Abstract: A surgical sponge device comprising a porous cellular absorbent sponge which is cut into rigid segments. The segments are slidably mounted on a strand with a stop to keep the segments from falling off of said strand. The strung segments may be covered by a fluid impervious sleeve which, when removed, allows the rigid segments to wick up fluid to expand from a compressed condition to a predetermined larger size.

Abstract: A surgical device constructed of a polyvinyl acetal having a body constructed with an average pore diameter ranging from about 0.02 to about 1.2 mm and a fused surface layer of about 0.25 min. The fused surface layer is substantially closed and has a pore diameter ranging from about 0.01 to about 0.45 mm allowing absorption of fluid into the body of the device.

Abstract: A tissue/organ retraction or displacement sponge comprising a rigid dry absorbent shaped sponge body constructed of laminated layers of sponge material with differing pore size density causing differing swelling rates and expansion. The sponge when hydrated substantially expands protecting an organ or moving the same to be a different area.

Abstract: An organ securing sponge device comprising a rigid dry absorbent linear compressed sponge body, sheet, net or pouch constructed of sponge material of polyvinyl acetal of a specific pore size density. The sponge when hydrated forming a wedge shaped sponge with a center cut out and an inclined surface which resists movement when engaging an organ, said sponge body when hydrated expands to position an organ which it has been laid adjacent to and having an absorbency of about times its weight.

Abstract: A method of treatment of Stage II, III and IV wounds in human beings comprising the steps of: inserting a surgical dressing constructed of a polyvinyl acetal having a pore diameter ranging from about 0.3 to about 1. mm into an open wound so that it conforms to the general configuration of the open wound; allowing the surgical dressing to remain in the wound to autolyze slough and necrotic tissue from the wound and absorb wound exudate from the wound; and removing the surgical dressing to selectively atraumatically debride the wound without damaging granulation tissues.

Abstract: A medical sponge comprising a sterile rigid absorbent linearly shaped sponge body, one end of the body being rounded. A plurality of parallel flex lines are formed in said linear body running substantially along its length with one section of the body having flex lines formed therein which run perpendicular to and intersect the parallel flex lines. An end of the body is provided with angular flex lines formed therein which run angularly to and intersect the parallel flex lines.

Abstract: A device for cleaning and defogging an endoscope. A sponge is impregnated with a composition of water, a glycol and a water soluble wetting agent. The impregnated sponge is packaged in a container designed to facilitate cleaning and defogging of the endoscope. In one embodiment, the impregnated sponge is provided in an open container, and the endoscope is wiped against the impregnated sponge. In another embodiment, the impregnated sponge is provided in a tubular container, into which the endoscope is inserted. In yet another embodiment, the impregnated sponge is provided in a device designed to be attached onto an endoscopic trocar cannula. In yet another embodiment, the impregnated sponge is attached to the surface of a flapper valve in an endoscopic trocar cannula, such that the sponge in contacted by the endoscope when the endoscope is inserted in the cannula.