Abstract: Intraocular lens implantation is achieved via a very small incision in the corneo-scleral limbus of the eye.

Abstract: Intraocular lens for implantation in the posterior chamber of an eye, following extracapsular removal of the natural eye lens, including a lens assembly having an anterior surface formation and a posterior surface formation, at least a portion of the posterior surface formation constituting a planar contact region adapted to be seated against the adjacent planar tissue surface of the posterior capsule to form a connection interface for permanent anchoring of the lens assembly thereat, the contact region being provided with a roughened surface area defined by a series of ordered narrow linear depressions therein extending generally transversely of the plane of the contact region, for accelerated adhesion of the tissue of the adjacent posterior capsule part to the depressions and enhanced anchoring of the lens assembly to the posterior capsule part, to prevent dislodgment of the implanted intraocular lens.

Abstract: A cardiac valve prosthesis in which the inner area of the valve ring has an internal cross section continuously decreasing in flow direction. The valve ring is shaped like a nozzle, and flow disruption occurs only at the nozzle end, allowing a concentric flow discharge. Vortex formation at the jet boundary and inside the flow is inhibited. As a result, flow resistance is reduced and blood damage is minimized. A flushing channel traverses the joint cavity in order to avoid deposits of blood particles in the valvular joint.

Abstract: An implantable or contact lens for replacement of a defective natural lens in an eye in which various portions of the lens are laminated horizontally to have different powers to produce in-focus images on different portions of the retina of objects which are located at various distances from the eye, thereby substituting for the natural focusing action of the eye. The image processing capability of the brain functions to largely ignore the out-of-focus images and concentrate on the in-focus image of the object selected by the brain for consideration.

Abstract: An implantable or contact lens for replacement of a defective natural lens in an eye in which various portions of the lens have different powers and focal lenghts to produce in-focus images on different portions of the retina of objects which are located at various distances from the eye, thereby substituting for the natural focusing action of the eye. The image processing capability of the brain functions to largely ignore the out-of-focus images and concentrate on the in-focus image of the object selected by the brain for consideration.

Abstract: A surgical device for insertion into a living being to support the larynx comprised of an elongated tubular member having a closed, crowed upper end. The device is comprised of a resilient biocompatible polymer material and includes an elongated, narrow aperture through the crowned upper end forming a normally closed valve-like arrangement.

Abstract: An implantable or contact lens for replacement of a defective natural lens in an eye in which various annular portions of the lens have different powers and focal lengths to produce in-focus images, on different portions of the retina, of objects which are located at various distances from the eye, thereby substituting for the natural focusing action of the eye. The image processing capability of the brain functions to largely ignore the out of focus images and concentrate on the in focus image of the object selected by the brain for consideration.

Abstract: A cardiac valve has an annular body of unsupported natural or artificial tissue. The annular body has a bishop's miter shape with a cylindrical end and a pair of diametrically-opposite triangular flap portions extending therefrom. Each flap portion has a free apical end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integral flexible elastic support member for securely gripping an orthopedic device such as a cast on a leg or for attaching an artificial leg to the residual lower limb of a human being having at least one above the knee amputation. The supporting member includes an adjustable body encircling portion having free ends which have attachment means, for detachably connecting the free ends together, and at least one integrally formed flexible cylindrical elastic sleeve portion descending downwardly from the body encircling portion to grip and provide support for at least one artificial leg. Optionally, the orthopedic member additionally includes a V-shaped adductor panel on the surface of the device to assist in positioning and with control of forces. Optionally, the supporting member also includes an opening within the adductor panel region to assist in the management of the forces. VELCRO.RTM.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve assembly which includes an artificial annulus, a prosthetic valve and a retaining ring for releasably retaining the prosthetic valve on the artificial annulus. By removing the retaining ring, the valve can be replaced with another valve. The artificial annulus includes a suture ring and a mounting ring mounted on the suture ring for receiving the prosthetic valve and the retaining ring.

Abstract: An intraocular lens including an annular Fresnel lens for implant in the anterior chamber, the posterior chamber or in the cornea of the eye. The Fresnel lens can be made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or a high index of refraction material. The lens is an annular lens with centers of curvature of different rings receding from the axis according to the distance from the center so as to minimize spherical aberration where the only spherical surface is the central part of the lens, that central part can be plano-convex. A composite material can overlay the Fresnel elements providing a smooth entrant surface. The composite material can be a crystalline or other material which changes index of refraction when excited with electrical power or radiant energy.

Abstract: A two-way acting valve is provided which comprises a pair of generally cylindrical ducts in longitudinally overlapping relation one of whose uses is as a cardiac valve prosthesis. The ducts are formed in part by a common wall which is deformed by the pressure of fluid flowing through the ducts and in accordance with the direction of flow to open a respective one of the ducts and to at least partially close the respective other of the ducts to control the flow of fluid through the valve. Modifications of the inventions are also shown which simplify attachment of the valve when it is used as a cardiac valve prosthesis.

Abstract: An improved Morse taper consisting essentially of a male taper and a mating female taper, one of the tapers having a key recess at the periphery of a mating face such that a key can be inserted and rotated to force the segments longitudinally apart from its assembled embodiment such tapers are particularly useful in skeletal structures. A distraction key with a cam designed to fit in and rotate in the key recess is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an internal prosthesis for use with a prosthesis attachable externally to a residual limb having a bone with a free end thereof. The internal prosthesis comprises bone end pressure distributing means disposed completely within the residual limb and open-bottomed bone end containing means attached to the bone end pressure distributing means. In separate embodiments, the bone end pressure distributing means comprises a tubular, mesh sock/sleeve with a central aperture. The open-bottomed end containing means comprises a mesh bone sock/sleeve which surrounds the central aperture and extends up the bone disposed around the aperture and also provided with a reinforced portion. Alternatively, the bone end pressure distributing means comprises a radially extending plate with an central aperture around which is disposed an upwardly extending boss. The bone end containing means comprises an open-ended bone cap which is formed of two sections.

Abstract: An artificial anus includes a hollow tubular support member, having a cylindrical body portion and a pair of radially-extending flanges at the two opposed open ends of the body portion, and a releasable plug for sealingly closing the hollow support member. The support member is suitable for implantation within an opening in the abdominal wall of the patient, with one of the radially-extending flanges lying upon the dermis or subcutaneous tissue, the other of the flanges lying on the fascia or peritoneum, and the end of the patient's colon received within the support member. Inner and outer layers of at least a portion of the cylindrical body portion are capable of receiving soft tissue ingrowth. A pressure transducer or electrical contact is provided on the support member and connected to an electrode in contact with the patient's skin, so that when the colon becomes pressurized the patient is signalled that the plug should be released.

Abstract: Intraocular lens including loop haptic members each affixed at more than one point to a soft skirt of an optic or to a soft optic for torsional rigidity of the loop haptic member and for preventing loop rotation or pull out in an optic. The loop haptic members each include a main loop haptic member, and two branch members proceeding from the main loop haptic member to affix in securement holes in the edge or surface of an optic. The loops' securement end points include conically shaped end like members which engage within the soft portion of the IOL.

Abstract: An integral blood pressure sensor for a cardiac prosthesis of the type having a fluid chamber and a blood chamber separated by a flexible diaphragm which is actuated by a drive fluid pulsatingly supplied to the fluid chamber for pumping blood from the blood chamber. The blood pressure sensor includes at least one transducer integral with a wall of the blood chamber and in pressure-sensing relation to the interior of the chamber. The invention also includes a method of manufacturing a cardiac prosthesis having an integral blood pressure sensor.

Abstract: An orthopedic hinge is provided for controlling the flexion and extension of an associated body part, for example, a knee or elbow. The hinge employs a housing connected to a pair of control arms which are rotatably mounted to the housing and are free to move independently of one another. The hinge also includes a first and a second adjustment means having single elements for simultaneously controlling both control arms to thereby define an arc of extension and an arc of flexion of the body part. The hinge preferably includes a single screw for blocking the extension of the joint and a single screw for setting the flexion of the joint. The hinge can be adjusted for free motion throughout a preferred 120.degree. range of motion and can be selectively locked at any point within this range.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis for replacing the aortic valve or the pulmonary valve, consisting of a support ring with at least two commissure supports in each case and flexible cusps, is characterized in that the height of the support ring including the commissure supports is less than the total height of the heart valve prosthesis.

Abstract: An implantable or contact lens for replacement of a defective natural lens in an eye in which various portions of the lens have different powers and focal lengths to produce in-focus images on different portions of the retina, of objects which are located at various distances from the eye, thereby substituting for the natural focusing action of the eye. The image processing capability of the brain functions to largely ignore the out-of-focus images and concentrate on the in-focus image of the object selected by the brain for consideration.