Abstract: A method for producing a biodegradable polymer having a preferentially oriented pore structure and a method for using the polymer to regenerate damaged nerve tissue is disclosed. The preferentially oriented pores are produced by an axial freezing process and serve to promote proper vascularation and regeneration of the damaged nerve. Preferably, the biodegradable polymer comprises uncrosslinked collagen-glycosaminoglycan.

Abstract: Capsular contracture causing firmness of soft silicone implants is a serious problem that may result from several causative factors that have as their final pathway, the development of increased scar tissue. The present invention has altered the formation of this scar encapsulation of silicone implants by texturing the silicone surface in order to gain fibroblast ingrowth into the interstices and thus prevent micromotion at the host prosthesis interface. It has been found that this produces a thinner fibrous capsule. Previously published work pertaining to animals and man has shown that similar texturing of tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) and other substances achieves these goals. In accordance with work leading up to the present invention, textured silicone samples have been implanted in the subcutaneous layer of rabbits, the capsule formation and the host-prosthesis interface studied histologically.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a soft intracameral lens intended for location in the posterior chamber of the eye.The soft intracameral hydrogel lens has a front supporting and centering convex part intended for leaning against the iris having a rotational symmetrical shape of a sphere, paraboloid, or hyperboloid and passing into the broadest circumference by a surface, the shape of this surface being equal to or approaching the shape of the lateral area of a cone, while the hinder, or rear, supporting part of the lens has a spherical, planar, or moderately convex or concave-curved shape and a large surface area for leaning against a hinder capsula or a membrane of the vitreous body. The hinder supporting part is broadened and forms on its edge a retaining ring which reaches over the front part by as much as 1.5 mm, whereas the central thickness of the lens ranges between 1 to 3.5 mm.

Abstract: A new therapy for cancer which involves removal from circulation of several nonessentials amino acids, some essential amino acids and folic acid simultaneously and continuously for long-term therapy is disclosed. The therapy uses extracorporeal blood circulation using a multi-enzyme bioreactor without any of the side effects associated with the direct intravenous infusion of these enzymes. The combined depletion of folates and essential and nonessential amino acids produces a synergistic effect in treating the cancerous tissue, and serves to minimize or reduce the adaptation process of cancer cells, especially over a longer range continuous therapy.

Abstract: The neural cell adhesion molecule is used in nerve prostheses for the repair of peripheral nerve damage in mammals, both animal and man. In particular, in a process wherein a crushed or severed nerve ending is entubulated by use of a prosthetic device, a neural cell adhesion protein is added to the prosthetic device to increase the rate of growth of the fibrous components of the nerve, to more rapidly regenerate the nerve, and provide a more complete restitution of the function of the muscle served by the regenerated nerve.

Abstract: A prosthesis for transluminal implantation comprising a flexible tubular body which has a diameter that is variable by axial movement of the ends of the body relative to each other and which is composed of several individual rigid but flexible thread elements each of which extends in helix configuration with the center line of the body as a common axis, a number of elements having the same direction of winding but being axially displaced relative to each other crossing a number of elements also axially displaced relative to each other but having the opposite direction of winding; and method for transluminal implantation.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis comprises tibial, meniscal and femoral components. Subluxation and/or rotation of the meniscal component with respect to the tibial component is controlled by means of a control peg 21 fitted between the tibial and meniscal components, and a bar 5 spanning the intercondylar notch of the femoral component provides posterior stabilization by bearing against a cam surface 8 of a protrusion extending upwardly from the center of the meniscal component.

Abstract: A composite structure useful as an implant material in bones includes a matrix made of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --ZrO.sub.2 (Y.sub.2 O.sub.3) ceramic material. The surface of the matrix is non-monocrystallized. A bio-active layer covers the matrix surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for the treatment of hair. Treating compositions comprising the amino acid cysteine and a non-reducing disaccharide in solution are disclosed. The methods of the present invention comprise application of the aqueous solution to the hair for permanently altering the natural shape of the hair.

Abstract: An agent dispenser of the fluid imbibing type having a flexible bag within a membrane and in which a wicking or wetting device is in contact with the outer surface of the membrane to keep such outer surface wet at all times for all attitudes of a containment vessel housing the bag and the membrane. The wicking device is in the form of a fabric tube, such as a stretch knit fabric, or a preformed hydrophilic polymeric sleeve, which can be mounted on the outer surface of the membrane and remain in contact with it so long as there is any liquid in the containment vessel. Since the amount of water drawn by the wicking device is controlled by the membrane porosity and the amount of a solute composition in an intermediate layer between the bag and the membrane, the wicking device provides for a continuous controlled delivery of agent from the inner bag of the dispenser.

Abstract: A flexible sealed radioactive film for medical treatments comprising a radioactive material on or in a flexible substantially two-dimensional film and sealed in a substantially two-dimensional envelope. A number of flexible sealed radioactive film units can be provided in the form of a perforated strip wherein any number of flexible sealed film units can be easily removed from the perforated strip and applied to the site of treatment. The flexible sealed radioactive film can be easily applied to irregular contours to provide radiation treatment for diseased tissue and the like. Methods of making the flexible sealed radioactive film are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adhesive stick for application of adhesive to a substrate for temporary bonding to another substrate which stick contains binder, water and a shape-giving, gel-forming agent which is an alkali metal or ammonium salt of aliphatic carboxylic acid having from 8 to 36 carbon atoms. As binder in the adhesive stock a combination of an aqueous dispersion of a copolymer based on C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkyl esters of acrylic acid and a water dispersible tackifying agent is used. The tackifying agent consists of modified tall oil rosin or modified gum rosin.

Abstract: Artificial joint prostheses are provided whose outer surfaces include a screw thread which is interrupted by porous-coated columns so as to produce an alternating pattern of threaded columns adjacent to porous-coated columns. The threaded columns provide initial mechanical fixation of the prosthesis to bone and the porous-coated columns provide long-term fixation through bone ingrowth.

Abstract: A synthetic vascular prosthesis comprises a hollow tubular base member having a multitude of continuous pores and formed of an elastomer material, and a hydrogel layer formed on the inner surface of the base member. The hydrogel layer is partly embedded in the inner portion of the base member at the pores, thereby permitting anchoring adhesion between the hydrogel layer and the base member. A method for manufacturing the synthetic vascular prosthesis is also disclosed, in which the formation of pores in the base member is effected by two separate steps and the hydrogel layer is formed after formation of an inner porous portion of the base member.

Abstract: A composite hollow fiber type separation membrane which has three layers comprising a selective separation layer, an ultra-microporous layer and a porous layer, said selective separation layer, said ultra-microporous layer, said porous layer being arranged in said order commencing from the inner surface of said hollow fiber membrane;wherein said selective separation layer is formed on said ultra-microporous layer without penetrating into said ultra-microporous layer and has a non-porous, dense structure, the average thickness of said layer being 0.01-2.mu., and the coefficient of variation in thickness thereof being less than or equal to 25%;wherein said ultra-microporous layer has a surface in which the presence of pores cannot be confirmed by 24,000x scanning electron microscopy, but which has fluid permeability at least 10 times that of said selective separation layer, the thickness of said layer being less than or equal to 0.08.mu.

Abstract: A bone gap bridging and fusing device for use where large portions of the bone are removed in limbs comprising first and second pin members adapted to be placed in axial openings formed in the opposed remaining bone portions. Each pin member includes a head and the heads of the pin members interengage one another to prevent relative rotation between the pin members. A collar telescopes over the interengaged heads to lock the pin members axially relative to one another.

Abstract: Methods for attaching prostheses to natural vessels are disclosed. Prosthetic vessels having improved resistance to occlusion by tissue reaction upon implantation by reducing transmural stresses are also disclosed. Prostheses having elliptical cross-sections governed by the maximum strain expected in the natural vessel and possessing a higher bulk compliance than previous designs are provided. Additionally, novel methods are presented for implanting improved prostheses by using angled bias cuts to produce an elliptical cross-section at each end of the natural vessel section receiving the prosthesis. In accordance with preferred embodiments, vessels are provided where the cross-sectional geometry is approximated by the equations:a=r.sub.0 [1+2.epsilon.(2+.epsilon.)].sup.1/2andb=r.sub.0.

Abstract: A toy accessory has a plastic accessory base having plural engaging parts. At least two different ornamental parts made of a composition for writing which contains a polyolefin are attached to the base. The ornamental parts are simultaneously detachably engaged with the base via the plural engaging parts.

Abstract: A wrist implant for stabilizing the proximal carpal row and prevent ulnar migration thereof while permitting movement at the radiocarpal joint includes a body having a generally planar, proximal surface which has a teardrop shape. The body further defines a generally triangular or wedge-shaped dorsal surface which is joined to a curved medial surface. The body defines a smooth recess including a lunate surface. The recess is configured to receive the carpal row lunate bone and is open distally and palmarly. The implant further includes a proximal stem which extends perpendicular to the proximal surface. The implant is adapted to be positioned at the distal end of the radius with the stem inserted into the intramedullary canal of the radius bone. The implant constrains the proximal row of the carpal bones, stabilizing the joint and preventing ulnar migration of the wrist bones.

Abstract: A customized human joint prosthesis replicating the primary contours and dimensions of a patient's bone is designed and manufactured utilizing an average anatomical bone shape. The average anatomical bone shape is generated by digitizing and storing in a computer memory the average three dimensional shape of a significant number of actual bone portions corresponding to the bone portion to be replaced by the prosthesis. Thereafter, the scale of the patient's bone is determined by measuring the outside dimensions of the patient's bone in at least one plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of that bone. The average anatomical shape then is adjusted to form a first synthesized shape which conforms to that scale. Subsequently, the actual shape of the bone of the patient is measured along a plurality of longitudinally spaced lines in at least one plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the patient's bone.