Abstract: A method for epi-retinal implantation of an object into a subject is disclosed. The method includes rendering the normally transparent cortical vitreous visible and separating at least a portion of a cortical vitreous of the subject away from an adherent retinal surface to form an epi-retinal space between the retina and the separated cortical vitreous material. An object to be implanted may be introduced into the epi-retinal space and the object engaged with a surface of the retina. In preferred embodiments, the object may then be adhered to the surface of the retina. A method for implantation of a neural contact structure for contact with neural tissue, for example, neural tissue of the retina within which are ganglion cells to be electrically stimulated is also described.

Abstract: A loop fastening material having an elastomeric backing joined with a nonwoven web. The backing preferably comprises an elongated orientation, a relaxed orientation and a path of response along which the backing contracts from its elongated orientation to its relaxed orientation. The nonwoven web preferably comprises filaments that are secured to each other at fixed regions by inter-fiber bonds forming a nonwoven web bonding pattern comprising nonwoven web bonding pattern elements. Between the fixed regions, the nonwoven web preferably comprises unsecured regions. The nonwoven web is preferably joined with the backing while the backing is in its elongated orientation. Construction bonds forming a construction bond pattern join the nonwoven web with the backing. In preferred embodiments of the present invention the construction bond pattern intersects with at least two points of each nonwoven web bonding pattern element.

Abstract: A method for molding bone cement to a prosthetic implant in which a cement mixture absent any amine initiators is molded about the implant and polymerization is initiated by exposing the cement mixture to a radiation source. The method eliminates the manufacturing timing problems of molding a polymerizing bone cement mixture to an implant.

Abstract: An improved lens cartridge for use in a lens injecting device. The lens cartridge and lens injecting device define a surgical implantation device for inserting a deformable intraocular lens into the eye through a relatively small incision made in the ocular tissue. A preferred lens cartridge comprises a lens holding portion connected to a nozzle portion with a passageway extending therethrough, and including at least one groove in the passageway. Another preferred embodiment comprises a lens holding portion connected to a nozzle portion with an inwardly tapering passageway extending therethrough. A further preferred embodiment includes both the passageway groove feature and the inwardly tapering passageway feature.

Abstract: A deformable intraocular lens injection system comprising a lens injecting device and a lens cartridge. The lens injecting device comprises a tubular body provided with a side receiver and a movable plunger having a faceted tip configured to engage the deformable intraocular lens loaded in the lens cartridge without damaging the trailing haptic.

Abstract: Presbyopia and hyperopia are treated by a method which increases the amplitude of accommodation by increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle in the presbyopic eye. The effective working distance of the ciliary muscle can be increased by expanding the sclera in the region of the ciliary body. This expansion is accomplished by suturing to the sclera a relatively rigid band having a diameter slightly greater than that of the sclera in the region of the ciliary body, by weakening the sclera overlying the ciliary body, by surgical procedures or treatment with enzymes, heat or radiation, whereby intraocular pressure expands the weakened sclera, or by surgical alloplasty. The effective working distance of the ciliary muscle can also be increased by shortening the zonules by application of heat or radiation, by repositioning one or both insertions of the ciliary muscle or by shortening the ciliary muscle.

Abstract: Mandibular prosthesis apparatus for mounting on the remaining stump portion of the ascending ramus, at the posterior end of a human mandible, from which has been removed by surgical intervention a diseased or fractured condylar process portion of the ramus as part of the temporomandibular (TM) joint complex of the mandible. The prosthesis apparatus consists of: a synthetic condylar replacement member which is formed of non-toxic, biocompatible Delrin acetal resin and includes an upper knob-shaped condyle portion and a lower cylindrical condyle-supporting stem portion; and a ramus attachment fixture which includes a cylindrical sleeve portion for receiving the cylindrical condyle-supporting stem portion of the condylar replacement member and a mounting panel for attaching the fixture to the stump portion of the ramus. The ramus attachment fixture is formed of tissue-biocompatible, perforated titanium sheet material.

Abstract: An intravascular membrane lung is adapted for percutaneous venous insertion into a living body and comprises an elongated multi lumen catheter and elongated gas exchange members in the form of a large number of microporous fibers tethered at one end to the catheter and extending away from the catheter in all directions. The microporous fibers are in communication with the lumina of the catheter which includes one conduit for delivery of 100% oxygen to the fibers and another conduit for flushing away carbon dioxide from the fibers. The catheter extends between a proximal end and a distal end being a leading end for insertion into the body. The distal end includes a selectively inflatable balloon having an enlarged size larger than a nominal transverse dimension of said catheter and smaller than the inner nominal dimensions of any of the body cavities into which it extends.

Abstract: A male incontinence guard includes an inner, liquid permeable casing layer; an outer, liquid impermeable casing layer; an absorbent pad having a first end and enclosed between said layers so as to include a first side edge on one side of said pad and a second side edge on an opposite side of said pad; said absorbent pad narrows at the first end; a first elastic device attached in a prestretched state to the inner casing layer and extends from the first end along at least a part of said first side edge; and a second elastic device attached in a prestretched state to the inner casing layer and extends from the first end along at least a part of said second side edge; said elastic devices arranged such that contraction of said elastic devices causes said inner casing layer at the first end of said pad to take a concave shape and said outer casing layer at said first end of said pad to take a convex shape.

Abstract: An artificial patella component operable to articulate with the femoral component of a knee prosthesis as well as being securely fixed to the natural patella. The artificial patella component including a dome-shaped portion having a spherical articular surface which is able to articulate with the femoral component of a knee joint prosthesis as well as an undersurface which is able to securely engage the natural patella. The artificial patella component further includes a tapered portion which is connected to the undersurface of the dome-shaped portion. The tapered portion of the artificial patella component includes at least two flexible lobes which are able to securely engage a cavity formed in the natural patella.

Abstract: For treatment of conductive hearing loss due, for example, to serous otitis media, a synthetic bubble is implanted in the hypotympanic cavity to displace fluid allowing free motion of the round window. A thin membrane provides the required degree of compliance, and is substantially impermeable to gases and water vapor, resulting in an extended lifetime. A large molecule inert filler gas may be used, either alone, or with normal gases to provide certain partial inflation states wherein osmotic ingress of smaller molecular gases causes sustained self-inflation of the bubble for a substantial time.

Abstract: An intraocular lens suitable for scleral fixation is provided, having a disk-shaped lens optic with two flexible haptics projecting outwardly from opposite points on the lens optic's periphery, each haptic including one or more suture holes for use in suturing the haptic to the ciliary sulcus of an eye during implantation surgery. The suture holes are positioned such that they are located substantially at the haptic apexes when the lens is implanted and the haptics have been flexed inwardly a predetermined amount. In addition, the suture holes are sized to be in the range of 0.20 to 0.25 millimeters, which is large enough to receive standard sutures, but small enough to prevent excessive movement of the haptic relative to the suture and to inhibit tissue ingrowth and incarceration. This configuration minimizes the possibility of lens tilting, decentration and rotation.

Abstract: A disposable hyperbaric oxygen chamber includes a polyethylene bag which is substantially the length of a patient's leg and which is placed around the entire leg and thigh with the excess bag at the top thereof being folded over the thigh in order to fit snugly thereon without compression. A length of nonstretchable tape seals the top of the bag around the upper thigh just below the inguinal ligament. Another circumferential layer of tape is applied to the top of the bag to attach the same to the patient's pants to prevent displacement of the bag as the patient moves around. In an alternative embodiment, the bag may be preformed into the leg of a pair of disposable shorts to be worn by the patient. Oxygen is fed to the bag through the use of a hose connector secured to the bag. After the bag has been inflated with oxygen, the tubing may be clamped off and removed so that the patient can move about freely.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for implantation in an eye comprising an optic configured so that the optic can be deformed to permit the intraocular lens to be passed through an incision into the eye. A peripheral zone circumscribes the optical zone of the optic and one or more fixation members coupled to the peripheral zone and extending outwardly from the peripheral zone to retain the optic in the eye are provided. In one embodiment the fixation member or members are located so that the optical zone is free of such member or members. The peripheral zone preferably has a maximum axial thickness which is larger than the maximum axial thickness of the periphery of the optical zone.

Abstract: An implant for use in the treatment of glaucoma is disclosed wherein the implant comprises an elastomeric plate having a non-valved elastomeric drainage tube attached thereto. The plate is curved so as to conform to the spherical anatomy of the eyeball. An annular sloped wall extends from the plate and surrounds the opening of the drainage tube into the plate. The plate is inserted beneath Tenon's capsule and sutured to the sclera utilizing temporary and non-dissolving permanent sutures. The annular wall provides a temporary sealing surface against the sclera. The drainage tube is tunnelled through the sclera and cornea and inserted into the anterior chamber, thus providing fluid communication between the anterior chamber and the elastomeric plate. The annular wall around the tube forms a temporary seal which restricts the drainage of aqueous fluid until formation of the bleb is completed. After bleb formation occurs, the temporary sutures around the wall are removed or dissolve.

Abstract: An intraocular lens assembly is presented for implantation into the posterior chamber after rupture of the posterior capsule during extracapsular extraction, using the capsulorhexis technique, of the natural lens assembly. The lens assembly has anterior ciliary sulcus haptics and posterior capsular bag haptics which straddle the remaining anterior capsule.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin having side flaps is disclosed. The sanitary napkin comprises a main napkin body and flaps extending from the right and left sides of said main napkin body, the end of each of said flaps being folded with the back side thereof inside and said folded portions being releasably overlapped with an adhesive portion and a release portion in opposition thereto.

Abstract: A stabilizer for stabilizing a surgical instrument extending through tissue of an anatomical cavity wall includes an expandable outer member disposed on the surgical instrument and an inner member disposed between the outer member and the surgical instrument for moving the outer member between a contracted position allowing insertion of the outer member in the cavity wall and an expanded position resisting withdrawal of the outer member and the surgical instrument from the cavity wall. The outer member includes a plurality of legs, and protrusions on the inner member expand the legs outwardly from the surgical instrument in the expanded position in response to movement of the inner member. Annular, tapered ribs on the legs bite into the tissue along the thickness of the cavity wall in the expanded position to lock the surgical instrument in place in the cavity wall.

Abstract: An ostomy bag including a combination venting cleaning assembly which allows gases to be exhausted from the bag through a first opening in a closure wherein the closure is removable so as to provide a larger opening for cleaning or flushing purposes. The bag further includes a handle attached to the tailpiece, which may be grasped by the user during the cleaning process in order to avoid contact with the bodily waste products collected within the bag.

Abstract: An intraocular lens injector compresses an intraocular lens by rolling the lens into a tight spiral and injects the compressed lens though a relatively small incision in the eye, approximately 2-3 millimeters in length, resulting from a phacoemulsification procedure. The intraocular lens is inserted into a receiving channel of the injector in an uncompressed state and is urged into a cylindrical passageway. As the intraocular lens advances into the cylindrical passageway, the lens will roll upon itself into a tightly rolled spiral within the confines of the cylindrical passageway. An insertion rod is inserted into an open end of the cylindrical passageway and advances the compressed lens down the passageway. As the lens exits the passageway and enters the eye, the lens will expand back to its uncompressed state.