Abstract: A method for securing the connection of a medical tube to a port of a fluid transfer instrument. The method provides connections with superior resistance to unexpected disconnection, and thus is particularly beneficial for joining elastic tubes which are implanted within the body for conducting body fluid from one internal location to another or between the body and an external location. The novel method includes inserting a rigid nipple on the port into the lumen of an elastically deformable tube to be joined to the port, placing an initially loose fitting, nonelastically deformable sleeve around the tube on the nipple, and deforming the sleeve radially toward the nipple to clamp the tube between the sleeve and nipple. The extent of deformation is controlled to prevent damaging the tube.A tool for clamping the sleeve to a controlled extent of deformation is also provided.

Abstract: A headrest which can be used on an operating table to maintain the head of a supine, unconscious patient in steady position for the surgeon to conduct an operation is described. The headrest has a low profile to provide maximum unobstructed access to the top, forehead, sides and face of the head. The headrest includes two, tapered, elongated lobes rigidly spaced apart in a V-shape configuration which allows one headrest to fit many different size heads. In use, the patient's head is wedged at points of tangency between the lobes. The V-shape configuration also permits the surgeon to easily adjust the head position to a new, steady position with only minor head movement, and therefore, reduced risk of dislodging the patient's breathing tube.

Abstract: A valve for preventing excessive cerebrospinal fluid flow in ventriculoperitoneal shunt, known as "siphoning", which occurs when a patient rapidly moves from a recumbent to an upright position, is described. The valve includes at least one valve unit containing within a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled cavity, a freely moveable float which is buoyant in CSF. The valve is subcutaneously implanted in the patient in an upright orientation in which the entrance port of the valve unit is elevated higher than the cavity while the patient is upright. In this orientation, the float rises to the top of the CSF-filled cavity where it seals against a seat of the entrance port. The float thus stops flow until intracranial pressure sufficiently exceeds the buoyant force. The casing generally has a contoured sectional profile. When the patient reclines, the valve orients so that the float rises to a high region of the casing which is away from the entrance seat thereby allowing CSF to flow through.

Abstract: A prosthesis and method are disclosed for patching openings in body membranes such as the dura mater. The novel prosthesis includes patch comprising a patch flange and a suture flange extending circumferentially around the patch. The patch is implanted inside the membrane such that the patch completely covers the opening to be closed. The lip of the opening laps the suture flange and is secured by sewing sutures through the suture flange and the lip, but not through the patch. Accordingly, the tissue underlying the patch is shielded from the suture threads and perforations by the patch flange. The patch is of lubricious and biologically inert materials that is effectively nonadhesive to scar growth which forms on healing wounds. Thus, the novel prosthesis reduces the potential for adhesion between the underlying tissues and the membrane due to scar formation following surgery, particularly surgery on the central nervous system.

Abstract: A method of treating skeletal muscle fibrosis in mammals. The novel method is effective for reducing the extent of skeletal muscle fibrosis in an individual who suffers from a disorder which targets skeletal muscle tissue, such as Duchenne's and Becker's muscular dystrophy and denervation atrophy induced by either trauma or neuromuscular disease. The treatment includes administering to the individual an effective amount of a metalloporphyrin compound, especially hemin, heme arginate, cobalt protoporphyrin IX chloride and cobalt protoporphyrin IX arginate.

Abstract: A headrest which can be used on an operating table to maintain the head of a supine, unconscious patient in steady position for the surgeon to conduct an operation is described. The headrest has a low profile to provide maximum unobstructed access to the top, forehead, sides and face of the head. The headrest includes two, tapered, elongated lobes rigidly spaced apart in a V-shape configuration which allows one headrest to fit many different size heads. In use, the patient's head is wedged at points of tangency between the lobes. The V-shape configuration also permits the surgeon to easily adjust the head position to a new, steady position with only minor head movement, and therefore, reduced risk of dislodging the patient's breathing tube.