Abstract: A modified polytetrafluoroethylene resin membrane material is provided for a variety of medical or other applications. The material may be used as a bandage, tissue barrier, article covering or coating. Layers of the membrane may be combined to form tubes useful alone or tubes which can be combined with other tubes or manipulated.

Abstract: A modified membrane material, including a conductive surface, which may be used for a variety of medical or other applications, is provided. Various devices can be formed of the conductive surface materials, including tubes, probes, catheters and the like. Activation of the conductive surface, such as by connection to a suitable energy source, enables electrical current to be passed into a body region or to a device (e.g., a container) useful in holding and/or treating other materials.

Abstract: A non-contaminating surgical introducer/dilator includes a variably inflatable tubular balloon membrane. The leading section of the membrane is circumferentially folded back over, forming a double walled tubular membrane. The open end of the tubular membrane is fixed to the stem of the guide. The stem of the guide is placed over the body cavity while the guide is slid over the introducer tube, thereby forcing the membrane through the guide and into the body cavity while simultaneously inverting the membrane over itself. Contact between the introducer tube and the abdominal/body cavity is inhibited and the passive transportation of pathogens into the cavity concomitantly prevented. The inflator tube is used to variably inflate the tubular balloon with sterile water or gas via a syringe/pump device to the desired pressure. Various methods of making and using the introducer/dilator of the present invention are also disclosed.