Abstract: A device for treatment of wounds using reduced pressure is provided. The device includes a pump, a reservoir connected to said pump for collecting exudate from a wound, an inlet to the reservoir for connecting the reservoir with the wound so as to allow the pump to expose the wound to the reduced pressure, a wound pad to be arranged in the wound cavity, and a sealing covering the wound and the wound pad. The wound pad consists of an open-cell polyurethane foam which is fully impregnated with a soft hydrophobic silicone gel, and the foam has a hardness of 1.0-6.0 kPa measured according to ISO 3386-1 at at 40% compression The wound pad can be used with an absorbent member. A method is also provided for manufacturing the wound pad.

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: An apparatus for fluid collection is disclosed, which comprises: a frame, composed of a plurality of unit cells, each being made of an absorbent polymer composite; and a bag, for receiving the frame while being connected to a conduit provided for enabling a fluid to flow in and out the bag therethrough.

Abstract: Provided herein are skin substitutes suitable for use in a living subject for purpose of repairing damaged tissues, methods of producing the skin substitutes and their uses. A biocomposite membrane comprising poly(?-caprolactone) (PCL) and at least one material selected from collagen and gelatin is provided. In one embodiment, the biocomposite is a 2-component membrane of PCL and gelatin. In another embodiment, the biocomposite is a 3-component membrane of PCL, collagen and gelatin. The bio-composite membrane may be used directly in vivo as a wound dressing, or as a support for cell growth on each side of the membrane to produce an in vitro cultivated artificial skin for future in vivo and/or in vitro applications.

Abstract: A method and system for producing an improved dressing product, useful for covering/protecting a moist wound is disclosed. The dressing product comprising fibers of a spinnable polymer forming a twisted ribbon. By virtue of this twisting, the fibers, in particular at the periphery of the ribbon, are connected to one another so as to afford better mechanical cohesion and a smoother outer appearance, without affecting the action of absorption, dilation and gel formation for extracting the biological fluid, nor the action of retention of proteins and other cellular and bacterial waste matter which would impede the phenomenon of cicatrization. The ribbon twisting equipment comprises a conical bowl (1) for driving fibers in rotation with a twisting die (3) in its narrowed downstream part (2), and a gear mechanism (4) for driving in rotation.

Abstract: A method of treating a wound using a customized dressing. In the method, at least one wound characteristic is evaluated. A treatment need as a function of the at least one wound characteristic is determined. A dressing having a dressing characteristic responsive to the treatment need is fabricated and applied to the wound. A dressing for use therewith and an apparatus and system for fabricating the dressing are provided.

Abstract: A biological wound dressing is made by a method that includes the steps of providing a natural animal tissue that has a substrate, crosslinking and fixing the substrate, minimizing the antigens from the substrate, and incorporating an active layer in the substrate.

Abstract: A thermoplastic material and more particularly a substrate coated or impregnated with a thermoplastic composition. The material (1) comprises a fibre-containing substrate having two surface layers (2A, 2B) and an intermediate spacing layer (3) with fibre strands (4) connected between the surface layers; wherein the substrate is impregnated with a thermoplastic composition. The material is suitable for producing for example orthopaedic devices. Also a method for preparing such devices and devices produced with the method.

Abstract: This present invention concerns a cover layer that is impermeable to the active substances and/or a removable protective layer of a transdermal therapeutic system, comprising a thermoplastic film which either directly contains the absorbing agents and channel-forming agents or is coated with a polymer support (thermoplast) containing these substances. The polymer support can either be applied over the entire surface of the film or in patterns, directly during production. The thermoplastic film that is used and the polymer support can be made from either the same or different materials.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for applying a total contact cast to a patient utilizes a kit of pre-packaged materials containing all of the items necessary. A uniquely designed padding strip pads the bony prominence on either side of the ankle, the top metatarsal area, and the crest of the shinbone in one unitary piece. Special cuts in the padding strip allow it to conform tightly to the bend between the foot and lower leg. The special cuts also allow the connected circular or elliptical flaps to also conform easily to the bony prominence of the ankle. Positioning the padding strip is simpler, easier, faster, and provides greater structural integrity to the overall cast. The unitary design helps prevent the padding strip from shifting when the cast is complete. An enlarged base portion of the walking heel eliminates the need for a separate wood platform for support.

Abstract: The use of a flexible, foldable or rollable and heatable mat for the manufacture of an orthosis, in which a flat sheet of a thermoplastic material is heated on a flat-laid mat to a temperature at which the sheet softens and can be readily shaped, whereafter the sheet is applied to and shaped on part of a patient's body and then allowed to cool on the patient so as to form a supporting orthosis. The mat can be transported in a rolled-up state or a folded state and laid out on a supporting surface, such as a floor surface in the proximity of the patient. The mat includes a heating element disposed over the area of the mat and functioning to deliver heat uniformly to the sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plaster containing an active agent (1), comprising at least one cover membrane (2) and an active membrane (3) which is based on a skin-compatible matrix (4) containing a molecular sieve which is loaded with at least one active agent (Z, Z1, Z2). The molecular sieve/active agent adduct (5) releases the active agent when the active membrane comes into contact with the skin (6), in conjunction with the transpired water of the skin.

Abstract: A bandage is adapted to receive a printed graphic image which is printed by a personal home printer. The predetermined graphic image may be chosen from a graphics library loaded onto a personal computer, a graphic image designed by an operator or a graphic image downloaded from the internet. The bandage includes a first layer treated with a coating on one planar side, the coating bonding with the printed graphic image in a waterproof manner. The bandage further includes a second pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on another planar side of the first layer, and a third liner layer which overlays the second adhesive layer. The third liner layer is selectively removable from the second adhesive layer to expose the second adhesive layer.

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: The present invention relates to a silicone sheet obtained by integrally forming a silicone gel layer with a silicone elastomer layer to have a continuous heterogeneous structure, a surgical dressing using it and a manufacturing process of the sheet. The dressing according to the present invention exhibits excellent adhesion, protective properties and conformity when applied to the affected part and has excellent physical strength as a whole so that it can be manufactured efficiently and can be handled readily.

Abstract: A technique for forming orthopaedic splints or supports includes the steps of impregnating the edges of casting material with non-rigid bonding material and subsequently impregnating the casting material with water hardenable material such as urethane. The edge treatment keeps the edges in a relatively cushioning or non-rigid state to avoid irritation of the skin of the patient. The blanks may be formed using a mold having a groove defining the outline of the casting blank, and a ridge for implementing the impregnation of a bead of bonding material into the casting fabric. The casting blank material may be formed of spacer or double knit type material, or may be formed of several layers of fabric including high strength filaments, and may have padding material as one layer.

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: 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: Active ingredient-containing layered articles or discs which are suitable, in particular, as active ingredient reservoirs for transdermal therapeutic systems are obtained starting from an elongate article having an enveloping surface corresponding to the contour of the layered articles to be produced, and having a cross-sectional constitution corresponding to the internal structure of the layered articles, by layered detachment perpendicular to the axial direction of the elongate article. In the simplest case, this article consists of a uniform active ingredient-containing composition and forms a solid cylinder which is converted into single products perpendicular to the axis with identical spacing to result in circular one-compartment discs identical to one another.

Abstract: Combinations of medical adhesive composites, e.g., dressings, and a package in which the medical adhesive composites are attached to a release surface on the bottom sheet of the package are disclosed. The dressings may include a flexible backing and carrier. Methods of manufacturing and using the combination are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical film dressing comprising a thin transparent film having a layer of skin adhesive on its front face, shielded before use by a removable cover sheet in contact which is in contact with the adhesive across the entire area of the front face, and a backing sheet detachably affixed over the whole of the rear face of said film. The dressing further comprises a flexible hinge in the form of a folded strip disposed along a peripheral edge of said thin film to conjoin said cover sheet and said backing sheet adjacent said edge, and extending around the corresponding edge of the thin film, and wherein a scoreline is formed in said cover sheet. The score line extends parallel to the edge of the dressing opposite the hinge and wherein the line of perforation extends through said thin film beneath said score line.

Abstract: A bandage encapsulated in a protective sterile covering is disclosed, whereby the bandage may be removed from its sterile covering and applied with one hand without contaminating any portion of the bandage. The apparatus and method to manufacture the unique bandage is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lubricant-impregnated porous substrate. The lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may be used to deliver lubricant as needed to gloves or other surface contacting a tacky resin material during molding or forming of the tacky material. In particular, the lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may be used to lubricate gloves during molding and forming of orthopedic casting materials. The lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may be packaged one or more in a container, and the lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may also be packaged as a kit with the orthopedic casting material.

Abstract: A sterile delivery system for delivering an adhesive strip or bandage with one hand. The bandage or strip is encapsulated in a protective sterile covering, whereby the bandage or strip may be removed from its sterile covering and applied with one hand without contaminating any portion of the bandage or strip. The delivery system may be manufactured from suitable thin films and may include a blocking member positioned between the strip and the protective sterile covering. The apparatus and method to manufacture the unique bandage or strip is also disclosed.

Abstract: Wound dressings comprising a synergistic combination of reagents comprising a blend or mixture having effective amounts of chitosan and alginate to provide an absorption capacity for wound exudate far greater than that obtainable with the same amount by weight of either chitosan or alginate alone, along with the inherent hemostatic properties of the alginate and the other biological properties of the reagents including, but not limited to fungistic and bacteriostatic properties as well as the ability to accelerate wound healing by inducing high migration of poly- and mononuclear cells toward the wound and rapid granulating tissue formation with abundant angiogenesis. The alginate and chitosan may be provided in the form of a powder, film, gel, foam or mixtures thereof. In addition to the alginate and chitosan, the wound dressing may and frequently will contain other reagents providing specific desired functions.

Abstract: An improved barrier or drug delivery system which is highly adherent to the surface to which it is applied is disclosed, along with methods for making for making the barrier. In the preferred embodiment, tissue is stained with a photoinitiator, then the polymer solution or gel having added thereto a defined amount of the same or a different photoinitator is applied to the tissue. On exposure to light, the resulting system polymerizes at the surface, giving excellent adherence, and also forms a gel in the rest of the applied volume. Thus a gel barrier of arbitrary thickness can be applied to a surface while maintaining high adherence at the interface. This process is referred to herein as "priming". The polymerizable barrier materials are highly useful for sealing tissue surfaces and junctions against leaks of fluids. In another embodiment, "priming" can be used to reliably adhere preformed barriers to tissue or other surfaces, or to adhere tissue surfaces to each other.

Abstract: A bandage encapsulated in a protective sterile covering is disclosed, whereby the bandage may be removed from its sterile covering and applied with one hand without contaminating any portion of the bandage. The apparatus and method to manufacture the unique bandage is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bandage encapsulated in a protective sterile covering is disclosed, whereby the bandage may be removed from its sterile covering and applied with one hand without contaminating any portion of the bandage. The apparatus and method to manufacture the unique bandage is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a biodegradable film dressing with or without additional therapeutic agents, an apparatus for spray delivery and a method for formation of the film dressing on a human or animal tissue. The film dressing is formed from a liquid composition of at least one biodegradable/bioerodible thermoplastic polymer in a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent. The spray apparatus includes a vessel containing the liquid composition with a dispensing means. The film is formed by dispensing, preferably by spraying, the liquid composition onto a tissue site and contacting the liquid composition with an aqueous based fluid to coagulate or solidify the film onto the human or animal tissue. The biodegradable film can be used to protect and to promote healing of injured tissue and/or to deliver biologically active agents.

Abstract: A wound covering comprising a film formed of a polyurethane resin, or a laminate of the polyurethane film and an absorptive cloth, wherein the polyurethane film or the cloth contains an antibacterial agent, and perforations are formed at least on the polyurethane film.

Abstract: Suturable, biocompatible, control-resorbing membranes are disclosed for use in guided tissue regeneration, comprising a cross-linked collagen material either obtained by crosslinking a starting collagen material in the coagulated state produced by coagulation of a collagen material gel with a coagulating agent or obtained by crosslinking of a sponge of a collagen material on which a collagen material gel has been poured before performing the crosslinking.

Abstract: A cast lining fabric is prepared from hydrophilic synthetic material. The cast lining transports moisture from the skin and environment beneath a cast to the outside environment where the moisture is removed by evaporation providing a dry atmosphere beneath the cast. The resulting dry environment reduces the ill effects of bacterial, fungal and mildew growth, reduces odor, increases dryness and comfort, and allows the wearer to bathe and swim.

Abstract: A carrier delivered dressing is disclosed which has a conformable backing with a pressure sensitive adhesive coated on a bottom face and a low adhesion coating on a top face. The backing is supported during shipping and handling by a liner attached to the adhesive and a removable heat sealed carrier attached to the top face of the backing. The method according to the present invention discloses the steps of forming and optionally removing windows in a carrier material and nonpermanently heat sealing the carrier to the backing to form the dressings of the present invention.

Abstract: A flexible, transparent wound dressing product contains a clear hydrogel material in a gel-like phase. The wound dressing product is comprised of several layers including a wound dressing, removable tab and release liner. The removable tab provides a grippable surface to allow for the removal of the release liner from the wound dressing and to facilitate handling of the wound dressing during application to the wound site. The tab may be comprised of a flat, double-coated paper or other suitable material, or a flexible, V-shaped member, and is removable by peeling after the wound dressing is applied. The wound dressing comprises a transparent thin-film layer, a first adhesive layer, backing layer, second adhesive layer, support layer and a hydrogel material. The transparent layer has a center portion and a perimeter portion. The backing layer, support layer and hydrogel material, which together form a reinforced hydrogel patch, are positioned in the center portion of the transparent layer.

Abstract: A calcium-modified oxidized cellulose hemostat provides faster hemostasis than does either unmodified or sodium- or potassium-modified oxidized cellulose. The percentage by weight of calcium in the modified oxidized cellulose must be in a range between about 0.5 and about 4, in order to enhance hemostasis, while not interfering excessively with bioabsorbability. In a second embodiment, an oxidized cellulose hemostat is modified with both calcium and either sodium or potassium. The second embodiment may be used to deliver acid-sensitive materials.

Abstract: A warp-knit casting bandage fabric is provided which comprises a first group of a plurality of individual continuous multifilament fiberglass yarns which form lengthwise extending chains of spaced-apart loops and a second group of a plurality of individual continuous multifilament fiberglass yarns which are separately interspersed with a plurality of individual continuous thermoplastic yarns forming a widthwise extending and lengthwise spaced-apart inlay which is interlaced with the spaced-apart loops forming an open-knit construction wherein the continuous thermoplastic yarns comprise from about 50% to about 100% of the total number of individual yarns forming the inlay. An elongated, resin-impregnated bandage, having a leading edge and a trailing edge, made from the warp-knit casting bandage fabric is also provided as well as a method for forming such resin-impregnated bandages.

Abstract: The invention is a method of applying a material usable as an orthopaedic bandage which material is an open weave substrate having thereon a curable resin. The resin is curable, for example, by polymerization which polymerization is initiated by immersion of the resin coated substrate in a bath. Gloves are worn during the performance of the method which gloves are provided with a coating which in use is lubricous relative to the resin coated substrate. Thus the interference in application of the substrate due to the substrate sticking to the gloves is substantially reduced or eliminated by the lubricousness of the gloves.

Abstract: A dressing comprising a backing and an adhesive layer, wherein the backing is moisture-permeable and the adhesive layer comprises an adhesive composition comprising a rubber-based adhesive, a polymer having a water-absorbing property and/or a water-swelling property, and a metal oxide and/or a metal salt, the polymer having the water-absorbing property and/or the water-swelling property being a polymer containing a functional group having an ability to form a salt and/or coordination compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article, comprising: a fabric sheet which has been microcreped; and a curable resin coated onto the fabric sheet. The present invention involves microcreping or compacting a fabric sheet to impart stretchability and conformability to the fabric while minimizing undesirable recovery forces. Suitable fabrics for microcreping are fabrics which comprise fibers which are capable of first being mechanically compacted or "crimped" and then being set or annealed in the crimped, i.e., distorted, state. The article may be in the form of an orthopedic bandage and may optionally contain a plurality of microfiber fillers dispersed into the resin. The incorporation of microfiber fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material, particularly when the fabric used therein is a non-fiberglass fabric, while not detracting from the handling properties of the uncured casting tape.

Abstract: A preform for use in forming orthotic devices which have a memory in the original preform shape. The preform is preferably formed into a final body shape which retains a memory of the original preform shape.

Abstract: A bandage for removably retaining a replaceable dressing against a patient's skin including a tape having an adhesive inner surface with pressure-sensitive adhesive thereon and a nonadhesive outer surface, a base portion on the tape for adhesive securement to a patient's skin, a tab formed integrally with the base portion by a folded-over portion of the tape, a first opening in the base portion for placement over a wound on the patient's skin for receiving the dressing, a second opening in the tab exposing an adhesive portion of the inner surface of the tape for receiving and adhesively holding a pad which overlies the first opening when the tab is in a closed position, and cooperating hook and pile fabric on the tab and the base portion containing the first opening for selectively securing the tab to the base portion.

Abstract: This invention teaches a method of forming a low cost, breathable, light weight, soft, disposable elastic structure with surface properties that are characterized by a controlled irregularity of the pleats or shirrs that make up the broad surfaces of the structure. The structure is a layered structure with outer layers of low basis weight breathable material, a central elastic layer, and an adhesive layer that serves to join all the layers together to form a unitary elastic structure.

Abstract: A method of applying an orthopedic cast to an injured body portion consisting of braiding a tubular cast, in situ, around the injured body portion. A somewhat modified conventional braiding machine is operative for applying the tubular braid of fibrous casting yarns around the injured body portion, to form a braided cast which conforms to the shape of the injured body portion. The braided cast is then coated with a matrix material, which provides the necessary rigidity to the cast, yet allows the cast to breathe.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wound dressing having microscopic web-like interconnections and a porous structure of continuous pores throughout the wound dressing. In the first embodiment of the method, the dressing is produced by the steps of heating while simultaneously stirring a biocompatible material and solvent to form a homogenous solution; cooling while simultaneously stirring the homogenous solution to form a gel made of a dispersion of gel particles of the biocompatible material and freeze-drying the gel. In a second embodiment of the method, the wound dressing is produced by heating while simultaneously stirring a biocompatible material and the solvent to form a homogenous solution, cooling while simultaneously stirring the homogenous solution to form a gel made of a dispersion of gel particles of the biocompatible material; warming while simultaneously stirring the gel, allowing the warm gel to cool to form a soft gel and freeze-drying the soft gel.

Abstract: Oxidized cellulose material is neutralized, by contacting an acidic oxidized cellulose material with a water and alcohol solution of a basic salt of a weak organic acid, e.g. sodium acetate, to elevate the pH of the cellulosic material to between 5 and 8. The resulting neutralized product is storage stable and has therapeutic applications, including hemostasis and adhesion prevention. Furthermore, the neutralized product may be impregnated with acid-sensitive hemostatic agents, such as thrombin, to enhance its hemostatic properties, or with acid-sensitive adhesion-preventive agents, such as t-PA, to enhace its adhesion-prevention properties.

Abstract: A method for making individual contoured wound dressings comprising: providing a supply of a thin release web (40); and protective release covering (32); removably attaching and contouring a substantially continuous strip of an adhesive material (26) between said thin release web (40) and protective release covering (32) forming a first laminate (46); transporting said first laminate (46) to a delaminating station (54) where-at said thin release web (40) is peeled from said first laminate (46); supplying an adhesive carrier (28); merging and laminating said adhesive carrier (28) to the exposed adhesive layer forming a second laminate (64); and transporting said second laminate (64) to and through a cutting Station (68) to be cut into individual wound dressings or bandages.

Abstract: The invention provides improved orthopedic cast bandages and improved orthopedic casts which include one or more colors. The orthopedic cast bandages of the invention comprise an open mesh fabric tape and a hardenable liquid resin coated onto the fibrous tape. At least one coloring agent is visibly disposed on at least a portion of the fibrous tape. The coloring agent is stably retained by the fibrous tape in the presence of the hardenable liquid resin. Because the coloring agent is stably retained by the fibrous tape, the invention provides for colored orthopedic casting tapes which do not require the use of colored liquid resins. In addition, multiple colored, patterned orthopedic casts, not heretofore available, are provided by the invention.