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: The intrastromal corneal ring (ICR) is adjustable in thickness and has an elongated, flexible, preferably transparent or translucent body which forms a circle. The ICR is of a size such that it can be inserted into a human eye and is comprised of a material which is compatible with human ocular tissue. The thickness of the ring can be adjusted so that it is not necessary to stock a plurality of different rings of different sizes to be used in connection with a method of adjusting the shape of the cornea of the eye. A plurality of different embodiments of ICRs are disclosed each of which are adjustable in terms of their thickness. The thickness may be adjusted prior to the insertion of the ICR into the cornea and may not be further adjustable after insertion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel absorbent structure and absorbent products containing this absorbent structure. More particularly, the absorbent structure of this invention contains a high-loft, bulky, low-density cover layer, a higher density transfer layer, a very high density, retentive reservoir layer and an impermeable barrier layer. The cover and barrier layers are sealed around their periphery and, preferably, all the layers are bonded to each other to form a unitized structure.

Abstract: A disposable article, such as a diaper, for absorbing and containing urine and other body exudates has an absorbent insert pad that may be flushed in a toilet. The article preferably includes a backing sheet and a bodyside liner that are substantially coterminous. In one embodiment of the invention, a secondary absorbent body, which is disposed between the backing sheet and the bodyside liner, has a pocket formed therein. The absorbent insert pad is positioned against the bodyside liner and located generally within the pocket. A cover is releasably attached to the bodyside liner to maintain the insert pad within the pocket.

Abstract: A method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation employs an applicator device having a body with an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface includes provisions for detachably securing to the patient's chest, such as a vacuum cup or an adhesive layer. For manual resuscitation, the upper surface will include a strap or other means for securing a performer's hand thereto. For automatic applications, a mechanical drive member will be secured to the upper surface. By alternately pressing and lifting on the applicator device, the patient's chest can be compressed and expanded to improve induced ventilation and circulation.

Abstract: In a disposable diaper including a body having a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent member interposed therebetween, the body being divided into a stomach portion which, when in wear, is located on a wearer's stomach side and a back portion which, when in wear, is located on his back side, the stomach portion and the back portion being connected and fixed together at both side edge portions, respectively, of the stomach and back portions to form a pair of leg opening portions and a unitary waist opening portion, the waist opening portion and pair of leg opening portions being provided around entire peripheral edges thereof with elastic members forming substantially continuous gathers.

Abstract: A surgery table utilizing a frame member which is supported on a ground surface, A platform is connected to the frame member and includes a laterally movable portion which supports a patient. The table also includes a torso support which is connected to and moves with the laterally movable portion of the platform. A leg support rotates relative to the platform and connects to a hip support which holds the patient's hip during such rotation.

Abstract: A portal sleeve in combination with a stabilizer for stabilizing the portal sleeve includes a portal sleeve having a distal end for being disposed in an anatomical cavity and a proximal end for being disposed externally of the anatomical cavity and a stabilizer including a body disposed on the portal sleeve and being movable longitudinally along the portal sleeve for insertion in an opening in a wall forming the anatomical cavity. An expandable portion is carried by the body to be movable with the body along the portal sleeve and into the opening. The expandable portion is movable from a contracted position wherein the expandable portion is disposed close to the portal sleeve to facilitate insertion in the opening and an expanded position wherein the expandable portion is disposed further away from the portal sleeve to engage the anatomical cavity wall to resist withdrawal of the stabilizer body and the portal sleeve from the anatomical cavity wall.

Abstract: An intraocular lens set includes at least two multifocal intraocular lens The first lens of this set has at its far focus a higher proportion of light distribution than the second lens. The second lens has at its near focus a higher proportion of light distribution than the first lens.

Abstract: A variable focus intraocular lens system alters the type of medium which is located between two lens surfaces of the intraocular lens system to alter the accommodation of the lens. A continuous flow path is created in the intraocular lens system which controls the flow of fluid into the optical zone of the intraocular lens. The continuous flow path contains multiple discrete segments of fluid which move through the fluid path of the lens system. The fluid segments can include segments of positively charged fluids, negatively charged fluids, air, oil, water or other fluids. The electric potential that is generated when the ciliary body contracts and relaxes is used to attract and repel certain charged fluid segments to control the type of media that is contained in the optical zone of the lens. By varying the type of media contained in the optical zone, the accommodation of the intraocular lens system can be altered.

Abstract: A catheter for monitoring heart function comprises a catheter tube having a plurality of lumens. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon at a distal tip of the catheter tube for positioning the catheter in a wedged position within a pulmonary artery within the heart of a patient. Dual injectate ports are formed in a side wall of the catheter tube. Each port communicates with a respective injectate lumen carried in the catheter tube. When inserted into the heart of a patient, either the first or second injectate port is positioned within the desired distance from the tricuspid valve for thermodilution depending upon the size of the heart. Thermodilution to obtain cardiac output and/or right heart ejection fraction is implemented by injecting injectate through the lumen associated with the port properly positioned relative the tricuspid valve and discharged through the corresponding port.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant device is formed from, or defined by, a combination of different materials. These devices include a body metal component and a porous metal surface layer for intimate contact with bone and a polymer in the form of a casing that includes adhesive characteristics for attachment to the body metal component and the porous metal layer. The preferred polymer casing is polyaryletherketone.

Abstract: New corneal implants and methods for producing such implants are disclosed. The present corneal implants comprise a lens body which is optically clear and is structured to be surgically attached in or on the cornea of a mammalian eye, the lens body including a core having an outer surface and made of a hydrogel composition containing water and a hydrophilic polymeric material, and a coating comprising a synthetic polymeric component located on the outer surface, covalently bonded to the hydrogel composition and having enhanced ability to support epithelial cell growth and/or adhesion relative to the hydrogel composition.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed along with a method of removing the absorbent article from an undergarment. The absorbent article has a liquid-permeable cover, a liquid-impermeable baffle, and an absorbent positioned therebetween to form a pad. The pad has a central portion, longitudinally-extending sides, and a pair of relatively stiff tabs extending laterally outward from the longitudinal sides. The pad has a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface. The absorbent article further includes adhesive for securing the pad to the crotch portion of an undergarment. The adhesive is secured on the garment-facing surface of the pad and is present on each of the tabs. Release paper covers the adhesive.

Abstract: A surgically implantable prosthetic device wherein dry particles of hydrogel/silicone combinations are contained within an envelope. The dry character of the device allows it to be sterilized without adverse affect, while injection of water or physiological fluid after implantation causes it to swell to proper size and texture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surgical correction of malformations of digits of a foot. Part of the joint is removed to expose bone ends. The bone ends are spaced apart from each other at a distance greater than would be suitable for knitting of said bone ends to each other with bone tissue. Holes are bored in each of the bone ends. An implant, including shafts and a central spacer, is inserted into each of the holes in the bones. This implant consists entirely of absorbable material. The implant is left permanently in place to be completely absorbed as it is replaced by fibrous scar tissue. This tissue forms an effective joint replacement.

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. The insertion rod includes a cup shaped recess on the distal end of the insertion rod. The cup shaped recess cradles the haptic portion of the lens and enables a majority of the insertion force applied by the insertion rod to be directly applied to the optic portion of the lens.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided which emulsifies body tissue, irrigates the surgical site with a saline solution, and removes fluids and tissue, via aspiration from the surgical site. More specifically, a surgical handpiece is provided which is particularly suited to be utilized for the removal of cataractous tissue from the eye. In order to prevent cross-contamination of tissue, the surgical device herein incorporates an easily detachable and disposable outer housing to facilitate thorough cleansing of the irrigation solution path and reduce the time and effort required for such cleaning. Moreover, a secure sealing system is provided in the area of the interface between the inner body portion of the handpiece and a stainless steel shell to prevent leakage and contamination of the irrigating solution.

Abstract: Polymeric materials which are optically clear and resistant to discoloration are disclosed. In one embodiment, such compositions comprise optically clear, cross-linked polymers derived from a mixture comprising (A) a vinyl-containing polyorganosiloxane component, and (B) an organosilicon component including silicon-bonded hydride groups which react with vinyl groups included in (A) during the polymerization and (C) an effective platinum group metal-containing catalyst component, provided that the mole ratio of vinyl groups to silicon-bonded hydride groups in the mixture is greater than 1.2, preferably greater than about 4 or about 5, and is such that the polymers has a reduced discoloration susceptibility relative to a substantially identical polymer having a mole ratio of vinyl groups to silicon-bonded hydride groups in the precursor mixture equal to 1.2.

Abstract: For use in ophthalmic surgery, the surgeon has available a supply of "spare parts" which are artificial members, possibly simulating different components of the eye, that are suited, depending on their structural forms and shapes, for surgical implantation in the eye as and/or in connection with repair and/or reinforcement and/or replacement structures for damaged or diseased eye components. The members basically are made of cohesive sheet materials of biocompatible substances such as cross-linked hyaluronic acid, PMMA, or other equivalents thereof. Certain of such "spare parts" are particularly well suited for dealing with the problem of the torn posterior capsule when encountered during an extracapsular cataract extraction.