Abstract: A surgical drape that is configured to have a portion thereof releasably secured to a skin fold and apply a force thereto so as to maintain the skin fold in a biased position away from an incision site. The surgical drape includes a body having a lower portion and an upper portion contiguously formed. The body includes a first side and a second side and further has an adhesive pad secured to the second side of the lower portion of the body. The upper portion of the body includes a first arm member and a second arm member wherein the arm members extend upward towards a patient's head ensuing the surgical drape being superposed a patient. The first arm member and second arm member are oriented to be angularly outward and further define the lateral sides of a void. The void is configured to accommodate a patient torso.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for the provision of TNP therapy to a wound are described, the apparatus comprising: a sealing membrane (504) for covering a wound to form a wound cavity (500); one end of an aspirant conduit (522) operably associated with the wound cavity, vacuum means (524) provided at a distal end of the aspirant conduit for applying a vacuum to the wound cavity; and, air bleed means (510) in fluid communication with the wound cavity. Various embodiments of air bleed port members are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes customized guidance devices in the form of guidance templates configured to fit over a given area of a patient's body and provide guidance during a tissue treatment or tissue removal procedure of that given area, which may include administration of an agent to a target tissue, target tissue biopsy, target tissue resection, or target tissue ablation. The customized guidance templates are generally constructed via an additive manufacturing process (i.e., three-dimensional (3D) printing) or subtractive manufacturing process (i.e., milling) based on a fabrication instruction file, which may include imaging data of the given area of the patient's body in which targeted tissue treatment is to be performed. The fabrication instruction file may further include additional data, such as the type of procedure to be performed (i.e., biopsy of the tissue abnormality, destruction or resection of the tissue abnormality, etc.).

Abstract: In general, radiation shielding systems that shield radiation from multiple directions are described. In one embodiment, a method of shielding radiation is provided, including supporting a shielding device on an object proximate a radiation source, positioning a first shielding portion in a vertical position relative to the object, positioning a second shielding portion to extend away from the first portion, the second shielding portion attached to the first portion, and shielding radiation from the radiation source by the first shielding portion and the second shielding portion such that the first and second shielding portions provide a radiation shielding zone for a healthcare practitioner.

Abstract: A collection bag and a bag deployment device for use in collecting an item such as a specimen during surgical procedure. The collection bag and bag deployment device forming an assembly adapted to deliver the collection bag through an access cannula into a surgical cannula. The assembly adapted to strip the collection bag from the distal end of the bag deployment device and cinch a cinch loop to close the open end of the collection bag.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, performed in an accessory device, for communicating a leakage state of an ostomy appliance, wherein the accessory device comprises an interface configured to communicate with one or more devices of an ostomy system, the one or more devices comprising a monitor device, and/or the ostomy appliance configured to be placed on a skin surface of a user. The method comprises obtaining monitor data from the one or more devices, the monitor data being indicative of presence of fluid at a proximal side of a first adhesive layer of the ostomy appliance towards the skin surface; determining a leakage state at the proximal side of the first adhesive layer of the ostomy appliance based on the monitor data, and communicating the leakage state of the ostomy appliance via the interface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an anti-infective protector containing at least one anti-infective agent. The anti-infective protector provides for a range of benefits not appreciated in the prior art.

Abstract: An instrument sterile drape includes a plastic sheet and a pouch sealed to a first opening in the plastic sheet. The pouch is shaped to fit around a carriage that includes actuators. An instrument sterile adapter (ISA) is coupled to a second opening in the pouch. The ISA includes a bottom plate and a top plate located on opposite sides of the pouch and joined together. A stiffener may be coupled to the pouch around the second opening to provide a relatively inelastic area that corresponds to a portion of the pouch that is retained between the bottom plate and the top plate. Portions of the bottom plate may project through the top plate to provide a datum plane to receive a surgical instrument. The ISA may contain loose pins that depress sensing pins in the carriage when a surgical instrument is mounted.

Abstract: A controllable stiffness catheter comprising a shaft comprising an inner sheath defining an access lumen, an outer sheath surrounding the inner sheath and defining an annulus therebetween, the annulus having a vacuum connection at which a vacuum is applied to the annulus, and a mechanical stiffener disposed at least at a portion of the annulus.

Abstract: The disclosure provides, in part, adhesive patches for repairing damaged surfaces of health care devices. In one of its aspects the disclosure provides a method of repairing the surface of health care device by applying an adhesive patch over a damaged portion of the surface, the patch comprising a film layer and an adhesive layer. In another one of its aspects, the disclosure provides an adhesive patch for repairing the surface of a health care device comprising a film layer and an adhesive layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods of stimulating or activating fluids for use in wound treatment systems.

Abstract: A tracheostoma device holder for holding a tracheostoma device superimposed of a tracheostoma of a person is provided. The tracheostoma device holder comprises a rigid plate for attachment over a tracheostoma via a proximal side thereof, the plate being provided with a through hole, and a tubular tracheostoma device fitting, arranged circumferentially of the through hole, the tubular tracheostoma device fitting extending distally from a distal side of the plate. The plate is manufactured in a thermoplastic material, with a melting/softening temperature allowing for molding according to the local anatomic shape of the person through direct contact between the plate and the skin of the person. A method for adaptation of such tracheostoma holding device is also provided.

Abstract: An instrument sterile drape includes a plastic sheet and an instrument sterile adapter (ISA) coupled to the plastic sheet. The ISA includes bottom and top plates located on opposite sides of the plastic sheet plate and joined together. A passage in the bottom plate allows an instrument carriage flux connection to pass through the plastic sheet and the bottom plate to be adjacent to the top plate. The top plate includes a signal transmission area that will be adjacent to an upper surface of the flux connection of the instrument carriage. A flux connector may close an opening in the signal transmission area of the top plate and provide a path for an electrical or optical signal. The signal transmission area of the top plate may be thinned to allow an RFID sensor to be closer to an RFID device in a surgical instrument attached to the instrument sterile adapter.

Abstract: Orthodontic appliances and related methods are provided, including a fast-dissolving and humidity-resistant coating, containing a colorant and a binder selected from a polyamide, cellulose derivative, or homopolymer/copolymer of poly(ethylene oxide). The coating can facilitate appliance identification and serve as a reference marking to assist the practitioner in appliance placement. Advantageously, the composition of these coatings allows the color marking to be rinsed off quickly, and yet the color of the coating does not bleed during storage even in high humidity environments. The fast-dissolving nature of these coatings also allows the coating to be deposited in concave and recessed areas of the appliance, such as the archwire slot and vertical slot, since these coatings can be removed prior to archwire installation.

Abstract: A wrapping material for formed bales of material. The wrapping material including at least one layer of a flexible plastic material film web having a substantially uniform width and divided lengthwise into portions of substantially equal length by a plurality of spaced lines of perforations extending fully transversely across the width of the wrapping material and fully through the layer or layers forming the wrapping material. Each said line of perforations having a first adhesive substrate adhered to a first surface of said wrapping material adjacent to but spaced from the line of perforations. The first adhesive substrate extending substantially across the width of said wrapping material and having, in use, an outwardly facing adhesive surface, and a second adhesive substrate extending substantially across the width of said wrapping material and being adhesively secured to said first surface of the wrapping material whereby the second adhesive substrate overlies said line of perforations.

Abstract: Medical dressings and methods of using same. The medical dressing can include a fluid management article. The fluid management article can include a fibrous substrate and porous polymeric particles. At least 50% of the porous polymeric particles are bound to the fibrous substrate. Methods of using the medical dressings can include applying the medical dressing to the target site, such that the fluid management article is in fluid communication with the target site.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions and films are provided comprising a polymer and antimicrobial nanoparticles evenly dispersed in the polymer. The antimicrobial nanoparticles comprises an ionic antimicrobial agent and a support agent that localizes the ionic antimicrobial agent to surfaces of the support agent, and wherein the support agent releases the ionic antimicrobial agent through chemical exchange. In this manner, the antimicrobial nanoparticles act as a stored source of antimicrobial agents. The polymer configured to allow the ionic antimicrobial agent released by the support agent to permeate or migrate through the polymer and to the surface of the composition or film, thereby maintaining antimicrobial properties on the surface of the composition for film over an extended time.

Abstract: A surgical tray efficiency system comprising a vertical rack assembly for holding and displaying a plurality of surgical instrument trays, a sterile barrier covering the vertical rack assembly and including tray location identifiers, and a standardization software platform including a customizable interactive planogram is described. The customizable interactive planogram software helps operating room staff arrange the instrument trays on the vertical rack assembly according to a predetermined customizable location ID, and create/load/access information related to the surgical procedure/trays/instruments before, during, and after the surgery.

Abstract: A water-resistant orthopedic undercast sleeve that includes a tubular sheet material formed of extruded filaments having water-resistant properties and a thickness sufficient to provide both cushioning and moisture transport in a single layer between a cast and a limb onto which the sleeve is applied. The water resistant properties are achieved by at least one process, including a water-resistant filler, finish or coating applied to the filaments during extrusion, applying a water resistant finish to the finish during extrusion, applying a water resistant finish to the filaments during a subsequent spinning process, or coating the filaments with a water-resistant finish in a separate process. Moisture egress channels are formed in the sheet material for transporting moisture away from the limb, longitudinally along the length of the sleeve, and out of the space between the sleeve and cast.

Abstract: An imaging probe manipulator for use during a medical procedure includes a first manipulator linkage having a connector configured to attach to an imaging probe, a second manipulator linkage coupled to the first manipulator linkage at a first joint a third manipulator linkage coupled to the first or second manipulator linkage at a second joint. The first joint or the second joint has a degree of freedom. The imaging probe manipulator includes a force control transmission linked to the degree of freedom. The force control transmission component is configured to maintain a pre-determined force on the imaging probe when the imaging probe is in contact with a patient.

Abstract: A disposable sterile surgical drape configured for establishing a sterile field around a surgical instrument such as a limb positioner includes a control mechanism associated with the drape in the sterile field that interfaces with, and controls, the surgical instrument. The control mechanism includes a switch and a communication interface that connects to the instrument and the location of the switch may be moved to a desired position within the sterile field.

Abstract: Systems, methods and a sensor alignment mechanism are disclosed for medical navigational guidance systems. In one example, a system to make sterile a non-sterile optical sensor for use in navigational guidance during surgery includes a sterile drape having an optically transparent window to drape the optical sensor in a sterile barrier and a sensor alignment mechanism. The alignment mechanism secures the sensor through the drape in alignment with the window without breaching the sterile barrier and facilitates adjustment of the orientation of the optical sensor. The optical sensor may be aligned to view a surgical site when the alignment mechanism, assembled with the sterile drape and optical sensor, is attached to a bone. The alignment mechanism may be a lockable ball joint and facilitate orientation of the sensor in at least two degrees of freedom. A quick connect mechanism may couple the alignment mechanism to the bone.

Abstract: A minimally invasive manipulating system and a manipulating apparatus for instruments are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a frame and at least one instrument carrier including a holding section for an instrument arm. The instrument carrier is movably mounted to the frame and arranged to be coupled with at least one drive. The instrument carrier is at least sectionally rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The holding section comprises a driving interface that involves at least one transmission port. An instrument drive is assigned to the transmission port. The instrument carrier comprises a transmission section in which at least one transmission element is arranged that is configured for motion transmission between the instrument drive and the transmission port. The at least one transmission element is arranged concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis. The transmission port is arranged off-center with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical drape (100) is described that is aimed at providing a way to direct a maximum amount of fluid (e.g., distention fluid) discharged from the patient's uterine cavity to a collection point, such as a fluid management system, during a hysteroscopic procedure. The surgical drape may include a cover portion (105) and a collection portion (110) that is attached to the cover portion (105). The cover portion (105) may define an opening (115) that provides a surgeon with surgical access to the patient for performing a medical procedure. The collection portion (110) may include a main panel (120) that can be attached to the patient's back distally of the gluteal cleft (e.g., via an adhesive strip). The main panel (110) may include a pocket (170), via which the surgeon may insert his hands to position the main panel (110) under the patient without disturbing the sterile field.

Abstract: A drape suitable for use with a multi-tier back table has a first fabric portion configured to substantially cover a lower table surface and a second fabric portion configured as a pocket that receives at least a substantial portion of an upper table surface. By one approach this pocket includes at least one hand slot configured to receive a user's hand such that the user can lift the second fabric portion and slide the pocket over the upper table surface. A third fabric portion having a vertical panel connects the first and second fabric portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shielding system for customized shielding of a patient or an operator from X-rays generated from a gantry. The shielding system is mounted on the gantry. The system has a rail that is arcuately movable in relation to gantry-mounted foundational blocks with apertures that receive a proximal section of the rail. Protective curtains are suspended from intermediate and/or distal sections of the rail.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel, improved, modified or treated microporous membranes for use in textile related applications and which are preferably composed of two or more dissimilar porous membrane or material layers laminated together using heat, compression and/or adhesives. The preferred inventive laminated composite microporous membrane is modified using a technique or treatment such as microcreping to introduce permanent small, regularly spaced, crepes, profiles, compactions, pleats, or wrinkles into the laminated composite microporous membrane for the purpose of improving mechanical strength, elasticity and/or resiliency. In addition, the inventive microcreped microporous laminated membrane more preferably has significantly improved ‘hand’ or softness, has ‘next-to-the-skin’ softness, and/or is quiet without crinkling noises during movement, which may be desired performance properties or characteristics of or in textile garments, materials or applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shielding system for customized shielding of a patient or an operator from X-rays generated across a patient-supporting table. The shielding system includes a foundational block which is mounted on the patient-supporting table. The shielding system has a rail with proximal, intermediate and distal sections. The proximal section of the rail is twistable within an aperture of the foundational block and is arcuately movable in relation to patient-supporting table. One or more protective curtains are suspended from the rail.

Abstract: Organization systems for surgical instruments and associated methods and systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument organization system can be configured for use in a medical environment, and can include a flexible, sterile container having a lower portion. The container can include an attachment system configured to elastically couple one or more surgical instruments to the lower portion of the container. In some embodiments, the container can be carried by a portable base coupled to a platform via an adjustable support member.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides ophthalmic surgical systems, methods, and devices. In one embodiment, a surgical apparatus for use by a surgeon during a surgical procedure comprises one or more sealed sterilized surgical packs configured to be disposed of after a single or a limited number of surgical procedures, the one or more sealed sterilized surgical packs comprising: a sterile surgical instrument; and a sterile surgical tray comprising a top surface configured to be part of a sterile field of the surgical procedure, the top surface comprising a receiving structure for positioning therein of the sterile surgical instrument, the sterile surgical tray further comprising walls that define a recess sized and configured to receive a reusable non-sterile module, the recess configured to encapsulate the reusable non-sterile module to isolate the reusable non-sterile module from the sterile field of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Spinal distraction systems including methods of use.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a sterile drape to an actuator of a surgical slush machine. The apparatus is an agitator that includes a support member and a latch. The sterile drape is attached to one surface of the support member and the latch extends from the opposite surface of the support member. The support member is configured to flex and bend when the agitator is operated by the actuator and the drape contains a solution to be made into slush. In one embodiment the support member has paddles extending from a central position. In another embodiment the support member is a disk that has an area of weakness that allows the support member to flex and bend. In one such embodiment the area of weakness is an annular section of reduced thickness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shielding system for customized shielding of a patient or an operator from X-rays generated by a gantry. The shielding system is mounted on the gantry. The system has a rail that is arcuately movable in relation to gantry-mounted foundational blocks with apertures that receive movable rails from which protective curtains are suspended.

Abstract: Entrapment and collection systems and method of entrapping and collecting biologic material produced on a patient are disclosed. The systems include a collection bag which formed of a flexible sheet material having a hollow interior, a first mouth and a second mouth. The first mouth is openable to enable the biological structure to be disposed in the hollow interior and to enable a removal instrument, e.g., a morcellator, to be introduced therethrough to engage the biologic structure to effect a procedure on it. The second mouth enables a viewing instrument to be extended through it for visualizing the procedure and is closeable by a drawstring to entrap biologic material produced by the procedure after the removal instrument and viewing instrument have been removed, whereupon the collection bag may be withdrawn from the body of the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for obscuring road signs by applying an opaque adhesive-backed film to the signs from a roll containing the film. The film and adhesive may be able to conceal sign details sufficiently with only one or two layers of film. The film may be pressure-applied with an adhesive selected so as to adhere sufficiently to the signs or to other layers of film without leaving adhesive or other residue on the signs once removed. The film may be perforated at predetermined intervals to facilitate separation, and the system additionally or alternatively may include a cutter to permit the user to separate the film wherever desired. Various polymers may be used for the film, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polypropylene, low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyester, polyolefin, or other coextruded (CoEX) polymer films. Similarly, various adhesives, including latex-, acrylic-, rubber-, or silicone-based adhesives may be used.

Abstract: A multilayer nonwoven structure is described where the nonwoven structure comprises at least two spun bond layers and at least one easily meltable layer. The easily meltable layer is located between the at least two spunbond layers. The easily meltable layer is comprised of a polymer having a melting point at least 20° C. less than the melting point of the polymer which comprises the surface of the fibers which comprise the spun bond layer, or is made from a polymer which is readily absorbs some form of radiation. Under bonding conditions, the fibers which make up the easily meltable layer can be melted to form a film, thereby improving bather properties of the nonwoven structure.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for reducing the risk of infection after a shoulder surgery or medical procedure. For example, this document relates to methods and materials for using a topical composition containing clindamycin or erythromycin to reduce the risk of or to prevent infection associated with shoulder surgeries or medical procedures.

Abstract: A patient reference device is provided for use during a medical procedure. The patient reference device includes a housing having a back side and a front side, at least three tracking markers attached to the front side of the housing, the housing extending around the at least three tracking markers and beyond a horizontal plane defined by tops of the at least three tracking markers, the housing terminating at a substantially continuous edge, and a sterile cover attached to the substantially continuous edge of the housing for covering the housing and the tracking markers.

Abstract: A system for containment and organization of a medical wire features a clamp. A first ridged and grooved clamping block is located on a clamp first side posterior end and a second ridged and grooved clamping block is located on a clamp second side posterior end. A first side compression member is located on an inside surface of a clamp first side and a second side compression member is located on an inside surface of the clamp second side. An adjustable ratcheting lock attaches the clamp first side and the clamp second side. A first finger grip is located on an outside surface of the clamp first side and a second finger grip is located on an outside surface of the clamp second side. A Medical wire is placed between the first side compression member and the second side compression member then the clamp is compressed against the medical wire.

Abstract: A cable organizing assembly includes a pair of mounts. Each of the mounts includes a rotatable base. The rotatable base corresponding to each of the mounts may be removably coupled to a support. Each of the mounts includes a clamping unit. The clamping unit may engage at least one cable thereby facilitating the at least one cable to be removably coupled to the support.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical access systems and methods of using the same to access a surgical site during a surgical procedure. The surgical access system includes a portal member and a patch. The portal member includes at least one longitudinal port for passage of a surgical object. The portal member is formed from a compressible material and is adapted to transition from a first expanded condition to a second compressed condition such that an outer surface of the portal member is adapted for a substantial sealing relation with an opening in tissue upon insertion of the portal member therethrough. The patch includes a non-porous substrate having a tissue facing surface including an adhesive for positioning over the opening in the tissue and sealing a surface thereof. The patch is adapted for sealed reception of the portal member.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for detecting leaks in systems for treating a patient with reduced pressure. In one instance, a system includes a distribution manifold for disposing proximate to the tissue site and a sealing member for disposing over the distribution manifold and at least a portion of intact epidermis of the patient. The sealing member has at least a portion that is substantially transparent. The system further includes a reduced-pressure source associated with the distribution manifold for providing reduced pressure to the distribution manifold and a leak-detection member sized and configured to substantially surround the distribution manifold. The leak-detection member includes a detection material that develops a color contrast when a portion is exposed to air and a portion is not exposed to air. The leak detection member works with even low flow systems. Other systems, methods, and apparatus are presented.

Abstract: A method includes contact printing an active composition onto a surface of a release substrate to form a printed surface. The active composition spontaneously dewets the surface of the release substrate to form active deposits on the surface of the release substrate. The active composition comprises an active agent dissolved or dispersed in an aqueous liquid vehicle. A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is disposed on the printed surface.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.

Abstract: A medical dressing containing an antimicrobial agent is disclosed. The medical dressing comprises a layered fabric comprising an inner layer of substantially hydrophilic material, an outer layer of substantially hydrophobic material on both sides of the inner layer; and an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may be releasably impregnated into the fabric, coated on said fabric or a combination thereof. The antimicrobial agent may be a biguanide, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). The fabric inner layer material may be substantially a cellulose fiber, preferably substantially rayon, and the fabric outer layer material may be substantially polyester, e.g., a combination of textile matrix grade polyester fiber and amorphous binder grade polyester fiber. The fabric is preferably treated with an aqueous solution of surfactant and PHMB to have about 1500-3500 ppm of extractable PHMB.

Abstract: A surgical access port comprises a valve or instrument seal that separates the instrument contact function from the instrument conforming function. Embodiments of the instrument seal comprise in instrument contact element that extends through an opening in a compression element, thereby defining an instrument orifice that seals with an instrument extending therethrough. Embodiments of the instrument contact element comprise a non-distensible membrane or film, for example, as a tube or cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shield for radiation attenuation. The shield includes a carrier suitable for topical application on human tissue, such as skin. The carrier includes an active ingredient that is homogenously dispersed throughout the carrier. The active ingredient includes an element suitable for attenuating radiation and having a high atomic number.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are terpolymers and blends prepared from polyester terpolymers that can function as pressure-sensitive adhesives. The disclosed articles can comprise the terpolymer and terpolymer blends coated to a conformable backing member. The terpolymer and terpolymer blends can further comprise a bioactive agent.

Abstract: An operator control element with magnetic return for a number of switching and/or control functions: includes an abutment part; an actuating part which can be moved, for example displaced and/or pivoted, by hand from an inoperative position in at least two opposite directions with respect to the abutment part; magnetic return means for returning the actuating part into the inoperative position; and detection means for producing an electrical signal corresponding in each case at least to the maximum positions and the inoperative position of the actuating part. The magnetic return means include at least one actuating part-side ring magnets and one abutment part-side ring magnet arranged in the inoperative position such that the end faces thereof face one another and are spaced apart. They are arranged so as to pull the actuating part towards the abutment part and that they are concentric.

Abstract: A medical drape has at least one suction port disposed. By one approach the medical drape includes a fenestration and the suction port is disposed within the fenestration. By one approach the fenestrated area includes an incise film (which may itself be fenestrated if desired) and the suction port is disposed through that incise film. Suction applied to this suction port facilitates maintaining the incise film in place on the patient. This suction port can have a first end configured to attach to suction tubing. The medical drape can include a patient-side spacer and this spacer can comprise a compressible, resilient material that is substantially permeable to liquids. If desired, such a spacer can be disposed over a patient-side suction opening of the suction port.