Abstract: A novel method of treating ischemic retinopathy is disclosed. After diagnosis of ischemic retinopathy, as for example as a result of retinal infarction, the ocular globe is penetrated with two small cannulae. An inflow and outflow perfusion is then established with an oxygenated perfluorochemical emulsion or other physiologically compatible oxygenated liquid. A sufficient perfusion rate is established and maintained to provide the metabolic needs of the retina for the 3 to 5 day period necessary to permit the natural healing process to occur. The method comprises removing at least a portion of vitreous body to create an intraocular perfusion space and establishing a perfusion of physiologically compatible oxygenated fluid through that perfusion space at a rate and for a duration sufficient to permit the natural healing process to occur. Alternatively, a method of diagnosing the condition of retinal tissue suspected of being ischemic is disclosed.

Abstract: A kit for the application of orthopedic casts and splints which is completely self-contained requiring no ingredients other than those contained within the kit. Each kit contains a fabric with a hardening quantity of an .alpha.cryanoacrylate monomer containing composition which, when applied to the fabric, results in an orthopedic cast or splint capable of immobilizing an injured appendage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aspirating secreted fluids from a wound is disclosed which involves the placement of a drain into a wound via the tissue adjacent the wound. After the wound is closed, a secretion aspiration and collection device, which is connected to the drain via a tube, is placed into operation. The device is designed to have a suction effect controlled between a minimum value and a maximum value according to the quantity of secreted fluid to be aspirated. This is achieved by one or more sensors which control a tube pump. When a second sensor is used, the pump will not be shut off by a passing air bubble in the fluid. A sleeve may also be provided to facilitate introduction of the drain into the wound. Additionally, a needle may be detachably connected to the sleeve to aid the insertion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A compact, low-profile, prefabricated dynamic splint component for use in treating certain wrist conditions or injuries. The component is mounted on the wrist and forearm by means of a wrist gauntlet. It subjects the hand to a perpendicular force that urges the hand upward about the wrist joint while avoiding the application of any compression forces to the wrist.

Abstract: A device for use in detaching a segment filled with blood from a blood transfusion bag and at the same time making a tear in the segment so that the blood contained therein can be extracted for test purposes is disclosed. The device comprises a unitary rigid structure molded from plastic and having a pair of channel shaped cavity sections hingedly interconnected and sized and shaped so as to fit around at least a portion of the sample segment to be removed along its length, with one cavity section on each side thereof. A pair of projections, each terminating in a sharp point, are formed on one of the cavity sections. One of the projections is positioned so that it penetrates and produces a tear in the end seal at the inner end of the sample segment when the sample segment is placed properly in the device and two cavity sections are closed around the sample segment, the tear enabling the sample segment to be easily pulled or broken off from the blood transfusion bag.

Abstract: An instrument for the boring of bones to remove a cylindrical section of bone for medical purposes has a one-way drive means which allows the surgeon to oscillate his hand motion while the instrument cuts bone in one direction only. The instrument has a trephine engaging mechanism which allows for the interchangeability of trephines so that a plurality of different types and sizes of trephines can be used to obtain bone cores from a range of bone types.

Abstract: A device for removing a mucus from a uterocervical canal of an animal which comprises a tubular catheter made of a soft synthetic resin and a suction means for producing a sucking force in the inner cavity of the catheter and which is inserted in the catheter and movable lengthwise, said catheter being provided with 5 to 24 holes communicating with the inner cavity thereof, said holes distributing substantially uniformly in a portion between the tip of the catheter and a position at about 10 to 15 cm's distance from the tip of the catheter. The device has an excellent capability of removing a mucus from a cervical canal of a fertilized animal.

Abstract: A bone fixation device is disclosed. The device comprises an absorbable homopolymer of 1-lactide or d1-lactide, or a copolymer of 1-lactide, and a reinforcement material. The reinforcement material can be a particulate filler of hydroxyapatite or a plurality of alumina fibers.

Abstract: A self-adhesive plaster with glycerol trinitrate in a self-adhesive composition of a saturated rubber and a tackifying resin for transdermal administration is characterized in that the saturated rubber comprises a higher-molecular, structure-forming component and a low-molecular, plasticizing component.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of surgery in horses for strengthening part of a horses flexo-tendon in a horse's leg. A cannula containing a probe projecting therefrom is inserted lengthwise into the tendon to intersect the part of the tendon to be strengthened, the probe forming a pocket in the tendon at the inner end of the cannula. The probe is removed from the cannula and an implant is inserted through the cannula so that its inner end is located and gripped in the pocket. The cannula is then removed to leave the implant located in the tendon and intersecting the part to be strengthened. The invention also provides a surgical kit comprising said cannula, probe and implant, and a thruster for thrusting the implant into the cannula; and the invention includes also the implant of the kit.

Abstract: The use of oxidized cellulose as a medical lubricant is disclosed wherein oxidized cellulose is employed as a mold release agent or a donning powder in the manufacture of surgical gloves as well as in other applications; medical devices and, particularly, a surgical glove, are provided having finely divided oxidized cellulose powder on the surface in a lubricity imparting coverage.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method for obtaining the in vivo MNR image of an organ or tissue of an animal or human subject. More specifically, this invention relates to the use of small (about 10 to about 5,000 angstroms in diameter) biodegradable superparamagnetic metal oxide particles for use as imaging agents. The particles, which may be uncoated or surrounded by a stable polymeric coating, can be mixed with a physiologically acceptable medium to form a uniform dispersoid which can be administered to the subject by a variety of routes. Once administered, the particles collect in the target organ or tissue where they will remain for a time sufficiently long for an image to be obtained, but are ultimately metabolized or cleared within about 7 days.

Abstract: A nonwoven cleansing pad is provided. The pad comprises high-sorbency, liquid sorbent fibers capable of forming a hydrogelatinous outer surface by sorption of liquid and thermally bondable binder fibers. The cleansing pad is substantially free of supplemental lubricant and is integrally self-lubricating when wet with water.

Abstract: A polymeric composition is disclosed which has sealant and preferably also adhesive properties and which is suitable for use as a protective dressing for application to the skin. The composition comprises a chemically cross-linked hydrophilic polymer and a support matrix such as a high molecular weight hydrophobic polymer. The hydrophilic polymer is a water-swellable polymer which absorbs or adsorbs water but which is water-insoluble. The composition preferably includes a tackifyer which may be provided by a low molecular weight fraction of a hydrophobic matrix or by a distinct adhesive component such as a gum or a low molecular weight polymer. The composition is particularly suitable for use as a sealing ring in conjunction with a post-surgical drainage appliance wherein the hydrophilic polymer is incorporated in a form such as to provide a transmission system for liquid.

Abstract: A pacifier is provided for infants. The pacifier includes a nipple, a flexible bulb handle which extends away from the nipple and a shield located between the nipple and the flexible bulb. A whistle is securely mounted to the pacifier by the shield and is located within the flexible bulb handle. When the handle is squeezed, air passes through the whistle to provide a whistle or squeeking sound.

Abstract: A method to reduce high breakout and sustaining forces between slidable surfaces includes applying a film of lubricant to at least one of the surfaces and subjecting the lubricant and surface to an ionizing plasma. The invention includes articles having slidable surfaces of low breakout and sustaining forces.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting a locking pin in a hip screw assembly, includes a handle with a cavity and a rod extends outwardly from the cavity to carry the locking pin and provide for alignment during insertion of the locking pin in a barrel of a tube plate. The rod is collapsible within the cavity to provide a compact instrument for easy manipulation by a surgeon.

Abstract: A method and device for delivering acidic or basic drugs in a controlled delivery system is described.

Abstract: An improved catheter for facilitating an antecubital approach to selective cardio-pulmonary arteriography comprising an elongated length of flexible and pliable tubing having a connector at one end. The tubing is preferrably open at its distal end and has a tight pigtail contour formed adjacent the distal end and first, second and, optionally, third curved portions arranged in serriatum along the length of the tubing from the pigtail contour, all of which, including the pigtail contour, curve generally in the same direction, and preferrably describe a plane. A plurality of spaced apart apertures are provided in an array about the first curved portion for fluid distribution during pulmonary arteriography. The pigtail contour is sized and shaped to pass into the main and branch pulmonary arteries through the right atrium and right ventricle of the heart beginning in the patient's arm. The tube is preferrably made of blended polyurethane to enhance torsional rigidity while maintaining pliability and flexibility.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a molded vent needle housing which is adapted to retain a hydrophobic filter that removes unwanted impurities from the outside air and feeds air to and from the interior of a stoppered vial. This assembly includes a needle and a hub portion in flow communication therewith, this hub adapted for attachment to a syringe. The hydrophobic filter is secured in the molded housing and may be a disc or a cylindrical configuration. The housing has a bore in which the needle shank passes and a rigid sleeve member is secured to provide a small passageway for air flow. Several embodiments are shown, with some having a resilient seal and one having a shrink-wrap protector for both the exposed filter portions and providing a retaining member for an inserted O-ring. The outer sleeve member is removed so that the injecting needle and filled syringe are now ready for use.