Abstract: A collagen corneal shield for placement on the outer surface of the eye for protection of the eye, for delivery of drugs to the eye, or for both protection and drug delivery to the eye, functions without obstructing vision. The shield has a first, central portion comprising non-crosslinked collagen capable of rapid decomposition in the presence of enzymes in the tears, and a second portion comprising crosslinked collagen which decomposes slowly in the presence of enzymes in the tears so that it remains on the eye for a period of time longer than the first portion. The first portion of the shield covers the central portion of the cornea and the second portion of the shield extends outward from the first portion. As a result of decomposition of the first portion the corneal shield becomes a ring or washer shape around the central portion and at least a portion of the cornea is no longer covered by the shield so that vision is not obstructed.

Abstract: A collagen corneal shield for placement on the outer surface of the eye for protection of the eye, for delivery of drugs to the eye, or for both protection and drug delivery to the eye, functions without obstructing vision. The shield has a first, central portion comprising non-crosslinked collagen capable of rapid decomposition in the presence of enzymes in the tears, and a second portion comprising crosslinked collagen which decomposes slowly in the presence of enzymes in the tears so that it remains on the eye for a period of time longer than the first portion. The first portion of the shield covers the central portion of the cornea and the second portion of the shield extends outward from the first portion. As a result of decomposition of the first portion the corneal shield becomes a ring or washer shape around the central portion and at least a portion of the cornea is no longer covered by the shield so that vision is not obstructed.

Abstract: A hydrogel corneal inlay for implantation under a lamellar dissection of the cornea to modify the anterior corneal curvature, thereby altering the refractive power of the eye, in the treatment of hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. The inlay front and rear surfaces are the same configuration so the function of the inlay will not depend on which surface of the inlay is placed against the stroma.

Abstract: A micro-bore catheter for use with an infusion pump wherein the micro-bore lumen of the catheter acts as an adjustable flow restricting element. The flow rate through the catheter can be increased proportionally by trimming the length of the catheter. One end of the catheter is attached to a needle for insertion of the catheter into the elastomeric septum of a drug infusion pump.

Abstract: An infusion catheter with an adjustable flow contains a flow restrictor tube located in the lumen of the catheter. The flow rate through the infusion catheter can be adjusted by reducing the length of the flow restrictor tube and infusion catheter assembly.

Abstract: A micro-bore catheter for use with an infusion pump wherein the micro-bore lumen of the catheter acts as an adjustable flow restricting element. The flow rate through the catheter can be increased proportionally by trimming the length of the catheter. One end of the catheter is attached to a needle for insertion of the catheter into the elastomeric septum of a drug infusion pump.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis comprises a hydrogel enclosed within a flexible envelope. The hydrogel contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains. It is prepared by copolymerizing a hydrophilic monomer such as water soluble N-vinylpyrrolidone, acrylates or methacrylates with non-water soluble monomers such as acrylates, methacrylates, N-vinyl carbazole, its derivatives, or a non-water soluble derivative of N-vinylpyrrolidone. The flexible envelope may be either porous or non-porous. The hydrogel may be either solid or composed of particles of a size greater than the porosity of the envelope.

Abstract: A surgically implantable prosthesis for replacing a bone joint, specifically the knuckle, of an individual is disclosed herein. The prosthesis includes a one-piece main body of flexible, inert material including first and second spaced apart end sections and a narrower web extending between and joining the sections together for flexing movement about a particular flexing axis through the web, whereby the main body functions as a hinge. First and second elongated stems connected to and extend out from these end sections in directions normal to the flexing axis and away from one another. In accordance with one feature of the prosthesis disclosed herein, a specific one of the stems is laterally offset in a specific way with respect to the flexing axis. In accordance with another feature, the end sections and web of the main body together define the key-hole shaped groove across one side of the web between the end sections.

Abstract: A portable device used for expediting the healing of bone or soft tissue fractures or defects in a patient is disclosed herein and utilizes at least one cathode electrode, an anode electrode and a circuit arrangement for applying a regulated flow of current between the electrodes and through the fracture or defect site. A specifically designed electrode assembly including the cathode electrode is also disclosed herein along with a particular technique for placing the cathode electrode in position at the fracture or defect site.

Abstract: A completely portable, continuously self-monitoring device for expediting the healing of bone or soft tissue fractures or defects in a patient is disclosed herein along with its method of use. This device includes an electrical power supply, electronic circuitry and an arrangement of electrodes for applying current in a regulated manner through the fracture or defect site in a way which has been found to expedite the healing of bone fractures or bone defects at the site. The device also includes a monitoring arrangement cooperating with its power supply, electronic circuitry and arrangement of electrodes for continuously detecting and visually indicating whether or not the power supply is in proper working order and whether or not current is flowing through the fracture or defect site.