Abstract: Biologically acceptable surgical barrier materials are comprised of a polyelectrolytic complex of chitosan and sodium alginate. The chitosan is deacetylated in an amount between about 40 to about 60% and has a molecular weight (Mw) between 50,000 and 375,000 g/mol. The barrier materials may be formed by mixing a two-component material system whereby one component comprises the chitosan and a second component comprises the sodium alginate and directing such a mixture (e.g., via air-assisted spray nozzle) toward a surgical site in need of the material. A polyelectrolytic complex of the chitosan and sodium alginate will thereby form in situ. Suitable ionic cross-linkers may be provided in the individual components, e.g., calcium chloride with the chitosan component and sodium tripolyphosphate with the sodium alginate component.

Abstract: Biologically acceptable surgical barrier materials are comprised of a polyelectrolytic complex of chitosan and sodium alginate. The chitosan is deacetylated in an amount between about 40 to about 60% and has a molecular weight (Mw) between 50,000 and 375,000 g/mol. The barrier materials may be formed by mixing a two-component material system whereby one component comprises the chitosan and a second component comprises the sodium alginate and directing such a mixture (e.g., via air-assisted spray nozzle) toward a surgical site in need of the material. A polyelectrolytic complex of the chitosan and sodium alginate will thereby form in situ. Suitable ionic cross-linkers may be provided in the individual components, e.g., calcium chloride with the chitosan component and sodium tripolyphosphate with the sodium alginate component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method capable of percutaneous or direct removal of blood and other body fluids, or infusion of medicinal, therapeutic, bioactive mixtures. The fluid transport apparatus includes a fluid collection chamber (20); cutting devices (50) attached to the collection chamber to penetrate the skin of the patient (2); and a vacuum supply (61) in communication with the fluid collection chamber (20); whereby the vacuum supply (61) providing a vacuum pressure to remove congested fluid from the patient through the cutting devices (50) into the collection chamber (20). Further, the apparatus may provides conduits (28) disposed on the collection chamber (20) that are juxtaposed or concentric with the cutting devices (50), whereby vacuum pressure to removes the congested fluid from the patient (2) through the conduit (28) into the collection chamber (20).