Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for measuring chemical concentration in a liquid sample based on spatial separation and resolution of light is disclosed. The method is preferably applied to sensitive, quantitative, luminescence-based biosensors which reads the analyte concentration via spatial distribution of the emitted light. The detection of light is used to assess the spatial position, rather than the intensity or wavelength, of emitted light. A bioluminescent or chemiluminescent reaction requiring, for example, ATP, NADPH or NADH as a specific, and sensitive co-factor is used. ATP or NADH concentration is modulated, “tuned,” and/or regulated via, for example, an enzyme which consumes (“consumase”) ATP, NADPH, or NADH, thereby producing a spatial distribution of ATP or NADH and a spatial distribution in the emitted light.

Abstract: A wound irrigation apparatus comprising a fillable fluid delivery member, a fluid channel, and a splash shield for use in wound irrigation is disclosed. The splash shield is a three-dimensional shield positionable about a wound to protect medical personnel from the back splash resulting from wound irrigation and is at least partially flexible and compliant for shaping the shield to fit the unique shape or dimension of a wound. The flexible peripheral edge of the splash shield also prevents damage to the wound if the shield should come in contact with the wound. The shield may also be structured to provide selective angular adjustment of fluid delivery to the wound. The shield of the present invention generally comprises a shield member and a hub positioned through the surface of the shield member to direct fluid to a wound. The shield member may be structured to provide selective angular positioning of the hub to selectively direct fluid to the wound site.

Abstract: An implantable structure for incorporation into the tissues of a body is provided which retains therein fluid substances or biological substances which produce, or cause to be produced, biochemicals deliverable to the body. The implantable structure is configured to provide insertion and removal of substances therefrom as needed. The implantable structure generally comprises a porous outer member configured to encourage ingrowth of vascularized tissue therethrough, and an inner member of selectively permeable material providing interior space for inserting substances therein and which is structured to prevent ingrowth of tissue therethrough. The inner member is capable of providing immunoisolation to the substances therein as required.

Abstract: A locking syringe selectively operable in either of a freely reciprocating or a restricted, threaded mode. A trigger attached to the plunger includes internal threads on the interior of the barrel of the syringe and external threads located on the plunger on a spine slidable in a longitudinal slot in the plunger. A handle is affixed to the plunger, and a retraction bar is rigidly secured to the spine. The threads on the plunger may be retracted from engagement with the threads on the barrel, thereby placing the syringe in its freely reciprocating mode. The trigger, which is spring biased to engage the external and internal threads, employs a plurality of ramps and channels disposed at approximately the same angle to the longitudinal axes of the plunger and barrel as are the threads. A pawl is pivotally securable on the retraction bar at a position receivable into a pawl receiving aperture on the handle when the receiving bar is in its first position permitting reciprocating movement of the plunger.

Abstract: An implantable device for administering drugs or other substances to body tissues of a patient is disclosed. The device is designed to allow controlled ingrowth of connective tissue into the device, and a solution may be pumped or injected into the device where the solution is diffused through the ingrown connective tissue and out into the body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to prosthesis and methods for promoting nerve regeneration. The proximal and distal ends of a severed nerve are brought into close proximity and are enclosed by a tubular prosthesis. In one preferred embodiment, a epineurial or endoneurial monosuture is used to hold the nerve ends in close proximity. A tight seal is formed between the prosthesis and the injured nerve so as to isolate the injured nerve within the prosthesis from the rest of the body of the host. Additionally, in one preferred embodiment, nerve grafts may be incorporated into the prosthesis and nerve regeneration promoting substances may be incorporated within the nerve graft to further enhance nerve regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to prostheses and methods for promoting nerve regeneration. The proximal and distal ends of a severed nerve are brought into close proximity and are enclosed by a tubular prosthesis. In one preferred embodiment, a monosuture is used to hold the nerve ends in close proximity. A tight seal is formed between the prosthesis and the injured nerve so as to isolate the injured nerve within the prosthesis from the rest of the body of the host. Additionally, in one preferred embodiment, nerve grafts may be incorporated into the prosthesis and nerve regeneration promoting substances may be incorporated within the nerve graft to further enhance nerve regeneration. Prostheses and methods for inhibiting the formation of neuromas are also disclosed.

Abstract: Surfaces of hydrophobic polymers are treated to reduce their friction resistance characteristics when in contact with an aqueous environment by exposing the surfaces to an oxidation treatment, preferably by use of radio frequency glow discharge. This oxidation is followed by exposure to atmospheric air, until there is a substantial reduction in the air-water contact angle of the surfaces. The reduced friction resistance characteristics are important in aqueous applications where there is movement between the surfaces of two polymeric materials, such as in double slideable catheters and similar medical products. This process also provides lower coefficients of friction for general polymeric products in contact with water and aqueous solutions.