Abstract: A method for forming a straight tunnel to endosteally intersect a straight anterior cruciate ligament tunnel that utilizes a sight barrel arthroscopic instrument for use in a knee cruciate ligament procedure for forming a passage into the femoral endosteum to inersect, at an acute angle, the straight anterior cruciate ligament tunnel. The instrument references the anterior cruciate ligament tunnel to guide drilling of a passage from a point in the roof of the intercondyle notch to intersect the ligament tunnel in the femur endosteum. Which passage is for receiving a fastener, such as a set screw, interference screw, or the like, that is installed into or alongside a ligament graft that is fitted in that anterior cruciate ligament tunnel, providing an endosteal fixation of which ligament graft in the femur endosteum.

Abstract: A safety trocar instrument, for piercing the wall of an anatomical cavity to provide communication with the inside of the cavity, includes a tubular cannula and an elongate trocar having a sharp piercing point. The trocar is mounted for axial reciprocal movement within the cannula between a withdrawn rest position in which the point is received within and shielded by the distal end of the cannula and a projecting position in which said point is exposed beyond the distal end of the cannula. A retraction spring biases the trocar to its withdrawn position. A latch latches the trocar in the projecting position in opposition to the retraction spring, and a trip member can trip the latch to unlatch the trocar and thereby permit the trocar to be moved to its withdrawn rest position by the retraction spring. A mechanical trigger in the form of a trigger sleeve is mounted within the instrument.

Abstract: A holder, for a pulse oximetry probe having an infrared light transmitter and an infra-red light receiver, includes a pair of grippers for attaching the holder to a finger, a surface onto which a pulse oximetry probe may be attached, and a pair of visual apertures for allowing infra-red light from the transmitter of the pulse oximetry probe to travel through the holder to the receiver of the pulse oximetry probe.

Abstract: Removal of body tissue with a long pulsed lasers is achieved such that sufficient energy to remove tissue is transmitted to the desired body without damaging an optical fiber transmitting the laser radiation. Pairs of pulses having the same or different wavelengths are coupled to more effectively remove tissue from the surgical site.

Abstract: An endoscopic kitner features a delivery tube with a continuous supply of absorbent material. The absorbent material is retractable into a housing as new absorbent material is placed in position for use. The spent absorbing material is movable into a housing for removal of the kitner. A hand-held drive mechanism is employed to advance the absorbent material.

Abstract: A vented wound dressing is disclosed comprising a thin conformable sheet material at least a portion of the surface area of which is intended for placement as a dressing over a wound, which portion carries a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating on one surface thereof for adhering the dressing to skin, the coating being applied to provide repeating areas of the sheet material containing no adhesive, at least a portion of the repeating areas of no adhesive having slits extending through the thickness thereof to permit transfer of wound fluids through the sheet material unimpeded by presence of adhesive material which can clog the slits and thereby inhibit fluid transfer therethrough.

Abstract: A spacer for use in a disposable absorbent article is disclosed. The spacer has an outer cover and a plurality of discrete elements enclosed by the outer cover. The discrete elements can move relative to one another within the outer cover. Relative movement of the discrete elements permits the spacer to plastically deform in response to flexural loading, while maintaining a fecal void space in the absorbent article under compressive loading.

Abstract: Novel apparatus and methods for a reusable, multi-layered diaper are disclosed. The diaper offers maximum health protection and ecological sensibility, with an ideal balance of comfort, cost and absorbency utilizing a unique multi-layered construction. The multi-layered construction comprises a first layer contacting a body, the first layer being a polyester wicking fabric. The multi-layered construction also comprises a middle layer associated with the first layer. The middle layer being significantly absorbent and characterized by the presence of viscose fibers to increase the absorbency of at least one middle layer. The multi-layered construction further comprises an outer layer associated with at least one middle layer. The outer layer being impermeable to liquids such that the diaper is waterproof. The present invention also comprises methods for making the reusable, multilayered diaper.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, adult incontinent pad, sanitary napkin, and the like, is disclosed which has a rapid acquiring, multiple layer absorbent core. The absorbent article may be in an improved shape that can be worn in the wearer's usual undergarments. The absorbent article of the present invention comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and a multiple layer absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The multiple layer absorbent core comprises at least one rapid acquiring acquisition/distribution layer and at least one storage layer positioned subjacent each acquisition layer. The acquisition/distribution layers have a fluid acquisition/distribution rate of at least about 2 cubic centimeters of synthetic urine per second when tested under a pressure of about 28 grams per square centimeter.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, adult incontinent article, sanitary napkin, and the like, is disclosed which has a rapid acquiring, wrapped multiple layer absorbent body in an absorbent core. The absorbent article of the present invention comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core comprises a multiple layer absorbent body comprising at least one rapid acquiring acquisition/distribution layer and at least one storage layer positioned subjacent each acquisition layer. The storage layers at least partially comprise a "high-speed" absorbent gelling material. A fluid transporting wrapping at least partially surrounds the multiple layer absorbent body to form a wrapped multiple layer absorbent body. Another storage layer is subjacent the wrapped multiple layer absorbent body. A multiple layer absorbent core for an absorbent article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A urinary collector device for men including a urinary collector body formed into a bag shape and constructed of soft, flexible water-proof material, the urinary collector body having a first or upper portion formed into a penis receiving chamber which includes an opening for enabling a penis to be inserted therethrough into such chamber. The urinary collector body also includes a second opposite or lower portion which forms a urinary flow chamber which is separated from the penis receiving chamber by a water permeable membrane. The urinary flow chamber is packed with hydrophobic material having a plurality of passages therethrough and includes a urinary discharge outlet.

Abstract: An injection device has a needle (22) which, when the device is operated, is first caused to project, then liquid is forced out through it, and finally the needle is automatically retracted. The needle (22) extends forwardly from a capsule (18) that can slide longitudinally within a barrel-like body (1), a relatively weak spring (19) normally maintaining the capsule and needle retracted. A more powerful spring (14) acts oppositely on a plunger (26) which, when released, shoots the capsule forward by acting on the liquid therein, and then forces the liquid out through the projecting needle (22). At the end of the forward stroke the plunger (26) and capsule (18) are decoupled and the weak spring (14) returns the exhausted capsule and its needle to the retracted position.

Abstract: An improvement over the Foley catheter which provides, in addition to the main drainage lumen, a central smaller lumen for continuous delivery of a small quantity of sterile irrigating solution directly through the distal tip into the bladder. A larger portion of the irrigating solution is deflected by the cone shaped roof of the distal tip and turned backward past the drainage ports and into the drainage lumen. This backward flow of liquid causes a mild suction which assists the removal of clots and tissue debris from the bladder. The continuous flow of sterile solution also cleanses the drainage lumen and prevents the upward movement of bacteria common in most urinary catheters. A suction syringe can also be used in the usual manner in the event of a blockage. A second embodiment of the invention provides two protuberances across from the drainage ports within the distal tip to assist in breaking up clots as they enter the drainage lumen.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is disclosed for absorbing liquids, particularly body fluids such as menses. The disclosed article is disposable and has a wrapper associated therewith. An elastic material is secured to the backsheet and is maintained in a substantially tensioned state until separation of the wrapper from the backsheet. Upon separation of the wrapper from the backsheet the tension in the elastic member is released causing the disposable absorbent article to form an upwardly cupped configuration to conform more closely to the wearer's body.

Abstract: A growth adjustable diaper for newborn babies is adjustable in length by use of a foldable absorbent panel at the front edge of the diaper, and is adjustable about the waist of the baby by means of ear members that can overlap and attach to each other or not overlap and attach to the front section of the diaper. Cushion barriers are provided at the crotch section and back waist edge to protect the newborn's sensitive, tender skin.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a blood parameter comprising a red light source and an infrared light source for directing light toward a blood-receiving location and a detector, for receiving light from the first and second light sources which has been back scattered by the blood. The intensity of the first light source is adjusted so that the intensity of light at the detector from the first light source remains substantially constant over a range of values of the blood parameter and the intensity of the second light source is adjusted so that the intensity of light at the detector from the second light source is substantially constant over a range of values of the blood parameter. A signal is provided which is related to the intensity of one or both of the light sources and which provides an indication of the blood parameter. A circuit is provided to compensate for errors resulting from the light sources.

Abstract: A diaper is formed having a flexible fluid impermeable pocket web mounted to an exterior surface of the diaper web and to a second end thereof spaced from the first end to receive the furled diaper web within the pocket subsequent to its use. A modification of the invention includes tubular pockets positioned within the pocket web receiving frangible capsules having deodorizing fluid therewithin for rupturing and dispersion into the diaper to minimize unpleasant odors emanating therefrom.

Abstract: A percutaneous discectomy system 20 having a bendable discectomy probe 22 and steerable cannula 24 allows for a wide range of positions relative to the discectomy tissue to be severed. The bendable discectomy probe 22 includes a bendable section 78, 86 which can allow the probe 22 to be bent more than 90.degree. and still maintain the function required in order to sever and remove tissue. The steerable cannula 24 has a similar bendable section 102 which can appropriately position the end 50 of the discectomy probe 22 in order to address tissue to be removed.

Abstract: A patient warming method and apparatus including a catheter which mixes relatively hot intravenous fluids with the patient's blood without excessive tissue damage, by monitoring the temperature of the mixed blood and the core temperature of the patient. The fluids are heated to about 50.degree.-100.degree. C. The catheter is surrounded by a relatively large diameter introducer sheath, and is spaced from the sheath by a cooling jacket. Unheated fluid is passed through the cooling jacket to thermally isolate the heated infusate from the patient, to prevent entry site and endothelial burning. An external computer control system monitors and controls both the body core temperature of the patient and the temperature and flow rate of the infusate.

Abstract: An improved tampon applicator for insertion of a tampon into a body cavity is provided, including a paper tampon holder tube having an expulsion end dimensioned for insertion into the body cavity and including a plurality of contiguous segments separated by slits, and a plunger, telescopically and slidably mounted in the holder distal to the expulsion end and adapted to expel the tampon from the holder when pushed manually into the holder. As the tampon is expelled, the segments bend open at a hinge region. The segments of the improved applicator bend outwardly during expulsion with significantly reduced applied force, improving user comfort. In one aspect, the tampon holder includes a plurality of small cuts extending circumferentially from the slits through the paper in the vicinity of the hinge region. The cuts reduce the width of the petal segments, and thereby reduce the bending moment and rigidity at the hinge region.