Abstract: A method is provided for packaging a prosthetic device for surgical use. The method includes detachably coupling a support to the device, cleaning substantially all of the foreign material from the device, and encapsulating the thusly cleaned device in an openable capsule with the support extending therethrough. The encapsulated device and support attached thereto are further encased in a bag or other like protective device and this packaged assembly is further encased in a box. Sterilization of the whole is effected by means of radiation. As to cleaning of the prosthetic device, this is effected by electropolishing, chemical polishing, electrochemical polishing or cathodic cleaning or the like. For use, the bagged device is subsequently removed from the box and delivered to an operating room or other antiseptic environment whereat the bag is removed and the device handled by means of the support attached thereto.

Abstract: A method of improving the operation of metal heart valves according to which the surfaces of the heart valves are treated to render more negative the electrochemical potential which the valve part will exhibit in blood or a blood-like fluid and to minimize surface non-homogenities. The surface is treated to obtain more particularly a negative surface potential which is generally homogeneous and more negative than + 100 mv/NHE by chemical polishing, electrochemical polishing or cathode cleaning.

Abstract: An endosteal tooth in one form is made of an electrically conductive material and is provided with an implant (e.g., lower) socket portion and a removably mounted crown (e.g., upper) portion which houses therein a source of electrical current for the implant socket portion. By supplying electrical current or voltage to the implant socket portion, which is embedded in bone in the region of the implantation, the growth of bone is induced and the prevention of infection provided. The rate of growth of the bone and the type of bone growth can be controlled by the amount of current supplied to the implant socket portion. In one embodiment of the invention, the source of electrical current is housed in the crown portion of the tooth which is replaced with a final crown after the growth of bone has been completed. In another form of the invention, the source of electrical current is supplied externally of the tooth.

Abstract: A prosthetic device is packaged for surgical use by detachably coupling a support to the device, cleaning substantially all of the foreign material from the device, and encapsulating the thusly cleaned device in an openable capsule with the support extending therethrough. The encapsulated device and support attached thereto are further encased in a bag or other like protective device and this packaged assembly is further encased in a box. Sterilization of the whole is effected by means of radiation. In use, the bagged device is subsequently removed from the box and delivered to an operating room or other antiseptic environment whereat the bag is removed and the device handled by means of the support attached thereto. A solution containing, for example, heparin and an antibiotic is injected into the capsule for treating the prosthetic device. Afterwards, the capsule is opened and the prosthetic device is juxtaposed to an installation zone by means of the support.

Abstract: In order to render the vascular system stable against the formation of thromboses, daily or periodic doses of a salt of para amino benzoic acid are taken orally or are administered by injection to give the vascular tree an internal surface charge which prevents the formation of thromboses.