Abstract: A sling device for surgical implantation into human recipient to support the urethra, the sling including an elongated strip of supple material. The elongated strip has a center portion, opposite first and second side portions, and a slot passing through the center portion, through which one of the side portions can pass, thereby forming a loop in the elongated strip. The material is a biological acceptable material for implantation into the human recipient, preferably selected from the group consisting of synthetic polymers, processed animal tissues, and combination thereof. A method of reducing the incidence of involuntary urination or restoring urinary continence in an incontinent human subject is also disclosed, including the steps of providing a sling device of the type previously described and surgically implanting the sling device in the human subject so that the urethra is biased upward so as to elevate the urethra.

Abstract: An adhesive strip-like bandage for application to skin wounds for sealing the wound without surface stitches or staples. The wound closure strips may be fabricated from a bias cut, woven, or non-woven, polymer-based material or other film, exhibiting uni-directional stretch properties which permits the strips to stretch in a controlled manner during wound healing. The strip bandages are detachably mounted to a backing member and in one configuration comprise a comb-like structure.

Abstract: A composition and formulation for use in covering and healing of wounds to the body, the formulation consisting of a mixture of a tissue compatible, water-based acrylic adhesive and collagen. The formulation comprises from between about 0.1% and 10% of collagen (dry basis), with the adhesive component preferably containing about 50% solids, balance water.

Abstract: An implanted flow meter device for monitoring blood flow through a vascular graft is described. At the time that the vascular graft is implanted, a ring-like clip having Doppler crystal transducers mounted thereon is made to surround the graft with the acoustic axis of the transducers being generally longitudinally and internally directed relative to the graft. At the same time, an electrical plug-type connector is subcutaneously implanted at a desirable access site and electrical conductors connect terminals on that plug to the Doppler crystal transducers. When a blood flow reading is desired, a small incision can be made at the implant site to provide access to the plug-type connector, allowing a Doppler transmitter/receiver to be connected to that transducers via the plug connection.

Abstract: An adhesive strip-like bandage for application to skin wounds for sealing the wound without surface stitches or staples. The wound closure strips may be fabricated from a bias cut, woven, or non-woven, polymer-based material or other film, exhibiting uni-directional stretch properties which permits the strips to stretch in a controlled manner during wound healing. The strip bandages are detachably mounted to a backing member and in one configuration comprise a comb-like structure.

Abstract: A process for treating animal tissue to make it acceptable for implantation in a human recipient without rejection or reabsorption, the process including the step of tanning the cartilage chemically or by irradiation: a preliminary dehydration step and a subsequent step of storage in an anti-microbial medium may also be used.

Abstract: A photographic accessory, for application to a body surface and other medical and scientific uses, having dimensional graduations and color patches to facilitate correlation of photographic data with the actual size and color of the surface in question.

Abstract: A method for preparing human and other animal unbilical cords for use as a vascular replacement and/or arterial venous fistula which permits the umbilical cord which is to be grafted to be preformed into a desired predetermined configuration. The method includes the steps of initially flushing the cord in an aqueous solution, and then mounting the flushed cord upon a mandrel having the desired configuration. The mounted cord is immersed in ethyl alcohol until substantially dehydrated and preformed, and is thereafter immersed for fixation in an aldehyde selected from the class consisting of dialdehyde starch and gluteraldehyde, with the aldehyde immersion fixing the tissue into a shape conforming to the mandrel upon which it is mounted.

Abstract: A method for preparing human and other animal umbilical cords for use as a vascular replacement and/or arterial venous fistula which permits the umbilical cord which is to be grafted to be preformed into a desired predetermined configuration. The method includes roughening the surface of the umbilical cord at the point of juncture with the host tissue, external to the umbilical cord, thereby improving the sealing arrangement at said juncture to allow for puncturing of the graft as well as mechanical retention. Additionally, the method may include the steps of flushing the cord in an aqueous solution either before or after roughening, and then the flushed cord is mounted upon a mandrel having the desired configuration.