Abstract: A method for forming an open cell texturized surface in a silicone elastomer layer of a breast implant, or other medical implant, is created by forming a layer of uncured silicone elastomer, applying a coating of particles to the surface thereof, and curing the layer by heating it at an elevated temperature which also volatilizes the particles such that their constituent gases boil through the surface of the layer and create the texturing.

Abstract: An implantable cochlear electrode assembly includes an initially straight flexible rod-like electrode carrier and an initially straight flexible rod-like positioning member which extend in substantially parallel relation to and closely alongside each other. The assembly is inserted endwise into the scala tympani of the cochlea so as to adopt the spiral curvature of the cochlea, with the positioning member being disposed at that side region of the electrode carrier which faces the outer wall of the cochlea and is opposite to the side region of the electrode carrier at which the contact faces of the array of electrodes are exposed.

Abstract: A breast prosthesis implant is disclosed comprising a generally conical bio-compatible fabric shell. The shell is pervious to tissue growth and body fluids. The interior of the shell is divided into series of discrete chambers separated by pervious fabric dividers, the chambers containing masses of bio-compatible fibers. The fiber concentration in the chambers nearest the apex of the cone is less than the concentration in chambers progressively further from the cone apex. Preferably, the shell is somewhat stretchable to permit the volume of the shell to increase or decrease in accordance with the weight gain or loss of the patient.

Abstract: A plug for repairing a defect in the retina. The plug can be made from a biodegradable, non-biodegradable, natural or synthetic material. The plug is dimensioned to fit the defect during a vitrectomy procedure to prevent ingress of vitreous fluid into the subretinal space and prevent the migration of pigmented retinal cells. The plug can be formed from a solution that gels at body temperature to form a plug.

Abstract: A spinal implant is disclosed which when placed within the spinal disc space stabilizes that spinal segment and materially participates in, and is incorporated in, the ensuing fusion.

Abstract: A provisional instrument component 1 for evaluating the fit of a corresponding orthopaedic implant. The component 1 is intended and designed to be a disposable, single use provisional instrument component. The provisional instrument component 1 is made of a material which can be sterilized by gamma irradiation, but which provides a visible indicator, such as visible deformation 10, upon resterilization by exposure to a heated environment, thereby discouraging or preventing re-use of the component 1.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to restore eyelid function in a patient unable to voluntarily raise an eyelid. The apparatus includes a spiral torsion spring and pulley arrangement mounted in a housing that is implanted in the superior portion of the orbit of the eye. A wire connects the pulley to the eyelid. A spiral torsion spring provides the necessary spring force in tension to overcome the weight of the eyelid and draw the eyelid open. The natural muscles of eye closure are, however, sufficiently strong to overcome the spring tension thereby paying out wire from the pulley and closing the eye so as to provide normal blinking function. A position setting gear allows the biasing force of the spring to be selectively reduced sufficiently to allow the eye to remain closed for sleep or at other desired times. A method of treating ptosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A deployment system for transcutaneous insertion of an implantable tubular prosthesis is provided. The deployment system includes a flexible, elongated, tubular, delivery catheter with at least one inner lumen, and an opening extending through the catheter to the inner lumen. Positioned over the catheter is an implantable endoprosthesis capable of radial expansion and having a proximal and a distal end extent. A support assembly removably maintains the endoprosthesis in a compressed state, and is located at a position adjacent the catheter opening. The support assembly includes an arm which extends through the catheter opening into the inner lumen. A release mechanism is insertable through the inner lumen and includes a distal tip engageable with the arm of the support assembly. The release mechanism is manipulatable within the inner lumen so as to remove the support assembly from the endoprosthesis, permitting radial expansion of the endoprosthesis for implantation.

Abstract: A unique feminine hygiene pad includes a tail that extends rearwardly from a main portion of the pad to be received within the buttocks of a wearer. The tail insures that there will be no leakage flow rearwardly into the buttocks of the wearer, as has typically occurred with prior art pads. In addition, a positioning point is formed on a main absorbent portion of the pad which properly positions the pad relative to the vagina of a wearer. In this way, it can be assured that the pad is properly positioned, and a minimum sized pad can be utilized.

Abstract: A surgical procedure for breast augmentation is disclosed in which an incision is made at a point on the body remote from the breast which is not ordinarily visible, such as in a pre-nexisting scar, under an armpit or inside the navel or umbilicus. An endotube which has an obturator with a bullet shaped tip is introduced into this incision and pushed from the incision, staying just above the fascia of the interior abdominal and chest wall, and below the subcutaneous tissue and fat, to a position behind the breast. The obturator is removed and an endoscope used to verify the proper location of the tunnel. The endotube is removed leaving a temporary tunnel leading to a space behind the breast. A hollow prosthesis is rolled up tightly, positioned inside the end of the endotube and pushed into the tunnel behind the breast. The prosthesis is held in place by the hand of the surgeon on the breast and the endotube removed. The prosthesis is pumped full of saline solution to about a 50% overfill.

Abstract: An open weave fixation device is secured to a distal end region of a catheter or other diagnostic or treatment device, for either temporarily or permanently fixing the device within a body cavity. In one approach, the fixation element is constructed of braided, helically wound filaments of resilient stainless steel. A sheath surrounds the catheter and fixation element to elastically deform the element into a reduced radius configuration to facilitate insertion and deployment. With the fixation element positioned as desired, the sheath is withdrawn to permit the fixation element to self-expand against body tissue, thus to secure the fixation element and catheter. In all alternative arrangement, a dilatation balloon surrounds a catheter near its distal end, and in turn is surrounded by a plastically deformable fixation element. Following desired positioning, the balloon is dilated to permanently deform the fixation element into contact with body tissue.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens to be implanted within the natural capsular bag of a human eye from which the natural lens matrix has been removed through an anterior capsulotomy in the bag circumferentially surrounded by a capsular remnant. During a postoperative healing period following surgery, the anterior capsular remnant fuses to the posterior capsule of the bag by fibrosis about haptics on the implanted lens, and the lens is deflected rearwardly to a distant vision position against the elastic posterior capsule of the bag in which the posterior capsule is stretched rearwardly. After fibrosis is complete, natural brain-induced contraction and relaxation of the ciliary muscle relaxes and stretches the fused remnant and increases and reduces vitreous pressure in the eye to effect vision accommodation by the fused remnant, the posterior capsule, and vitreous pressure.

Abstract: A breast implant with baffles includes an elastomeric envelope adapted to contain a fluid material and baffles inside the envelope to reduce or dampen wave or ripple action and motion of the fluid material contained by the envelope when implanted in a breast.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for implantation in the posterior chamber of human eyes. The lens has the ability to change its power in response to tension in the ciliary muscle of the eye. A medium of less refractive power than the surrounding aqueous is contained between two transparent membranes (10). By making at least one of these membranes (10) have a concave shape, a lens with positive power is created. By fashioning at least one of the transparent membranes from a resilient material it is possible to make the lens have the ability to alter its power. Change in lens power is accomplished by manipulating the pressure in the interior of the lens. The pressure can be varied by varying the volume of the lens. By means of haptics which either displace part of the side wall of the lens or change the separation between the front and back surface of the lens in response to changes in tension in the ciliary muscle, the volume can be changed.

Abstract: An improved corneal prosthesis is comprised of an optical core member having a frustoconical shape and preferably a substantially cylindrical anterior section and a substantially conical posterior section. The optical core member of an alloplastic material, preferably intraocular grade polymethylmethacrylate, has an anterior flange portion extending peripherally about the anterior optical end portion of the core member at least about 0.5 and preferably less than 1.0 millimeter. A skirt member extends peripherally about and is attached, preferably mechanically, to the optical core member at a peripheral groove between the anterior section and the posterior section and is capable of being implanted in a lamellar pocket in the eye.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioprosthetic heart valve having leaflets affixed to a substantially absorpable stent. The leaflets can be derived from a biological membrane which is affixed to the absorbable stent. The leaflets can also be derived from a sigmoid valve of human or animal origin, the sigmoid valve being placed inside the absorbable stent and affixed thereto. Methods of treatment using the bioprosthetic heart valve and methods of making the valve are also provided.

Abstract: An intraocular lens includes a optical body including a posterior concave rface with a first radius of curvature, a periphery and a central, axially aligned opening that enhances liquid circulation in the eye, with the ratio of the height of the optical body to the overall height of the lens being between about 0.25 to about 0.5; a positioning element connected to the optical body periphery and including a periphery and a posterior concave surface with a second radius of curvature greater than the first radius of curvature, a ratio of the first to second radii of curvature being between about 0.31 to about 0.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens to be implanted within the natural capsular bag of a human eye from which the natural lens matrix has been removed through an anterior capsulotomy in the bag circumferentially surrounded by a capsular remnant. During a postoperative healing period following surgery, the anterior capsular remnant fuses to the posterior capsule of the bag by fibrosis about haptics on the implanted lens, and the lens is deflected rearwardly to a distant vision position against the elastic posterior capsule of the bag in which the posterior capsule is stretched rearwardly. After fibrosis is complete, natural brain-induced contraction and relaxation of the ciliary muscle relaxes and stretches the fused remnant and increases and reduces vitreous pressure in the eye to effect vision accommodation by the fused remnant, the posterior capsule, and vitreous pressure.

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: A thoracic cavity drainage device includes a first vessel having a plurality of chambers one of which is a regulated drainage chamber, and a separate transfer vessel which receives fluid collected in the drainage chamber of the first vessel. The chambers of both vessels are interconnected in a series by fluid passageways which cooperate to maintain a uniform range of suction in the drainage chamber while preventing passage of water into the drainage chamber and permitting a different level of suction in the transfer vessel. This operation is effective despite relatively large pressure and vacuum impulses caused by stripping of drainage lines, patient coughing, and the like, and despite discrete changes in the physical configuration of the system caused by disconnection of the transfer vessel, connection of the transfer vessel to an infusion line or the opening or closing of fluid lines and ports. A novel transfer vessel empties the drainage device and provides gravity reinfusion of the collected fluids.