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.

Abstract: A method for preparing human and other animal unbilical cords for use as a vascular replacement and/or arterial venous fistula which permits the umbilical cord which is to be grafted to be preformed into a desired predetermined configuration. The method includes the steps of initially flushing the cord in an aqueous solution, and then mounting the flushed cord upon a mandrel having the desired configuration. The mounted cord is immersed in ethyl alcohol until substantially dehydrated and preformed, and is thereafter immersed for fixation in an aldehyde selected from the class consisting of dialdehyde starch and gluteraldehyde, with the aldehyde immersion fixing the tissue into a shape conforming to the mandrel upon which it is mounted.

Abstract: A method for preparing human and other animal umbilical cords for use as a vascular replacement and/or arterial venous fistula which permits the umbilical cord which is to be grafted to be preformed into a desired predetermined configuration. The method includes roughening the surface of the umbilical cord at the point of juncture with the host tissue, external to the umbilical cord, thereby improving the sealing arrangement at said juncture to allow for puncturing of the graft as well as mechanical retention. Additionally, the method may include the steps of flushing the cord in an aqueous solution either before or after roughening, and then the flushed cord is mounted upon a mandrel having the desired configuration.