Abstract: A product suitable for absorbing wound exudate comprising a series of interconnected square or rectangular perforated bags made of a substance of maximum thickness 1 mm e.g. film, which is substantially non-adherent to a wound, wherein alginic acid or a salt thereof such as calcium alginate is housed in the bags, preferably in the form of small spheres. The film preferably comprises ethylene/methyl acrylate copolymer. Alternatively, the product comprises a string along which beads of alginic acid or alginate are threaded.

Abstract: The invention provides wound dressing and/or implant materials comprising a matrix structure of sponge, at least one substructure and at least one pharmacologically active agent, wherein both the matrix structure and the substructure are formed from bioabsorbable biopolymer materials. The substructure may, for example, comprise biopolymer films, flakes, fibres or microspheres embedded in the matrix structure of sponge. The pharmacologically active agent may comprise antiseptics, antibiotics, analgesics. One or more such active agents may be incorporated separately into the matrix and/or the substructure so as to achieve controlled or phasic release of the active agents into the wound.

Abstract: Heteromorphic sponges are described which have matrix structures with oriented substructures added to facilitate cellular invasion. A sponge may be used as a wound implant by cutting it to the shape of a wound bed and placing therein. The matrix structure provides conduits which assist invasion of the sponge by cells which degrade the sponge and lay down new tissue to replace it. The incorporation of active agents in the matrix and/or substructures enhances wound healing.

Abstract: The invention provides aqueous gel compositions for use as wound dressings and comprising from 2% to 10% w/v of alginate and from 25% to 40% w/v of polyhydric alcohol, said compositions being substantially sterile. The alginate is preferably sodium alginate and/or potassium alginate. the polyhydric alcohol is preferably propylene glycol or hexylene glycol. Also provided is a process of making such gel compositions comprising the steps of: providing an aqueous gel having the above composition and sterilizing the aqueous gel. Preferably, the aqueous gel is sterilized by heating.

Abstract: Wound healing compositions comprise from 1 to 20% by weight of a gel forming polysaccharide such as carboxymethyl cellulose and from 15 to 50% by weight of hexylene glycol. Such compositions are strongly antimicrobial, but show low toxicity to fibroblasts.

Abstract: A system for preparing autologous plasma comprises a single use filter unit having two inlets in fluid communication with each other, an outlet, and a filtration membrane selectively permeable to blood plasma separating the inlets from the outlet. Manually operable, single use pumps, preferably syringes, connect to the inlets. A flow path is defined along the membrane between the pumps, whereby, whole blood can be repeatedly exchanged between the two pumps, past the membrane, to cause plasma to flow across the membrane and out of the outlet. A syringe can collect plasma from the outlet. Plasma thus collected can be simultaneously applied with a thrombin solution to a site on the body, thereby forming a fibrin gel.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composite comprising an insoluble protein matrix and an oleaginous material, which is useful as a material for surgical dressings and biomedical implants, and as a cosmetic material for application to the skin. The process comprises the steps of mixing a protein, the oleaginous material and water to form an emulsion of the oleaginous material in an aqueous dispersion of the protein, and subsequently drying or freeze-drying the emulsion to form a film or a sponge.

Abstract: A process for color anodizing and sterilizing aluminum surfaces on medical instruments without fading the anodized color comprises the steps of: anodizing an aluminum surface on a medical instrument to form an oxide film; immersing the surface in a salt bath of a coloring metal and electrolytically depositing the coloring metal onto the oxide film; and repeatedly sterilizing the medical instrument and its surface by exposing it to an oxidizing sterilant, whereby the electrolytically deposited coloring metal remains adhered to the surface and the color of the surface is not adversely affected by the repeated exposure to the oxidizing sterilant. Preferably, the sterilant comprises hydrogen peroxide, the coloring metal comprises tin and the surface remains non-cytotoxic after the anodizing, coloring steps and sterilizing steps.

Abstract: A pressure equalization device connects to a port on an endoscope and equalizes the pressure within the endoscope to an environment thereabout. An outlet check valve allows flow out of the port and blocks flow into the port. A filter may be provided for preventing known chemical agents from entering the port. If the agent is hydrogen peroxide, the filter preferably comprises a catalyst, such as copper wool, for decomposing the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. An inlet check valve may also be provided to communicate with the endoscope port and allow flow into the port in response to a downstream pressure gradient exceeding a predetermined value.

Abstract: A fully absorbable prosthesis (1) for the repair of damaged ligaments and/or tendons in the form of a multilayer spiral roll comprising the following spiral layers: a foraminous layer (2) of a synthetic bioabsorbable material; a bioabsorbable film (3); and a layer (4) of a bioabsorbable biopolymer sponge. The invention also provides a method of making such a prosthesis, comprising the steps of: providing a laminate of a foraminous layer of bioabsorbable material and a bioabsorbable film; coating the laminate with a layer of an aqueous gel comprising a bioabsorbable polymer; rolling up the laminate and the gel layer into a spiral roll, followed by drying the gel to form a layer of bioabsorbable sponge. The foraminous layer (2) preferably comprises a synthetic bioabsorbable polymer having high tensile strength. The bioabsorbable film (3) and sponge layer (4) preferably comprise a chemotactic biopolymer such as collagen.

Abstract: Heteromorphic sponges are described which have matrix structures with oriented substructures added to facilitate cellular invasion. A sponge may be used as a wound implant by cutting it to the shape of a wound bed and placing therein. The matrix structure provides conduits which assist invasion of the sponge by cells which degrade the sponge and lay down new tissue to replace it. The incorporation of active agents in the matrix and/or substructures enhances wound healing.

Abstract: A self-contained biological indicator includes an outer container that is translucent and liquid impermeable. The container is normally closed by a vapor-permeable, micro-organism-impermeable closure and contains a source of viable microorganisms, a culture medium, a composition that decomposes hydrogen peroxide, and a detector that undergoes a visible change in response to growth of the microorganisms. In operation, the indicator is first subjected to a sterilization cycle in a hydrogen peroxide sterilizer. Without opening the outer container, the microorganism source, culture medium, and hydrogen peroxide-decomposing composition are brought into contact. The indicator is placed in an incubator, after which the detector responds to any microorganism growth, indicative of incomplete sterilization.

Abstract: A fully absorbable prosthesis (1) for the repair of damaged ligaments and/or tendons in the form of a multilayer spiral roll comprising the following spiral layers: a foraminous layer (2) of a synthetic bioabsorbable material; a bioabsorbable film (3); and a layer (4) of a bioabsorbable biopolymer sponge. The invention also provides a method of making such a prosthesis, comprising the steps of: providing a laminate of a foraminous layer of bioabsorbable material and a bioabsorbable film; coating the laminate with a layer of an aqueous gel comprising a bioabsorbable polymer; rolling up the laminate and the gel layer into a spiral roll, followed by drying the gel to form a layer of bioabsorbable sponge. The foraminous layer (2) preferably comprises a synthetic bioabsorbable polymer having high tensile strength. The bioabsorbable film (3) and sponge layer (4) preferably comprise a chemotactic biopolymer such as collagen.

Abstract: A calcium-modified oxidized cellulose hemostat provides faster hemostasis than does either unmodified or sodium- or potassium-modified oxidized cellulose. The percentage by weight of calcium in the modified oxidized cellulose must be in a range between about 0.5 and about 4, in order to enhance hemostasis, while not interfering excessively with bioabsorbability. In a second embodiment, an oxidized cellulose hemostat is modified with both calcium and either sodium or potassium. The second embodiment may be used to deliver acid-sensitive materials.

Abstract: The invention provides wound dressing and/or implant materials comprising a matrix structure of sponge, at least one substructure and at least one pharmacologically active agent, wherein both the matrix structure and the substructure are formed from bioabsorbable biopolymer materials. The substructure may, for example, comprise biopolymer films, flakes, fibres or microspheres embedded in the matrix structure of sponge. The pharmacologically active agent may comprise antiseptics, antibiotics, analgesics. One or more such active agents may be incorporated separately into the matrix and/or the substructure so as to achieve controlled or phasic release of the active agents into the wound.

Abstract: A medical gown has a tubular, seamless, and impervious protective layer surrounding each sleeve to provide enhanced protection from contamination, particularly during surgical procedures. The bottom end of the protective layer is attached to the sleeve cuff and the top end preferably extends at least 70% of the distance to the shoulder seam. The protective layer may be of polyethylene or other suitable material, and the top end may be adhered to the sleeve by commonly used adhesives.