Abstract: This invention relates to novel scar management products and methods of reducing dermal scars resulting from various types of dermal injuries while simultaneously reducing pruritis. Particularly, this invention relates to scar management products, each of which incorporate an antipruritic agent, that reduce and/or prevent dermal scarring and pruritis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method of reducing dermal scars resulting from various types of dermal injuries. Particularly, this invention relates to wound dressings and to scar management products each of which incorporate an active pharmaceutical ingredient to reduce and/or prevent dermal scarring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel wound dressing design. Particularly, this invention relates to a wound dressing which incorporates multiple distinct layers, each providing useful features and together providing a novel method of managing a variety of wound types. Moist healing, exudate management, ease of use and patient comfort are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the new dressing comprises a thin layer of gel continuously coated onto a thin film material which is laminated to an apertured mesh. Preferably, the gel coated thin film material is fenestrated or perforated. This construction improves dressing fixation, provides a semi-occlusive wound environment while simultaneously managing copious amounts of exudate.

Abstract: This invention describes a wound dressing product for active continuous debridement of devitalized tissues in non-healing wounds including diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, burn injuries and other etiologies. The present invention pertains to the principle of continuous wound debridement which makes necrotic tissue more susceptible for removal and hence enhances progressive wound healing. The dressing contains an active ingredient, such as collagenase which serves to debride wounds in-situ. In the present invention purified Collagenase (90% pure) was deposited onto several wound dressing materials. A key feature of this invention is that the activity level of the Collagenase used was substantially preserved.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method of reducing the appearance of rhytides (“facial wrinkles”) and/or infra-orbital shadows (“dark circles”) under the eyes, and striae (“stretch marks”), or lentigo senilis (“age spots”), and hyper/hypo pigmentation on other anatomical areas. Particularly, this invention relates to a topical patch worn on the skin that in a preferred embodiment incorporates two distinct layers, each providing useful features and together providing a novel article and method of improving skin cosmesis. Ease of use, patient comfort and cost effectiveness are provided. The patch is applied to the affected area and preferably worn at least several hours and more preferably worn overnight. The product increases the hydration level of the skin over which it is applied. There is a slight increase to the volume of the local superficial tissue, which serves to tighten the overlying skin and reduce the size and quantity of fine wrinkles at least temporarily.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method of reducing the appearance of rhytides (“facial wrinkles”) and/or infra-orbital shadows (“dark circles”) under the eyes, and striae (“stretch marks”), or lentigo senilis (“age spots”), and hyper/hypo pigmentation on other anatomical areas. Particularly, this invention relates to a topical patch worn on the skin that in a preferred embodiment incorporates two distinct layers, each providing useful features and together providing a novel article and method of improving skin cosmesis. Ease of use, patient comfort and cost effectiveness are provided. The patch is applied to the affected area and preferably worn at least several hours and more preferably worn overnight. The product increases the hydration level of the skin over which it is applied. There is a slight increase to the volume of the local superficial tissue, which serves to tighten the overlying skin and reduce the size and quantity of fine wrinkles at least temporarily.

Abstract: Therapeutic medical garments for scar treatment includes a composite fabric for treating dermatological scars, wherein a layer of textile fabric and a layer of a therapeutic agent produce a composite sheet suitable for the treatment of dermatologic scars resulting from traumatic, surgical or other injuries to the skin. The composite sheet may be fashioned into garments fitted to the patient for convenience of use, optimization of skin contact, and single step application of pressure therapy and the therapeutic agent. A process of use of the medical garment for applying therapeutic agent and pressure therapies.

Abstract: A novel method of producing interpenetrating polymer network (“IPN”) sheeting. Particularly, an improved method of producing such sheeting and bonding it to a backing layer for use as various types of wound dressings and scar management products. The new process represents several improvements over previous techniques as follows: a) single-pass process, b) no second coating of liquid polymer required to act as glue, c) no solvents or other processing aids required, d) no additional oven length needed to effect the required dwell time, e) increased line speed relative to prior techniques, and g) the carrier substrate 20 need only be coated with a release surface on one side.

Abstract: A microporous membrane is described comprising at least two layers, wherein each layer is characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils, the layers are bonded by means of plastic flow at temperatures below the melting point of either membrane material, and the pore architecture is formed in situ by an expansion process. A stratified microporous membrane is produced wherein the pore architecture of each layer may be discretely controlled. The article is useful for filtration and medical applications where a pore size gradient is required.

Abstract: Elastomeric sheeting materials are described which are formed from the process of (1) creating a membrane comprising a semi-interpenetrating polymer network ("IPN") of polytetrafluoroethylene ("PTFE") and polydimethylsiloxane ("PDMS") by causing a matrix of PDMS to be formed in situ with a matrix of PTFE; (2) causing a surface of substantially pure PDMS to be formed on at least one side thereof; (3) allowing said PDMS compositions to vulcanize; and (4) converting said structure into useful shapes suitable for application to anatomical areas of the body. The product of the process is suitable for the treatment of dermatologic scars, such as those associated with traumatic or surgical injuries of the skin. The pure PDMS layer provides desired therapeutic effects. The semi-IPN membrane provides improved physical integrity, durability, and elastic behavior in comparison to prior art.

Abstract: A thermoplastic splinting material with a uniform skin contacting layer of silicone elastomer which accurately contours complex anatomical geometries and is suitable for use in the treatment of dermatologic scars. The product is manufactured in sheet form and may be custom shaped to fit the unique contours of an individual patient by a technician at the clinical site.

Abstract: Elastomeric sheeting materials are described which are formed from the process of (1) creating a membrane comprising a semi-interpenetrating polymer network ("IPN") of polytetrafluoroethylene ("PTFE") and polydimethylsiloxane ("PDMS") by causing a matrix of PDMS to be formed in situ with a matrix of PTFE; (2) causing a surface of substantially pure PDMS to be formed on at least one side thereof; (3) allowing said PDMS compositions to vulcanize; and (4) converting said structure into useful shapes suitable for application to anatomical areas of the body. The product of the process is suitable for the treatment of dermatologic scars, such as those associated with traumatic or surgical injuries of the skin. The pure PDMS layer provides desired therapeutic effects. The semi-IPN membrane provides improved physical integrity, durability, and elastic behavior in comparison to prior art.

Abstract: A composite self-supporting flexible agglomerated macrostructure is described which includes (1) a matrix of unfibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene resin and addition curable silicone and (2) particulate material including hydroxyapatite and/or tricalcium phosphate uniformly distributed throughout said matrix, the macrostructure being uniformly permeated by a network of open pores formed in the process of manufacture by intimately blending particulate sodium chloride and subsequently leaching the sodium chloride particles.

Abstract: A composite self-supporting flexible agglomerated macrostructure is described which comprises (1) a matrix of unfibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene resin and addition curable silicone and (2) particulate material including hydroxyapatite and/or tricalcium phosphate uniformly distributed throughout said matrix, the macrostructure being uniformly permeated by a network of open pores formed in the process of manufacture by intimately blending particulate sodium chloride and subsequently leaching the sodium chloride particles.

Abstract: An improved bandage comprises a backing sheet constructed of a semi-interpenetrating polymer network. Use of a semi-interpenetrating polymer network allows for an extremely desirable combination of gas permeability and hydrostatic resistance. This construction of backing sheet provides for suitable vapor permeability and sufficient water impermeability because the pores therein are of a colloidal size range and the surface tension thereof results in the backing material being hydrophobic.