Abstract: A method of retinal re-attachment is provide including the steps of providing an optical fiber probe assembly; providing a laser system coupled to the optical fiber probe assembly for delivering at least one laser light beam to the optical fiber probe; making an incision in the conjunctiva; passing at least a portion of the optical fiber probe assembly through the incision; advancing the portion of the optical fiber probe assembly so as to separate the conjunctival-Tenon and scleral planes; positioning the portion of the optical fiber probe assembly over a retinal break area; and delivering the laser light beam from the laser system through the optical fiber probe assembly to the scleral at the locus of the retinal break area thereby to produce localized scleral shrinkage to buckle the scleral so as to relax the retinal break area. An apparatus is also provided to employ the method.

Abstract: A bone nail for the medical care of spoke bone (i.e., radius) fractures comprises a hollow shaft (10) curved in a plane, which shaft is to be distally and posteriorly inserted into a spoke bone medullary canal and which includes a proximal end portion which is slotted so as to be able to be spread apart by a spreading body. A straddling member (36) having an outer threaded portion (44) cooperates with an inner threaded portion (18) in the slotted portion (12) of the shaft (10) of the nail so as to radially expand the proximal nail end when the straddling body (36) is rotated. A cross bore (22) at the distal end of the shaft (10) receives a bone screw extending approximately vertical to the plane of the curvature.

Abstract: A deformable surgical repair device is manufactured from a block or graft copolymer. The copolymer comprises a plurality of first linkages selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid ester and lactic acid ester linkages, and mixtures thereof, and a plurality of second linkages selected from the group consisting of 1,3-dioxan-2-one; 1,4-dioxan-2-one and .epsilon.-caprolactone linkages. The plurality of first linkages comprises at least about 50 up to about 90 mole percent of the copolymer. In an alternative claim, the deformable surgical repair device is manufactured from a blend of a first and a second absorbable polymer. The first absorbable polymer comprises a plurality of linkages selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid ester and lactic acid ester linkages, and mixtures thereof. The second absorbable polymer comprises a plurality of linkages selected from the group consisting of 1,3-dioxan-2-one; 1,4-dioxan-2-one and .epsilon.-caprolactone linkages.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent pads, sanitary napkins and the like that have absorbent cores that are suitable for rapidly acquiring and containing liquid in an especially effective and efficient manner. The absorbent core comprises a storage layer comprising hydrophilic fibrous material and discrete particles of absorbent gelling material and having an acquisition aperture so it can quickly acquire this discharged liquid; and a liquid handling layer comprising a resilient material that is mositure insensitive so to rapidly acquire liquids into itself through the acquisition aperture and distribute the liquid throughout the liquid handling layer to the storage layer. The storage layer also allows the liquid handling layer to be "drained" of the liquid that is acquired so that the liquid handling layer may have sufficient capacity to acquire and distribute subsequent loading of liquids.

Abstract: A transcutaneous infusion system comprises an implantable infusate injection port for conducting infusate from the port to an infusion site in the body. The port is supplied with infusate through a penetrable septum located directly under the skin. To infuse the patient, a flexible injection cannula encircling a needle which is slightly longer than the cannula is inserted through the septum into the port and then the needle is withdrawn leaving the free end of the flexible cannula in the port. The opposite end of the cannula is provided with a fitting for connecting the cannula to the outlet of a fluid administration set. The system also includes a bracket removably connected to the cannula and taped to the patient adjacent the injection site so that the bracket anchors the cannula and its associated fittings and tubing against the patient's skin, while assuring that the cannula is not bent to an extent that will stop fluid flow into the port.

Abstract: An implement for dispensing liquid and liquid-like materials, as liquid manure and the like, into and below the surface of the soil. The implement has a transverse hollow bar supporting a plurality of earthworking tools. Lift arms controlled with hydraulic cylinders connect the tool bar to a vehicle carrying the material. The vehicle delivers the material through a hose to the hollow tool bar. Separate hoses connected to the tool bar and to nozzles attached to the earthworking tools carry the material from the tool bar to the nozzles for discharge below the surface of the soil behind the earthworking tools.