Abstract: A prosthetic femoral component of tricompartmental form has tibial facet surfaces (21) of like spherical shape and a patellar facet groove (31) of circular arcuate longitudinal shape, the latter having a slightly larger radius of curvature than the former, by about 1.2:R, and with the center of curvature (34) of the latter being respectively off-set by about 0.4 R and 0.6 R superiorly and anteriorly relative to those (26) of the former as seen in a lateral aspect.

Abstract: A transdermal drug applicator (100) for application to a living body for the delivery of at least one drug through the skin (144) into the bloodstream comprising an applicator (100) including at least one drug reservoir (182A,182B) containing the drug for delivering same through the skin (144) by physico/chemical mass transfer. A mounting structure (138, 140) is removably mounted to the body for holding the applicator (100) to the skin (144), with the applicator (100) removably connected to the mounting structure (138,140). A power supply (166) for the applicator (100) and a circuit transmitting electrical power from the power supply (166) to the applicator (100) is disclosed, wherein an electric circuit is created between the applicator (100) and the skin (144).

Abstract: Methods for delivering therapeutic agents by iontophoresis with reduced or mitigated sensation are disclosed. The methods generally involve the step of delivering therapeutic agent by iontophoresis in the presence of an intentionally added sensation reducing amount of a multivalent ion. Preferred multivalent ions useful to mitigate sensation are calcium, magnesium, phosphate and zinc.

Abstract: An apparatus for intraocular implantation of a plastic lens in the eye lens zone from which a natural lens has been removed via a surgical incision in the corneoscleral limbus comprising a surgical forceps having two arms and blades projecting beyond portions of the arms defining a cross-over locus, the blades clamping the plastic lens to be implanted; the blades including first and second spaced blades carried by one arm portion, and a third blade carried by the other arm portion, whereby stable three point support is provided for the lens during its passage through the incision into the eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus 100 of a type on which a person 190 receives back therapy. The apparatus 100 includes a frame 101 designed to rest upon a floor surface 109. A support member 102 is pivotally mounted to the frame 101 above the floor surface 109, and a pelvic belt 103 is secured relative to the support member 102. In operation, the pelvic belt 103 stabilizes the person's pelvis relative to the support member 102, and the support member supports some portion of the person's torso including the pelvis. The support member 102 pivots among several positions, including a mounting position suitable for mounting by a person, and a locking mechanism 104 secures the support member 102 in any of a plurality of back therapy positions.

Abstract: Laparoscopy organ retrieval apparatus and procedures are presented for minimum invasion surgery inclusive of laparoscopic nephrectomy, cholecystectomy and other organ dissection, morsellation removal from the abdomen through a keyhole incision. The apparatus and procedures permit the safe and total removal of an organ from a body cavity in a morsellated condition through the combination utilization of an entrapment envelope sheath. The entrapment envelope having an apparatus for opening and closing, the apparatus controlled from an exterior position of the body cavity wherein the entrapment envelope after entry of the sheath is extruded from the sheath which has been inserted through a laparoscopic port in place in a keyhole surgical opening. The entrapment envelope is constructed of flexible, relatively low bulk fluid impermeable materials having sufficient strength to contain morsellator entry, organ fragmentation and removal.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining whether an IV infusion set has infiltrated the tissue of a patient includes a pump for pumping fluid through the IV set into the patient and a pressure transducer operably engaged with the IV set between the pump and patient. The pressure transducer is electrically connected to a microprocessor, and the microprocessor is electrically connected to the motor of the pump to control the pump to alternately withdraw from and infuse into the patient a predetermined volume of fluid.This predetermined volume of fluid is withdrawn from the patient by the pump at a preselected withdrawal pressure, while the pump infuses the predetermined volume of fluid into the patient at a preselected infusion pressure. The microprocessor measures both the time period for infusing the predetermined volume of fluid and the time period for withdrawing the predetermined volume of fluid. Based upon these time periods, the microprocessor evaluates whether the IV set has infiltrated the patient's tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates to a suppository applicator adapted for administering medicament in a suppository form to a body cavity. More particularly, it relates to a onepiece injection molded article having a main body portion and a flexible chamber whereby the flexible chamber is inverted in use to expel the medicament from the applicator into a body cavity.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, an incontinence guard or the like, includes an inner, liquid-permeable casing sheet, which when the article is worn lies nearest the body of the wearer, an outer, liquid-impermeable casing sheet, an absorbent pad enclosed between the two casing sheets, and a layer of fibre wadding disposed between the absorbent pad and the inner casing sheet. The inner casing sheet is joined to the absorbent pad along two longitudinal lines forming permanent fold lines which divide the article, over at least a part thereof, into a central elongated part and two edge-parts located symmetrically on respective sides of the central elongated part. Each edge-part is folded between the respective fold line and its lateral edge such as to form an inwardly upstanding longitudinal fold in the outer casing sheet.

Abstract: Bicomposite intraocular lenses and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. Bicomposite, hydrogel intraocular lenses with one or more haptic portions having a lower water content than the corresponding optic portions, and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. The bicomposite lenses are manufactured by (i) preparing a bicomposite button of hydrogel material containing one or more polymers or copolymers; (ii) lathing the button to produce a dehydrated intraocular lens with an optic and at least one haptic; and (iii) hydrating the lens.

Abstract: A self-lubricating urethral catheter and method for self-catheterization includes a flexible sheath enclosing a perforated tube. The catheter has an insertion end and a discharge end as well as a cavity between the sheath and the tube. The cavity and conduit in the tube is filled with lubricating fluid and sealed at the discharge end. The insertion end of the catheter is inserted into a urethra. When the catheter is inserted, the sheath collapses into the tube forcing fluid in the cavity through the aperture, into the conduit and out the insertion end. This fluid being expelled lubricates the catheter as it is inserted. After the catheter is fully inserted the seal is removed from the discharge end allowing fluid and urine in the bladder to flow through the catheter.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring fluid flow within a vessel having fluctuating elastic walls, such as, for example, an artery. The device includes a catheter; an internal stablizer or frame for establishing an invariant cross-section in the vessel wall; and a fluid velocity detecting system, such as, for example, a Doppler crystal transducer. The method for measuring includes the steps of stabilizing the vessel wall and measuring the velocity of fluid passing through the stabilized cross-section of the vessel wall. A method of treating and a method of diagnosing vascular disease by employing the device of this invention is also part of the invention.

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 improved infant and toddler diaper comprising a symmetrical anatomical pad designed to facilitate disposal by flushing and a reusable garment for use therewith, the pad having an absorbent dam and parallel longitudinal lines of perforation. The two fabric, anatomically shaped, and reusable garment having a waterproof dual strand elasticized fence of same shape around inside border for retaining all edges of pad, the waterproof fabric separates and extends at crotch and leg regions where the edges house multi and parallel strands of elastic thread.

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: A continuous motion passive anatomic ankle-foot exerciser for rehabilitating ankle and foot injuries is provided. The ankle-foot exerciser is constructed to move a patient's foot through a range of motion which may include pure ankle joint motion, pure subtalar joint motion, or a combination of both. The ankle-foot exerciser includes a base, a foot holder, a drive motor for moving the foot holder in an up/down in/out motion, and a foot tilting device for continuously tilting the foot in an inversion/eversion motion. Movement of the foot holder is controlled by an initial positioning of the drive motor and by a control circuit that coordinates the up/down in/out and tilting motions of the foot holder.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for implantation in an eye comprising a deformable silicone optic configured so that the optic can be deformed to permit the intraocular lens to be passed through a scleral tunnel incision no longer than about 3.2 mm into the eye. The intraocular lens can be provided in a range of diopter powers. When the intraocular lens is implanted in the eye, the optic has sufficient rigidity to be substantially free of optical distortion resulting from force from the eye acting on the intraocular lens and the optic is of sufficient size to substantially prevent glare resulting from interaction of light and the periphery of the optic.

Abstract: A patellar prosthesis for use in combination with a prepared patella is provided having a dome, a body portion and a post with longitudinal grooves.

Abstract: A radiolucent spine support frame has independently adjustable supports and other features making the frame easy to use, maintain and transport and embraces a support having a radiolucent base on which are mounted four independently adjustable supports having gel cushions on top of each support to contact the patient's body and support the patient during surgical or medical procedures, especially back surgery or x-ray examination of the spine.

Abstract: A device suitable for the collection of urine from a male, which device comprises a sheath (1) suitable for being fitted about a flaccid penis and comprising a thin flexible member of elastic material which is open at one end and is joined at the other end with a drainage tube portion (4) for connection with a collecting means. The sheath has an inner surface provided with a layer (3) of pressure sensitive adhesive and an outer surface and is rolled outwardly upon itself towards the drainage tube end (4) with successively larger turns, to form a torus (5). A separate thin flexible band (2) is interposed between successive turns of the rolled torus and has an adhesive rejecting surface facing the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive.