Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter which has an integral inflatable and deflatable balloon. The catheter includes an elongated, flexible tube and at least two spaced-apart openings therein. The operative element of the catheter is in communication with the first opening of the tube. The second opening in the catheter is in communication with the balloon. Preferably, the balloon is made of latex and extends around the diameter of the tube. Interfaces for both an inflation device for the balloon and a control device for the operative element are connected to the trailing end of the tube. The inflation device selectively inflates and deflates the balloon. The control device controls the operative element of the catheter. The catheter is placed by inserting the catheter with the balloon in a deflated position into the specified body channel. The body channel must have a restriction smaller than the size of the inflated balloon.

Abstract: A medical dressing is provided which is adapted to perform as a synthetic skin for the therapy and protection of skin wounds such as burns, donor sites for skin grafting, ulcers, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the medical dressing is transparent, thin and flexible, elastomeric and conformable. The preferred medical dressing comprises a laminate of a thin layer of non-porous segmented polyurethane cohesively secured to a thin layer of thrombogenic reticulated foam.