Abstract: A dowel is provided by obtaining a plug from the shaft (diaphysis) of various long bones. The dowel has an intra-medullary canal which can be packed with any of a variety of osteogenic materials. The dowel has a cortical surface into which an instrument attachment hole may be machined and onto which an alignment mark may be inscribed for proper orientation of the intra-medullary canal. The dowel has a chamfered insertion end and has improved biomechanical and vertebral fusion induction properties as compared to standard dowels known in the art.

Abstract: A guidewire advancement system for inserting catheter guidewires into blood vessels, and more particularly a guidewire dispensing system for the controlled sterile insertion of a coiled spring guidewire to avoid infection of the patient. The system provides for the transmission of an electrical signal by the guidewire to determine its location within the body.

Abstract: An insertion device 10 for inserting material 13 into a body cavity is provided. An elongate, tubular holder 12, shaped for insertion into the body cavity, is adapted to hold the material to be inserted. The holder 12 has a material expulsion end portion 14 and a plunger 20, which is telescopically and slidably mounted in the holder, which is adapted to expel the material from the holder when pushed manually into the holder. The holder, and preferably the plunger as well, comprises an outer paper layer 28 and a polymer layer 30, adhered to the paper layer on its outer surface, the layer having adequate water resistance to maintain its integrity during insertion into the body cavity.

Abstract: The intravascular multi-anchor stent includes a plurality of cylindrical elements that are independently expandable in the radial direction and that are interconnected so as to be generally aligned on a common longitudinal axis, and a plurality of barbs along the entire circumference of the stent that face outwardly when the stent is in an expanded condition. A plurality of connecting elements are provided for interconnecting only the cylindrical elements that are adjacent to each other so that the stent, when expanded in the radial direction, retains its overall length without appreciable shortening.

Abstract: A glenoid component for use in shoulder arthroplasty which is adapted to be implanted into a scapula and engaged by a head of a humeral component. The glenoid component includes a body having a first articulating surface and second textured medial surface opposite to the first articulating surface. The first articulating surface is adapted to be engaged by the head of the humeral component and the second textured medial surface is adapted to be secured to the scapula. A plurality of circular base members extends from the second textured medial surface and provides a circular base pad having a first diameter. A plurality of cylindrical pegs each have a first end adapted to engage a cavity formed in the scapula and a second end extending from one of the circular base members. Each of the cylindrical pegs is partially defined by a sidewall having a second diameter such that the first diameter of the cylindrical base pads is larger than the second diameter of the cylindrical pegs to increase peg shear strength.

Abstract: A template assembly is provided for marking locations on the disc annulus for the implantation of an interbody fusion device or the introduction of a working instrument. The template assembly includes a tubular body sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient and advancement to an affected intervertebral disc. An elongated shaft slidably extends through the tubular body and is threadedly engaged to the tubular body at its proximal end so that rotation of the shaft relative to the tubular body advances the shaft through the body. A guide foot is pivotably connected to the distal end of the tubular body to be pivoted from a first position aligned with the tubular body to a second deployed position oriented substantially perpendicular to the tubular body. The guide body is pivoted from the first position to the second position by advancement of the elongated shaft through the tubular body.

Abstract: A spinal implant for promoting fusion between adjacent vertebrae consisting of an integral, generally rectangular member having a plurality of openings for promoting ingrowth. In the preferred embodiment, the implant has an interior enclosed chamber, accessible from the outside through an opening in one wall, and a cap for covering said opening in the wall.

Abstract: The method of implanting a femoral and a tibial knee prosthesis and instruments for surgically implanting the femoral and tibial prosthesis component as disclosed. The method includes the formation of a plurality of surgical cuts on the patient's distal femur. A trial tibial prosthesis is then fitted to the surgically prepared distal femur. The trial prosthesis has a femoral articulating surface and a non-articulating surface that fits the patient's distal femur at the surgical cuts. A surgeon then forms a transverse cut on the patient's proximal tibia. The surgeon places a tibial trial prosthesis on the patient's proximal tibia, the trial prosthesis including a tibial trial stem that fits the patient's intramedullary canal, a tibial trial metallic tray or plate, and a plastic trial insert that fits the tibial tray or plate. The plastic insert includes a tibial articulating surface that can articulate with the femoral articulating surface.

Abstract: A tissue graft is secured within a bone passage by providing a graft fixation member sized to pass through the bone passage, attaching a suture having a pair of free ends to the tissue graft and tying the suture to the fixation member so that the free ends pass through an opening in the fixation device from a first side to a second side and a length of the suture extends between the tissue graft and fixation member. The length of the suture between the tissue graft and the fixation member is adjusted by pulling at least one of the free ends, and the suture is secured to the fixation member to maintain the adjusted length.

Abstract: Implants comprising active agents are employed for introduction into a suprachoroidal space or an avascular region of an eye for therapeutic purposes. The administration of drugs is controlled and maintained for long periods of time, while ensuring the substantial absence of significant levels outside the site of administration.

Abstract: An absorbent article useful for wearing in the crotch portion of an undergarment is disclosed. The article has an absorbent structure disposed between a liquid-pervious, body-facing surface and a resilient, liquid-impervious, controlled-deformation shell. The shell has a pair of lateral sides, a garment-facing surface and a peripheral edge. Proximate the peripheral edge of the shell, there is a body-gasketing portion. The shell also has means for adjusting the length of the garment-facing surface and lateral sides. Thus, the garment-facing surface and lateral sides can expand or contract to relieve stresses induced by curving the article while allowing the body-gasketing portion to remain substantially free of folds and gaps.

Abstract: A dissection glove for forming in a patient a tissue pocket to receive an implantable device. The dissection glove is constructed of an absorbent material formed into at least one recess with an open end for receiving a portion of a surgeon's gloved hand. A retaining mechanism is provided for releasably retaining the dissection glove to a portion of the surgeon's gloved hand. An extraction mechanism is optionally provided for extracting the dissection glove from the tissue pocket. The dissection glove may be constructed from a variety of materials, such as polypropylene nonwoven mesh or calcium alginate gauze. The present invention is also directed to a method of forming a tissue pocket in a patient for receiving an implantable device using the present dissection glove.

Abstract: A tibial prosthesis including a disk made out of a plastic material, of which a bottom surface is provided with fastening means for the interlocking with a metal ring which reinforces the disk.

Abstract: Improved adjustable intraocular lenses are disclosed, in which the optic(s) can be rotated post-operatively using manual methods; controlled pulses of laser radiation or micromotors to achieve improved focus and astigmatic correction.

Abstract: A bone prosthesis has a stem with a hollow interior and an external surface that allows wedging contact with surrounding bone while transferring strain at a level comparable to that of natural bone. The stem is cast about an irregular plug body, which is then removed, leaving a wall thickness that satisfies the opposing constraints of high strength and relatively low stiffness. The plug narrows the prosthesis wall thickness in upper regions thereof and strengthens the wall about regions of recessed or discontinuous features, or high load coupling, to assure that the stem has adequate strength in regions of high strain, while effectively coupling strain to surrounding bone. The prosthesis is produced in a range of sizes, and plugs or entire molds for casting the hollow body are readily made and modified by a three-dimensional printing mold fabrication technique.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic patellar component comprises a patellar part (1) having one side (1a) adapted to be secured to the inner surface of a natural patella (10), and a femoral part (3) having one side (5) defining an articulation surface to replace the femoral facet of the patella, the opposite surfaces (1b and 3a) of said parts being mutually engageable to afford sliding movement therebetween in a medio-lateral direction.The implant is able to accommodate relative medio-lateral movement and thereby improve congruency. It may be used in combination with other prosthetic components in a knee joint.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, having longitudinal side margins with pleats or tucks is provided. The tucks cause the absorbent article to assume a curved, body-conforming shape, and provide the absorbent article with sides that stand up to serve as a barrier to soiling of the wearer's undergarments.

Abstract: A single piece soft foldable IOL having open loop haptics of specific thickness and geometry. The unique geometry provides an IOL with improved fixation and centration.

Abstract: A holder for engaging a heart valve prosthesis during implantation includes a mechanism for attaching the holder to the heart valve prosthesis. The heart valve prosthesis includes a circular valve body having an annulus with a substantially annular aperture therein. At least one movable occluder is carried in the aperture and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The attachment mechanism attaches to the occluder thereby securing the holder to the heart valve prosthesis.

Abstract: One embodiment of a spinal implant 10 includes a body 11 sized and configured for engagement between adjacent vertebrae V. The body 11 includes two opposite faces 12, 14 and an outer surface 13 between the two faces 12, 14. The body 11 includes a porous biocompatible material for permitting tissue ingrowth therethrough. A sleeve 15 is disposed around the outer surface 13 of the body 11. The sleeve 15 is composed of a second material which is relatively stronger under compressive loads than the biocompatible material of the body 11. Also provided is a plurality of apertures 16 through the sleeve 15 in communication with the outer surface 13 of the body 11 for bone ingrowth. Means for attaching the sleeve to the endplates of adjoining vertebral bodies are also provided.