Abstract: An implantable prosthesis comprising an expanded polytetraethylene member having pores present in its wall structure wherein said pores contain a solid insoluble biocompatible, biodegradable material of natural origin. A process of preparing said prostheses is also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis comprising an expanded polytetraethylene member having pores present in its wall structure wherein said pores contain a solid insoluble biocompatible, biodegradable material of natural origin. A process of preparing said prostheses is also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable microporous ePTFE tubular vascular graft exhibits long-term patency, superior radial tensile strength, reduction in tear propagation, and increases in suture retention strength and crush resistance. The graft includes an ePTFE tubular structure having a preselected microporous structure. The tubular structure is wrapped externally with a PTFE yarn in a helical fashion. The helical wrap of yarn is bonded to the exterior surface of the tubular structure by application of heat or heat in combination with force to form a composite structure which substantially maintains the porosity of the underlying tubular structure while increasing the suture retention strength, radial tensile strength, crush resistance, and tear propagation resistance.

Abstract: A radially self-expanding implantable intraluminal device formed from a hollow tubular braid. The intraluminal device may be used in a variety of medical procedures which require a passageway to be maintained in an open position or which require reinforcement, support or a bypass conduit such as in blood vessels weakened by disease. The intraluminal device is longitudinally expanded or radially collapsed for ease of insertion into a lumen and upon alignment within the lumen, the intraluminal device radially self-expands to come into intimate contact with the inner surface of the lumen.

Abstract: An implantable tubular prosthesis having cuffs adapted to accommodate stents. The prosthesis includes a hollow tubular conduit with cuffs at each end. Each of the cuffs has a closed end and a open end to create a slot for housing the stents. The prosthesis may be an implantable tubular intraluminal prosthesis for insertion within a body vessel, where the hollow tubular conduit is radially expandable to buttress the body vessel. Alternatively, the prosthesis may be an implantable tubular prosthetic graft for surgical replacement of damaged or diseased existing body vessels. The tubular prosthesis and stent combination may be radially expanded so that the stents anchor the prosthesis within the lumen. The slots which house the stents, prevent contact between the stents and fluids flowing through the body vessel.

Abstract: An improved extrusion method is employed in a process which is used to form tubing for medical applications. The method includes providing an extrusion apparatus having a die which includes a die cavity and a mandrel within the die cavity. The die is rotated in a first rotational direction while the mandrel is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite the first direction. While the die and the mandrel are rotating, a PTFE paste is passed through the annular passage defined between the die and the mandrel. The die cavity is cooled to maintain the PTFE paste passing therethrough at a substantially non-elevated temperature.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer composition comprising:(a) a destructurized starch, and either(b) an effective amount of at least one compound selected from the following: (1) a polymer which contains at least two different types of functional groups, one of said types of these groups being hydroxyl groups; (2) at least one polymer which does not contain hydroxyl groups and is selected from the group consisting of polymers which contain at least two types of functional groups bound to the same molecule one type of these groups being carboxylate groups; (3) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers which contain tertiary amino groups and/or salts thereof and/or quaternary ammonium groups; (4) at least one polymer selected from the group of polysaccharides which have been chemically modified to contain added hydroxyalkyl groups and/or contain alkyl ether groups, and/or contain ester groups; (5) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone; (6) at

Abstract: The use of oxidized cellulose as a medical lubricant is disclosed wherein oxidized cellulose is employed as a mold release agent or a donning powder in the manufacture of surgical gloves as well as in other applications; medical devices and, particularly, a surgical glove, are provided having finely divided oxidized cellulose powder on the surface in a lubricity imparting coverage.

Abstract: The use of oxidized cellulose as a medical lubricant is disclosed wherein oxidized cellulose is employed as a mold release agent or a donning powder in the manufacture of surgical gloves as well as in other applications; medical devices and, particularly, a surgical glove, are provided having finely divided oxidized cellulose powder on the surface in a lubricity imparting coverage.

Abstract: A flash chamber formed of two molded components being a cap which fits over a hollow hub and conjugates therewith to form a tortuous path through the hub and then between the outside of the hub and the inside of the cap.

Abstract: An adapter body for a catheter is described wherein the body is shaped to angle the catheter toward the blood vessel and maintain suturing about the body for holding same to the patient. In particular, a saddle is positioned across the top of the adapter body to locate a suture when same is used to tie down the adapter.

Abstract: A specific configuration for an over the needle catheter having a tapered outer wall and an angled introducer tip is disclosed. The catheter is molded of polyurethane material which is treated with a surface lubricant to ease the over the needle introduction of the catheter after venipuncture. The polyurethane material permits a minimal wall thickness for maximum flow with requisite strength and flexibility characteristics.

Abstract: A cardiac output computer which measures cardiac output by the indicator method involving the estimation of the area under either a thermodilution of a luminous transmission curve with automatic bolus detection. Evaluation of the area under the curve is made relative to a true baseline and is independent of, in the case of thermodilution, blood temperature as of the time the bolus is injected into the patient. A series of blood temperature samples are read and stored with the magnitude of each successive signal compared to the one received immediately before. As soon as a plurality of successive comparisons, preferably five, of six successively acquired blood temperatures indicate monotonically decreasing blood temperature values, a test for monotonicity is confirmed, with the highest temperature of the six being designated as the baseline. Once the test is confirmed the computer proceeds to evaluate the area under the curve.

Abstract: A thermodilution catheter assembly for use in determining cardiac output includes a special connector for joining the catheter to the output computer. Catheter size indicator links housed in the connector automatically communicate the size of the catheter to the computer when the connection is made. As an optional feature, the connector additionally includes means to automatically energize the computer when the connection is made.

Abstract: Natural tissues fixed with a tanning solution such as glutaraldehyde and intended for implantation in humans, e.g., porcine heart valve prosthetic devices, are treated with a solution of a water soluble phosphate ester such as sodium dodecyl hydrogen phosphate to inhibit mineralization, particularly calcification, of the tissue after implantation.

Abstract: Natural tissues fixed with a tanning solution such as glutaraldehyde and intended for implantation in humans, e.g., porcine heart valve prosthetic devices, are treated with a solution of a water soluble salt of a sulfated higher aliphatic alcohol such as sodium dodecyl sulfate to inhibit mineralization, particularly calcification, of the tissue after implantation.