Abstract: A method of obtaining an image of buried structures in an object, comprising: providing a camera for imaging visual and infrared-images; providing a bounded light source; partly irradiating said object by said bounded light source; imaging a non-irradiated area of said object by said camera to image said buried structure; and combining said buried structure image with a visual image of said object. Accordingly an image can be obtained while discarding specular reflections of the object. Additionally there is disclosed a method of enhancing imaging of buried structures in an object, comprising: aligning said infrared light source with a visual light source; providing a first edge analysis of said infrared image; providing a second edge analysis of said visual image; comparing said first and second edge analysis; and discarding edges in said infrared image that are also detected in said second image.

Abstract: A phantom device for mimicking anatomical structures, comprising: at least one electronic device layer comprising segmented areas of liquid crystals for forming a graphic layout of an anatomical structure; the segments comprising dyes of various absorbing characteristics for mimicking anatomical structures such as blood vessels; the areas further comprising electrically controllable optical diffuser and/or absorber elements for varying the absorption in the segments so as to mimic dynamical properties of said anatomical structure.

Abstract: A method of obtaining an image of buried structures in an object, comprising partially irradiating said object by light of a wavelength that images said buried structure; and obtaining a complementary partial image of said buried structure by light diffused from a non-irradiated image area. According to the method, an image can be obtained while discarding specular reflections of the object. Thus, deeper structures will be better visible. In a further aspect, the invention offers a method of enhancing imaging of buried structures in an object, comprising: analysing said image as a first image in order to detect the edges of said buried structure; obtaining a second image by irradiating said object with a second light that visually images said object; and combining said first and second images for defining edges of said buried structure in said visual image.

Abstract: A phantom device for mimicking anatomical structures, comprising: at least one electronic device layer comprising segmented areas of liquid crystals for forming a graphic layout of an anatomical structure; the segments comprising dyes of various absorbing characteristics for mimicking anatomical structures such as blood vessels; the areas further comprising electrically controllable optical diffuser and/or absorber elements for varying the absorption in the segments so as to mimic dynamical properties of said anatomical structure.

Abstract: A prosthetic device formed from a polymer which, when contacted with a calcium salt, calcium is deposited on or in the polymer. The polymer includes a soft component and a hard component. The device has bone-bonding properties. The soft component provides for the deposition of calcium on or in the soft component and preferably is a polyalkylene glycol, and the hard component preferably is a polyester. A preferred material is a polyethylene glycol/polybutylene terephthalate copolymer.

Abstract: A prosthetic device formed from a polymer which, when contacted with a calcium salt, calcium is deposited on or in the polymer. The polymer includes a soft component and a hard component. The device has bone-bonding properties. The soft component provides for the deposition of calcium on or in the soft component and preferably is a polyalkylene glycol, and the hard component preferably is a polyester. A preferred material is a polyethylene glycol/polybutylene terephthalate copolymer.

Abstract: A device for preventing adhesions or binding of tissue to tissue or of tissue to bone which comprises a composite of a first layer and a second layer, each of which comprises a biodegradable polymer. The first layer is selected from the group consisting of a non-porous layer and a porous layer having a pore size no greater than 3.mu.. The second layer has pores which have a pore size of from about 30.mu. to about 250.mu.. Such a composite device provides for tissue growth into the second layer, while the first layer acts as an adhesion-preventing barrier, and enables attachment of the device to tissue without suturing. Alternatively, the device comprises the first layer hereinabove mentioned and a second layer which is an adherence layer and which adheres to tissue and/or bone.

Abstract: A device for preventing adhesions or binding of tissue to tissue or of tissue to bone which comprises a composite of a first layer and a second layer, each of which comprises a biodegradable polymer, such as, for example, a polyethylene glycol/polybutylene terephthalate copolymer. The first layer is selected from the group consisting of a non-porous layer and a porous layer having a pore size no greater than 3.mu.. The second layer has pores which have a pore size of from about 30.mu. to about 250.mu.. The device is placed between two tissues or between tissue and bone. Such a composite device provides for tissue growth into the second layer, while the first layer acts as an adhesion-preventing barrier, and enables attachment of the device to tissue without suturing. Alternatively, the device comprises the first layer hereinabove mentioned and a second layer which is an adherence layer and which adheres to tissue and/or bone.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial skin which is made up of(1) a water vapor-permeable, non-porous top layer of a segmented thermoplastic copolyester with a thickness of 5-200 .mu.