the defect contains a proliferation agent at a concentration sufficient to stimulate proliferation of repair cells and a transforming factor in an appropriate delivery system to release the transforming factor at a concentration sufficient to transform repair cells in the matrix and defect area into cartilage-producing chondrocytes. The matrix may also contain a chemotactic agent to attract repair cells. The entire treatment may be carried out in a single arthroscopic or open surgical procedure.

Abstract: A thermodilution catheter has electrodes in electrical contact with the blood flowing adjacent to the catheter. A potential difference applied to the electrodes causes electrical current to flow in the volume of blood in the region of the electrodes, thereby creating a bolus of blood at elevated temperature suitable for measurement of blood flow by the thermodilution principle.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument includes an electrically heated cutting edge and an automatic control system for maintaining the cutting edge at a constant high temperature for sterilizing the blade, cutting tissue, and cauterizing the incised tissue to reduce hemorrhage from the cut surfaces of the tissues (hemostasis).

Abstract: The cutting edge of a scalpel blade is heated to a preselected constant temperature range by conduction of high frequency current through the blade of ferromagnetic material in a region thereof which is in close proximity to a conductor positioned along the cutting edge. Selective heating of regions of the cutting edge that are locally cooled by the tissue contact during surgical cutting is provided by constructing the blade of ferromagnetic materials that have a Curie point in the operating temperature range and that provide large increases in magnetic permeability for temperature decrements below the Curie point.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument includes an electrically heated cutting edge and an automatic control system for maintaining the cutting edge at a constant high temperature for sterilizing the blade, cutting tissue, and cauterizing the incised tissue to reduce hemorrhage from the cut surfaces of the tissues (hemostasie).