Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical drain fabric and surgical drain device and surgical sponge for providing a channel of exit or discharge from a wound or wound cavity and, more specifically, a woven surgical drain fabric, woven surgical drains, and woven surgical sponges having finished longitudinal edges useful for drawing wound drainage out of a patient's body. Preferably, the surgical drain fabric, surgical drains, and surgical sponges are woven with conductive yarns and nonconductive yarns so as to provide enhanced drainage characteristics. The fabric, drains, and sponges prepared in accordance with the invention minimize the danger of sluffing and linting and other disadvantages associated with previous surgical drain and sponge materials.

Abstract: A device for continuously monitoring the intraocular pressure in an eye, which includes a scleral contact lens having a pressure transducer thereon for measuring intraocular pressure. The lens is sized to fit within the sclera of an eye for positioning the pressure transducer in fixed contact with the sclera in the superior temporal quadrant of the eye in the superior cul-de-sac during movement of the eye. The pressure transducer includes at least one semiconductor strain gauge crystal adapted to generate an electrical resistance which is responsive to inraocular pressure. A projection is provided for scleral indentation and is positioned to transmit response to intracular pressure to the crystal. A battery powered memory unit is mounted in the lens in non-scleral contact for recording measurements of pressure by the transducer over a predetermined period of time, preferably by, measuring the resistance through the crystal. The crystal is fixed to a flexible membrane forming a mounting on the contact lens.

Abstract: A calorimeter for generating signals representative of the oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production of a subject over a test period includes two flow sensors and a carbon dioxide scrubber connected to a patient mouthpiece. Interconnections are such that the air inhaled by the subject passes through one flow meter and the exhaled breath passes first through the other flow meter the carbon dioxide the scrubber and then through the first flow meter. The electrical output signals from the flow meters are provided to a microprocessor based computer which integrates the volume differences between the inhaled gas, and the exhaled gas after the carbon dioxide has been removed from it, over the period of the test. The inhaled volume less that part of the exhaled volume which does not constitute CO.sub.2 measures the oxygen comsumption per breath, the integral difference is a function of the patient's oxygen consumption over the period of the test.

Abstract: Vision correcting lenses utilizing the principles of both Fresnel lenses and Fresnel zone plates are disclosed. The lenses of the present invention provide multifocal vision correction, and are most preferably used to provide intraocular lenses for small incision surgeries. Using the concept of a "tuned" Fresnel lens, intraocular and other types of vision correcting lenses are provided by the present invention which overcome the limitations found in typical Fresnel lenses by phase synchronizing the light passing through the lens. As disclosed, the groove width and depth of the lens may be varied to provide the synchronization, and also to provide multifocal vision. Also, the design of the present invention permits a relatively thin lens to be designed, therefore making it particularly applicable to small incision surgeries since it may be rolled or folded into a configuration which is easily inserted into an incision in the eye.

Abstract: A guide wire assembly comprising a guide wire with first and second conductors which extend along the length thereof. The guide wire also comprises a flexible cable having first and second conductors which extend along the length thereof. A connector assembly is provided for interconnecting the flexible cable to said guide wire and interconnecting the conductors carried thereby. The connector assembly includes a male connector with a sleeve and a conductive core which is mounted in the sleeve. An insulator is mounted in the sleeve and insulates the conductive core from the sleeve. A conductive band is carried by the insulator and is spaced from the sleeve. The first and second conductors are disposed within the sleeve. The first connector is connected to the conductive core and the second conductor is connected to the conductive band.

Abstract: A system for providing controlled release of an active agent in an eye includes a device with a shape thereof for enabling placement of the device under a conjunctiva of an eye and additionally preventing migration of the device in the eye after placement of the device under the conjunctiva. The device may be formed of a material permeable to the passage of an agent disposed in said device. In addition, a tracer may be incorporated in the device to enable visual indication of the amount of active agent in said device when said device is disposed under the conjunctiva. To selectively treat specific areas of the eye, an impermeable layer may be provided for preventing diffusion of the active agent from a selected area of the device.

Abstract: The ligament prosthesis is formed of concentric tubes of filaments threads. In addition, a layer of elastomer is disposed over at least the outermost tube to act as an impermeable layer to the passage of abraded material from within the tubes into the lining. The thickness of the elastomer layer is at most 0.1 millimeter. The elastomer may also be provided on and about the threads of the inner tubes to reduce a migration of abraded particles therein.

Abstract: A ball falls freely onto an eyelid-covered cornea, and the kinetic energy of the ball is conversed into a force causing deformation of the cornea. The amount of the ball rebound varies depending on the amount of intraocular pressure and the latter is judged against the amount of the ball rebound.An ocular tonometer has a tubular housing, wherein provision is made for a free falling of the ball kept by a special holder at one of the ends of the housing. The opposite end of the housing is placed on the eyelid so that the falling ball interacts with the cornea through the eyelid. The amount of the ball rebound characteristic of the amount of intraocular pressure, is registered either with the aid of a scale or by a special measuring instrument.

Abstract: A hand held portable tonometer device for monitoring the intraocular pressure in an eye through the sclera. The device has a tubular frame having an axis and forming a handle by which the device is held. The handle includes a pressure transducer for generating intraocular pressure measurements upon contact of a scleral probe on the eye to cause a scleral indentation and to transmit an input of the intraocular pressure. The transducer has a sliding transducer mounting sleeve mounting it on the axis. A spring positions the transducer along the axis at a point in response to pressure applied by urging the scleral probe against the sclera. The device includes an annular conductive ring mounted on the mounting sleeve and electrical contacts positioned at a predetermined position on the axis to complete an electrical circuit to generate a signal defining a zone of measurement which has predetermined upper and lower limits of pressure.

Abstract: Soft tissue biopsy apparatus (10) for obtaining a tissue specimen. An elongate housing (12) has an opening (20) at one end (14). A hollow cannula (26) is positioned within the housing, is reciprocally movable therewithin, and one end (28) of the needle extends through the opening for insertion into tissue (T) from which a specimen is to be taken. A needle (44) is positioned within the cannula, is reciprocally movable therewithin, and also has an end (46) extending through the opening for insertion into the tissue. This needle has a recess (50) adjacent its outer end in which a tissue specimen is captured. The needle is connected to a slide (68) by which the needle is moved independently of the cannula. A sleeve (110) installed over the housing is manually operable to move the slide to a selected and cocked position prior to insertion of the cannula/needle into the tissue. Movement of the slide moves the second needle from a first position to a second position while the cannula remains stationary.

Abstract: An intraocular lens has a flexible lens body center portion formed from an optically clear material surrounded by an outer ring which is sensitive to an external force, such as a magnetic force. Utilizing the external force, the shape of the outer ring can be changed to elongate the lens body along a predetermined axis for correcting astigmatism. The outer ring can also be used to change the power of the lens by altering the spherical shape or curvature of the lens. Attached to one of the lens body and the ring is a plurality of actuator bodies of ferromagnetic material which are either permanently magnetized by the external force or are temporarily magnetized and the altered shape is retained by a shape retainer attached to the ring.

Abstract: A method for internal fixation of vertebra of the spine to facilitate graft fusion includes steps for excising the nucleus of an affected disc, preparing a bone graft, instrumenting the vertebrae for fixation, and introducing the bone graft into the resected nuclear space. Disc resection is conducted through two portals through the annulus, with one portal supporting resection instruments and the other supporting a viewing device. The fixation hardware is inserted through small incisions aligned with each pedicle to be instrumented. The hardware includes bone screws, fixation plates, engagement nuts, and linking members. In an important aspect of the method, the fixation plates, engagement nuts and linking members are supported suprafascially but subcutaneously so that the fascia and muscle tissue are not damaged. The bone screw is configured to support the fixation hardware above the fascia.

Abstract: A canalicular implant adapted to be inserted into the punctum of an eye and which is adapted to be transported into the horizontal portion of the canaliculus to occlude the same is shown. The implant comprises an elongated member having a medial end, an opposed lateral end and a central member having a predetermined dimensional cross-section extending therebetween. The medial end has a tapered section which slopes and decreases in cross-section as it extends towards the medial end. The tapered section terminates in a medial tip having a dimension which enables the medial tip to enter and pass through the punctum. The lateral end has a collapsible flared section which increases in cross section as it approaches the lateral end and which terminates in an outer edge having dimension which is greater than the predetermined dimensional cross section of the central member. The collapsible flared section has a fully extended position and a collapsed position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a test strip for measuring tear production. The test strip comprises a generally flat sheet material having one end rounded to be semi-circular shaped and being printed with a folding line along which said strip is bent prior to the measurement operation. The test strip is further printed with graduation marks and a scale for indicating the amount of absorbed tear. In a preferred embodiment, provided at either one or both corners of the end opposite to the rounded end is a mark indicating that the particular test strip is used for measuring one of either the left or right eye. The sheet material is preferably made of filter paper. The test strip has no notched portion which would weaken the sheet material and yet may be folded precisely along the fold line prior to use. The graduation marks and scales printed on the test strip enable easy measurement of the length of the portion wetted by tear fluid.

Abstract: An medullary caliper comprising a sleeve or tube with internally actuated caliper arms at a distal end thereof. The sleeve is graduated so that the depth at which a measurement is being taken can be immediately determined. A control rod extends the caliper arms radially outward within the medullary canal to perform the measurement. Displacement of the control rod is translated by a scale into a direct reading of the diametric dimension of the medullary canal.

Abstract: A foldable IOL system includes a foldable bi- or multifocal IOL and lens insertion instrument capable of unfolding the IOL by externally applied forces. The foldable IOL includes an oval lens body equipped with haptic structures for fixing the lens body within one of the chambers of the human eye. The lens body is foldable along two slits placed in the lens body parallel to and on either side of the oval lens body's long axis. The lens body is divided by the two separations into three parts: A central part and two side parts. The central part may be divided into two or more areas endowed with different optical powers. The lens body may be surrounded by an elastic ring that will keep the unfolded IOL in its unfolded position. The lens body may also have locking pins inside the slits that will keep the IOL in its unfolded position. The lens insertion instrument includes shielding to protect the folded IOL from loose tissue particles during the insertion process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vascular prosthesis wherein, fragments of biological tissues such as vascular tissues, connective tissues, fat tissues and muscular tissues and/or cells composing vascular walls such as vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and fibroblast cells are deposited and captured within the wall of a vascular prosthesis substrate; a manufacturing method comprising the steps of immersing a vascular prosthesis substrate into a dispersed solution of fragments of biological tissues such as vascular tissues, connective tissues, fat tissues and muscular tissues and/or cells composing vascular walls such as vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and fibroblast cells, and depositing and capturing the cells and/or tissue fragments on the inner wall and within the wall of the vascular prosthesis from one side to the other side of the vascular prosthesis substrate wall by providing a pressure differential between the outside and the inside of the vascular prosthesis substrate; and a

Abstract: An expansible assist pump for implantation through the femoral artery (left ventricle) or the femoral vein (right ventricle) is used as circulatory support in patents with severe cardiac shock. The pump comprises a body pump, or external chamber, having a double lumen wall, that is expansible and of variable rigidity, and a transvalvular segment, or flexible "neck" of the pump, that conforms itself to the situation or position of "open" or "closed" of the aortic or pulmonary valves and avoids the need of using a valve in the discharge of blood from the pump. An internal balloon having a progressive wall thickness is provided and causes a sequential rhythm of inflation and deflation.

Abstract: An electrically powered transdermal drug applicator a flexible, non-conductive substrate with a plurality of conductive coated areas forming drug reservoir electrodes with a plurality of drug reservoirs separated by occlusive dams are in electrical contact with the drug reservoir electrodes. Flexible mounting means support and removably holding the drug applicator to a limb of a body and form together therewith a combined dual assembly structure conformable to that part of said body and skin to which the drug applicator is attached. The mounting means has programmable computer means including a power source connected in an electrical circuit with the electrodes of the drug reservoirs for electrically powering the applicator and transmitting the drug programmably through the skin. A conformal cover is secured to said transdermal drug applicator and a release liner covers and protects the drug reservoirs until use.

Abstract: A two-piece ostomy appliance in which one of the components, preferably the pouch component, is provided with a dual-state, bistable coupling ring for sealingly engaging the companion ring of the other (e.g., faceplate) component. The ring is formed of relatively stiff but flexible plastic material and is capable of assuming two stable states or conditions. In one such state, its normal one, the ring is substantially untensioned and its configuration is frusto-conical; in its other state, the direction of the conical taper is reversed or inverted and the ring again assumes a stable but now tensioned condition. When in its normal state, the ring has an inside diameter substantially smaller than in its inverted state, so that in mating such rings together, a user may enlarge the opening to facilitate joining the parts together and may then return the bistable ring to its normal state to insure a secure, fluid-tight seal between the parts.