Abstract: A substantially water-free ocular treatment composition including about 20% to about 45% beeswax and about 20% to about 45% jojoba oil. The composition can include at least one additional surfactant ingredient. The composition can be administered to a patient to improve the functionality of the tear film and decrease dry eye symptoms. The composition can be a semi-solid at room temperature and can liquefy when contacted with the skin at body temperature.

Abstract: A substantially water-free ocular treatment composition including about 20% to about 45% beeswax and about 20% to about 45% jojoba oil. The composition can include at least one additional surfactant ingredient. The composition can be administered to a patient to improve the functionality of the tear film and decrease dry eye symptoms. The composition can be a semi-solid at room temperature and can liquefy when contacted with the skin at body temperature.

Abstract: A substantially water-free ocular treatment composition including about 20% to about 45% beeswax and about 20% to about 45% jojoba oil. The composition can include at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of shea butter, caprylic/capric triglyceride, phospholipid, sodium hyaluronate, and coconut oil. The composition can be administered to a patient to improve the functionality of the tear film and decrease dry eye symptoms. The composition can be a semi-solid at room temperature and can liquefy when contacted with the skin at body temperature.

Abstract: A method of seismic retrofitting a concrete structure includes removing material from a portion of the concrete structure by irradiating the portion with a laser beam having a laser energy density. The method further includes positioning a stabilization structure in proximity to the portion of the concrete structure. The method further includes attaching the stabilization structure to the portion of the concrete structure, whereby the stabilization structure provides structural support to the concrete structure.

Abstract: A method of seismic retrofitting a concrete structure includes removing material from a portion of the concrete structure by irradiating the portion with a laser beam having a laser energy density. The method further includes positioning a stabilization structure in proximity to the portion of the concrete structure. The method further includes attaching the stabilization structure to the portion of the concrete structure, whereby the stabilization structure provides structural support to the concrete structure.

Abstract: A method of seismic retrofitting a concrete structure includes removing material from a portion of the concrete structure by irradiating the portion with a laser beam having a laser energy density. The method further includes positioning a stabilization structure in proximity to the portion of the concrete structure. The method further includes attaching the stabilization structure to the portion of the concrete structure, whereby the stabilization structure provides structural support to the concrete structure.

Abstract: A method of forming and deploying an improved absorbable fastener for hernia mesh fixation is disclosed. The absorbable fastener of the present invention functions to securely fasten tough, non macro-porous, and relative inelastic mesh to soft tissue. The fastener is formed from co-polymers of lactide and glycolide.

Abstract: A surgical ligation clip for double ligating a vessel, duct or other fluid carrying structure and a method for double ligating such structure.

Abstract: A method of forming and deploying an absorbable anchor for hernia mesh fixation is disclosed. The diameter of the anchor is reduced upon insertion to minimize entry hole size and insertion force and is increased when urged proximal. The anchor is formed from co-polymers of lactide and glycolide.

Abstract: A method of forming and deploying an improved absorbable anchor for hernia mesh fixation is disclosed. The absorbable anchor of the present invention functions to securely fasten tough, non macro-porous, and relative inelastic mesh to soft tissue. The anchor is formed from co-polymers of lactide and glycolide.

Abstract: A surgical dilator extractor is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a trocar cannula and expanded, forming a tissue receiving space, at the distal end. The tissue that is to be extracted is then suctioned to the dilator. The tissue is then removed from the cavity by the surgeon applying a force onto the dilator extractor that insures the elongation of the tissue and temporarily dilates the entry wound to the extent necessary for the tissue to be removed. Alternative embodiments of the surgical dilator extractor and related instrument tool sets and methods for the use thereof also are disclosed.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering a plurality of individual surgical anchors is disclosed. The delivery device comprises a housing, a delivery tube, having a distal and a proximal end, an actuator, flexible anchor reaction members, a reciprocating anchor carrier, having a distal and a proximal end, the distal end terminating in a tissue penetrator. The device further includes at least one surgical anchor located in juxtaposition with the anchor carrier. Each of the surgical anchors has a penetration section and a head section. The surgical anchors are preferably made from an absorbable polymer. The actuator is connected to the anchor carrier and has at least two states. The first, or home state, comprises a position such that the surgical anchor is proximal the distal end of the tube. The second state is such that the penetrating section of the surgical anchor is exposed beyond the distal end of the delivery tube.

Abstract: A ligation clip applicator design is provided that is particularly applicable to placement of a surgical ligation clip during a laparoscopic surgical procedure. The applicator has a magazine including first and second longitudinally extending partially closed channels within which enlarged portions of a ligation clip are received and held in an open position. First and second substantially parallel compression members are attached to the magazine and have first and second channel extensions therein aligned with the first and second channels of the magazine for receiving the first and second enlarged portions of the clip. The channel extensions include first and second releasing openings. The compression members close about a vessel, remaining substantially parallel as they close. The clip is pushed forward into the compression members to a position where the enlarged portions of the clip are aligned with the releasing openings, permitting the clip to be released to close and ligate the vessel.

Abstract: A method of seismic retrofitting a concrete structure includes removing material from a portion of the concrete structure by irradiating the portion with a laser beam having a laser energy density. The method further includes positioning a stabilization structure in proximity to the portion of the concrete structure. The method further includes attaching the stabilization structure to the portion of the concrete structure, whereby the stabilization structure provides structural support to the concrete structure.

Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene polymer comprising primary particles having core and shell portions, the core portion comprising tetrafluoroethylene polymerized in the presence of a perfluoroalkyl or alkoxy trifluoroethylene comonomer, particularly hexafluoropropylene, and shell portion consisting of tetrafluoroethylene homopolymer, or a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene in which the comonomer concentration is less than half that in the core portion.