Abstract: An intraocular lens of the type having a plurality of legs which enter the lens in the anterior or posterior chamber by tangential contact between eye tissue and a region on each leg, wherein the region is composed of a compressible material. Also disclosed are homogeneous lenses in which the legs are colored.

Abstract: Intraocular implantation of a folded lens and haptics is carried out using a forceps with blades and a cannula, the forceps interacting with the cannula to maneuver this implantation.

Abstract: An optical system for improving the sight of a person suffering from macular degeneration comprises a high positive power ophthalmic lens adapted to be disposed in front of the eye to be treated and a high negative power intra-ocular lens adapted to be implanted in the eye to be treated after removal of its crystalline lens. At least one surface of each lens is an aspherical surface of revolution. This aspherical surface of revolution preferably has a generatrix that is a conic section.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis has a valve ring (1) having an opening (2) for the flow of blood. A valve poppet (3) is mounted in the opening (2) for closing and opening it. An annular curvilinear depression (9) is provided on an upper or distal side (6) of the poppet (3) for reducing the poppet mass. The poppet (4) is floatingly mounted between support structures (4, 5).

Abstract: A longitudinally compliant PTFE graft is provided by compressing at least a portion of a porous PTFE tube along its longitudinal axis and coating at least the outer wall of the compressed portion of the PTFE tube with a biocompatible elastomer for allowing the compressed portion of the tube to be stretched along the longitudinal axis. The PTFE tube is compressed by pulling the tube over a cylindrical mandrel of like diameter and applying a compression force to the tube along its longitudinal axis. The compressed portion(s) is (are) secured against movement upon the mandrel, and a coating of liquified polyurethane or other biocompatible elastomer is then applied over at least the compressed portion(s) of the tube. The elastomeric coating may be applied by dip coating or spray coating techniques. After the elastomeric coating has dried, the completed graft is removed from the mandrel.

Abstract: A masked intraocular lens for implantation into a human eye is presented. The mask, which blocks only part of the lens body, together with the pupil of the eye, defines a small aperture in the eye when the pupil is constricted, thereby increasing the depth of focus, as a pinhole camera does. When the pupil of the eye is dilated, additional light is allowed to pass through the pupil around the mask and to reach the retina to allow a person to see in dimmer light conditions. In one embodiment, the mask defines a small circular aperture and a larger exterior annulus; the small circular aperture has an additional power intermediate between that needed for distance and close vision. Also provided is a method for treating a patient with cataracts comprising replacing the patient's lens with the lens of the invention.

Abstract: An intra-ocular lens comprising a lens part and a fixing part is disclosed, said lens part comprising a colorless transparent polyimide consisting mainly of a repeating unit represented by formula (I): ##STR1## The intra-ocular lens exhibits compatibility with the organism, chemical inactivity, and insusceptibility to modification or deterioration by the organism, has a refractive index of 1.6 or higher, completely absorbs ultraviolet rays while exhibiting substantial transparency to visible rays, and possesses heat resistance enough to withstand autoclaving.

Abstract: Decentered intraocular lens, usable to correct high myopia of an intact natural lens in an eye having a decentered pupil, by insertion through an eye incision and implanting in the anterior chamber at minimum risk of contacting the natural lens. The intraocular lens includes a lens body having a thickened outer edge and a concave face, and a pair of opposed haptics each terminating in a transverse edge having a pair of laterally spaced lobes to engage adjacent eye tissue at a corresponding pair of spaced tissue points, the transverse edges being of unequal length and arranged at respective distances from the lens body so that the lobes lie in a circle whose center is eccentric to the lens body optical axis, to position the lens body in spaced relating to the natural lens, decentered relative to the circle and eye optical axis and centered relative to the decentered pupil, with the lens body outer edge masked by the iris to inhibit transmission thereat of entering edge glare causing light rays.

Abstract: A tissue expander for expanding hair to cover temple bald recesses includes a base having a central arm and a pair of end arms separated by a pair of concave recesses and an expandable cover joined to the edge of the base.

Abstract: An intraocular implant comprises a lens substrate having on the surface thereof a coating layer, the coating layer being comprised of a specific compound.

Abstract: A resorbable marrow cavity closure comprises a plug formed of randomly packed, crimped pieces of thread of a resorbable polymer material.

Abstract: A hip prosthesis with interchangeable epiphysis. The prosthesis is formed from a neck and a head which form a one piece assembly, the neck having a reduced diameter at the level of the head and a greater diameter at its base. The assembly includes a housing for receiving a Morse cone which is integral with the upper pole of the femoral shank. Different sizes of the assembly may be used with different length shanks.

Abstract: A one-piece, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) for reducing posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and optic decentration includes a biconvex optic disc and a single, flexible, generally circular-shaped loop which extends around the periphery of the disc. The loop is radially compressible, i.e., tightens like a spring coil to achieve substantially 360.degree. contact with the peripheral zone of the posterior capsule with the optic disc centered substantially on the visual axis.

Abstract: This invention involves a porous device for implantation in the scleral tissue of the eye to relieve the intraocular pressure of glaucoma and a method for surgically implanting the device.

Abstract: An improved intraocular lens is provided which has a central optical portion formed of, for example, PMMA, and a soft, flexible supporting portion extending radially therefrom to support the intraocular lens in the evacuated posterior capsule of a human eye. The supporting portion is shaped to be compatible with the shape of the evacuated posterior capsule, and its outer periphery is rounded to softly fit into and be supported by the capsule without any pressure points.

Abstract: A hard introcular lens having shape memory consisting of a copolymer having a glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) from 40.degree. C. to 60.degree. C. that is deformable into the shape of a straight or bent rod with a diameter of 1 to 4 mm at a temperature above its T.sub.g temperature and cooled to fix the deformation for insertion into the human eye through a small incision. After insertion into the eye the deformed lens will soften and relax to its original undeformed shape by elevating its temperature with a rinsing solution above 40.degree. C. and will maintain its final shape after a subsequent temperature reduction at normal body temperature of about 37.degree. C. whereby the lens becomes a hardened lens.

Abstract: An artificial joint comprising a first member including a butt portion located at one end of the first member and having an internal opening and a long guide groove extending to the opening and a second member in contact with the butt portion of the first member and including an expanded portion at one end of the second member. The expanded portion is fitted in the internal opening of the first member. A projection along both sides of the long guide groove prevents the expanded portion from separating from the internal opening except at prescribed positions of the first and second members. The long guide groove guides the movement of the second member as it bends relative to the first member in a prescribed direction.

Abstract: An orthotic device attached to the external part of the body is adapted to provide support for the malfunctioning arm of a patient, said support offering a variety of stable arm positions in space in a manner essential for functional use of the forearm and hand. A plate attached to the body anchors an artificial ball and socket joint. The joint is actuated by a lockable rod which carries an adjustable elbow support or trough. Such structure provides the adequate range of motion and the needed accompanying stabilization of the arm in space, while said ball and socket joint replaces and/or augments the human shoulder joint. The device is worn by the patient inconspicuously under a garment, is useful either during mobility, while seated or when recumbent, and is applicable to human beings whose willful control of the shoulder joint is absent or decreased as the result of illness or injury.