Abstract: A method for inhibiting the restenosis of blood vessel walls after angioplasty, including the application of low grade heat to the vessel walls. A heat applying perfusion catheter is advanced to a recently dilatated vessel region. Heat is applied to the region walls to inhibit restenosis. A preferred temperature range is from 42 to 45 degrees C. A preferred time period for treatment is from 3 to 6 minutes. A perfusion catheter allows longer heat treatment times. Electrical resistance heat, radio frequency current passage through inflation fluid, and microwave radiation are all heat sources within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment and prophylaxis of viral infections with fatty alkyl and alkenyl ether glycerophosphoethanolamines bearing a 3-(2-imidazolinyl)-2-imidazolinyl or 2-imidazolinyl substituent on the ethanolamine nitrogen.

Abstract: A coronary light probe and method of use are disclosed. The light probe has an elongate portion with fiber-optic cables for conveying light to a distal tip of the probe. The cables are disposed so as to laterally emit light at the distal tip so that when the probe is disposed in a vessel, the light emitted from the distal tip illuminates the vessel adjacent the distal tip. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the probe has a plurality of light emitting mechanisms disposed about the sides thereof proximal to the distal tip so that the light emitting mechanisms illuminate several portions of the vessel. The probe may to used to determine the location of blocking structures within a vessel, or simply to illuminate the vessel to prevent accidental laceration during surgery.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for interactive psychotherapy in which information produced during a patient's therapy is categorized according to data type. The information is then stored to a series of interconnected databases stored in a computer. Empirical Data and Historical Data are developed first, and stored. Then Generalizations (patterns) are derived from this Data, and stored. After Generalizations have been stored, Hypotheses (Explanations of Generalizations) are developed and stored. The Hypotheses are evaluated and tested to determine their truth or falsity. Simultaneously with the derivation of Hypotheses, Goals are derived from the Generalizations, and stored. These Goals are periodically evaluated to assess the patient's progress. Finally, possible Actions to accomplish the Goals are Derived, each Action being based on a Hypothesis. The patient and therapist are provided with simultaneous access to the computer for entry and retrieval of information.

Abstract: An implant assembly for a host tissue is provided. The implant assembly comprises a pouch including wall means defining a chamber for holding a second member, the wall means including an outer vascularizing membrane having a conformation that results in growth of vascular structures by the host tissue close to an interface between the vascularizing membrane and host tissue. The assembly includes a second member that can be removably inserted in the chamber including an interior for receiving cells and wall means defining an immuno-isolating membrane that isolates the cells from the immune response of the host tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to techniques and apparatus for infusing drugs into the brain to treat movement disorders resulting in abnormal motor behavior. The invention employs an implantable pump and a catheter, the catheter having a proximal end coupled to the pump and a discharge portion for placement adjacent a predetermined infusion site in the brain for infusing therapeutic dosages of the one or more drugs into the brain. The pump is operated to discharge a predetermined dosage of the one or more drugs through the discharge portion of the catheter into the infusion site. A sensor may be used in combination with the implantable pump and catheter, whereby the sensor generates a signal relating to the extent of the abnormal motor behavior. The therapeutic dosage may be regulated in response to the sensor signal so that the dosage is adjusted in response to an increase in the abnormal behavior to decrease the abnormal motor behavior.

Abstract: A method for subantral augmentation including the steps of lifting the schneiderian membrane from the antral floor, and placing graft material between the schneiderian membrane and the antral floor, without fracturing the lateral maxillary wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating neurocardiogenic syncope. The method involves administering to a patient an effective amount of a compound having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.5 are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl; and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl, nitro, amino, trifluoromethyl, and lower acylamino; at least one of R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 being a nitrogen containing group,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: A new method for the preparation and sterilization of skin allografts is presented. Human skin allografts are radiated in the present invention and applied as a temporary wound dressing on a graft dome. The invention is particularly useful for wound and burn therapies and presents a low cost, safe, and effective treatment that can be widely used with extensive storage capability.

Abstract: Methods are described for treating sickle cell disease, and in particular, detection and treatment of vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease. Antibodies are employed which bind competitively and suppress adhesion of sickle erythrocytes to autologous lymphocytes.

Abstract: A cardiovascular treatment method utilizes an elongate flexible surgical instrument (e.g., catheter) having a distal end. A distal end portion of the instrument is inserted into a vascular system of a patient. A surgical head at the distal end of the instrument is positioned so that the head is disposed adjacent to myocardium tissue of the patient. The head is operated to form a recess in the myocardium tissue. Prior to operating the head to form the recess, a thickness of the myocardium tissue is measured, the recess formed during the operation having a length determined in accordance with the measured thickness of the myocardium tissue. The thickness measurement partially determines the length of the recess. The angle of entry of the recess with respect to the heart wall also partially determines the length of the recess: the greater the angle, the longer the recess can be for a given myocardium thickness.

Abstract: A method of laser surgery, comprising the steps of selecting lasers whose output radiation has appropriate extinction lengths in the tissue to be ablated, coagulated, and/or shrunk, and directing radiation from those lasers coaxially and substantially simultaneously at the tissue.