Abstract: An electrical device utilized to control the body weight of a medically overweight human being comprises of at least two electrical leads for implanting on the fundus of the stomach. An electrical generator/controller (pacemaker) generates and regulates the frequency and degree of electrical stimulation. The device can be used surgically, laproscopically, and/or endoscopically.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for determining the presence of capillary leak in a subject which comprises (a) introducing into the subject's circulation a pharmaceutically-acceptable solution comprising biodegradable, nontoxic, macromolecules, which macromolecules are smaller than endothelial gaps in capillaries of a subject having capillary leak, and each of which macromolecules is labeled with a detectable marker; (b) obtaining a sample of blood from the subject; (c) quantitatively measuring the detectable marker in the sample; (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) at a plurality of suitably spaced points in time; and (e) comparing the quantities of detectable marker so measured so as to ascertain a change in the quantity of detectable marker in the subject's circulation over time, the change being indicative of the presence of capillary leak, thereby determining the presence of capillary leak in the subject.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method for determining in a subject the volume of plasma in the subject's circulation which comprises introducing into the subject's circulation a predetermined amount of a pharmaceutically-acceptable solution comprising a predetermined quantity of biodegradable, nontoxic macromolecules, which macromolecules are sufficiently larger than endothelial junctions in the subject's capillaries so that they are incapable of permeating the subject's capillaries, and each of which macromolecules is labeled with a detectable marker; obtaining a sample of plasma from the subject; determining the concentration of macromolecules in the sample; and calculating the volume of liquid which would dilute the sample to the concentration so determined. The subject invention also provides a method for determining in a subject the volume of blood in the subject's circulation which comprises determining the volume of plasma in the subject's circulation according to the aforementioned method.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions of matter and methods for treating a human subject to prevent leakage of serum albumin from capillary endothelial junctions during a period of increased capillary permeability. The method comprises administering to the human subject an effective capillary pore sealing amount of a macromolecule which is biodegradable, non-toxic, globular in shape, with a molecular weight range from about 100,000 daltons to about 1,000,000 daltons and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition of matter comprises a fraction derived from hydroxyethyl starch.

Abstract: A teaching aid is provided to enable medical students to practice various surgical techniques. The teaching aid comprises a multi-compartment tray, with the various compartments being devoted to teaching one or more distinct surgical techniques. A plurality of the compartments may comprise simulated tissues removably and replaceably mounted therein, such as simulated skin tissue, simulated blood vessels, simulated intestinal tissue and/or simulated tendons or nerves. Other compartments of the teaching aid may comprise hooks about which knot tying techniques may be practiced. Still other compartments may comprise simulated tissues that must be tensioned prior to suturing.