Abstract:
The present invention provides, inter alia, a composition useful for producing a homogeneous, semipermeable membrane, the composition comprising a polysulfone semipermeable membrane, the polysulfone semipermeable membrane comprising a mixture of: an ultra-high-molecular-weight hydrophilic polymer, a polysulfone compound and a solvent for the polysulfone compound, and the polysulfone semipermeable membrane having a homogeneous structure such that the polysulfone semipermeable membrane has a substantially uniform structure. Another aspect of this invention discloses methods for fabricating semipermeable membranes by homogeneously mixing the composition, melting the composition, and melt-spinning the molten composition. Another aspect of the present invention includes homogeneous, melt-spun, semipermeable membranes useful for liquid separation processes, such as, but not limited to, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, dialysis, and reverse osmosis.
Abstract:
An expandable annuloplasty ring which may either expand spontaneously, in situ, as the patient grows or be expanded by surgical intervention by balloon dilatation. The distensible annuloplasty ring of the invention may be usable in pediatric patients whose growth, subsequent to surgical implantation of the ring, will necessitate subsequent enlargement of the ring to accommodate growth of the annulus. The ring may include relatively expandable segments to enable the enlargement thereof. The ring segments may include engaging teeth which cooperate with notches or slots formed in the tubes to provide some resistance to ring distention, while preventing collapse of the ring in the opposite direction. The teeth may be of different sizes or shapes to regulate the amount of force needed to expand the ring at different stages of the patient's growth. Alternatively, the adjustable ring includes a solid core of non-elastic material which plastically retains its shape upon natural expansion of the annulus, or after surgical expansion. In one embodiment, segments are coupled together with a discontinuity around the ring periphery. Pivot regions are provided between adjacent segments that, along with the discontinuity, enable the ring to expand upon annulus growth. The discontinuity may be positioned along the anterior side of the ring or around the posterior side. A further version makes use of telescoped segments with no discontinuity. The segments are coupled together with tubular sheaths, and expand without decoupling. A fabric covering may be omitted.
Abstract:
The present invention provides, inter alia, a composition useful for produci ng a homogeneous, semipermeable membrane, the composition comprising a polysulfone semipermeable membrane, the polysulfone semipermeable membrane comprising a mixture of: an ultra-high-molecular-weight hydrophilic polymer, a polysulfone compound and a solvent for the polysulfone compound, and the polysulfone semipermeable membrane having a homogeneous structure such that the polysulfone semipermeable membrane has a substantially uniform structure . Another aspect of this invention discloses methods for fabricating semipermeable membranes by homogeneously mixing the composition, melting the composition, and melt-spinning the molten composition. Another aspect of the present invention includes homogeneous, melt-spun, semipermeable membranes useful for liquid separation processes, such as, but not limited to, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, dialysis, and reverse osmosis.
Abstract:
The present invention provides, inter alia, a composition useful for producing a homogeneous, semipermeable membrane, the composition comprising a polysulfone semipermeable membrane, the polysulfone semipermeable membrane comprising a mixture of: an ultra-high-molecular-weight hydrophilic polymer, a polysulfone compound and a solvent for the polysulfone compound, and the polysulfone semipermeable membrane having a homogeneous structure such that the polysulfone semipermeable membrane has a substantially uniform structure. Another aspect of this invention discloses methods for fabricating semipermeable membranes by homogeneously mixing the composition, melting the composition, and melt-spinning the molten composition. Another aspect of the present invention includes homogeneous, melt-spun, semipermeable membranes useful for liquid separation processes, such as, but not limited to, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, dialysis, and reverse osmosis.
Abstract:
The present invention discloses, inter alia, a composition useful for producing a homogeneous, semipermeable membrane, the composition comprising (1) a polysulfone compound, (2) a solvent, such as sulfolane, antypyrine, delta -valerolactam, diethyl phthalate, and mixtures thereof, and (3) a non-solvent, such as poly(ethylene glycol), di(ethylene glycol), tri(ethylene glycol), glycerol, and mixtures thereof. Another aspect of this invention discloses methods for fabricating semipermeable membranes by homogeneously mixing the composition of the polysulfone compound, solvent, and non-solvent, melting the composition, and melt-spinning the molten composition. Another aspect of the present invention includes homogeneous, melt-spun, semipermeable membranes useful for liquid separation processes, such as, but not limited to, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, dialysis, and reverse osmosis.