Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for making and using bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, multivalent cations and/or polycations. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then either dried into membranes or sponges, or are used as fluids or microspheres. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions. The compositions are designed to breakdown in-vivo, and thus be removed from the body. Membranes are inserted during surgery either dry or optionally after conditioning in aqueous solutions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for reducing pain and organ dysfunction using bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, multivalent cations and/or polycations. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then either dried into membranes or sponges, or are used as gels, fluids or microspheres. Compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions. The compositions are designed to breakdown in-vivo, and thus be removed from the body. Membranes are inserted during surgery either dry or optionally after conditioning in aqueous solutions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for making and using-bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides and polyethers, and to the resulting compositions. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then either dried or are used as fluids. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation of post-surgical adhesions. The compositions are designed to breakdown in-vivo, and thus be removed from the body. Membranes are inserted during surgery either dry or optionally after conditioning in aqueous solutions. The anti-adhesion, bioadhesive, bioresorptive, antithrombogenic and physical properties of such membranes can be varied as needed by carefully adjusting the pH of the polymer casting solutions, polysaccharide composition, the polyether composition, or by conditioning the membranes prior to surgical use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for making and using bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides and polyethers, and to the resulting compositions. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then either dried or are used as fluids. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation of post-surgical adhesions. The compositions are designed to breakdown in-vivo, and thus be removed from the body. Membranes are inserted during surgery either dry or optionally after conditioning in aqueous solutions. The anti-adhesion, bioadhesive, bioresorptive, antithrombogenic and physical properties of such membranes can be varied as needed by carefully adjusting the pH of the polymer casting solutions, polysaccharide composition, the polyether composition, or by conditioning the membranes prior to surgical use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for making and using bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides and polyethers, and to the resulting compositions. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then either dried or are used as fluids. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation of post-surgical adhesions. The compositions are designed to breakdown in-vivo, and thus be removed from the body. Membranes are inserted during surgery either dry or optionally after conditioning in aqueous solutions. The anti-adhesion, bioadhesive, bioresorptive, antithrombogenic and physical properties of such membranes can be varied as needed by carefully adjusting the pH of the polymer casting solutions, polysaccharide composition, the polyether composition, or by conditioning the membranes prior to surgical use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for making and using bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides and polyethers, and to the resulting compositions. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then either dried or are used as fluids. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation of post-surgical adhesions. The compositions are designed to breakdown in-vivo, and thus be removed from the body. Membranes are inserted during surgery either dry or optionally after conditioning in aqueous solutions. The anti-adhesion, bioadhesive, bioresorptive, antithrombogenic and physical properties of such membranes can be varied as needed by carefully adjusting the pH of the polymer casting solutions, polysaccharide composition, the polyether composition, or by conditioning the membranes prior to surgical use.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus and method for exercising the hands and forearms. The apparatus includes an outer frame having spaced first and second outer handles, and an inner frame coupled to the outer frame for reciprocal movement between the outer handles and having first and second inner handles. The first outer handle and first inner handle define a first gripping member, and the second outer handle and second inner handle define a second gripping member. The gripping members are each engageable by a hand for selectively moving the inner handle toward the outer handle and resisting movement of the inner handle away from the outer handle. The method includes the steps of providing an exerciser, grasping the first outer handle and the first inner handle with a first hand and the second outer handle and the second inner handle with a second hand, and moving the inner frame between the outer handles.

Abstract: An eyelid weighting system for the treatment of lagophthalmos. The weighting system includes a weight body having a concave first surface with a radius of curvature substantially conforming to the curvature of the eyeball and a second surface spaced from the first surface. First and second major edges join the first and second surfaces and a pair of side edges extend between the first and second major edges.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved viscoelastic fluid or gel for use in general surgery and also more specifically in spine and neurosurgery and also in surgery dealing with reproductive organs. The invention encompasses the method of delivering to a surgical wound an implant composition having up to about a 21/2% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and at least about a 0.5% by weight polyethylene oxide (PEO) in a physiologically acceptable mixture.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved viscoelastic fluid or gel for use in surgery and other therapies which consists of polyethylene oxide in selected concentrations not to exceed approximately 15% (15,000 ppm), contained in a physiologic balanced salt solution. The PEO may also be used in conjunction with viscosity enhancers which also act as heat stabilizers such as methylcellulose and its derivatives, polyvinyl pyrrolidone of polyvinyl alcohol or in conjunction with elasticizes such as low molecular weight polyethylene glycols or polypropylene glycols or in conjunction with gelation modifiers. These mixtures may be modified to increase retention time in the body by crosslinking with the use of material like dimethyl urea.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved viscoelastic fluid or gel for use in surgery and other therapies which consists of polyethylene oxide in selected concentrations not to exceed approximately 15% (15,000 ppm), contained in a physiologic balanced salt solution. The PEO may also be used in conjunction with viscosity enhancers which also act as heat stabilizers such as methyl cellulose and its derivatives, polyvinyl pyrrolidone or polyvinyl, alcohol or in conjunction with elasticizers such as low molecular weight polyethylene glycols or polypropylene glycols or in conjunction with gelation modifiers. These mixtures may be modified to increase retention time in the body by crosslinking with the use of materials like dimethylol urea.

Abstract: A corrective lens for the in-tact natural lens of the eye which utilizes an optical body formed of a material which is compatable with the tissue of the eye. The optical body is positioned against the natural lens of the eye and is held in place immediately adjacent the natural lens of the eye.

Abstract: An intraocular lens utilizing an optical portion and having at least one appendage with a first end portion connected to the optical portion. A second end portion of the appendage is intended for contacting the periphery of the eye. The terminus of the second end portion of the appendage includes a spacer which is positioned between the terminus of the appendage and the iris. An intermediate portion of the appendage connects the first and second end portions of the appendage.