Abstract: A method of in vivo monitoring the condition of an internal body repair in which an imageable, non-absorbable repair device having non-absorbable, particulate imaging material substantially uniformly dispersed therein has been surgically inserted, including: in vivo sensing of dimensional deformation of said repair device during the post-surgical healing process; comparing the sensed values with a previously developed correlation between said sensed values and the values at which failure occurs of comparable repair devices; wherein said sensed values relative to the repair device's failure values, considered in conjunction with the anticipated time for complete healing of said repair, provides information as to the condition of the repair.

Abstract: A method of in vivo monitoring the condition of an internal body repair in which an imageable, non-absorbable repair device having non-absorbable, particulate imaging material substantially uniformly dispersed therein has been surgically inserted, including: in vivo sensing of dimensional deformation of said repair device during the post-surgical healing process; comparing the sensed values with a previously developed correlation between said sensed values and the values at which failure occurs of comparable repair devices; wherein said sensed values relative to the repair device's failure values, considered in conjunction with the anticipated time for complete healing of said repair, provides information as to the condition of the repair.

Abstract: A method of in vivo monitoring the condition of an internal body repair in which an imageable, non-absorbable repair device having non-absorbable, particulate imaging material substantially uniformly dispersed therein has been surgically inserted, including: in vivo sensing of dimensional deformation of or imaging material concentration changes in said repair device during the post-surgical healing process; comparing the sensed values with a previously developed correlation between said sensed values and the values at which failure occurs of comparable repair devices; wherein said sensed values relative to the repair device's failure values, considered in conjunction with the anticipated time for complete healing of said repair, provides information as to the condition of the repair.

Abstract: A method of in vivo monitoring the condition of an internal body repair in which an imageable, non-absorbable repair device having non-absorbable, particulate imaging material substantially uniformly dispersed therein has been surgically inserted, including: in vivo sensing of dimensional deformation of or imaging material concentration changes in said repair device during the post-surgical healing process; comparing the sensed values with a previously developed correlation between said sensed values and the values at which failure occurs of comparable repair devices; wherein said sensed values relative to the repair device's failure values, considered in conjunction with the anticipated time for complete healing of said repair, provides information as to the condition of the repair.

Abstract: A polyamide suture includes an elongate core formed of multiple twisted and heat set filaments formed of a first polyamide material and a sheath formed of a second polyamide material surrounding the core along its length, the second polyamide material having dispersed therein non-absorbable radiopaque nanoparticles comprising 15-25% by weight of the second polyamide material. The melting point of the first polyamide material is at least 30° C. greater than the melting point of the second polyamide material. The core may also include or be formed of previously extruded bundles of first polyamide filaments overcoated with a second polyamide sheath. The suture is made by coextruding the core and a molten organic material formed of the second polyamide material and dispersed radiopaque nanoparticles. Desirably, the first polyamide material is Polyamide 66 and the second polyamide material is Polyamide 6.

Abstract: This invention consists of a flame-retardant, coated fabric material for use in the manufacture of rolling-door panels, blades, or leaves. It is particularly designed for use in the kind of high-speed, light-weight doors currently found in the garages and vehicle bays of warehouses, factories, and other industrial facilities. In addition to being much lighter than the metal doors being replaced, the material of the present invention has to its further advantage a flame-retardancy not present in earlier fabric doors.