Abstract: Compositions of cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) are disclosed that are generally in the form of an elastic, hydrophilic, water-insoluble viscous cohesive mass of material that has many important medical uses including uses as a filler for implants. The present invention also involves a process for producing such compositions.

Abstract: Compositions of cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) are disclosed that are generally in the form of an elastic, hydrophilic, water-insoluble viscous cohesive mass of material that has many important medical uses including uses as a filler for implants. The present invention also involves a process for producing such compositions.

Abstract: Compositions of cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) are disclosed that are generally in the form of an elastic, hydrophilic, water-insoluble viscous cohesive mass of material that has many important medical uses including uses as a filler for implants. The present invention also involves a process for producing such compositions.

Abstract: Compositions of cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) are disclosed that are generally in the form of an elastic, hydrophilic, water-insoluble viscous cohesive mass of material that has many important medical uses including uses as a filler for implants. The present invention also involves a process for producing such compositions.

Abstract: Compositions of cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) are disclosed that are generally in the form of an elastic, hydrophilic, water-insoluble viscous cohesive mass of material that has many important medical uses including uses as a filler for implants. The present invention also involves a process for producing such compositions.

Abstract: Compositions of cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) are disclosed that are generally in the form of an elastic, hydrophilic, water-insoluble viscous cohesive mass of material that has many important medical uses including uses as a filler for implants. The present invention also involves a process for producing such compositions.

Abstract: A receptacle for controlling and containing irrigation fluids administered to clean and irrigate a wound on a patient's body. The receptacle comprises a thin flexible film selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride, and having an adhesive portion for sealing to the patient. The receptacle is in the form of a bag member and is utilized for retaining fluids along with a spraying or irrigation member, thereby enabling the wound irrigation procedure to be carried out in a closed system, and wherein upon completion of the procedure, the receptacle may be completely sealed and disposed of in an appropriate manner so as to avoid cross-contamination from a patient being treated to another person such as a health care professional or another patient.

Abstract: An improved micro-implantation method and composition for filling depressed scars, unsymmetrical orbital floors, muscle, lip, and other soft tissue defects is provided for use in reconstructive surgery procedures. Textured micro particles having an outside diameter between about 30 microns and 3000 microns are used with an appropriate physiologic vehicle cannula and syringe and/or pressure delivery system into a predetermined locus. The particles provide long-term filling of defects without migration loss.

Abstract: Novel principles for treating urological and gastric fluid reflux disorders are disclosed wherein textured micro particles having a combination of average unidimensional particle size range and average particle texture which cooperate substantially to prevent loss of the micro particles from any injection site.

Abstract: A universal infusion/aspiration cannula system includes a generally rounded tubular cannula member having a conduit or tubular portion provided with a rounded, partially, open, blunt insertion tip and a proximal end adaptable to standard fittings. The cannula alone allows for the blunt atraumatic dissection through intervening tissues and upon withdrawal, the simultaneous infusion of space filling substances, living tissues or hemostatic agents. A stilette member is provided which is operable within the cannula and the external dimensions of which approximate the internal dimensions of the cannula member wherein the stilette can be rotated or advanced and retracted as a saw to either amputate, cut or saw and grasp a biopsy specimen.

Abstract: An improved micro-implantation method and composition for filling depressed scars, unsymmetrical orbital floors, muscle, lip, and other soft tissue defects is provided for use in reconstructive surgery procedures. Textured micro particles having an outside diameter between about 30 microns and 3000 microns are used with an appropriate physiologic vehicle cannula and syringe and/or pressure delivery system into a predetermined locus. The particles provide long-term filling of defects without migration loss.

Abstract: An improved bio-osmotic gel for filling implant lumens consisting substantially of an amount of a bio-compatible organic polymer and a solution of bio-compatible salt is disclosed which exhibits osmotic qualitites closely paralleling that of human body serum and improved radiolucency with respect to silicone oil and saline. The bio-osmotic gel can contain a polymer having the empirical formula [(CHCH.sub.2).sub.2 N(CH.sub.2).sub.3 CO].sub.n i.e. polyvinylpyrrollidone. The bio-compatible salt can be made of a low Z value salt such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium acetate, or sodium lactate. The gel material should have an osmolarity between 250 and 350 milliosmoles and have an X-ray absorption under standard exposure approximately equal to that of breast tissue such that processed mammographic X-ray film will have an optical density of 1.2 to 1.3 and an average penetrance of between 9.2 and 30.0 milliroentgens.

Abstract: A surgical drain system includes an elongated drain member having a conduit portion connected to a fluid intake portion with a fluid flow passage extending continuously through both portions and with at least one fluid intake opening in the fluid intake portion. The conduit portion of the drain member has generally a marquise-shaped transverse cross-section, whereas the fluid intake portion has a similar cross-sectional shape but absent the pointed end portions of the marquise shape. In use, the drain member may be positioned with the fluid intake portion within the wound in a desired position and with the conduit portion traversing the wound, and the wound edges may easily be made to conform to the marquise shape of the conduit portion to form a substantial seal. The drain member also preferably includes a one-way valve connected to the conduit portion for preventing fluid from flowing into the wound through the drain member.

Abstract: Capsular contracture causing firmness of soft silicone implants is a serious problem that may result from several causative factors that have as their final pathway, the development of increased scar tissue. The present invention has altered the formation of this scar encapsulation of silicone implants by texturing the silicone surface in order to gain fibroblast ingrowth into the interstices and thus prevent micromotion at the host prosthesis interface. It has been found that this produces a thinner fibrous capsule. Previously published work pertaining to animals and man has shown that similar texturing of tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) and other substances achieves these goals. In accordance with work leading up to the present invention, textured silicone samples have been implanted in the subcutaneous layer of rabbits, the capsule formation and the host-prosthesis interface studied histologically.

Abstract: An adhesive strip-like bandage for application to skin wounds for sealing the wound without surface stitches or staples. The wound closure strips may be fabricated from a bias cut, woven, or non-woven, polymer-based material or other film, exhibiting uni-directional stretch properties which permits the strips to stretch in a controlled manner during wound healing. The strip bandages are detachably mounted to a backing member and in one configuration comprise a comb-like structure.

Abstract: An adhesive strip-like bandage for application to skin wounds for sealing the wound without surface stitches or staples. The wound closure strips may be fabricated from a bias cut, woven, or non-woven, polymer-based material or other film, exhibiting uni-directional stretch properties which permits the strips to stretch in a controlled manner during wound healing. The strip bandages are detachably mounted to a backing member and in one configuration comprise a comb-like structure.

Abstract: A temperature control device containing a mixture of de-ionized water, propylene glycol, polysaccharides and plant gum for providing a moldable pillow-like surface for cooling/heating and positioning body organs or parts. A multi-layered container including an insulator, a radiant heat reflecting layer and a liquid impermeable outer layer permit autoclaving and provide directional cooling/heating. The inclusion of appropriate phase change chemicals or reciprocal ion-type chemicals or metal particles facilitate the stabilization of temperature over a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: An improved septal splint for maintaining the nasal septum in a desired orientation following reconstructive surgery. The composite splint includes two symmetrical halves, each including a plate member having a planar surface for contacting the septum and a tubular passageway for facilitating nasal breathing during the healing process. In another embodiment, an elastic expander or balloon is secured to each of the splint members such that following their insertion into the nasal orifices, the balloons can be inflated to apply predetermined pressures to each side of the septum. The impregnation of the septum contacting surface of the splint with a hemostatic agent and/or the lining or fabrication thereof from impregnated porcine skin are also contemplated.

Abstract: A photographic accessory, for application to a body surface and other medical and scientific uses, having dimensional graduations and color patches to facilitate correlation of photographic data with the actual size and color of the surface in question.

Abstract: A septal splint comprising a clip member to which a pair of plate members are secured to extend in spaced relation in the same direction, and apply pressure to both sides of the nasal septum, when trimmed to a desired shape and inserted in a patient's nostrils. The clip member has a central loop which remains external of the patient and may be severed to facilitate removal of the splint after use.