Abstract: A finned phalangeal device includes a plurality of spacially disposed, phalanges. On each phalange, a longitudinal flexible fin element is attached on the back side while allowing the longitudinal margins of each flexible film element to extend normally toward a like element on an adjacent phalange. When the device is moved in one direction through a fluid the flexible fin elements feather against the phalange and allow the fluid to pass between adjacent phalanges with relatively little resistance. When the device is moved in the opposite direction the flexible fin elements open to adjacently overlay each other and hence to provide a fluid seal inhibiting fluid flow between adjacent phalanges. In one embodiment the phalanges are integral members of a glove and specifically are finger encircling elements thereof while in another embodiment each phalange is a rigid prosthesis element simulating those fingers.

Abstract: A spinal implant, e.g., to replace an excised disc, comprises a rigid generally horseshoe shape of biocompatible material, such as carbon-fibre reinforced plastics, having upper and lower planar faces (10, 11) converging towards the ends (12) of the horseshoe, and at least one hole (13, 14) from each planar face (10, 11) emerging in the outer curved face (15) of the horseshoe, to enable the horseshoe to be fixed by screws inserted through one or more selected holes in each plurality (13, 14) from the ends in the outer curved face (15) into respective adjacent vertebrae, with the screw heads bearing against shoulders (18), and with the space bounded by the inner curved face (17) of the horseshoe available for the insertion of bone graft or a bone graft substitute.

Abstract: A tissue expander and a method for making a tissue expander which includes (a) a fluid-tight envelope which is inflatable by a single means for inflation and which has an expandable upper section formed of (i) a first elastic portion and (ii) a second elastic portion formed of a material having a lower modulus of elasticity than that of the material forming the first portion, so that during the inflation of said envelope the modulus of elasticity of each portion at least partially controls the amount of expansion of each portion, thereby allowing the envelope to assume a complex shape. The tissue expander also has a means for inflating the envelope with a biocompatible fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endoprosthesis device and method of installing the same immovably in a medullary canal under a constant predetermined uniformly distributed pressure. The rigid prosthesis stem is typically embraced by an elastomeric element designed for continuous pressurization into compressed resilient anchorage with the medullary canal surface. The tubular elastomeric element can be pressurized in various ways such as by a captive gas, or by a fluent material until this material takes a set, or by a combination of pressurized gas and settable fluent material. When a captive pressurized gas is used, along or with a settable material, it provides a major portion of the elastic energy anchoring the prosthesis immovably in place; and when a settable pressurizing medium is used, the elastic energy is stored in the compressed thick elastomer. The constant elastic energy fosters bone growth to augment prosthesis anchorage.

Abstract: Within its plantar area the artificial foot for a leg prosthesis is provided--embedded within the molded foot portion--with a plate-shaped reinforcing member (10) that consists of two superposed leaf springs (10a, 10b) of approximately equal length which are configured so as to conform to the rolling profile of the foot, as a result whereof an improved metatarsal elasticity is obtained.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes an ankle member, a heel member and an elongate metatarsal-toe member coupled to each other for relative pivotal movement resisted by resilient pads engaged between the respective members. The undersides of the heel and toe members are concavely arched, the length of the arch duplicating that of a natural foot of the same size, with the center of the arch vertically aligned with the center of gravity of the amputee when in a standing, foot-flat position. The toe member is partially bifurcated at its forward end to provide independently flexible toe sections at the inner and outer sides of the foot, achieving a stable, three-point support matching that of a natural foot.

Abstract: An intraocular lens assembly for implantation into a posterior eye chamber is provided having a central lens and an outer ring interconnected therewith. The assembly when implanted is operatively engaged by the ciliary muscle of the eye which causes changes in the focusing power of the lens in order to achieve accommodation.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis is immovably anchored in a medullary canal under a constant predetermined uniformly distributed pressure. The rigid prosthesis stem is typically embraced by an elastomeric element designed for continuous pressurization into compressed resilient anchorage with the medullary canal surface. The tubular elastomeric element can be pressurized in various ways such as by a captive gas, or by a fluent material until this material takes a set, or by a combination of pressurized gas and settable fluent material. When a captive pressurized gas is used, alone or with a settable fluent material, it provides a major portion of the elastic energy anchoring the prosthesis immovably in place; and when a settable pressurizing medium is used, the elastic energy is stored in the compressed thick elastomer. The constant elastic energy fosters bone growth to augment prosthesis anchorage. Permanent anchorage is achieved virtually instantly following alignment and pressurization of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A leg prosthesis is disclosed which incorporates a novel spring-biased telescopic shank permitting amputees to run and take part in a variety of sports such as volleyball and basketball. The shank includes a spring and damper piston which absorb ground impact forces shortening the shank at heel-strike minimizing the impact on the amputee's stump. At toe-off the spring recoils to restore the original length of the limb and provides impetus to accelerate the prosthetic leg so that full extension of the leg occurs prior to the next heel-strike. The shank can be prestressed for use with amputees of different weight and can be readily fitted to conventional prosthetic feet and knees.

Abstract: An ischial containment socket (10) having a frame (12) that is separate from, and is capable of being selectively secured to, an interface (11). The interface (11) has proximal and distal ends (14 and 15)and at least the proximal end (14) is open to receive the residual limb of an above-knee amputation. The interface (11) has four walls (16, 18, 19 and 20), and the dimension between the medial and lateral walls (18 and 19) is less than the dimension between the posterior and the anterior walls (16 and 20). The proximal ends of the adjacent posterior and medial walls (16 and 18) present a containment brim (30). The brim (30) is in the form of a flared offset wall (31) that extends generally outwardly and upwardly from the proximal ends of the adjacent posterior and medial walls (16 and 18). A reversely curved containment recess (32) is provided in the flared offset wall ( 31).

Abstract: A ferromagnetic-fluid pump includes a hollow body having a substantially rigid structure and an internal diaphragm dividing said body in two cavities. Each cavity has an inlet and an outlet opening provided with one-way valve. One edge of said diaphragm is hinged on the body structure while its opposite edge is spaced from the adjacent inner surface of said body. Said cavities are partially filled with a ferromagnetic fluid which seals said diaphragm in respect of the inner surface of said body. At least one electric winding is provided onto both sides of said diaphragm and onto the two inner surfaces of said body facing said diaphragm. Said windings are operative to generate a variable magnetic fluid so that said diaphragm oscillates.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis for a knee joint comprising a femur part (6), a tibia part (8), and a middle part (18) which is articulated on the femur part (6) by a pin (14). The middle part (18) is pivotable with respect to the tibia part (8) about a centering pin (20), and a stop is pivoted which is dependent on the flexion angle. A bearing part (54), acting as artificial meniscus, is arranged between the femur part (6) and the middle part (18), and has a first guide element (56) coaxial to the flexion axis and in engagement with the bearing member (58) of the femur part (6). The bearing part (54) is displaceable with respect to the middle part (18) and also comprises a second guide element (60) in engagement with a guide track (62) of the middle part (18); the pin (14) is arranged eccentric to the bearing member (58), and movement of the flexion axis is forced along an evolute curve. The invention avoids localized load peaks while accomplishing the physiological functions of the knee joint during movement and load.

Abstract: An artificial foot includes a hollow, rigid, compression-molded composite keel made from aramid fiber-reinforced plastic for connection to a prothesis and to an improved composite carbon-fiber material acting as a spring for improving the energy absorbing and releasing characteristics of the foot to aid movement of the amputee. The spring includes a pair of thin, forwardly-extending composite spring members capable of lateral movement with respect to each other and connected to the keel. An auxiliary deflection spring or plate is interposed between the primary deflection plate and the keel and includes a forwardly-extending upwardly-oriented portion to aid in energy absorption and release during flexing of the foot. The plates are surrounded by a suitable abrasion resistant material, such as a Kevlar sock, surrounded by a low density flexible foam urethane. A medium density flexible foam urethane wedge is interposed beneath the heel portion of the keel.

Abstract: An intraocular prosthesis for implanting in an annular void extending radially into the tissues of the eye between the anterior surface of the cornea of the eye and the posterior surface of the ciliary body of the eye, for replacing for example a diseased intraocular portion of the eye which has been removed. The prosthesis is a circular, transparent, elastomeric optical element having a peripheral edge and a non-rigid or flexible porous skirt which extends radially from the periphery of the element. The skirt encircles the element and is positioned to extend radially into the void. An annular, flexible porous portion having a pore size in the range of about 25-90 microns, and preferably about 60 microns, is included with the skirt. The porous portion surrounds the element and is disposed in contact with the tissues of the eye surrounding the void to allow fibrous growth into the pores of the porous portion. A plurality, preferably six, spoke-like, porous extensions may be included.

Abstract: A suture ring including a continuous compression ring formed of a ductile, electrically conductive material and a layer of fabric secured around the compression ring. The compression ring is dimensioned slightly larger than the circumferential surface of a heart valve upon which it is to be secured, so that the suture ring can be slipped over the heart valve to a position adjacent the circumferential surface without radial expansion of the compression ring. The compression ring is deformed inwardly by electromagnetic forming to securely clamp the heart valve while permitting relative rotation between the suture ring and heart valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heart valve prosthesis having an annular valve body defining a central passageway for blood flow. A pair of curved, convex-concave leaflet occluders pivotally mounted in the valve body and movable between open and closed positions have opposed lateral edges disposed between a mating edge and an arcuate edge. The mating edges of the leaflets engage each other when the valve is closed, with the arcuate edges engaging a preferably frustoconical section of the valve body. A pair of protuberances extend from the valve body to pivotally mount each lateral edge of each leaflet. Each pair of protuberances receives a lateral edge of a leaflet therebetween. The leaflets include a swelled area having a concave lower surface for receiving one protuberance and an upper convex surface for engaging the other protuberance.

Abstract: The stent structure of the present invention would utilize an annular base ring defining an inflow orifice, with at least two circumferentially-spaced posts molded into the annular base ring at one end, and at their upper ends, molded into an upper ring comprising at least bi-segmented parabolic shaped scallops. The posts, which are constructed of spring steel molded in place, would provide the flextral capability necessary to allow relative movement between the scallops of the upper ring and the annular base. The parabolic-shaped segments taken together form a right cylinder of the inside diameter of the valve. The parabolic shape of the scallops reduce stress on the valve cusps.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve and an associated method of implanting the valve within a blood vein utilize a valve support ring and a pair of leaflet members pivotally connected to the ring. The valve is positionable within a radial plane of the blood vessel for permitting substantially unidirectional flow through the blood vein. The support ring is not required to be sutured within a blood vein and instead includes an outer surface defining a radially outwardly-directed annular groove, so that the valve can be secured within the blood vein by means of a cord tied around of the blood vein and in a tightened condition within the annular groove. The support ring is held in such fixed position along the length of the blood vein because the blood vein is held between the support ring outer surface and the cord.

Abstract: The invention provides a prosthesis for mono or biventricular cardiac assistance implanted in the right hemi thorax between the diaphragm and the right lung. The prosthesis of the invention comprises for each module an outer shell (1) of revolution containing a bladder (8) whose shape in the condition expanded by the activation gas is of revolution and coaxial. Two blood orifices (2) and (3) provided with an outlet and inlet valve equip one end of the shell and are connectable by high speed connections to flexible ducts (21) one end of which is sewn to the base of an outlet artery or to an auricle of the defective heart. If two modules are used, they may be equipped with adjustable mechanical coupling means.The invention may be applied to cardiac assistance under reanimation, possibly for a long period of time.

Abstract: A bi-directional valve constructed and arranged for insertion into the esophagus in the vicinity of its lower gastroespohageal sphincter for permanent installation comprises an outer cylindrical housing that engages the inner wall of the esophagus and suspends a flexible conically or pyramidally shaped body having an open base facing the proximal (upper) end of the esophagus, a converging wall housing an upper open portion closable by an upper valve and a rounded apex having a lower slot valve facing the distal (lower) end of the esophagus.