Abstract: A patient monitoring system includes a pulse oximeter sensor and an audible alarm which is not produced when a blood pressure module is taking measurements, but only during that portion of the cycle that affects the pulse oximeter reading. During such measurements, the pulses detected by the oximeter decrease below a threshold T.sub.oxim. An audible alarm is caused to receive a logic level of zero by an AND gate through the detection of measurements exceeding a minimum pressure P.sub.min on the blood pressure module. The audible alarm continues to receive such a logic level until the measurements exceed a threshold P.sub.thr. After that time, the audible alarm AND gate logic level is reset to one, so as to permit reporting of pulses missing at the oximeter. None of the other alarms, such as the actual SpO.sub.2 reading, are affected by the AND gate. Accordingly, the present invention does not affect the taking of important SpO.sub.

Abstract: An improved optical probe for the invasive measurement of partial carbon dioxide pressures is disclosed that minimizes pCO.sub.2 reading drift. An optical probe for the invasive measurement of the partial carbon dioxide pressure comprises an optical fiber and a pCO.sub.2 sensor. The pCO.sub.2 sensor comprises a diffusion zone with a dye-containing gel that is optically sensitive to H.sup.+ ions and a semi-permeable membrane that is permeable to CO.sub.2 molecules, but is substantially nonpermeable to hydrogen ions Components of the pCO.sub.2 sensor, such as the part of the optical fiber extending into the sensor or a reflector, are covered with a substance--preferably with a coating--that is substantially nonpermeable to hydrogen ions. This prevents the hydrogen ions from diffusing into the sensor components, which otherwise would cause an imbalance of hydrogen ions and, therefore, a drift in the pCO.sub.2 reading.

Abstract: A therapeutic electronic range of motion apparatus includes a remote subsystem for generating motion commands which are transmitted to a local subsystem at an orthosis, prosthesis or CPM machine. The local subsystem includes a local controller for controlling and monitoring the position, speed, and direction of an actuator which moves an orthotic brace, prosthesis or CPM machine mounting. The apparatus is programmable enabling a patient to program stopping positions which thereafter are selectable by command. When the actuator is not in motion the local controller enters a sleep mode to conserve power. The controller is automatically awakened when a motion command is received.

Abstract: An ambulatory infusion system includes a spring-pressurized reservoir to facilitate portable use of the system. The system includes a liquid-filled flexible container, and a pair of opposed platens between which the flexible container is removably positionable. Energy-storing, clip-like biasing springs act against the platens to urge them toward each other, thereby effecting pressurization of the liquid within the container. A tubing set of the system preferably includes a non-adjustable flow restrictor, which may be sized for relatively low flow rates to permit the system to be used for catheter patency maintenance.

Abstract: An absorbent mixture, as made from fibers formed into a fibrous web and a polymerizable, cross-linkable material, in a liquid carrier. The material, when polymerized and cross-linked, results in a superabsorbent polymer. The material, in the liquid carrier, is dispersed within the fibrous web, as dispersed inclusions, and is polymerized and cross-linked in situ, within the fibrous web, so as to form a composite web comprising the fibrous web and the superabsorbent polymer, as dispersed particles, at least some of which are bound to fibers from the fibrous web. The composite web is ground, so as to cause some of the superabsorbent polymers to become particulate while fragments of the superabsorbent polymer remain bound to fibers from the fibrous web. Before the composite web is ground, it may be provided with a fibrous layer or fibrous layers in intimate contact therewith, and also compressed.

Abstract: Surgical implants for human breasts have small, 5-10 cc flat disc-shaped pouches containing saline material. About 20-50 pouches are held within an outer membrane. The encapsulation of the saline solution within the pouches provides an apparent increase of viscosity of saline, and the flat disc shapes provide protection against rupture.

Abstract: A human stomach-shaped pouch is provided including a closed fundus and an open antrum as well as major and minor curvatures extending between the fundus and the antrum. The minor curvature includes an esophageal opening closely adjacent the fundus and the pouch includes a slot extending along the inner curvature and communicating the esophageal opening and the open antrum, the pouch being constructed of high performance silicone elastomer, 30 durometer, and including "DACRON" tricot knit (DuPont D116) imbedded in the margins of the pouch extending along the inner curvature slot. Also, an annular collar provided with a radial slit is provided also constructed of silicone elastomer and is secured to the outer surface of the pouch about the esophageal opening with the slot thereof registered with the slot of the pouch. The pouch is constructed with smooth inner and outer surfaces throughout and is provided with small openings formed therethrough at points spaced apart thereover.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting, disinfecting and disposing of body waste materials accumulated from a patient including a pair of adjacent collection chambers each having an upper and a lower end, the upper and lower ends respectively being substantially at the same elevations, a first conduit connecting the lower ends of the collection chambers for communication therebetween, a set of conduits connecting the upper ends of the collection chambers, the set of conduits having a smaller cross-sectional flow capacity than the first conduit, an inlet to the first collection chamber at an intermediate location thereon, and an outlet connected to the second collection chamber at an intermediate location thereon, an inlet conduit having a first end for connection to the inlet to the first collection chamber and an opposite open end for exposing to the waste materials to be collected and a conduit for connection to a predetermined environment to establish the environment in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a condom applicator device which includes a top encasement and a bottom encasement which are hingedly connected to one another. The top and bottom encasements include orifices of adequate diameter for an erect penis to pass through and either the top encasement or the bottom encasement or both includes a blade or blades which are located strategically with respect to the orifices within both encasements such that the top and bottom encasements can be opened with respect to one another, a condom package in a foil inserted therein, and, when encasements are closed, the blade or blades cut through the condom foil without touching the condom itself. The top foil may then be simply pulled away when ready for use and the bottom foil is taken away by a bottom hatch door which is hingedly attached on the underside of the bottom encasement.

Abstract: Tubular endoprosthesis for anatomical conduits is provided with a tubular body having an external surface which includes a plurality of protuberances. Preferably, the protuberances are distributed on the totality of the external surface, and are composed of nipples having a round apex, spaced from each other and radially oriented with respect to the tubular body.

Abstract: An implantable stacked breast prosthesis comprising two or more separate chambers stacked on each other, and fastened together eccentrically, so as to give a normal contour to the reconstructed or augmented breast and to prevent slippage of the chambers. At least one of the chambers is collapsed and may be variably filled with liquid.

Abstract: A manually operable mechanical penile implant for overcoming the effects of male erectile impotence is disclosed. The implant has an elongate housing containing an elongate coil and stop means located between the two ends of the housing. Many or most of the coil turns are normally located between the stop means and the near (or proximal) end of the housing. When the device is to be used, the coil turns are drawn past the stop means toward the far (or distal) end of the housing and are locked between that end and the stop means, thereby providing rigidity (and in preferred embodiments, additional length) to the housing and therefore to the corpus cavernosum in which the device is located. In contrast to known mechanical (i.e., non-fluidic) implants, in preferred embodiments the implant may be significantly increased in length for use and significantly decreased in length after use. In contrast to fluidic devices, there is no fluid to leak or any pump or valve to be replaced in case of malfunction.

Abstract: A method for preparing a patella for receiving a patellar implant and for implanting a prosthesis therein. An elongated passageway is drilled completely through formed in the patella which is then reamed to form a cavity of a size and configuration to receive the patellar prosthesis using a cannulated reamer telescoped over a guide rod positioned in the elongated passageway. Centering means may be provided for supporting the guide rod. During implantation of the prosthesis, excess marrow fat, blood and debris may escape through the passageway outlet. The second opening acts as a vent to allow optimal cement pressurization and fixation (osseointegrating) and sound patellar prosthesis fixation to the reamed cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound dresssing comprising (1) a lower layer of a hydrogel of a polymer cross-linked under the influence of electron beam (E.B.) radiation, to which optionally one or more medicinal and/or antibacterial agents and/or one or more auxiliary substances have been added, and (2) a polymeric top layer, in which the top layer consists at least substantially of an elastomer selected from the group consisting of a silicone rubber, a polyetherpolyurethane copolymer, a polyester-polyurethane copolymer, a polyether-polyester copolymer and an optionally modified block copolymer based on suitable vinyl monomers, and that a fibrous layer is provided between the lower layer and the top layer for bonding the two layers together.The invention further relates to a method of preparing said wound dressing.

Abstract: A prosthesis for supporting tissue and a method for implanting the prosthesis are disclosed wherein the prosthesis may be easily repositioned subsequent to implantation. The prosthesis is formed with a flexible core which is elastic in the longitudinal direction, and one end of the prosthesis is provided with a tissue ingrowth surface to receive tissue growth. The remainder of the prosthesis is covered with a biocompatible covering which tends to seal against sutures or other anchoring units which pierce the covering. The flexible cover is formed to accept such anchoring units without tearing.

Abstract: An absorbent pad, for use in absorbing secretions from a person's body, includes a pH indicator material indicating by a colour change the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid coming into contact with it. The pH indicator material is wetted by the secretions absorbed by the pad, and thereby provides an indication of the health condition of the person's body.

Abstract: A method of implanting a graft prosthesis in the body of a patient to bypass a segment of a blood vessel. A graft is positioned so that one end of the graft is located substantially adjacent the blood vessel at a site upstream of the segment and the other end of the graft is located substantially adjacent the blood vessel at a site downstream of the segment, wherein the positioning step includes the step of advancing the graft within the body with a medical instrument. A region of the area within the blood vessel near the upstream site is isolated from fluid communication with the rest of the area within the blood vessel. An arteriotomy is made in the sidewall of the blood vessel near the upstream site to create a communicating aperture between the upstream isolated region and the outside of the blood vessel. An anastomosis is then formed between the one end of the graft and the blood vessel near the upstream site.

Abstract: A male urinary incontinence device comprises an external catheter (1, 8), which at its distal end has a narrowed drainage tube (4) and in its supply condition is folded or rolled up on part of its length so that a portion of its inside faces outwards. An annular member (1, 10) separate from the catheter (1, 8) for use in applying the catheter is provided with an interior double-faced adhesive layer (7, 12) which is transferred to the inside of the catheter.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is disclosed. The device has a plurality of fin projections extending from the outer surface of the device, forming a textured exterior surface over at least a portion of the device. Each fin projection has a length substantially greater than its width, the fin projections being arrayed in a basket weave-like, herringbone-like, or other suitable pattern to create a sinuous path for collagen formation around the implanted device. Uses include as a prosthesis, mammary implant, drug mass transport device, and sensor device.

Abstract: An intralumenal graft for the repair of damaged or weakened sections of the vascular system. The graft consists of a semi-rigid, resilient tube made of a material suitable for long-term residence inside a vessel. The tube has a relaxed, smaller diameter and is expandable to a larger diameter which is maintained by a retaining ledge or teeth on the inside of the graft. Repair of a vessel is attained by insertion of the graft in its relaxed condition into the vessel at a site which may be remote from the damaged section. The graft is positioned and expanded to its larger diameter by a balloon catheter. Once expanded, the graft is retained in position by friction with the inner wall of the vessel.