Abstract: A method for holding a reactant in a polymer includes combining reactant, hydrogel monomer and a quenching surrogate in a solvent, whereby the solvation of the reactant and the monomer is reduced. The monomer is then polymerized to form a polymer matrix formed around the reactant with sufficient intimacy to replicate the molecular shape of the reactant without chemically attaching to or embedding the reactant. The reactant remains accessible for reaction. More than one reactant may be retained by a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix retaining the reactant is also described. The polymer matrix may be sorbed on a substrate, coated on a substrate, cast into shapes or otherwise made available for reaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing and/or modifying specific target substances in the blood is disclosed. The invention includes a column or chamber in which selected bioreactant molecules are suitably retained for reaction within a porous hydrogel polymer matrix by reversibly quenching the reactant propensity with a displaceable surrogate and polymerizing an insoluble cross-linked hydrogel in such manner that the hydrogel polymer replicates the shape of the bioreactant molecule. This replicated phantom shape in the polymer then exhibits profound dispersion-force affinity for the bioreactant. The invention provides for retention of a wide variety of therapeutic reactants and reaction products while confining the reaction within the column.

Abstract: A method is described for indexing a polyform block in which a metal field shaping block is cast to both the cutting tray of a hot wire cutting system and the treatment tray of a radiation therapy treatment machine. The cast metal field shaping block is automatically correctly oriented for treatment. A cooling tray for cooling the casting is also described.

Abstract: A method is described for indexing a polyfoam block in which a metal field shaping block is cast to both the cutting tray of a hot wire cutting system and the treatment tray of a radiation therapy treatment machine. The cast metal field shaping block is automatically correctly oriented for treatment. A cooling tray for cooling the casting is also described.

Abstract: A hot wire cutting system for cutting a pattern shape in a block of polyfoam for use as a casting mold for a metal shielding block to be used in radiotherapy treatments is described. The system provides proportioned current responsive to deflection of the hot cutter wire in order to cancel the deflection and maintain the wire in its optimal central cutting position. The hot cutter-wire preferably passes through a field which provides fine vibratory motion of the cutting wire allowing use of lower wire temperatures to effect the cutting. The system may include optical means for determining the accuracy of the profile cut in the polyfoam block.

Abstract: A hot wire cutting system for cutting a pattern shape in a block of polyfoam for use as a casting mold for a metal shielding block to be used in radiotherapy treatments is described. The system provides proportioned current responsive to deflection of the hot cutter wire in order to cancel the deflection and maintain the wire in its optimal central cutting position. The hot cutter-wire preferably passes through a field which provides fine vibratory motion of the cutting wire allowing use of lower wire temperatures to effect the cutting. The system may include optical means for determining the accuracy of the profile cut in the polyfoam block.

Abstract: In order to modify the immune system in humans having symptoms of a disorder of the immune system characterized by the presence of lymphocytes not apparently activated such lymphocytes are deactivated by a limited and closely controlled extracorporeal irradiation of an intensity and duration sufficient to cause the symptoms to disappear.

Abstract: Opposite edges of a flexible sheet of thermographic material are held so that when the surface of the sheet is forced against a body surface, resultant opposing forces applied to the opposite edges of the sheet press all the engaging surfaces against the body surface with substantially uniform pressure.

Abstract: Two spaced electrodes having a load in an external circuit connected between them are disposed in an electrically conductive liquid, and energy is imparted to the liquid in such manner that energized free electrons in the liquid excite free electrons which flow into one electrode to a greater degree than in the other electrode, thereby causing electric current to flow in the external circuit through the load.

Abstract: Heat storage means are provided for reducing heat loss from a liquid crystal thermographic sheet, which normally has good heat transmission characteristics in order to respond readily to temperature variations along a body surface against which the sheet is pressed. The heat storage means include a sheet or layer of material having relatively poor thermal conductivity disposed adjacent to the thermographic sheet. One or more reflective sheets or layers may be used for reflecting the thermal image back into the layer of poor thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A biocompatible hemoperfusion system employing a polymer-coated detoxicant composition comprising a solid detoxicant having a semipermeable polymer coating which substantially retains free heparin is disclosed. The semipermeable polymer coating has an effective pore size permitting waste metabolites and toxins to diffuse therethrough. A cartridge for extracorporeal hemoperfusion comprising a plurality of particles is provided.

Abstract: A spiral helix is affixed on the distal end of a flexible catheter.

Abstract: An elongate blunt-ended hollow tube is affixed on the distal end of a flexible catheter. A cutting edge along one side of a lengthwise slot in the tube wall cuts off irregularities from the inside of a vessel and feeds them into the hollow interior of the tube as the catheter is rotated.

Abstract: The diameter of a normally cylindrical mesh on the distal end of a flexible catheter is increased by a manually operated plunger so as to remove a clot from the vessel as the catheter is withdrawn.