Abstract: A treatment device and method are provided for shaping the neck of a horse. The device comprises an impermeable double-walled sheet made into a sleeve or hood which is proportioned to closely surround the neck of a horse, the sheet providing a space between the walls thereof. A hot air blower is provided and hot air is conducted from the blower into the space between the walls of the sheet at a temperature between about 100.degree. F. and about 175.degree. F. The neck of the horse is caused to sweat and to be shaped as desired.

Abstract: An improved external fixation device is disclosed composed of a pair of arcuate frame segments and multiple adjustment rods and pin holders, which cooperate with one another as well as plural pins extending through the soft tissue and bone of a patient to rigidly immobilize a bone fracture and permit compression, neutralization or distraction of the fracture from a location external to the body.

Abstract: A novel method and system for inserting a surgical wire into a patient's bone is disclosed. The novel system includes a novel tool for guiding a surgical wire into the patient's bone at a universally adjustable position in relation to a previously inserted wire, and a novel guide pin-external sleeve combination whose use greatly facilitates the steps of guide pin insertion and, after the sleeve has been removed, insertion of a cannulated surgical implant over the guide pin. The novel system is particularly suited for use in a surgical procedure for fixing a fracture in the femoral neck with a plurality of parallel cannulated bone screws.

Abstract: Sterile, non-metallic, bio-compatible hemostatic clips of absorbable and non-absorbable materials comprising two leg members joined with a resilient hinge. The distal ends of said leg members include latch means to lock the clip in a closed position. Each leg member has a vessel clamping inner face and the latch means includes means for preventing relative lateral movement between the vessel clamping inner faces when the clip is in a closed position.

Abstract: Metallic, hemostatic clips providing a reduced gap when closed about a tubular vessel.

Abstract: The implantable correctant of a spinal curvature of the present invention comprises a flat rod made from an elastic material and shaped as an arc, said rod being positioned on one side of the spinous processes with its convexity towards the convexity of the spine, and a device for fixing the rod on the spine, the device being adapted for such a fixation of the rod that the latter gets partially straightened to build up a force for the spine to rectify.

Abstract: Plastic ligating clips of absorbable or nonabsorbable materials are formed by two legs joined with a resilient hinge. One leg terminates in a hook member which secures the other leg when the clip is closed. Each leg of the clip is provided with an indentation extending across its width near the distal end which secures the clip in the applier and allows the clip to rotate about its hinge during closure. The clip applier is a forceps-type instrument having channeled jaws especially adapted to receive and close the plastic clip.

Abstract: There is provided a medullary nail having a hollow body provided with a plurality of longitudinal concave zones (3) in the outer surface and contiguous zones of annular form (2) and having a cutter (4) at one end. The body is of tantalum, an alloy thereof containing more than 50% tantalum, niobium, or an alloy thereof containing more than 50% niobium and is provided with a female thread (1) at the end opposite the cutter (4) and is anodically oxidized and the wall thickness is approximately the same over the entire length.There is also provided a process for making the nail by rolling a sintered body of tantalum or niobium to form a sheet which is then shaped into a slotted tubular form and welded and then rolling, forging or pressing to form the concave zones (3) or making the tubular form by extruding it from sheet of sintered body material and then proceeding as above stated.

Abstract: A glove having a retainer disposed adjacent to the outside of a thumb portion so as to restrict movement of the thumb portion away from the rest of the glove thereby preventing damage to certain ligaments of the user's thumb should the thumb be bent abnormally.

Abstract: A bone clip for surgical repair of bones in vivo, having a body and depending legs at each end thereof and perpendicular thereto. Means are provided to draw the legs inwardly towards each other after insertion into the bone so as to draw the bone ends together under a preselected pressure.

Abstract: A miniature surgical clip made of a single continuous length of spring wire for clamping blood vessels in brain surgery and the like. The clip includes a pair of operating members arranged at an acute angle and connected together at a common apex. The operating members are symmetrically formed and have inwardly bent legs which extend mutually inward in overlapping relation to form spaced parallel portions defining between them a lateral guideway. Each of the inwardly bent legs terminates in a 270.degree. exit loop having straight exiting portions which are captive in, and which extend through, the guideway parallel to one another to form cooperating jaws which are straight and parallel. The operating members are outwardly sprung with respect to one another for biasing the jaws resiliently into clamping engagement.

Abstract: A phototherapy booth is provided with sources of flourescent black light for use by persons suffering from a medical skin disorder. The booth includes at least three walls made from a rigid perforated substrate to facilitate dissipation of heat. At least one lamp on each wall is vertically adjustable along a track for increasing the height of light exposure. The walls may be vertically disposed for use by a person who is ambulatory or may be arranged as a tunnel for use by a person who is bedridden.

Abstract: A surgical tool for passing sutures during surgery comprises a plurality of elongated flexible members which are aligned longitudinally and joined at their corresponding ends. The members may be flexed outwardly to allow easy insertion of a suture therebetween. Sutures are pulled toward a joined end to secure them within the suture passer. The flexible members allow the tool to be used within confined areas and to pass suture along curved pathways. Multiple sutures may be inserted between the members at one time and pulled through the patient where necessary for sewing parts of the body together.

Abstract: A sling, especially for hemiplegics, having supports for hand and elbow made of flexible material. The elbow support is suspended from two straps, one over each shoulder, holding the affected shoulder in place and preventing subluxation of the joint. The hand support is suspended adjustably from a third strap attached at mid-chest to one of the others, and supports the hand in a natural, functional, supinated position.

Abstract: Plastic ligating clips of absorbable or nonabsorbable materials are formed by two legs joined with a resilient hinge. One leg terminates in a hook member which secures the other leg when the clip is closed. Each leg of the clip is provided with a raised cylindrical boss extending across its width near the distal end which secures the clip in the applier and allows the clip to rotate about its hinge during closure. The clip applier is a forceps-type instrument having channeled jaws especially adapted to receive and close the plastic clip.

Abstract: A catheter intended to be inserted in a body duct, vessel or cavity in order to maintain the passage of liquid, gas or solid substances.The catheter (1) is made of plastic. The catheter (1) is characterized in that it is provided with an outer casing (2-5), which entirely or partially covers the cathether (1) and consists of a hydrophilic plastic substance capable of absorbing liquid and thereby to increase its volume, i.e. to swell, so that the catheter (1) maintains its position after its insertion into a body duct, vessel or cavity.

Abstract: The invention described relates to a device which is especially useful in a substantially weightless environment. The particular device provides a means for fixing or stabilizing the pelvis of the user with respect to controls or equipment operated by the user in a substantially weightless condition. The apparatus permits both arms to be free for providing working movements in combination with the torso of the user.

Abstract: A spinal distraction splint has two like anchor screws extending along respective longitudinal screw axes and adapted to be anchored in the pelvis with the axes crossing. Each of the screws has a head formed with a transversely open recess centered on a respective transverse axis and with an annular array of teeth centered on and angularly equispaced about the respective transverse axis. A bolt extends through one of the recesses and is threaded in the other recess. Thus the bolt secures the heads together with the transverse axes coaxial and the teeth interengaged. Respective distraction rods each have one end braced on the respective screw and another end braced oppositely against a vertebra. Once the two anchor screws are properly inserted and then their heads are locked together the interfitting teeth on the heads absolutely locks them against angular rotation relative to each other about the axis of the fastener bolt and all other relative motion is eliminated by the clamping action of this bolt.

Abstract: A bubble trap for a cardioplegia system in which cardioplegia medication or a mixture of arterial blood and medication is delivered to the heart of a patient undergoing open heart surgery which includes a bubble trap in conjunction with the delivery system which separates air from the arterial flow and provides visual indication of an increase of air in the system, together with a flow means for lengthening the path of flow through the trap to achieve maximum separation of air from the arterial flow.

Abstract: An abduction pillow is illustrated wherein a wedge shaped body is constructed of synthetic foam material for positioning the legs of a patient in cushioned but fixed divergent position in which various parts of the abduction pillow are made to be disposable and wherein the wedge shaped body may be truncated to provide a space adjacent the patient's pelvic area which facilitates the placement and removal of catheter and drainage tubing and other related items which need be inserted in the body of the patient during and after surgery.