Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring blood loss by collecting a blood sample from a patient prior to a surgical procedure, measuring the level of hemoglobin in that blood sample, collecting blood and pathological fluid removed from the patient during the surgical procedure; measuring the level of hemoglobin in the blood collected from the surgical procedure; comparing the level of hemoglobin in the blood collected prior to the surgical procedure with the level of hemoglobin in the blood after the surgical procedure and employing that comparison to determine the volume of blood lost during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A penile implant for assisting disabled men to achieve satisfactory sexual intercourse comprises a flexible rod-like body (1) having an inflatable chamber (3) surrounded by a non-stretchable mesh (4), and a flexible tail portion (2) projecting from the proximal end of the body. A flexible tube (8) connects the chamber to a flexible bulb (7) for pressurizing the chamber, this tube and bulb also being implantable in the patient's body. A non-return valve (10) at the outlet of the bulb prevents return of pressure fluid to the bulb when the chamber is pressurized to stiffen the implant. The valve housing (12) is integral with the bulb wall (11) and can be manually distorted to release the pressure when the implant is to be relaxed. The chamber (3), tube (8) and bulb (7) are filled with fluid at atmospheric pressure. In a modification, the inflatable chamber is constructed so as to be axially expandible upon inflation thereof so as to produce a more natural physiological action.

Abstract: A resectoscope having a linearly movable cutting element mounted for reciprocating motion while an outer sheath adapted to be inserted into the urethra employs a power source for automatically reciprocating the cutting element when the source is energized, control means actuatable by the user for energizing the power source, heating means for transmitting electrical current to the cutting element and timing means for intemittently energizing the heating means so that the heating means is energized during the cutting stroke of the cutter. In accordance with another aspect of the invention the resectoscope includes a hand actuatable lever for manually reciprocating the cutting element independently of the operation of the power source.

Abstract: A self-contained penile prosthesis comprising at least one cylinder for implantation in the penis and including a front tip section, an intermediate section, and a rear tail section. The intermediate section includes a tubular chamber which is inflatable, and arranged to assume an elongated rigid and hard state from a flexible, flaccid state upon the application of an operating liquid under pressure thereto. The tip section includes a portion which is arranged to be manually twisted through an acute angle to cause a substantial volume of operating liquid to be transferred by piston means from a reservoir into the inflatable chamber.

Abstract: A self-activatable penile prosthesis comprising at least one cylinder for implantation in the penis and including a front tip section, an intermediate section, and a rear tail section. The intermediate section includes at least one tubular member which is inflatable, and arranged to assume an elongated rigid and hard state from a flexible, flaccid state upon the application of an operating liquid under pressure thereto. An expandable bellows having an actuating fluid therein is located in the tip section. The actuating fluid expands from a first state to a second higher volume state upon the application of energy (e.g., heat) thereto. The expansion action causes an operating liquid located in at least one reservoir in the tip section to be provided under pressure to the inflatable tubular member in the intermediate section to cause it to become erect. Upon the dissipation of said energy from the actuating fluid the bellows contracts, whereupon the intermediate section of the cylinder becomes flaccid again.

Abstract: An anti-incontinent prosthesis comprising a support member formable into at least one generally spiral turn for location about the corpus spongiosum. A plurality of inflatable chambers are disposed on the turn and connected to a pump means for applying fluid pressure to said chambers to constrict the urethra.