Abstract: Devices and methods for placing an adjunct at a tissue treatment site prior to delivering staples through the tissue and adjunct are provided. In one embodiment, a flowable adjunct precursor can be deposited on the surface of the tissue at the tissue treatment site. The flowable adjunct precursor can be configured to solidify after deposition to form an adjunct. In another embodiment, an adjunct delivery device can include a non-stapling end effector configured to deliver an adjunct to a tissue treatment site. In either case, staples can be delivered through the adjunct and tissue after placement of the adjunct at the tissue treatment site.

Abstract: Devices and methods for placing an adjunct at a tissue treatment site prior to delivering staples through the tissue and adjunct are provided. In one embodiment, a flowable adjunct precursor can be deposited on the surface of the tissue at the tissue treatment site. The flowable adjunct precursor can be configured to solidify after deposition to form an adjunct. In another embodiment, an adjunct delivery device can include a non-stapling end effector configured to deliver an adjunct to a tissue treatment site. In either case, staples can be delivered through the adjunct and tissue after placement of the adjunct at the tissue treatment site.

Abstract: A surgical implant (100) comprises a mesh-like, flexible basic structure (104) having a center area and an outer periphery (120), wherein the outer periphery (120) has a polygonal shape with N corners (122), N being at least 3. The implant (100) may comprise at least two pockets (124), each pocket (124) extending from a peripheral line which connects two corners (122) of the outer periphery (120) of the basic structure (104) towards the center area of the basic structure (104). The center area of the basic structure (104) can be marked by a center marking (130), wherein directional indicators (132) point from the center marking (130) to at least two corners (122) of the outer periphery (120) of the basic structure (104).

Abstract: A surgical implant (100) comprises a mesh-like, flexible basic structure (104) having a center area and an outer periphery (120), wherein the outer periphery (120) has a polygonal shape with N corners (122), N being at least 3. The implant (100) may comprise at least two pockets (124), each pocket (124) extending from a peripheral line which connects two corners (122) of the outer periphery (120) of the basic structure (104) towards the center area of the basic structure (104). The center area of the basic structure (104) can be marked by a center marking (130), wherein directional indicators (132) point from the center marking (130) to at least two corners (122) of the outer periphery (120) of the basic structure (104).

Abstract: A method and computer program product is provided that, in various embodiments, may provide a measure of efficiency of resources used in medical treatment plan options. A normalized Relative Resource Value (RRV) may be obtained that measures the level of resources required to satisfy a “normal” case for a particular aspect of medical care. Applying this value against actual costs allows ranking and/or comparison of health care providers relative to one another on the basis of the price or resources applied or utilized. Moreover, applying the RRV against the quality of outcome allows comparison and ranking of providers on overall value. The invention may be applied to the components of medical care comprising, inter alia, acute inpatient, non-acute inpatient, outpatient, professional office-based care including scheduled outpatient, and pharmacy/prescriptions.

Abstract: A poison tolerant anode structure for use in fuel cells, in particular suitable for use on proton exchange membrane fuel cells, comprising a first catalytic component Pt—Y where Y is a bronze forming element, and optionally a third metal X alloyed with the platinum, and a second catalytic component Pt-M where M, metal, is alloyed with the platinum. An anode, a catalysed membrane, a membrane electrode assembly and a fuel cell comprising the electrode structure, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of reducing light-induced degradation of stabilized hypochlorite solutions when packaged in a container which is in whole or in part transparent or semi-transparent is described. The method involves incorporating at least one UV blocker in at least the transparent or semi-transparent portion of the container or incorporating a UV blocker in a wrap which overlays at least the transparent or semi-transparent portion of the container. The container or wrap is composed of plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride. The UV blocker is present in a concentration of about 0.01-2.0% by weight and serves to provide reduction in transmission of UV light in a wavelength range of from about 300-400 nm. The stabilized hypochlorite solution is a buffered aqueous combination of mono-N-chlorosulfamate and di-N-chlorosulfamate salts.