Abstract: A flow directing material includes a substrate. The substrate includes a first region that exudes fluid under a compressive or tensile load and a second region that imbibes fluid under the compressive or tensile load. The first region has a first porosity and a first permeability and the second region has a second porosity and a second permeability. The first permeability and the second permeability are about 10?13 m2 to 105 m2. The first porosity and the second porosity are about 0.3 to about 0.7. The first porosity and the second porosity are at least about 5% different.

Abstract: A wound dressing or bandage that provides a galvanic current for extended periods of time before having to change the dressing or bandage is addressed in the present invention. The present invention is directed to a galvanic current wound dressing having antimicrobial properties and to a method for treating a patient with the wound dressing.

Abstract: A method for producing a silver-bonded antimicrobial moist wound dressing. A silver-containing compound is added to a 0.1-30% aqueous solution of an alkaline solvent to dissociate silver ions from the silver-containing compound, dissolving CMC in water or an organic solvent to obtain a CMC solution, the silver ion-containing solution is mixed with the CMC solution so that the hydrogen ions (H+) of the hydroxyl groups of the CMC are replaced by the silver ions to prepare a silver-CMC compound, the silver-CMC compound is dispersed and absorbed in a medium, and the medium is dried.

Abstract: A composite dressing including a first polymeric layer, a second polymeric layer, a metal oxide, and a pharmaceutical active material is provided. The second polymeric layer is biocompatible and is disposed on a surface of the first polymeric layer. The metal oxide is distributed inside or on at least one surface of the first polymeric layer, while the pharmaceutical active material is distributed inside or on at least one surface of the second polymeric layer.

Abstract: This invention is directed to advanced hemorrhage control wound dressings, and methods of using a producing same. The subject wound dressing is constructed from a non-mammalian material for control of severe bleeding. The wound dressing is formed of a biomaterial comprising chitosan for controlling severe bleeding. 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 information 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 invention relates to a medical plaster which is able to supply damaged skin and open wounds with an active compound which helps to accelerate wound healing and allows it to proceed better. The plaster has novel design features which enable, in particular, protein- or peptide-containing medicaments, such as, for example, erythro-poietin (EPO), to exert their wound-healing or wound-healing-promoting action by release of the active compound from the plaster without being significantly deactivated or metabolized in the process by substances occurring in the wound secretion.

Abstract: Absorbable tissue dressing assemblies are formed from hydrophilic polymer sponge structures, such as chitosan.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprises a wound-contacting layer composed of a mixture of honey and a moisture-absorbing agent; a water-permeable fabric backing layer; and an intermediate layer comprising water-permeable fabric impregnated with a mixture of honey and a moisture-absorbing agent.

Abstract: A dressing having a flexible sleeve shaped to accommodate a substantially cylindrical body portion, the sleeve having a lining which is substantially non-adherent to the body part being bandaged and having a peripheral securement means which attaches two peripheral portions to each other without those portions being circumferentially adhered to the sleeve portion.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to compositions and methods for promoting hemostasis and sealing a wound by producing an adhesive cast. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising clay minerals with specified particle sizes, which, when applied to a bleeding area, allow for a desired result in at least one of the following activities: stopping blood flow from a wound, forming a cohesive mass, sealing a wound, promoting coagulant activity, sorbing a body fluid, and adhering to tissue. For example, the desired result can be sealing the wound using an adhesive cast made of clay minerals mixed with blood or other wound fluids.

Abstract: The medicinal patch for delivering a pharmaceutically effective ingredient by contact with skin has a backing layer (1), an effective-ingredient containing adherent layer (2) on the backing layer and a release layer (4) applied over the adherent layer (2). To eliminate a dirt ring deposited when the medicinal patch is finally removed from the skin, a plastic foil or film (3) is provided on an outer peripheral or edge region of the skin-contacting surface of the adherent matrix layer (2). The plastic foil or film, which does not adhere to the skin, can be made of polyester, hydrocarbon polymers or silicone polymers and preferably has a thickness of 15 to 75 ?m with a width of 1 to 3 mm. Methods of making medicinal patches of this sort are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article for application to human or animal skin surfaces in the region of wounds, consisting of an outer covering (2) which is permeable for liquid substances, and of an inner layer (1) which is surrounded by the covering (2) and which consists essentially of a mixture of an amount of strongly osmotically active substances with an amount of osmotically comparatively weak or osmotically inactive substances, such as cellulose. The inner layer (1) is filled with osmotically active substances in such a way that it is possible to exert on a wound, with the wound fluids contained therein, an osmotic pressure via which the wound fluid can be removed from the organism to be treated, and thus it is possible to assist both in the surfaced wound region and in the depth of the tissue a normal interstitial hydration of tissue by directing endogenous fluids in their direction of flow to the patient's skin surface into the absorbent article, and keeping them there.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an improved biomaterial comprising treating a collagen biomaterial with a transglutaminase under conditions which permit the formation of cross-links within the collagen. Preferably, the transglutaminase is a tissue transglutaminase, a plasma transglutaminase or a microbial transglutaminase. In a preferred embodiment, the collagen biomaterial further comprises a cell adhesion factor, such as fibronectin. The invention further provides biomaterials obtainable by the methods of the invention, and medical implants and wound dressings comprising the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of biocompatible structures. For this purpose, a chemically amplified photoresist is applied to a substrate and is structured. The photoresist contains a first polymer which has anchor groups for linking a biocompatible compound and a second polymer which is electrically conductive. After the structuring of the resist, a solution of the biocompatible compound is applied so that the biocompatible compound is coordinated to the anchor groups of the polymer.

Abstract: A nano-silver wound dressing consisting of a skin contact layer made from hydrophilic cloth and directly contacting a wound on the surface of the skin, a disinfecting (or bactericidal) antitoxic layer made from activated charcoal cloth impregnated with nanocrystalline silver, a blood absorbing and styptic layer made from a superabsorbent polymer non-woven cloth, an isolation layer made from a composite fabric with a pore size of less than 5 ?m, and an elastic bandage for fixing a main body on the site of wound. Edges of the isolation layer and the skin contact layer are integrated to form a main body while the disinfecting (or bactericidal) antitoxic layer as well as the blood absorbing and styptic layer are separated from each other and both enclosed inside the main body.

Abstract: A wound dressing including at least one skin adherent facing layer comprising a discrete layer of silicone gel having a plurality of preformed apertures arranged in a pattern. The pattern of apertures may be equally spaced and generally uniform in shape. The wound dressing may include a facing layer with at least two discrete, adjacent silicone gel layers having different strength properties.

Abstract: A skin-contacting adhesive composition is described which has improved initial tack, long-term adhesion, water uptake and translucency characteristics and may be prepared by melt extrusion. Uses of these compositions are also described, for example, their use in wound dressings, adhesive cushions, and transdermal drug delivery devices.

Abstract: An epidermal positioning mechanism for use with an application to a predetermined epidermal surface. The epidermal positioning mechanism comprises a strip of material having a first end portion of a predetermined shape, a second end portion of a predetermined shape, and middle portion coupling the first end portion to the second end portion. The first end portion and the second end portion each may include a side including an adhesive layer. An overlaying, non-adhesive barrier layer may be located between a portion of the adhesive layer and an end portion.

Abstract: A hyperbaric dressing (1) comprising first and second layers (2, 7) and delivery means (9) arranged to supply a fluid to the first layer (2), wherein the first layer (2) is associated with the second layer (7) to allow the fluid to flow in one direction through the second layer (7) and to allow another fluid to flow in the opposite direction through the second and first layers (7, 2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a new wound-covering material. The wound-covering material is produced by carbonizing a silk material at temperature of 500-1000° C., and a large number of microfine holes are formed in a surface of the silk carbonized body. By carbonizing at such low temperature, the silk carbonized body has flexibility of the silk material, a significant antibacterial property, a high water-absorbing property and a high water absorption rate, so that the silk carbonized body is suitable for the wound-covering material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound dressing, a wound contact layer and a medicinal composition comprising a hydrophilic base in which hydrocolloids are dispersed, wherein the hydrophilic base comprises at least one emulsifier and the use of said composition for treating wounds.

Abstract: A device for the application of oxygen to promote wound healing and tissue repair. The device includes a portable oxygen generating device (18), which includes a cathode (10), an anode (16), and a phosphoric acid treated ion conducting membrane (14).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a bandage from a fabric such as a knitted fabric, for example. The fabric is steamed, sprayed with a solution containing an antibacterial/antimicrobial agent in a spraying chamber 28 and then dried in a drying chamber 40.

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: The present invention provides a reepithelialization/wound healing implant device comprising a barrier layer and one or more polymer layers doped with agents that promote one or more processes in reepithelialization/wound healing. The implant: [a] provides a temporary mechanical/chemical barrier to species within the external environment that inhibit epithelial migration (e.g., unbalanced production/expression of granulation tissue, inhibitory proteins); [b] biodegrades at an appropriate rate while tissue remodeling is occurring; and [c] delivers active cytokines and growth factors in a choreographed pattern to promote reepithelialization.

Abstract: Hemostatic compositions comprising a wet layered clay (e.g., wet kaolin) and, optionally, a zeolite, as well as devices and methods of use to promote blood clotting, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel broad spectrum antiseptic compounds that further have properties that allow them to be coated/impregnated into polymer surfaces. Methods for coating these antiseptic compounds onto medical devices especially indwelling medical devices to prevent the growth of pathogens in such devices and hence, to prevent infection to patients via such devices are provided. The invention also provides antiseptics that are useful as general surface disinfectants and sterilizers, fluid disinfectants and biocide preservatives.

Abstract: The present invention provides hydrogels formed from polyurethane (meth)acrylates in water using water-soluble redox initiators.

Abstract: A wound treatment device comprises a wound surface contacting plug (10) and a cover (24) for covering the wound surface (22) and the plug (10), wherein said plug (10) consists of a flat textile isolating material comprising at least one first surface layer (12), one second surface layer (14) and one intermediate space (18) arranged between said surface layers (12, 14). At least the first surface layer (12) is provided with a biocompatible surface and a structure which enables a liquid to pass and prevents a wound tissue from growing in said structure. The intermediate space (18) is provided with isolating threads (16) elastically holding the first surface layer (12) and the second surface layer at a certain distance from each other.

Abstract: Wound dressings and methods of manufacturing wound dressings are provided. The wound dressings include portions that are converted from a moisture vapor permeable material to a material having reduced moisture vapor permeability. The conversion may be accomplished in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, a solvent is used to dissolve a porous material to thereby form a non-porous film. In other embodiments, heat is applied to melt a porous material to thereby form a non-porous film. The heat may be applied using a heated gas or a heating element to directly or indirectly heat the material.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting and/or treating wounds on a patient's skin includes applying a covering of collodion over an area on the patient's skin which is prone to formation of an ulcer or to a wound on the patient's skin where a wound has formed. The covering of collodion may contain an active ingredient to stimulate healing of the area covered by the collodion.

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: An aqueous solution of polyacrylic acid is placed in a mold, frozen, and freeze-dried to form a sponge-like polyacrylic acid structure. The sponge-like polyacrylic acid structure is compressed by the application of heat and pressure to reduce the thickness and increase the density of the sponge-like polyacrylic acid structure to form a densified polyacrylic acid structure. The densified polyacrylic acid structure is preconditioned by heating to form a wound dressing. The wound dressing can be applied to control severe, life-threatening bleeding from a wound at a wound site of a person.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for repairing tissue and using vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) genes and/or proteins. Methods and materials related to the use of VEGF-C for the reduction of edema and improvement of skin perfusion is provided. Also provided is are materials and methods for using VEGF-C before, during, and after reconstructive surgery.

Abstract: A method for applying pressure to skin with a dressing. The method including adhering at least a portion of the dressing to the skin and changing the shape of the dressing after application of the dressing to the skin wherein the changed shape applies pressure to the skin. The changing can include releasing a member from the dressing to allow the dressing to change the shape of the dressing; deforming at least a portion of the dressing to change the shape of the dressing or allowing the dressing to heat to above a transition temperature at which the dressing changes shape.

Abstract: A hemostatic article, e.g., a sponge is pretreated with predetermined quantities of selected hemostatic agents to assist hemostasis in surgical or traumatic wounds. The hemostatic article is provided with a visible marking/indication of the strength of the hemostatic agent. The visible indication may be color coding, or, the marking could take the form 20%, 40%, 60% and, 80%. The hemostatic agent may be any substance assisting in hemostasis, may be in powder or fluid form, and may be one or more of Thrombin, Gelform, Fibrinogen, or other hemostatic substances. The hemostatic article could include at least one radio-opaque element which may take the form of a thread or a strip. Alternatively, a radio chip embedded in the hemostatic article may be used. The visible markings per se could be made radio-opaque, thereby obviating a separate radio-opaque element. The pretreated marked hemostatic articles are sterilized for medical use in any known manner.

Abstract: An improved bandage including a strip of fabric for winding about a body portion having a wound; a dressing, formed integrally with said strip of fabric, for placement over the wound; and a pocket formed over said dressing, adapted to contain therein a topical agent, preferably a hemostatic agent, for treating the wound. Also envisioned is a topical agent-bearing package which comprises a plurality of integrally formed discrete elements, each formed of a permeable exterior layer containing a volume of a topical agent and an intervening, weakened region formed between each of said discrete elements, adapted to facilitate separation of at least one of said discrete elements from the remainder of said plurality of discrete elements.

Abstract: A hydrophilic textile matrix having antibiotic activity is provided. The textile matrix is a non-woven material including a blend (i.e., mixture) of metallic silver-coated fibers and a non-metallic, water absorbent material. Wound dressings incorporating the textile matrices are provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving hemostasis in patients who have received skin-penetrating wounds to the periphery, including the head, arms, and legs. Such haemostatic packing devices and methods are especially useful in the emergency, trauma surgery, or military setting. The devices utilize fluid impermeable barriers surrounded by exterior dams and pressure to achieve tamponade and hemostasis, primarily by exertion of force to hold the dams against the skin surrounding a wound. The devices are capable of serving as carriers for thrombogenic, antimicrobial or antipathogenic agents. The devices do not require the use of adhesives to work as they are attached to the patient using mechanical locking devices. Peripheral haemostatic packing devices include optional adhesive hemostatic barriers to attach at least a portion of the device to the skin or to assist with initial coupling of a hold-down strap to another strap using a more secure mechanical lock.

Abstract: A medical device for example a wound dressing having antibacterial and optionally, antifungal properties, are provided together with methods for making the device. An exemplary dressing includes a layer of silver-containing fabric, (optionally) a layer of absorbent material, and (optionally) a layer of flexible air-permeable and/or water-impermeable material. The dressing can be used for prophylactic and therapeutic care and treatment of skin infections and surface wounds (including surgical incisions), as a packing material, and as a swab for surface cleaning.

Abstract: A hemostatic agent in the form of particles comprises a first component and a second component bound thereto, each component having hemostatic properties. Additional components may also be included. The first component may be a zeolite and the second component may be clay. A device for promoting the clotting of blood comprises a receptacle for retaining particles of a hemostatic agent therein, at least a portion of the receptacle being defined by a mesh. A pad for controlling bleeding comprises a mesh structure defined by openings sized to accommodate the flow of blood therethrough and also by a hemostatic agent retained in the mesh structure. A bandage applicable to a bleeding wound comprises a substrate, a mesh mounted on the substrate, and a hemostatic agent retained in the mesh. The mesh is defined by a plurality of members arranged to define openings through which blood may flow.

Abstract: A dressing for promoting healing and pain relief of the body of a living organism having a pathologic condition has at least one layer of conductive material having a resistance no greater than 1000 ?/cm2. When placed proximate a portion of the body of the living organism suffering from the pathologic condition, the dressing alters the electrodynamic processes occurring in conjunction with said pathologic condition to promote healing and pain relief in the living organism. When used as a wound dressing, the conductive material is placed in contact with tissue around the periphery of the wound and with the wound, lowering the electrical potential and resistance of the wound and increasing the wound current. In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive material is a multi-ply nylon fabric plated with silver by an autocatalytic electroless plating process and with the plies in electrical continuity. The dressing provides an antimicrobial and analgesic effect.

Abstract: A dispensing device and method for forming a least partially solid or gel-like material from a liquid. At least one liquid issuing from an outlet is subjected to an electric field causing the liquid to form at least one electrically charged jet which, after formation, forms a fiber (F) or breaks up into fiber fragments (FF) or particles (D). The thus formed at least partially solid or gel-like material may be directly deposited, by virtue of the energy in the electrical field, onto a surface area, for example an area of skin enabling, for example, formation of a dressing for a wound or burn which is of high specific area and extremely absorbent. A biologically active ingredient such as a pharmaceutical ingredient or biological matter such as DNA may be incorporated into the fibers (F), fragments (FF) or particles (D). Fibrils, particles or microcapsules incorporating a biologically active ingredient may be supplied for oral or nasal administration to an animal such as a human being.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film dressing comprising a thin plastic film (2) coated with an adhesive (3). In accordance with the invention, the adhesive (3) has a softness of 10-22 mm, and the adhesive coating has a weight per unit area of 50 g/m2 or more.

Abstract: A flexible, multilayer wound dressing with antibacterial and antifungal properties, together with methods for making the dressing. The dressing includes a layer of silver-containing fabric, a layer of absorbent material, and (optionally) a layer of flexible air-permeable and/or water-impermeable material. The dressing can be used for prophylactic and therapeutic care and treatment of skin infections and surface wounds (including surgical incisions), as a packing material, and as a swab for surface cleaning.

Abstract: A wound dressing (1) including at least two adhesive portions (2) capable of adhering to and being removed from skin, and at least two non-elastic threads (3) held between the adhesive portions, characterised in that the spacing between the non-elastic threads allows direct access to the wound or skin between the adhesive portions.

Abstract: A soft hemostasis pad of elastomeric material typically having a hardness of no more than about 50 Shore 00 and an upper wall having a raised profile, such as a convex shape. The pad has a central aperture extending therethrough, and a slit that extends through the pad thickness between the central aperture and the periphery of the pad.

Abstract: A hemostatic agent applicable to a bleeding wound to promote the clotting of blood comprises a first component and a second component, both components being in particle form and commingled with each other, and both components having hemostatic properties. A device incorporating such an agent comprises a receptacle for retaining the agent in particulate form therein. At least a portion of the receptacle is defined by a mesh having openings therein through which the blood may flow to come into contact with the particles of the hemostatic agent. A pad for controlling the flow of blood from a bleeding wound comprises a mesh structure and the hemostatic agent retained therein. A bandage applicable to a bleeding wound is defined by a substrate, a mesh mounted on the substrate, and the hemostatic agent retained in the mesh.

Abstract: The invention provides a wound dressing comprising a therapeutic agent and a matrix comprising polymers joined by cross-linkages which cross-linkages comprise oligopeptidic sequences which are cleavable by a kallikrein associated with wound fluid such that the rate of release of the therapeutic agent increases in the presence of elevated kallikrein levels.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method of treating a wound to clot blood. A sponge material is applied to the wound. The sponge comprises a starch having hemostatic properties and at least one binding agent. The sponge may further comprise a porous, flexible material.