Abstract: A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid collector for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid collector. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid collector by a liquid barrier.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam dressing for a wound filler, which includes a hydrophilic polyurethane foam including a plurality of open cells with a diameter of 50 to 400 ?m and a plurality of pores with a diameter of 10 to 80 ?m, and a method of manufacturing the same including mixing and agitating 40 to 75 wt % pre-polymer, 15 to 45 wt % foaming agent, 5 to 35 wt % crosslinking agent, and 0.5 to 15 wt % additive containing a surfactant, a moisturizing agent, and a pigment, injecting the resulting mixture into a mold, and foaming the resulting mixture injected into the mold.

Abstract: The invention provides a wound dressing comprising a layered material comprising a hydrophilic foam layer formed from a first polyurethane and a hydrogel layer formed from a second polyurethane, wherein the hydrogel layer is laminated to the hydrophilic foam layer.

Abstract: A dynamic-response anatomical bandaging system and methodology utilizing a limb-wrappable, layered, dynamic-response, bandaging expanse which includes a dynamic-response, pressure-applying layer displaying a compressive-load versus compression-deflection behavior which is characterized by a curve having a substantially linear region in which a major change in compression deflection relates to an anatomically insignificant change in compressive load. The system and methodology also feature, relative to use of the bandaging expanse, freely attachable and detachable, dynamic-response (a) splinting structure, and (b) expanse-edge-overlap wrap-closure tensioning structure.

Abstract: A biocompatible wound dressing comprised of a pad for insertion substantially into a wound site and a wound drape for sealing enclosure of the foam pad at the wound site. The pad, comprised of a foam or other like material having relatively few open cells in contact with the areas upon which cell growth is to be encouraged so as to avoid unwanted adhesions, but having sufficiently numerous open cells so that drainage and negative pressure therapy may continue unimpaired, is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of fluid drainage, as known in the art. The pad is further comprised of an ultra-low density fused-fibrous ceramic, or a bioabsorbable branched polymer, or cell growth enhancing matrix or scaffolding.

Abstract: A method for stimulating new tissue growth is provided in which a limb is introduced into an interior portion of an outer cover. A porous component is applied to at least a portion of the limb within the outer cover. An opening through which the limb was introduced is sealed, and a negative pressure is applied to the interior portion to stimulate new tissue growth.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds with means for stressing the wound bed and optionally tissue surrounding the wound, in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The means for stressing the wound bed and optionally tissue surrounding the wound promotes wound healing. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: A wound treatment-dressing is shown which includes a dressing body formed from a medically inert, moisture permeable, urethane open-cell foam which is hydrophilic in nature. The foam body has a foam matrix of interconnected foam cells with cell walls which have incorporated therein a combination of inorganic antimicrobials as active agents, the active agents being incorporated into the foam matrix both topically on a foam cell surface and integrally within the foam cell wall. The antimicrobials are manufactured in a selected particle size range which improves predictability and performance of the wound dressing.

Abstract: Methods for improved treatment of wounds on a patient. Method includes locally administering a healing composition to the skin wound such that the healing of the skin wound is enhanced. The healing composition includes from about 5 mg to about 40 mg lidocaine hydrochloride per gram of the healing composition, from about 250 units to about 2000 units polymyxin B sulfate per gram of the healing composition, and from about 10 units to about 100 units bacitracin zinc per gram of the healing composition.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus having a housing that contains a vacuum pump and a chamber for holding a disposable wound fluid collection canister. The canister resides within the chamber and connects at an outlet with the vacuum pump at an inlet with a porous wound pad. The pad is placed over or within a wound and adhesively secured thereto. When the vacuum pump activates, it evacuates air from the canister resulting in wound fluids flowing from the wound into the canister. Due to the negative effect that a vacuum can impose on tissue when granulation tissue is pulled into the pad, the pad contains multiple pore sizes to prevent granulation tissue from migrating into the pad. The pad has an outer surface adjacent the wound with pore sizes of a diameter of approximately 100 microns or less to prevent tissue from growing into the pad and is treated for biocompatibility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound dressing, a method of manufacturing a wound dressing, and in particular to a material for use as and in a wound dressing. A wound dressing can comprise a material movable between an initial conformation and an expanded conformation resulting from applying an extensive force to the material, such that removal of the extensive force can cause a contraction of the material toward a center of a wound. In addition, the wound dressing can comprise a retaining mechanism removably coupled to the material and configured to retain the material in the expanded conformation.

Abstract: A wound dressing that provides galvanic current and has antimicrobial properties. The dressing comprises a pliable base material, along with a pattern of deposited metal flakes. The metal flakes include at least two different metal types which are deposited in patterns which touch or overlap, typically in a repeating pattern. The two metals create a galvanic current in the wound area. The metals are deposited in mounds so that the wound dressing continues to work over extended periods of time.

Abstract: An antibacterial bandage formed from at least one foam with at least one antimicrobial agent and at least one hemostatic agent is disclosed. The at least one antimicrobial agent and the at least one hemostatic agent may be mixed with materials forming the foam during manufacture of the at least one foam.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a wound care article, exhibiting fibers with gel-forming properties containing at least one planar structure, as well as fibers with non-gel-forming properties, characterized in that the fibers are arranged in the form of planar fabric bands.

Abstract: A hospital type of bandage integrates an absorbent pad and non-stick layer with a fluid-impermeable outer layer and an adhesive in a single composite structure. In a preferred embodiment the invention further includes means which may be used to turn the bandage inside out upon removal, so that surfaces once contacting a patient are no longer externally exposed. A bandage according to the invertible embodiment preferably includes a pocket formed on the side of the bandage facing away from the patient after application, this pocket being large enough to accommodate at least a portion of a human hand, and inside this pocket and located opposite the entrance is a means for grasping which may be pulled outwardly through pocket opening, thereby inverting the entire structure. Various forms of devices for grasping are possible as alternatives, including a string, a tab and a tab with one or more finger-receiving holes.

Abstract: A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid-retention chamber for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid-retention chamber. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid-retention chamber by a liquid barrier.

Abstract: A wound dressing composition comprising a partially cured polyurethane fluid. The composition can be injected directly into a wound, where it cures to form a wound filling dressing. Also provided is a wound dressing comprising such a composition. Also provided is a kit for the preparation of such wound dressings, the kit comprising (a) a polyurethane prepolymer; and (b) a curing agent for the polyurethane prepolymer. Preferably, the polyurethane components comprise reaction products of a diisocyanate with castor oil or a related ester of ricinoleic acid or its derivatives.

Abstract: A hemostatic device for promoting the clotting of blood includes a gauze substrate, a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate, and also a polyol such as glycerol or the like disposed on the gauze substrate to bind the clay material. When the device is used to treat a bleeding wound, at least a portion of the clay material comes into contact with blood emanating from the wound to cause the clotting. A bandage that can be applied to a bleeding wound to promote the clotting of blood includes a flexible substrate and a gauze substrate mounted thereon. The gauze substrate includes a clay material and a polyol. A hemostatic sponge also includes a gauze substrate and a dispersion of hemostatic material and a polyol on a first surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing polyurethane foams, by frothing and drying specific polyurethane dispersions.

Abstract: A fiber-microsphere composite scaffold including a first layer of material selected from one of a layer of bioresorbable microspheres and a layer of bioresorbable fibers; and a second layer of material selected from the other of the layer of bioresorbable microspheres and the layer of bioresorbable fibers. A fiber-microsphere composite scaffold reduced pressure tissue treatment apparatus is also included as well as methods for making fiber-microsphere composite scaffolds.

Abstract: A wound dressing composition comprising a partially cured polyurethane fluid. The composition can be injected directly into a wound, where it cures to form a wound filling dressing. Also provided is a wound dressing comprising such a composition. Also provided is a kit for the preparation of such wound dressings, the kit comprising (a) a polyurethane prepolymer; and (b) a curing agent for the polyurethane prepolymer. Preferably, the polyurethane components comprise reaction products of a diisocyanate with castor oil or a related ester of ricinoleic acid or its derivatives.

Abstract: A vacuum bandage is provided for use with a wound having a wound surface. The bandage is connectable to a vacuum source and includes a wound dressing member having a wound contacting surface, a top surface, and a port configured for communication with the vacuum source. The wound dressing member further includes holes in the wound contacting surface configured for communication with the wound surface of the wound and a passageway between the port and each hole. The vacuum bandage further includes a pack adjacent to the top surface of the member. The pack may include an aperture positioned about the port.

Abstract: An assembly according to the invention includes a pressure mechanism having a flexible member for attachment to a limb and an air chamber which may be pumped up into a desired pressurized state, a separate relatively small pre-filled air bladder, an absorbent foam, sponge or dressing coupled to the pre-filled air bladder, and a suction conduit coupled to a source of negative pressure (suction) and in fluid communication with the absorbent foam, sponge or dressing. In a preferred embodiment, the pre-filled air bladder, the absorbent foam, sponge or dressing and the suction conduit are formed together as a unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foam dressing with a bevelled edge and where the density at the edge is higher than the density at the central part of the foam. The high density at the edges causes gel blocking of the wound exudate thereby preventing leakage of exudate through the edges. In a preferred embodiment the foam dressing is non-adhesive. The foam dressing may have a water-impervious backing layer, which extends all the way over the top of the dressing and down to the wound-contacting surface. The wound dressing is particularly useful in treatment of venous ulcers in connection with compression bandages, as the bevelling of the edges markedly reduces the indentations in the leg following use of this dressing when compared to a dressing with straight edges.

Abstract: The Pressure Ulcer Bandage is designed for application to the skin of an individual to treat pressure ulcers. The bandage will be constructed of flexible, round hydrocellular polyurethane foam, approximately one inch deep and will range in diameter with a precut opening to allow pressure relief from the ulcer itself and disperse weight away from the wound. The precut openings should be in various sizes to allow an opening at least 0.25 inches larger than the wound to be utilized The foam bandage will have at least 1.5 times the size of the precut opening of remaining foam outside the opening. Ring shaped bandages have been ineffective in the past because of the lack of flexibility of the material used and the limited amount of padding away from the opening. This bandage can be produced in an adhesive and in a non-adhesive format. Additionally, the packaged product will be sterile.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam dressing for a wound filler, which includes a hydrophilic polyurethane foam including a plurality of open cells with a diameter of 50 to 400 ?m and a plurality of pores with a diameter of 10 to 80 ?m, and a method of manufacturing the same including mixing and agitating 40 to 75 wt % pre-polymer, 15 to 45 wt % foaming agent, 5 to 35 wt % crosslinking agent, and 0.5 to 15 wt % additive containing a surfactant, a moisturizing agent, and a pigment, injecting the resulting mixture into a mold, and foaming the resulting mixture injected into the mold.

Abstract: A wound dressing includes an absorbent core which defines opposed proximal and distal surfaces, and peripheral edges delimiting the proximal and distal surfaces. The absorbent core has a central portion with a first thickness, and a beveled portion surrounding the central portion and extending to the peripheral edges. The beveled portion has a second thickness that is less than the first thickness corresponding to the central portion.

Abstract: A logic circuit that can reconfigure its functions in a nonvolatile manner and a single-electron transistor to be used in the logic circuits are provided. The logic circuit has a single-electron spin transistor that includes: a source; a drain; an island that is provided between the source and the drain, and has tunnel junctions between the island and the source and drain; and a gate that is capacitively coupled to the island. In this logic circuit, at least one of the source, the drain, and the island includes a ferromagnetic material having a variable magnetization direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polyurethane-based wound dressing foams, obtained by foaming and curing silane-terminated polyurethanes.

Abstract: A multilayer breathable moisture management and compressive device, having a laminate material that includes a thin, hydrophillic polyurethane foam coated on both surfaces with an adhesive. A stretchable elastomeric polymer layer is bonded to each of the adhesive surfaces. The polymer layers preferably are microfibers having a greater number of filaments on a skin engaging side than on an opposite side thereof. The resulting device draws moisture from the skin whereby moisture generated by the underlying skin is absorbed into the device and is thereafter conveyed into the polyurethane foam and then into the outer polymer layer such that the moisture is permitted to evaporate from the surface of the device. The device may be used as a sleeve for providing compression especially during exercise or may be used as a wound dressing or the like, providing moisture management and/or heat retention under compression.

Abstract: A wound dressing includes an absorbent core having opposed proximal and distal surfaces and a discrete skin adherent, apertured facing layer having a distal surface secured to the proximal surface of the absorbent core. The facing layer includes portions of a proximal surface thereof having different degrees of skin adherence.

Abstract: A wound dressing including an absorbent core defining opposed proximal and distal surfaces, the distal surface of the absorbent core defining a central portion, a border portion and an intermediate portion interposed between the central and border portions. The backing layer defines at least one compliant element disassociated from the distal surface of the absorbent core and including at least one ridge extending outwardly relative to the distal surface of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A compression stretch bandage formed from a hydrophillic foam having at least one layer of a stretchable, textile material attached to one side of the foam and a hemastasis agent attached to another side of the foam for activating the intrinsic arm of the hemostatic cascade of the healing process. The bandage may also include a silver material contained within the foam for reducing risk of infection. The bandage may be a flexible, stretchable, hydrophilic bandage that reduces the risk of infection at a wound by providing a moist environment that will aid in optimum release of silver ions into the wound.

Abstract: A wound dressing including an absorbent core defining opposed proximal and distal surfaces, the distal surface of the absorbent core defining a central portion, a border portion and an intermediate portion interposed between the central and border portions. The backing layer defines at least one compliant element disassociated from the distal surface of the absorbent core and including at least one ridge extending outwardly relative to the distal surface of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A superabsorbent foam comprising from 0.01% by weight to 10% by weight of fibers composed of woodpulp or waste paper, based on the dry weight of the foam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyurethane foam dressing material with improved moisturizing rate. More precisely, the present invention relates to a hydrophilic dressing material in which a wound contact layer (10) having a sponge structure composed of multiple open cells (12) and pores (15) passing through the cells (12) is laminated with a protective film (20). The lamination is characteristically performed at 150˜250° C. under a pressure of preferably 0.25˜1 kgf/cm2, the moisturizing rate of the wound contact layer (10) is 300˜1200% and the pore area (membrane opening) takes 10˜35% of the total cell area.

Abstract: A method for producing a wound dressing wherein a curable silicone mixture is extruded onto a generally planar molding surface. The silicone mixture defines a first surface adjacent the planar surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The molding surface is heated at a curing temperature sufficient to cause the silicone mixture to cross-link. The silicone mixture is uniformly spread over the molding surface such that the silicone mixture has a generally uniform thickness and the second surface is substantially planar. The second surface of the silicone mixture is laminated to an absorbent material after the silicone mixture has started to cross-link and transform to a gel due to exposure to the heated molding surface.

Abstract: A system and method for the temporary closure of a wound, especially an abdominal wound, to facilitate re-entry, final closure, and long term healing of the wound. An abdominal wound dressing and methods of use are described that enable the application of negative pressure to the wound site in a site healing promoting manner while also limiting the formation of adhesions that would prevent the removal of the dressing. The dressing comprises a layer of porous foam material (36) enclosed by sheets of elastomeric material (38) punctuated by a number of appropriately placed holes (34). Multiple layers of porous foam may also be used. A suction tube connector (16) is provided on an upper surface of a layer of foam (12) for connection to a negative pressure source. At least one layer of foam is enclosed in elastomeric material and is placed in direct contact with the tissue within the open wound. Fluids are drawn by negative pressure through the holes positioned in the elastomeric envelope, and through the foam.

Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising a silicone foam having pore walls and a plurality of hydrophilic particles anchored to the pore walls of the foam. Some of the hydrophilic particles have an anchored portion firmly anchored to the pore walls and an exposed portion extending outwardly away from the pore walls upon which the anchored portion is secured.

Abstract: A protector effectively suppresses infections. The protector protects a tube entry part, where a tube passes through the skin of a living body, from infections, and includes a sticking part that is stuck onto the skin of the living body in a periphery of the tube entry part, and a covering that covers the tube entry part, forms an internal space that surrounds the tube entry part, and has a passage through which the tube passes. The covering is provided with an opening that can be freely opened and closed with a cap or the like.

Abstract: A wound dressing includes an absorbent core defining opposed proximal and distal surfaces and an array of receptacles formed therein. A liquid impervious, vapor permeable backing layer is connected to at least a portion of the distal surface of the absorbent core. The receptacles open at the distal surface of the absorbent core and extend a distance into the thickness of the absorbent core. Each receptacle contains a plurality of discrete portions of absorbent material. The backing layer is configured to be sufficiently distensible to permit expansion and migration of at least some of the discrete portions of absorbent material from the receptacles upon absorption of exudate by the wound dressing.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for stimulating healing of wounds, particularly burns, to the hands or feet. The apparatus comprises an envelope for receiving the affected part of the body. The envelope (12) comprises an air-tight cover which contains a porous pad (22, 24, 26) for covering the wound. Means are provided for connecting the interior of the envelope to a source of suction.

Abstract: A wound dressing including an absorbent core having opposed proximal and distal surfaces and a discrete skin adherent, elastomeric gel layer disposed along the proximal surface of the absorbent core. The elastomeric gel layer includes a plurality of through extending apertures arranged in a pattern.

Abstract: A wound dressing including an absorbent core defining opposed proximal and distal surfaces and at least one receptacle formed therein. The at least one receptacle opening at the distal surface of the absorbent core and extending a distance into the thickness of the absorbent core. The at least one receptacle contains a discrete portion of absorbent material. The absorbent core may include a plurality of discrete hydrophilic particulates enmeshed therein. The wound dressing may include an elastomeric gel layer and a liquid impervious, vapor permeable backing layer connected to the absorbent core.

Abstract: A method for producing a wound dressing wherein a curable silicone mixture is extruded onto a generally planar molding surface. The silicone mixture defines a first surface adjacent the planar surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The molding surface is heated at a curing temperature sufficient to cause the silicone mixture to cross-link. The silicone mixture is uniformly spread over the molding surface such that the silicone mixture has a generally uniform thickness and the second surface is substantially planar. The second surface of the silicone mixture is laminated to an absorbent material after the silicone mixture has started to cross-link and transform to a gel due to exposure to the heated molding surface.

Abstract: An elastomeric puncture site patch for adhering to skin and antiseptically covering the skin at an area where a sharp object such as a syringe needle or intravenous is to be inserted. The patch is comprised of an elastomeric transparent self-sealing membrane and a spacer having an aperture. The spacer has an adhesive film on the surface opposite the membrane for adhering the patch to the skin. When the patch is applied to an area of the skin, a chamber is formed between the skin and the membrane and bounded by the spacer. In use, the skin is antiseptically cleaned and the patch applied. The syringe needle or similar device punctures the membrane and the skin. At the end of the procedure the needle is withdrawn and any blood remaining on the outside of the needle or oozing from the wound is trapped in the chamber, thus preventing contamination of the area beyond the chamber. A method of manufacturing the puncture site patch is also provided.

Abstract: A biocompatible wound dressing comprised of a pad for insertion substantially into a wound site and a wound drape for sealing enclosure of the foam pad at the wound site. The pad, comprised of a foam or other like material having relatively few open cells in contact with the areas upon which cell growth is to be encouraged so as to avoid unwanted adhesions, but having sufficiently numerous open cells so that drainage and negative pressure therapy may continue unimpaired, is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of fluid drainage, as known in the art. The pad is further comprised of an ultra-low density fused-fibrous ceramic, or a bioabsorbable branched polymer, or cell growth enhancing matrix or scaffolding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling article comprising a polymer absorbent enclosed within a bag delimited by a collapsible envelope having non-watertight walls, wherein said polymer absorbent is under the form of particles each of which comprises a core of less cross-linked polymer sequences more active in retaining absorbed water and a shell of more cross-linked polymer sequences apt to retard diffusion of water from a particle to another during desorption of absorbed water.

Abstract: A laminate material includes an upper layer (I) and a lower layer (II) which is joined to the upper layer over substantially the entire surface thereof. The upper layer (I) includes a thin layer of leather material (1), and the lower layer (II) is a material which can be stretched in two directions. The lower layer (II) includes at least one support layer (3) which is resilient in two directions and has at least two sorts of interwoven fibres, at least one type of fibres being produced from an elastic substance, as well as a layer (5) of a compressible substance which is joined to the support layer over substantially the entire surface thereof and is resilient in three mutually perpendicular directions. Such laminate material can be used in a device for protecting a body part of a human or an animal.

Abstract: The invention provides a wound dressing comprising a body and a polymeric film adhered to at least a portion of the body. The body comprises a flexible, porous polyurethane-based foam and a liquid absorbing component. The invention further provides a wound dressing comprising a first body, a second body, and at least one polymeric film disposed between the first and second bodies. The invention additionally provides methods for treating an injury to a patient's nasal passages utilizing a wound dressing according to the invention.