Abstract: Systems and methods for the accurate and efficient assimilation of clinical and laboratory findings to facilitate a medical diagnostic process are provided. Additionally, such systems and methods may also be employed to facilitate education with respect to specific medical conditions. The systems of the present disclosure comprise a network-based system configured to analyze user input in the form of phenotypic manifestations and, in some cases, pathognomonic data collected from a patient to provide a focused group of possible medical conditions that correlate therewith. Further, in certain embodiments, the systems can automatically generate a list of inquiries, based on the user input and non-discounted medical conditions, to facilitate an efficient inquiry process. Such systems may also be used for educational purpose to facilitate a user's understanding of the pathogenesis and phenotypic manifestations of medical conditions.

Abstract: A prosthetic article for surgical implantation within the body of a host in a surgical stapling procedure comprises a strip of host-tissue-compatible animal tissue material that is initially removably affixed between the spaced-apart legs a U-shaped buttress member to create a tubular configuration that can readily slip over the jaws of a conventional surgical stapler. When the staple gun is fired, the staples penetrate through the strips of animal tissue and the host tissue and thus serve to reinforce the staple line. Because the buttress member is releasibly attached to the strip of animal tissue, the buttress member can be readily separated and discarded following the firing of a staple gun.

Abstract: To reinforce a line of surgical staples in host tissue, a strip of xenogeneic or autogenic tissue, such as cross-linked pericardium or dura mater harvested from horses, cows, pigs, sheep and humans, is appropriately adhered to the apposed surfaces of a staple cartridge supporting jaw and an anvil jaw of a surgical staple gun so that when tissue to be excised is positioned between the jaws and the staple gun is fired, the staples will penetrate the two layers of animal tissue and the intervening host tissue. Actuation of the cutting blade on the stapler or the use of a separate cutting instrument severs the tissue and the two layers of animal tissue along the staple line. When used in performing a lung reduction procedure, the animal tissue reinforcing strips create an air-tight seal about the staples preventing air leaks.

Abstract: A prosthetic article for surgical implantation within the body of a host in a surgical stapling procedure comprises a strip of host-tissue-compatible animal tissue material that is initially removably affixed between the spaced-apart legs a U-shaped buttress member to create a tubular configuration that can readily slip over the jaws of a conventional surgical stapler. When the staple gun is fired, the staples penetrate through the strips of animal tissue and the host tissue and thus serve to reinforce the staple line. Because the buttress member is releasibly attached to the strip of animal tissue, the buttress member can be readily separated and discarded following the firing of a staple gun.