Abstract: A resilient tubular graft is delivered into place within a body passage by elongating the graft to reduce its diameter and then directing the graft to the desired position while in the elongated condition. The graft is carried into position by a pair of elongate members mounted for longitudinal movement relative to one other. Flexible lines secure opposite ends of the graft to the respective elongate members whereby relative longitudinal movement of the members functions to elongate the graft and reduce its diameter. The lines extend around the graft to impart radial compression thereto simultaneously with elongation of the graft. Upon placement of the graft at the desired location within a body passage, the lines are released to permit the graft to expand into engagement with the passage. Barbs on the graft provide for secure engagement of the graft with a body passage.

Abstract: A method of measuring respiratory parameters in which a pneumotachograph having an inductively heated fine mesh metallic grid is used. The grid is heated to a temperature to prevent condensation thereon.

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: 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 drags is controlled and maintained for long periods of time, while ensuring the substantial absence of significant levels outside the site of administration.

Abstract: A tibial knee component includes reference marks to which a surgeon can reference the location of the point of contact between the tibial component and a femoral knee component. In one embodiment of the invention, the femoral component also includes reference marks to aid the surgeon in determining the contact point and to aid in orienting the knee in specific predetermined degrees of flexion.

Abstract: Access devices to facilitate the introduction of various surgical instruments into vessels, conduits, cavities, and other interior regions of the body are disclosed, which include a "duck bill" valve having at least three flexible fold sections or leaflets subtending 360.degree. degrees of the cylindrical wall portion. The valve is configured to provide reduced friction forces when an instrument is inserted, as well as zero closure characteristics when the instrument is removed.

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: A foldable plastic lens insertible into the eye lens zone from which a natural lens has been removed comprising the plastic lens having a light passing intermediate and bead-like optical portion, and two oppositely extending haptics; the lens also having two opposed peripheral segments characterized as light blocking; and the segments having substantially reduced thickness relative to the thickness or thicknesses of the main extent of the intermediate optical portion. Reinforcement strands are typically incorporated with the segments, and may assist in anchoring the haptics.

Abstract: An improved stent apparatus for intraluminal use in the body of an animal. The apparatus is of resilient material disposed in a tubular configuration about a central axis, which carries ratchet apparatus in the form of catch and latch apparatus having a selectively removable latch. The stent is expanded through the use of an angioplasty balloon to any selected one of a plurality of dilated positions. As the stent expands, the catches come into contact with the latch to prevent retraction of the stent apparatus. The latch communicates with a point external to the lumen, and is selectively removable from contact with the catches to enable the stent apparatus to return to its original diameter.

Abstract: A modular tibial prosthesis contains a dovetail mechanism (4, 5 & 14) and a posterior tongue (15) and groove (8) arrangement. The dovetail mechanism cooperates with a reinforcing component (22) to allow alternate use of a spined component (20) with the same base plate (1).

Abstract: An intraocular lens has an optic body with at least a posterior surface defining a roughness portion disposed close to the periphery of the optic body wherein the roughness portion further defines an attachment configuration specified by parameters falling within certain specific ranges determined statistically using a profilometer. The parameters measure on the order of micrometers. The attachment configuration holds the lens in place without the use of spiral shaped fibrous arms.

Abstract: The invention is for a biopsy instrument having a stationary shaft secured to which is a stylet such that, once secured, the stylet does not move relative to the instrument. The stylet is telescopically received by a cannula which is mounted to a spring-loaded guide; the cannula and the guide move between charged and discharged positions. Also provided is a safety cap, which travels within slots formed in opposite sides of the cylindrical casing that houses the shaft, the guide and the spring. Retracting the safety cap moves the guide and the cannula from the discharged to the charged position where a release lever engages the guide. The safety cap covers the release lever to prevent accidental actuation of the instrument. The instrument is fired by sliding the safety cap forward and depressing the exposed release lever, which allows the spring to drive the cannula forward, toward the discharged position and over the stationary stylet, so that a tissue sample may be taken.

Abstract: A feminine urinary aid package that includes a closed flat enclosure, preferably of tearable paper composition, that is constructed to be opened by a user, and a feminine urinary aid disposed within such enclosure and removable therefrom when the enclosure is opened. The urinary aid includes a one-piece body of water resistant biodegradable water soluble composition having a pair of flat side portions with elongated parallel linear side edges. The side portions are integrally joined to each other along contiguous side edges, and a triangular end portion is integrally joined to the side portions at end edges of the side portions that are perpendicular to the side edges. Preferably, creases extend along at least the end edges of the flat side portions where joined to the end portion, and along the side edges where joined to each other.

Abstract: An implant prosthesis comprising implant substrate of ceramic material, a thin glass layer coated over the adhering interface of the substrate relative at least to a bone, and a thermally sprayed layer of calcium phosphate based material formed over the glass layer.The implant provides excellent adhesion of the thermally sprayed layer of calcium phosphate based material to the substrate, with ensuring advantages of stabilized implantation in a living body in that the thin glass layer between the substrate and the calcium phosphate based material removes fear of the sprayed material coming off and/or falling off the substrate or possibility of bringing about reduced strength of the substrate.

Abstract: A non-contact tonometer is described for measuring the intra-ocular pressure (IOP) of the eye. An ultrasonic power transducer directs an ultrasonic beam onto the eye and the force generated by the radiation pressure causes indentation or applanation which is detected by ultrasonic or optical means. An optical system provides an image of the eye with appropriate alignment beams injected through a beam splitter for positioning the device with respect to the eye. An additional ultrasonic beam may be used to measure the range to the eye. Another optical means is utilized to measure applanation or indentation; alternatively, an additional ultrasonic transducer and beam could be used. Operation of the device may be through continuous wave or pulsed excitation of the ultrasound. Feed-back control of the ultrasound power level is possible using an additional ultrasonic transducer for measuring the power levels to augment measurement accuracy.

Abstract: A biocompatible corneal inlay ring apparatus for altering the curvature of the central optic zone of the cornea of the eye without intrusion into this optic zone, comprising a continuous ring of a fixed diameter greater than that of the optic zone, of a thickness and geometry such that the curvature of the central optic zone is flattened to an extent appropriate to the refractive correction desired, and of a composition having a refractive index within about 2.0% of that of the corneal tissue.

Abstract: A fine-needle aspirator for collecting a biosample from a subject into a closed sterile system. The aspirator is adapted for use with a variety of needles and comprises a motor driven pump capable of continuous suction in a biosample collection system. The biosample collection system may comprise a biosample connector such as elastomeric tubing in communication with the needle and a collection space in a biosample container whereby a biosample collected by the needle may be transferred to the collection space. A flushing substance flushes the biosample through the biosample collection system. Additives may be added to the biosample after collection in order to treat, preserve or analyze the biosample.

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 eye drop dispensing device for use with a pliable ophthalmic solution container retaining an optic solution therein including a dispensing nozzle to dispense eye drops from the pliable opthalmic solution container comprising a pliable housing having an eyelid engaging rim formed on one end thereof and including a channel formed therethrough to receive and house the dispensing nozzle and a major portion of the pliable ophthalmic solution container therein such that the eyelid engaging rim is placed on the face and eyelid of a person with the dispensing nozzle adjacent the person's eye to permit depression of the pliable housing and pliable ophthalmic solution container to dispense solution directly into the user's eye while holding the eyelid open.

Abstract: The implant comprises a part (2) for anchorage in the bone and a body (3) for fixing on a rod (4), the body comprising two lateral branches (5) defining a passageway (6) which is open on each side of the body for receiving the rod, and a screw-threaded plug (8) adapted to be screwed between the branches; a strip (14), interposed between the plug and the rod, is fixed to a ring (15) with which it constitutes a pellet (16). The strip (14) is curved and defines a concave surface (14a) adapted to be applied against the surface of the rod. The curvature of the strip (14) permits clamping the rod (4) in position with a relatively small clamping pressure in that the forces are distributed, which improves resistance to alternating bending of the rod in the body (3) and resistance to fatigue.