Abstract: A digit wound dressing for use as a primary wound dressing or as a secondary wound dressing for digits on humans, animals and like applications. As a secondary digit wound dressing, the dressing can be used to hold a variety of different types of primary wound dressing such as sterile cotton gauze pads on top of a digit wound. The wound dressing includes an elongated bidirectional (stretches laterally along it's length) wrap which is adaptable for conforming to various sizes and shapes of digits. The wrap is made of a loose weave material and includes a releasable hook fastener at one end of the wrap. The hook fastener is used for releasable engagement with the loose weave material of the wrap when the wrap is secured around the digit. An outwardly extending ear is integrally formed on one side of the wrap. The ear is used to fold over and cover a tip of the digit.

Abstract: A binder for application of pressure to the wound area of a patient who has undergone a mastectomy or other type of chest surgery. The binder includes an elasticized main body portion formed from a fabric that is substantially nonelastic, yet breathable, with gathering, elastic stitching therein.

Abstract: A hernia patch has a first layer of inert synthetic mesh material selectively sized and shaped to extend across and beyond a hernia. A second layer of inert synthetic mesh material overlies the first layer to create a generally planar configuration for the patch. The first and second layers are joined together by a seam that defines a periphery of a pouch between the layers and provides stiffness to the patch for urging the patch to conform to the generally planar configuration across the hernia, which helps to prevent folding of the patch as the surgeon withdraws his or her finger. The seam may be straight, zig-zag, sinusoidal or other configurations that effectively urge the patch to conform to a planar configuration. One of the layers has a border that extends beyond the seam and that has a free outer edge. A plurality of border slits extend from the outer edge through the border substantially to the seam.

Abstract: An immediate and visible temporary cosmetic improvement in skin condition is obtained by a multi-stage exfoliation method having a visible end point and providing a margin of safety so that the user's skin is not significantly irritated if he or she ignores the end point and continues to carry out additional and unnecessary exfoliation steps. The preferred method involves repeatedly attaching transparent exfoliation sheets having a pressure sensitive adhesive to a selected part of the user's body and then removing each sheet by grasping one edge and pulling it across the rest of the sheet. A handle may be detachably adhered to each sheet for superior results. After each repetition the user inspects the sheet that has just been removed to monitor the amount of exfoliated tissue. When the amount of tissue on a sheet is discernibly less than that removed in the immediately previous repetition, the process is completed.

Abstract: A hernia patch has a first layer of inert synthetic mesh material selectively sized and shaped to extend across and beyond a hernia. A second layer of inert synthetic mesh material overlies the first layer to create a generally planar configuration for the patch. The first and second layers are joined together by a seam that defines a periphery of a pouch between the layers. One or both of the layers has a border that extends beyond the seam. A plurality of border slits extend from an outer edge of the border through the border substantially to the seam. An access slit is formed between the layers for insertion of a finger of a surgeon into the pouch to allow the surgeon to deform the planar configuration of the patch to facilitate insertion of the patch into the patient and to position the patch across the hernia.

Abstract: A film dressing, in particular for the human or animal body, consisting of a flexible, conformable polymer film which is detachably bonded on the side facing away from the skin to a supporting sheet and is provided on the side facing the skin with a pressure sensitive adhesive layer which is in turn provided with an at least two-part protecting layer which can be pulled off, is characterized in that the protecting layer has hinge-like connections at two opposite edges to the supporting sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wound dressing comprising a mixture of textile fibres and gel forming fibres wherein the dressing is a knitted fabric comprising support yarn and in-laid yarn, the support yarn being substantially free of gel-forming fibres.

Abstract: A woven fabric comprising warp and weft yarns is characterized in that the warp yarns comprise a plurality of elasticized yarns and twisted inelastic yarns arranged such that the inelastic yarns are in pairs of like twist, with two elastic yarns between. Alternate pairs of inelastic yarn are of opposing direction of twist. Such fabrics may be used for medical bandages such as elasticized adhesive or non-adhesive bandages and support or compression garments such as stockings.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive tape for skin, including a stretchable base material having good moisture permeability and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer formed on at least one side of the base material, wherein the adhesive tape has features that (a) the conformability to a stretchable film is at most 4.2 times as much as the stress of the stretchable film at 15% elongation, (b) the water-vapor transmission rate is at least 500 g/m2·24 h, and (c) the adhesive strength to bakelite is at most 1.5 N/15 mm, and a base material of a pressure sensitive adhesive tape for skin, including a microporous film formed from a resin composition containing a polyolefin resin and an inorganic filler, and having features that (1) the thickness is 40 to 200 &mgr;m, (2) the average pore size is 0.

Abstract: A porous sheet suitable for use in first-aid sticking plasters, poultices, etc. as the substrate is described. The porous sheet comprises a thermoplastic polymer, and an arbitrary cross section of the porous sheet has a polymer packing of 30 to 90% and contains 2 to 100 polymer sections having a sectional area of 0.001 mm2 or less per millimeter along the surface of the porous sheet. At least one surface of the porous sheet is in net-work structure (a) formed by fiber-like bodies which are integrally bonded to each other at intersections by fusion of polymer constituting the fiber-like bodies and/or net-work structure (b) formed by fiber-like protrusions. With such structures, the porous sheet has a moderate air permeability, and is good in soft texture and highly resistant to fluff formation by rubbing.

Abstract: Ready-made bandage with a self-adhesive coating on at least one side, for restricting stretching or bending of the metacarpophalangeal joint and/or of the wrist, wherein, at the head area (13) of an oblong strip (1), a short rein (41, 42) is arranged on at least one of the two longitudinal sides, encloses an angle of between 30° and 150° with the oblong strip (1) and is applied on the finger in question.

Abstract: A substrate for an adhesive dressing comprising an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of 1×104 to 1×105, a molecular weight distribution of 4.0 or less, a melt flow rate of 3.0 g/10 minutes or less, and a vinyl acetate content of 15 to 28% by weight is provided and a medical adhesive dressing can be prepared by forming a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one surface of the substrate. Further, an adhesive tape can be made by arranging a pad for covering and protecting a wounded portion, on a part of a surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.

Abstract: A process and device for improved healing of large avulsed or burned tissue which prevents excessive cicatricial, keloid or fibromatoid formation, reduces fluid loss, and increases protection from infection by employing an elastomer matrix; i.e., a thin sheet of elastomer with a plurality of fenestrations, placed on the wound and a bath of oil to cover the matrix. The oil bath is provided by a flexible sealed capsule of thin silicone elastomer, preferably filled with soybean oil that percolates through the walls of the capsule. Enhanced granulation tissue formation is promoted by encapsulation of the wound with the matrix. Granulation tissue engulfs the matrix while the matrix integrity and elastic rigidity acts to reduce scarring. The barrier of the sterile soybean oil bath and the barrier of the elastomer matrix improve antisepsis and acts to reduce loss of body fluids.

Abstract: A hernia patch has a first layer of inert synthetic mesh material selectively sized and shaped to extend across and beyond a hernia. A second layer of inert synthetic mesh material overlies the first layer to create a generally planar configuration for the patch. The first and second layers are joined together by a seam that defines a periphery of a pouch between the layers and provides stiffness to the patch for urging the patch to conform to the generally planar configuration across the hernia, which helps to prevent folding of the patch as the surgeon withdraws his or her finger. The seam may be straight, zig-zag, sinusoidal or other configurations that effectively urge the patch to conform to a planar configuration. One of the layers has a border that extends beyond the seam and that has a free outer edge. A plurality of border slits extend from the outer edge through the border substantially to the seam.

Abstract: A method for repairing a hernia uses a mesh patch for permanent placement within a patient's body space. The patch has top and bottom mesh layers secured to each other with a seam. The seam surrounds and defines a pocket. The top layer has a transverse slit opening into the pocket. To serve a spring function, an implantable loop is inserted into the pocket to keep the patch expanded under tension in a planar configuration. A border on at least one of the layers extends outward past the seam. The border preferably has slits to fill uneven voids in the patient's tissue and fit more tightly. A surgeon makes a small incision in the patient and performs a dissection deep into the patient's preperitoneal space, creating a pocket in this space into which the patch is to be inserted. The patch is folded and directed into the patient's preperitoneal space, where it is unfolded and expanded into its planar configuration to cover the defect in the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive article that includes a backing substrate and a discontinuous adhesive layer disposed thereon, wherein the backing substrate comprises a fibrous web and absorbent particulate material, and further wherein the article has an initial wet skin adhesion of at least 20 g/2.5 cm (0.08 N/cm).

Abstract: Medicinal pressure-sensitive adhesives, adhering to both dry and wet skin, characterized by a mixture of a) 20-50 wt-% of a hydrophilic (meth)acrylate copolymerizate containing tertiary amino groups, b) 20-50 wt-% of a hydrophobic (meth)acrylate copolymerizate containing carboxyl groups, c) 10-40 wt-% of one or more mono- or dicarboxylic acids, d) 0-10 wt-% of a polyol, and e) 0.02-0.5 wt-% of a cross-linking system reacting with at least one copolymerizate, whereby the sum of components a to e equals 100 wt-%, with a water-vapor permeability of ≧30,000 g·m−2·24 h−1, measured on a pressure-sensitive adhesive film with a thickness of 40 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A hernia patch has a first layer of inert synthetic mesh material selectively sized and shaped to extend across and beyond a hernia. A second layer of inert synthetic mesh material overlies the first layer to create a generally planar configuration for the patch. The first and second layers are joined together by a seam that defines a periphery of a pouch between the layers. One of the layers has a border that extends beyond the seam and has a free outer edge. A plurality of border slits extend from the outer edge through the border substantially to the seam. Access slits are formed between the layers to allow insertion of a surgeon's finger into the pouch. The pouch allows the surgeon to deform the planar configuration of the patch to facilitate insertion of the patch into the patient and to position the patch across the hernia.

Abstract: There is provided a novel wound dressing material which has biocompatibility and infection controllability as essential properties required for such a material, especially excellent flexibility and water absorption properties, thereby accelerating smooth regeneration of a skin defect without stripping off the regenerating skin while removing the material from the skin. A healing agent is added to the wound dressing material which comprises an amorphous film of a crystallinity below 10% and contains fibroin and sericin as a main component.

Abstract: A hernia patch has a first layer of inert synthetic mesh material selectively sized and shaped to extend across and beyond a hernia. A second layer of inert synthetic mesh material overlies the first layer to create a generally planar configuration for the patch. The first and second layers are joined together by a seam that defines a periphery of a pouch between the layers. The pouch houses a stiffening layer to provide stiffness to the patch for urging the patch to conform to the generally planar configuration across the hernia as the surgeon withdraws his or her finger. An access slit is formed in one of the layers for insertion of a surgeon's finger or instrument into the pouch to allow the surgeon to facilitate insertion of the patch into the patient and to position the patch across the hernia.

Abstract: A fluid absorbent tape is formed from a fluid permeable strip which is folded to form overlapping portions enclosing an area filled with a band of a fluid absorbent particulate material lying on at least a part of a width of the upper surface of the strip. In one example, the strip is folded along one longitudinally extending fold line centrally between the side edges of the strip such that the side edges overlie on another and are bonded together by a bead of hot melt adhesive, a strip of EAA or other suitable method. In another arrangement, the side edges are folded together to form a butt joint which is bonded by an overlying or underlying strip of EAA or similar material. A second band of material can be provided in a second folded portion overlying the first to form an S-shape with both being maintained encapsulated by the bonding of the side edges of the strip.

Abstract: A compression sponge for wound care operable in the collection of liquid emanating from a wound site. The pad has at least one generally uniform bibulous layer operable as a wick to absorb, generally uniformly distribute there through, and retain liquid whereby such uniform liquid distribution throughout the entire layer provides uniform pressure distribution of any externally applied pressure on the pad. A liquid-permeable sheet such as a non-interacting, liquid-permeable paper product is disposed on the surface of the bibulous layer to interface with the wound site, while a liquid impermeable sheet with wrap-around edges prevents leakage of liquid from the pad.

Abstract: Wound covering which is characterized in that it is made of a hydrophobic bacteria-adsorbing material which comprises an antimicrobial active compound which is not released into the wound. It is preferably made of a mixture of hydrophobic fibres and fibres comprising the antimicrobial active compound.

Abstract: A therapeutic mat for application to a person includes a relatively elastic substrate of a predetermined size, a hydrogel substance connected to the elastic substrate, and a plurality of microcrystals dispersed throughout the hydrogel substance. The therapeutic mat may further include retaining straps connectable to the elastic substrate and of a size and configuration to extend about the part of the body for supporting the therapeutic mat in a relatively fixed position.

Abstract: A bandage that has a securing portion made of any adhesive material connected to a domed portion that is made of any rigid material that is pleated in the middle that provides shielding to protected areas from physical trauma that also flexes and allows air to flow to and from the protected area.

Abstract: Support material for medical purposes, which is characterized in that an addition of high-strength fibers or threads on an organic or inorganic base with a maximum tensile strength over 60 cN/tex gives the support material a maximum tensile strength of over 2 N/cm and the support material has mainly a maximum tensile strength of under 400%.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cast liner that provides improved comfort over prior known cast liners. The cast liner provides several layers of material having functions which functionally complement one another. The inner layer comprises a soft highly breathable material with a first layer comprising a high wicking nonwoven material overlying the inner layer and a second layer comprising a stitch bond fabric which is relatively stiff but open and compressible to support the body through the underlying inner and first layers.

Abstract: A prosthetic for placement over a defect in tissue includes at least one collagen pad for placement on tissue surrounding the defect. A patch is placeable over the defect and the collagen pad wherein the collagen pad, the patch and the tissue are adhereable to each other upon an application of pressure and energy. Alternatively, the prosthetic can consist of a patch with at least one collagen pad integrally formed with the patch. Another alternative prosthetic includes a patch made of collagen throughout.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wound dressing 10 that is a porous, self-adhering elastic 14 bandage which may be compressively wrapped around a wound and which is capable of absorbing fluids and wound exudate. A preferred embodiment of the wound dressing 10 is a self-adhering elastic substrate 14 which does not adhere to clothing, hair or skin having a compressive force when extended that provides a therapeutic benefit and which is flexibly attached or fixed to an absorbent layer 12.

Abstract: Alginate fabrics have, in conjuction with charcoal cloth, been used in wound dressings for malodorous wounds and there are commercial examples of such wound dressings. A problem associated with known alginate wound dressings which employ charcoal cloth is that the dressing is a relatively rigid structure. Furthermore, the known dressings have been constrained to the use of charcoal cloth which limits the absorptive properties thereof for wound odorants due to the fixed surface area of the cloth. We have now developed an alginate fabric which alleviates the above problems, and there is provided by the present invention an alginate fabric having particulate charcoal dispersed therein.

Abstract: A bandage in the form of a reinforced silicone gel sheet for the treatment of scar tissue is disclosed. The bandage consists of a first layer of silicone adapted to adhere to the skin, a second layer of polyester mesh fabric with a plurality of holes therethrough, which contacts the first layer, and a third layer of silicone. The third layer acts as a sealant and an adhesive when applied to the mesh fabric by projecting through the holes in the mesh fabric to seal the second layer and to laminate the second layer between the first layer and the third layer. The sealant effect of the third layer provides a non-adherent surface which enables the bandage to be worn underneath clothing. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hernia patch has a first layer of inert synthetic mesh material selectively sized and shaped to extend across and beyond a hernia. A second layer of inert synthetic mesh material overlies the first layer to create a generally planar configuration for the patch. The first and second layers are joined together by a seam which defines a periphery of a pouch between the layers. One of the layers has a border which extends beyond the seam and which has a free outer edge. A plurality of border slits extend from the outer edge through the border substantially to the seam. An access slit is formed in one of the layers for insertion of a finger of a surgeon into the pouch to allow the surgeon to deform the planar configuration of the patch to facilitate insertion of the patch into the patient and to position the patch across the hernia.

Abstract: A thin film wound dressing is disclosed in which a thin, transparent, vapor-transmitting elastomeric film is coated along its underside with a suitable pressure-sensitive adhesive for securing the dressing to a patient's skin. Prior to use, the adhesive layer is protected by a removable release liner. The opposite (upper) surface of the film has a removable backing layer with a multiplicity of wide openings or foramina separated from each other by connecting strip portions, and at least some of the strip portions preferably terminate in free ends along a peripheral edge of the film.

Abstract: An orthopedic casting material having strength and porosity characteristics which heretofore have been associated only with high modulus fibers, while using casting material comprising a fabric made from a multi-filament, low modulus fiber. The fabric is impregnated with a reactive resin which hardens by wetting with a curing agent. A method for making an orthopedic cast and the resulting cast product are also disclosed, as is coloring of the cast product in a variety of desired colors and patterns.

Abstract: A hernia patch has a first layer of inert synthetic mesh material selectively sized and shaped to extend across and beyond a hernia. A second layer of inert synthetic mesh material overlies the first layer to create a generally planar configuration for the patch. The first and second layers are joined together by a seam which defines a periphery of a pouch between the layers. One of the layers has a border which extends beyond the seam and which has a free outer edge. A plurality of border slits extend from the outer edge through the border substantially to the seam. An access slit is formed in one of the layers for insertion of a finger of a surgeon into the pouch to allow the surgeon to deform the planar configuration of the patch to facilitate insertion of the patch into the patient and to position the patch across the hernia.

Abstract: A printed orthopaedic casting bandage is disclosed having a bandage substrate made of at least 50% fibers having a Young's Modulus in excess of 8.times.10.sup.6 psi. The fibers, in particular, are glass fibers and carbon fibers. The printing substance is a plastisol-based printing agent, and the printed substrate is covered with a water-activatable hardening resin such as a polyurethane prepolymer of polyol and isocyanate.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a novel wound dressing providing superior absorption and preventing leakage is disclosed. The present dressing comprises a hydrocolloid-containing polymeric support layer either continuous or non-continuous and an occlusive backing layer overlying the support. In a preferred embodiment the present dressing further includes an adhesive on a skin-contacting surface of the support and an absorbent region interposed between the support and the backing layer.

Abstract: There is provided a laminate material having stretchability and recovery, breathability and barrier properties, and being made from a nonwoven elastomeric web having at least one web of textile material discontinuously adhesively bonded to each side thereof. The laminate material is free of an elastomeric film, the elastomeric web is substantially flat when the laminate is unstretched, and the nonwoven elastomeric web provides recovery to the laminate. The nonwoven elastomeric web is preferably a web of meltblown elastomeric fibers and the other webs may be knits, wovens or scrim materials. These laminates are well suited for infection control products, personal care products and garments.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for obtaining a skin substitute and the skin substitute itself. According to this process, a dermis substitute is prepared by mixing contractile cells, a nutritive medium, and collagen, in order to form a contracting gel; this dermis substitute is used as a substrate for an epidermis substitute obtained by culturing, using keratinocytes from an animal or human skin sample. According to the invention, the substrate is implanted with at least one section of a hair follicle retaining at least partially its cellular sheath, this section being implanted perpendicularly to the free surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Biomaterials are disclosed comprised of biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioabsorbable composite membranes for use in surgery for the guided regeneration of tissues. The composite membranes are comprised of threads embedded in a matrix, wherein both the matrix and the threads can be comprised of esters of hyaluronic acid, used singly or in combination, or esters of hyaluronic acid in combination with esters of alginic acid or other polymers.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive sheet material, such as an adhesive tape, which is suitable for use on wet surfaces, in particular upon wet skin. The adhesive sheet material effectively binds to the wet surface and moves moisture away from the surface. The adhesive sheet material has a porous backing having opposing sides and is made of non-wettable fibers. The water-insoluble pressure sensitive adhesive is discontinuously coated on one side of the backing to provide areas of the adhesive interspersed with areas of bare backing.

Abstract: A disposable adhesively engagable neck and facial wrinkle gathering device which in one embodiment includes an elongated fully elastic main strip formed of flexible non-woven hypoallergenic elastic tape adhesively coated on one entire side thereof. This embodiment also includes a non-adhesive fully elastic fabric central strip adhered against and coextensive with a central length of the adhesive side of the main strip. Another embodiment includes a length of slender elastic string connectable at each end thereof to an elastic or non-elastic adhesive strip having one adhesive surface. Both embodiments are structured to extend either partially around to the sides and back of the user's neck from the nape of the neck or downwardly from around the top of the base of the ear along either side of the ear or from the sides of the face around the back or over the crown of the head.

Abstract: Adhesive bandages having a peripherally-raised non-adhesive thin-layer bordering the adhesive surface of such bandages is disclosed. The non-adhesive thin-layer inhibits formation of dirt rings which would otherwise remain when the adhesive bandage is removed from human skin.

Abstract: Proposed is a moisture-curable polyurethane resin composition having good storage stability under a moisture-free condition without affecting the curability in the presence of moisture. The composition comprises (a) a polyurethane prepolymer as a reaction product of a polyol compound and a polyisocyanate compound, (b) a catalytic compound to promote curing of the composition and (c) a stabilizer which is trifluoromethane sulfonic acid in a limited amount. The improvement in the storage stability of the composition is particularly remarkable when trifluoromethane sulfonic acid is used in combination with a specific curing catalyst. The composition is useful in the preparation of a surgical casting tape by coating or impregnating a flexible substrate web such as a glass fiber cloth therewith.

Abstract: A composite material for wound dressings having a fibrous wound-contacting substrate, such as cotton gauze, impregnated with a thermoplastic hydrogel forming polymer and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A medical bandaging article sealed in moisture-free condition, serially connected with other such sealed articles in roll form. The medical bandaging article comprises an open cell foam layer and a woven fabric layer with several layers of resin impregnated substrates arranged therebetween. The substrate layers are preferably smaller than the fabric and foam layers. A heat fusing web is interposed between the fabric layer and the immediately adjacent substrate layer, and extends beyond the substrates so that upon application of sufficient heat and pressure, the fabric layer and the foam layer are fused together around the periphery of the substrates encasing them between the fabric layer and foam layer. A roll of individually sealed pouches containing bandaging articles are connected together, and between adjoining sealed pouches special perforations are provided for separating the pouches without damaging the seals of the adjacent pouches.

Abstract: An improved substrate for retaining a hardenable composition, which substrate utilizes a double face knit having knitting fabrics of multiple bundles formed on both its face and back surfaces, the knitting fabrics being impregnatable with hardenable resin by capillary action and retaining the resin to enable curing thereof into a hard composition, the improved substrate providing the advantages of substrates composed of glass fibers such as strength and good air permeability, while also providing advantages of substrates composed of natural and synthetic fibers such as comfort and non-irritability.

Abstract: A warp knitted vascular patch material, made in specific widths, the selvedges of the material are specially finished on the knitting machine without the introduction of additional threads to give a strong edge which will not fray and give firm support for the sutures. The specially knitted edges enables small neat sutures to be made without the risk of pulling out. This prevents all the problems of fraying edges and bulky seams found when unsized material is cut to the required width. This patch material is designed specifically for arterial closure following a carotid endorectomy.

Abstract: A rotator cuff reinforcement device adapted for surgical implantation in a shoulder of a person, comprising a strip having a base portion for fixation to a trochiter of a rotator cuff, the strip being flexible, non-tubular and flat and having at least two divergent legs extending from the base portion for fixation to at least two tendons of such a rotator cuff, the at least two divergent legs defining at least two respective divergent ends.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a patch of flexible surgical mesh material having at least one elongated semi-rigid member secured to the mesh material for use in facilitating positioning of the mesh material in surgical operations. In variant embodiments of the invention a plurality of semi-rigid members are formed either integrally with the flexible mesh as a single unit of the same material, or as separate component parts secured to the mesh material.