Abstract: The present invention relates to an elastin-based biomaterial and to a method of using same to effect tissue repair or replacement. The invention further relates to a method of securing the biomaterial to existing tissue.

Abstract: A medical device for holding a feeding tube providing substantially rigid fastening of the tube to the patient. The device includes a drainage bag cooperatively disposed about the tube for containing any drainage that may occur through a body opening in which the tube is inserted. The drainage bag may be provided with a feeding tube-engaging port capable of accommodating feeding tubes of various diameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins worn by women. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as thin sanitary napkins, that are extensible, especially in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins worn by women. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as thin sanitary napkins, that are extensible, especially in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The invention and the corresponding method of fracture stabilization provided is a malleable medication-containing device that is capable of both stabilizing fracture fragments and delivering medicines directly to fracture fragments when wrapped around or affixed to fractured tissues. This invention is designed to be used in conjunction with rigid fixation devices when rigid fixation is required of the major fragments. The novel device is comprised of two layers affixed to each other by chemical or mechanical means: a flexible, minimally-porous biologically-compatible fabric and a flexible biologically-compatible microporous polymer into which desired medications have been embedded. The preferred method of employment is to wrap the device around a fracture with the medication side in; and tighten it until the desired tension is achieved, thereby holding native fracture fragments in register.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins worn by women. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as thin sanitary napkins, that are extensible, especially in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A intervertebral fusion implant includes first and second bearing surfaces which oppose cortical bone upon insertion of the implant into a bore formed between two vertebrae. The implant includes first and second ridges which extend from the bearing surface. The ridges extend through the cortical bone into cancellous bone. The ridges are provided with openings formed through the ridges. The openings are in communication with the interior of the implant.

Abstract: An improved panty liner and crotch construction for panties or the like featuring, in the first embodiment, a moisture absorbent layer secured to a moisture impermeable layer to form a pad-like structure which is sandwiched between an external layer and internal moisture permeable layer of the crotch section of the panty. The moisture absorbent layer and moisture impermeable layer can be stitched along their respective edges, and any seam holes created in the moisture impermeable layer by such stitching is sealed using a seam sealer. In the second embodiment of the invention the moisture impermeable layer is releasably secured to both the moisture absorbent layer and the external layer of the panty so that the moisture absorbent layer can be disposed of once soiled, and the moisture impermeable layer can be re-used once the normal lifetime expectancy of the panty has been reached.

Abstract: A ceramic vertebrae prosthesis to be inserted in a cavity defined between upper and lower vertebra bodies with a removed intervertebral disk or disks is provided with upper and lower convex contact surfaces that come into contact with the upper and lower vertebra bodies.

Abstract: Implant materials having porosity are provided by the present invention. Methods for treating a synthetic or naturally occurring implant, such as a vascular graft, intended for implantation in a human patient are also provided comprising obtaining human microvascular fat tissue, homogenizing the fat tissue to provide a cellular slurry, and applying the cellular slurry onto said implant to provide at least 50% confluence of said cells on the surface and/or within the pores of the implant.

Abstract: A method for percutaneous transluminal front-end delivery of a collapsible prosthetic occluder using a front-end loading portion, a control assembly and an introducer sheath. The prosthetic device is collapsed in a lumen of a front-end loading portion. A valve assembly seals the front-end loading portion lumen proximally of the collapsed occluder. Fluid is then infused through a port extending into the front-end loading portion in communication with the front-end loading portion lumen to remove air bubbles from the collapsed prosthetic device. The prosthetic device is advanced using a control assembly from the front-end loading portion into the introducer and ultimately into the defect site.

Abstract: A feminine napkin that allows that permits external sexual intercourse. A round bag is attached to the front side of the napkin. The bag is in the size and shape of the vagina to give the husband the same sexual feelings. The round bag has an opening and rings, windings and protrusions, as well as a suitable cream. This bag has also a downward extension for fixing the napkin on the vagina opening when the woman lies on her back. The fixing extension is placed between the rumps and may be coated by an adhesive material. The round bag can be taken off the napkin and disposed while continuing to use the napkin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of a wound with a medicinal solution is disclosed. Generally, the apparatus contains an injection tubing, a suction tubing, and a controller for controlling the opening of the injection tubing and the suction tubing in order to introduce the solution to the wound, and then drain the fluid from the wound area. The controller may contain a first and second valve, as well as a timer that measures predetermined cycles of time.

Abstract: A sheet of loop material adapted to be cut into pieces to form loop portions for fasteners of the type comprising releasably engageable hook and loop portions, or to be incorporated into items such as disposable garments or diapers or into sheets of abrasives. The sheet of loop material includes a sheet of longitudinally oriented fibers having anchor portions and arcuate portions projecting in one direction away from the anchor portions, and a layer of thermoplastic backing material extruded onto the anchor portions to bond to the anchor portions and form at least a portion of a backing for the loop material. The thermoplastic backing material can also bond the sheet of fibers to a sheet of backing material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins worn by women. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as thin sanitary napkins, that are stretchable, especially in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An adhesive wafer is disclosed having a thin barrier layer of soft, pliant adhesive material with particles of one or more hydrocolloids dispersed therein. A flexible and preferably stretchable cover layer extends along one side of the barrier layer and a removable release sheet protects the opposite side of the barrier layer. The wafer has a central zone and a relatively large outer zone surrounding that central zone, with the material of the barrier layer in the outer zone having generally uniform molecular orientations in radial directions over an arc of 360 degrees and being of relatively uniform tensile strength in all such radial directions. Also disclosed are injection/compression molding methods for making such wafers.

Abstract: An implant for use in spinal stabilization includes four generally linear thread segments. The thread segments are maintained and spaced apart alignment by rigid supports. The thread segments include a plurality of individual threads with the individual threads of the segments defining a thread pattern. The supports and the thread segments define a hollow implant interior exposed to an exterior of the implant.

Abstract: An adhesive faceplate for detachable connection to an ostomy pouch is disclosed. The faceplate has an integrated convex pressure ring for promoting stomal protrusion and a so-called floating flange (i.e., coupling ring) for mechanical attachment to the mating coupling ring of an ostomy pouch. The convex pressure ring is provided with a deep annular recess behind the faceplate's coupling ring to accommodate a user's fingers during a coupling operation, thereby facilitating attachment of a pouch. The pressure ring also includes a thin, inwardly-extending connecting portion which is heat sealed to the backing layer of the faceplate's adhesive wafer and, when that backing layer is formed of a porous material, such heat seal effectively closes the pores of the backing layer in the area of the seal.

Abstract: A prosthetic ring includes a core enclosed in a textile sheath, the sheath being sutured to the heart or the aorta of a patient. The core includes at least one relatively rigid portion and one portion that is relatively flexible compared to the rigid portion. The cross-sectional diameter of the core varies along the circumference of the ring, decreasing from a maximum at the rigid portion to a minimum at the flexible portion, giving the ring sufficient flexibility to accommodate heart wall movement.

Abstract: A male inboard contraceptive device of the containment type including a urethral sealing member in the form of an oblong ring (1) designed to reside in a fossa navicularis (14) and engage an orificium externum (15) in a sealing relationship, it being of such outside diameter and thickness as to allow it to enter into the orifice in one axis and seal it in another: an attached flexible container bag (2) designed to reside alongside a penile shaft (12) during coitus: a tail (4) or other tensioning means attached to the bag, to regulate position of the device.