Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device suitable for releasable attachment to a patient's skin surface over a selected wound area in a non-contact position relative to the selected wound area, the wound treatment device comprising an attachment portion suitable for releasable attachment with the patient's skin surface, having an inner perimeter for defining the selected wound area, a wound treatment portion with a substantially planar wound cover and a support member supporting the wound cover, and a transition portion with a membrane connecting the wound treatment portion to the attachment portion, the membrane extending around the outer perimeter of the support member and attached to the attachment portion between the inner and outer perimeter of the attachment portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical article that includes a liquid-impervious, moisture-vapor permeable polymeric film having directly bonded thereto an absorbent, substantially nonswellable foam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exothermic device for topically delivering an active agent comprising a liquid reservoir comprising water, a heating element comprising an oxidizable material, an oxygen-permeable outer-layer, an active agent, and a water-impermeable layer, wherein upon the rupturing of the liquid reservoir, the water contacts the heating element and the oxygen to create and exothermic reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides medical articles, such as wound dressings. In one embodiment, the medical article includes a backing, an absorbent foam, and a fibrous adhesive disposed between the backing and the absorbent foam, wherein the backing includes a liquid-impervious, moisture-vapor permeable polymeric film. In another embodiment, the medical article includes a backing, an absorbent, substantially nonswellable foam, and an adhesive disposed therebetween. In yet another embodiment, the medical article includes a backing, a foam, and a fibrous adhesive disposed therebetween.

Abstract: Non-occlusive composite wound dressings that comprises a material polymer wound-healing layer comprised of isolated polymer fibers, and a synthetic polymer foam layer having at least one surface physically adhered to the natural layer by the physical interlocking of the polymer fibers with the surface. Also, a process for the preparation of a non-occlusive composite wound dressing comprising contacting a synthetic polymer foam porous surface with a solution and/or suspension of natural polymer fibers in a medium, and removing the medium from the fibers under conditions that result in the fibers penetrating into pores of the surface and that form a dried composite of the polymer foam adhered physically to a layer comprising natural polymer fiber.

Abstract: This invention is directed to advanced hemorrhage control wound dressings, and methods of using and producing same. The subject wound dressing is constructed from a non-mammalian material for control of severe bleeding. The wound dressing for controlling severe bleeding is formed of a biomaterial comprising chitosan, a hydrophilic polymer, a polyacrylic polymer or a combination thereof. The kind of severe, life-threatening bleeding contemplated by this invention is typically of the type not capable of being stanched when a conventional gauze wound dressing is applied with conventional pressure to the subject wound. The wound dressing being capable of substantially stanching the flow of the severe life-threatening bleeding from the wound by adhering to the wound site, to seal the wound, to accelerate blood clot formation at the wound site, to reinforce clot formation at the wound site and prevent bleed out from the wound site, and to substantially prohibit the flow of blood out of the wound site.

Abstract: The present medical pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet, comprises: a supporting base material; and an adhesive layer laminated directly or indirectly on the supporting base material, wherein the supporting base material contains: 1 to 50 parts by weight of at least one selected from the group consisting of a fatty acid, a fatty acid ester, a fatty acid amide, a higher alcohol, and a metal soap; and 100 parts by weight of at least one resin selected from the group consisting of an olefin thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene thermoplastic elastomer, and a polyester thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: An open-celled polyurethane foam formed from a composition comprising an active hydrogen-containing component, an organic polyisocyanate component having an average isocyanate functionality of 2.00 to 2.25, a surfactant component, and a catalyst. The foam has a thickness of about 6 to about 20 mils; a density of about 10 to about 50 pcf; an average cell diameter of about 25 to about 80 microns; and cell openings having an average diameter of about 1 to about 25 microns, wherein the ratio of average cell diameter to average cell opening diameter is about 3 to about 10; a water vapor transmission rate of greater than about 1000 grams per square meter per day, and which do not leak water or similar fluids. Such foams find particular utility as backings for bandages.

Abstract: Wound packing material comprising a resilient polymer-based foam sheet of a predetermined thickness. The foam sheet includes at least one slit of a predetermined length that extends from the foam surface into the foam to a predetermined depth. This slit, or slits, permits the foam, when folded upon itself, to occupy a smaller volume than the foam would occupy when folded over upon itself in the same manner, but in the absence of the slit.

Abstract: A highly conformable and absorbent polymeric foam wound dressing is disclosed, such dressing being particularly useful in preventing pooling of fluid in a draining wound while at the same time maintaining surrounding skin surfaces in a relatively dry state.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and apparatus'for improving administration of drugs through the use of specifically controlled heat and other physical means. The present invention relates to the use of heat and other physical means in conjunction with specially designed dermal drug delivery systems, conventional commercial dermal drug delivery systems, or drugs delivered into a sub-skin depot site via injection and other methods to alter, mainly increase, the drug release rate from the dermal drug delivery systems or the depot sites to accommodate certain clinical needs.

Abstract: Wound dressing for a nasal cavity comprising a flexible, porous polyurethane-based foam comprising a liquid-absorbing component, wherein the dressing is provided in a in a shape acceptable for insertion into a nasal cavity, e.g., cylindrical, conical or frustro-conical shape.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving administration of drugs through the use of heat and other physical means. The present invention relates to the use of heat and other physical means in conjunction with specially designed dermal drug delivery systems, conventional commercial dermal drug delivery systems, or drugs delivered into a sub-skin depot site via injection and other methods to alter, mainly increase, the drug release rate from the dermal drug delivery systems or the depot sites to accommodate certain clinical needs.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device suitable for releasable attachment to a patient's skin surface over a selected wound area in a non-contact position relative to the selected wound area, the wound treatment device comprising an attachment portion suitable for releasable attachment with the patient's skin surface, having an inner perimeter for defining the selected wound area, a wound treatment portion with a substantially planar wound cover and a support member supporting the wound cover, and a transition portion with a membrane connecting the wound treatment portion to the attachment portion, the membrane extending around the outer perimeter of the support member and attached to the attachment portion between the inner and outer perimeter of the attachment portion.

Abstract: Foam wound dressings for medical and veterinary use are disclosed, along with methods for making the same. The wound dressings contain a hydrophilic polyurethane foam matrix having at least one hydrocolloid absorptive material integrally and generally uniformly dispersed throughout that improves the absorptive properties of the wound dressing. The foam wound dressings are formed from a polymerized combination of an aqueous mixture having at least one hydrocolloid absorptive material with a hydrophilic urethane prepolymer in a predetermined ratio.

Abstract: An immediate and visible temporary cosmetic improvement in skin condition is obtained by a multi-stage exfoliation method having one of several visible end points. Preferred methods involve repeatedly attaching specularly reflective 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 along the user's body. After each repetition the user inspects either the sheet that has just been removed, or a blemished area of the body 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, when a pattern of tissue on a sheet matches a pattern on a comparison strip, or when the blemish has been substantially reduced in size, the process is completed.

Abstract: A highly conformable and absorbent polymeric foam wound dressing is disclosed, such dressing being particularly useful in preventing pooling of fluid in a draining wound while at the same time maintaining surrounding skin surfaces in a relatively dry state.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device suitable for use on an extremity, such as a hand or foot, includes a wound cover formed as a bag, sac, or pouch, and a support member disposable within the wound cover to support a portion of the wound cover off of, and out of contact with, a wound. The wound cover has an open end with attachment means disposed thereon for attachment to a limb whose extremity is received in the wound cover.

Abstract: A bandage for treatment of wounds is described, including a wound overlay, which contains the secretion of fly larvae. The wound overlay can be a single pouch or may be subdivided into chambers, which enclose living fly larvae. It is likewise possible to soak or permeate the wound overlay with the secretion of fly larvae.

Abstract: Non-occlusive composite wound dressing are disclosed that comprise a natural polymer wound-healing layer comprised of isolated polymer fibers, and a synthetic polymer foam layer having at least one surface physically adhered to said natural layer by the physical interlocking of said polymer fibers with said surface. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of a non-occlusive composite wound dressing comprising contacting a synthetic polymer foam porous surface with a solution and/or suspension of natural polymer fibers in a medium, and removing said medium from said fibers under conditions that result in said fibers penetrating into pores of said surface and that form a dried composite of said synthetic polymer foam adhered physically to a layer comprising natural polymer fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: A wound therapy and tissue management system utilizes fluid differentiation. Fluid is differentiated by establishing a gradient within the system. The gradient can be established with matter or energy. Patient interfaces for establishing, maintaining and varying one or more gradients include transfer elements with first and second zones having different flow coefficients. The transfer elements exchange fluid with a patient, generally through a wound site, and with external components of the system. Osmolar solution gradients are controlled by a methodology involving the present invention for extracting solutions, which can include toxins, from patients and for introducing fluids and sumping air to wound sites.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for skin adhesion in which an adhesive force of the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the backing film does not lower greatly even with the lapse of long term and the initial adhesive force is substantially maintained, and a first-aid adhesive plaster using the same are disclosed. The pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for skin adhesion comprises a backing film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for skin adhesion formed on one side of the backing film, wherein the backing film comprises about 40 to about 70 parts by weight of a polyester plasticizer having a number average molecular weight of about 1,500 to about 3,000, an appropriate amount of a stabilizer comprising at least one metallic soap selected from the group consisting of fatty acid calcium, fatty acid zinc and fatty acid barium, and about 0.1 to about 1.0 part by weight of hydrotalcite per 100 parts by weight of a vinyl chloride polymer.

Abstract: A surgical wound dressing wherein an elastomeric sheet of cured closed cell silicone foam forms a support layer. A silicone gel is applied to one surface of the foam sheet to form a skin-facing layer. The resultant wound dressing may be stretched and placed upon a person's skin to overlie a wound and provide a fluid impermeable barrier between the wound and the external environment. In addition, the closed-cell foam may be elastically compressed against the skin to reduce swelling and protect the wound from mechanical trauma during the healing process.

Abstract: A wound dressing includes an hydrophilic foam layer which is coated with a liquid-permeabe adhesive layer on one side. The dressing includes an absorbent layer disposed on the foam layer on the side opposite to the adhesive coating, wherein absorbent layer is able to drain the foam layer through the action of capillary forces, and wherein the dressing further includes elements that ensure effective contact between the absorbent layer and the foam layer.

Abstract: A tissue treatment device has a flexible treatment portion that includes one or more parts and holes arranged in an openwork. A treatment area is defined in the openwork. The treatment portion is deployed such that the treatment area is positioned over tissue to be treated. The openwork minimizes contact between the tissue treatment device and the tissue being treated. A flexible cover is secured against the flexible treatment portion to close the holes and form a treatment volume in the openwork. The minimal contact between the tissue treatment device and the tissue being treated promotes a desired clinical objective.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes by which a polymeric hydrogel can be securely adhered to a substrate to form a hydrogel laminate with greatly improved delamination resistance. The laminate is formed by casting onto a polymeric adhesive-coated substrate an aqueous solution of hydrophilic polymer, then exposing this composite to ionizing radiation which cross-links the hydrophilic polymer to form a hydrogel and also induces copolymerization of the hydrophilic polymer and the adhesive polymer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving administration of drugs through the use of heat and other physical means. The present invention relates to the use of heat and other physical means in conjunction with specially designed dermal drug delivery systems, conventional commercial dermal drug delivery systems, or drugs delivered into a sub-skin depot site via injection and other methods to alter, mainly increase, the drug release rate from the dermal drug delivery systems or the depot sites to accommodate certain clinical needs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layer exothermic bandage comprising an oxygen-impermeable layer, a water-impermeable layer, a heating element layer comprising an oxidizable material, and an active agent layer; and the use thereof.

Abstract: An absorbent article and a method for manufacturing an absorbent article are disclosed. The absorbent article is made from an inner core absorbent material, which is surrounded by an apertured film. The absorbent material is selected from rayon, cotton, wood pulp, polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, copolymers thereof, and combinations thereof. The absorbent article has a bottom layer, which is made of an apertured film oriented such that protuberances face the inside of the absorbent article. The absorbent article also has a top layer, which is made of an apertured film oriented such that the protuberances face the outside of the absorbent article. The absorbent article may be useful in various applications including sanitary protection and bandages.

Abstract: A compression bandage system is disclosed comprising an inner skin facing layer and an elastic outer layer. The inner layer comprises a first ply of foam and a second ply of an absorbent nonwoven web. Both the inner and outer layers are sufficiently elongated so as to be capable of being wound about a patient's limb. Preferably, the foam comprises an ester based polyurethane. The nonwoven web preferably comprises carded fibers, especially cotton fibers, which are needle punched to the foam at less than 500 needles per inch, more preferably at less than 200 needles per inch, and most preferably at less than 100 needles per inch.

Abstract: An open-celled polyurethane foam formed from a composition comprising an active hydrogen-containing component, an organic polyisocyanate component having an average isocyanate functionality of 2.00 to 2.25, a surfactant component, and a catalyst. The foam has a thickness of about 6 to about 20 mils; a density of about 10 to about 50 pcf; an average cell diameter of about 25 to about 80 microns; and cell openings having an average diameter of about 1 to about 25 microns, wherein the ratio of average cell diameter to average cell opening diameter is about 3 to about 10; a water vapor transmission rate of greater than about 1000 grams per square meter per day, and which do not leak water or similar fluids. Such foams find particular utility as backings for bandages.

Abstract: Protective bandages in accordance with this invention include an anchoring strip having a protective layer on a lower surface thereof for overlying a desired area on a person's skin. Force-transmission-impeding means is provided on the side of the anchoring strip opposed to the side including the protective layer. The force-transmission-impeding means includes a top sheet adhered adjacent peripheral edges thereof to an upper surface of the anchoring strip to define an internal compartment between the anchoring strip and the top sheet. A compressive cushioning member is provided within the internal compartment for absorbing compressive forces, and low friction, relatively movable confronting surfaces are provided within the internal compartment spaced from the upper surface of the anchoring strip to absorb shear forces imposed upon the bandage.

Abstract: A bandage for treatment of wounds is described, including a wound overlay, which contains the secretion of fly larvae. The wound overlay can be a single pouch or may be subdivided into chambers, which enclose living fly larvae. It is likewise possible to soak or permeate the wound overlay with the secretion of fly larvae.

Abstract: A non-stretching wound dressing is provided for use with a patient. The wound dressing includes a cover sheet having top and bottom sides, a thin film sheet formed on the bottom side of the cover sheet, the film sheet having first and second ends and an adhesive side, and a carrier sheet in adjacent contact with the adhesive side of the thin film sheet. The dressing also includes a first gripping tab attached to one end of the thin film sheet and disposed between the film sheet and the carrier sheet for separating the carrier sheet from the film sheet with the cover sheet remaining affixed to the film sheet. A second gripping tab is attached to the top side of the cover sheet and at one end of the cover sheet so that pulling on the second gripping tab releases the cover sheet from the film sheet with the film sheet remaining in place on the patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving administration of drugs through the use of heat and other physical means. The present invention relates to the use of heat and other physical means in conjunction with specially designed dermal drug delivery systems, conventional commercial dermal drug delivery systems, or drugs delivered into a sub-skin depot site via injection and other methods to alter, mainly increase, the drug release rate from the dermal drug delivery systems or the depot sites to accommodate certain clinical needs.

Abstract: A pressure relief pad for use by persons suffering from or subject to the formation of decubitus ulcers or bedsores is described. The pressure relief pad is made from viscoelastic foam layers which provide for the redistribution of pressure around an affected or wounded area allowing the wound to heal faster. The contoured viscoelastic foam pad can be positioned over a separately applied dressing or an exudate absorbing material can be included in the pad. The contouring for the pad may be achieved by molding the foam as desired or by using a multiplicity of foam layers joined by adhesive to form the pad.

Abstract: The invention is a foamed, pressure sensitive, hydrocolloid adhesive for bonding to the body, and methods for its manufacture. The foamed structure of the adhesive itself improves absorbency, enables transmission of moisture through the adhesive, increases flexibility, and lowers product cost, all of which are key elements in making a product that is effective in adhering to the body.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a medical pressure dressing. The dressing includes a frame for affixing to skin surrounding the skin treatment site and a strap for covering the frame and wound. The frame has a channel extending therethrough providing an orifice over the skin treatment site. The strap includes, or else includes means for attachment to, a plunger that is shaped for being received downwardly through the channel and against the wound when the strap is extended across the frame. The present application further discloses a process for treating a wound that includes a tissue covered by a skin treatment site. The process includes reducing the elasticity of the skin treatment site by affixing a frame having an elasticity less than the elasticity of the skin treatment site around the skin treatment site, and performing an elasticity-sensitive procedure on the wound. Examples of elasticity-sensitive procedures include pushing, cutting, puncturing, rubbing, and such.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition containing a hydrophobic solvent, a network polymer and a flow control agent which is useful in healing wounds. The composition of this invention may be applied directly to a wound to create a structured occlusive dressing. The dressings of this invention do not migrate, but maintain their integrity at skin temperature, and encourage the creation of a moist wound environment while protecting the wound in order to accelerate healing.

Abstract: A web of continuous filaments which are made of at least one semi-crystalline polymeric component covalently bonded as a linear block copolymer with or blended with one or more semi-crystalline or amorphous polymeric components. The filaments are intermingled together to form a porous web of filaments, the filaments having multiple contact points with each other within the web. The filaments are bonded at the contact points without requisite for added adhesive binders, adjuncts or post extrusion melt processing. The web may be bioresorbable. The web may also be provided in forms with relatively high cohesive shear strength. The polymeric components of the filaments exist, at least temporarily, in a homogenous substantially phase miscible uncrystallized state.

Abstract: A biodegradable, flexible wound covering based on fibrin and a process for its preparation are described, in which a fibrinogen solution is subjected to a single-stage or multistage dialysis, then a flexible fibrin web is formed by action of an aqueous thrombin solution on the fibrinogen solution and this is subsequently subjected to freeze-drying.

Abstract: Wound packing material comprising a resilient polymer-based foam sheet of a predetermined thickness. The foam sheet includes at least one slit of a predetermined length that extends from the foam surface into the foam to a predetermined depth. This slit, or slits, permits the foam, when folded upon itself, to occupy a smaller volume than the foam would occupy when folded over upon itself in the same manner, but in the absence of the slit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving administration of drugs through the use of heat and other physical means. The present invention relates to the use of heat and other physical means in conjunction with specially designed dermal drug delivery systems, conventional commercial dermal drug delivery systems, or drugs delivered into a sub-skin depot site via injection and other methods to alter, mainly increase, the drug release rate from the dermal drug delivery systems or the depot sites to accommodate certain clinical needs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving administration of drugs through the use of heat and other physical means. The present invention relates to the use of heat and other physical means in conjunction with specially designed dermal drug delivery systems, conventional commercial dermal drug delivery systems, or drugs delivered into a sub-skin depot site via injection and other methods to alter, mainly increase, the drug release rate from the dermal drug delivery systems or the depot sites to accommodate certain clinical needs.

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: Methods and apparatus for improving administration of analgesics through the use of heat. The present invention relates to the use of heat in conjunction with specially designed transdermal analgesic delivery systems and conventional commercial transdermal analgesic delivery systems to alter, mainly increase, the analgesic release rate from the transdermal analgesic delivery systems or the depot sites to accommodate certain clinical needs.

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 nursing pad is disclosed having a liquid permeable body facing layer of a polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fiber web, an absorbent core comprising a composite fabric of thermoplastic fibers and an absorbent material, and a barrier laminate, such as a spunbond/meltblown/spunbond laminate or a spunbond/film laminate. The nursing pad can have a substantially concave shape, a thermally sealed edge and autogenous bonding to impart additional integrity to the three-dimensional shape.