Abstract: A hydrocephalus shunt having an anti-inflammatory coating applied to at least the outside surface of the ventricular catheter. Such coatings are also applicable to other medical devices or implants.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and devices for alleviating the problems of toxic discharge of aldehydes present in waste streams are disclosed. The methods relate to forming neutralized aldehydes by treating aldehydes with oxidizing agents. The oxidizing agents offer a simple, effective, fast and inexpensive solution for treatment of toxic aldehydes prior to disposal into the environment.

Abstract: Methods and a device for removing aldehydes from a waste stream are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the device provides for and the method uses a chemical or an aminated surface having primary amine functionality resulting from the amination of a support material such as silica.

Abstract: The invention provides biopolymer sponge tubes closed at one end for use in surgery. The preferred biopolymer iscollagen. The biopolymer sponge tubes are prepared by forming an aqueous dispersion of the biopolymer, introducing the dispersion into tube-shaped moulds, freezing the dispersion in the moulds to form a shaped, aqueous dispersion, followed by freeze-drying the frozen aqueous dispersion. The tubes are fitted over endoscopic surgical staplers to provide improved sealing of stapled tissues, especially for air-tight sealing in lung resections.

Abstract: The invention provides a material for use in a wound dressing or wound implant, the material comprising a plurality of beads, wherein each bead comprises a porous core of a first bioabsorbable material and a substantially non-porous layer of a second bioabsorbable material around the core. The porous core is preferably a sponge formed by freeze-drying a liquid suspension of the first bioabsorbable material. The preferred diameter of the beads is 0.1-4.0 mm, and the beads are preferably dispersed in a liquid or solid matrix. The invention also provides a method of making beads for use in the materials of the invention.

Abstract: A halo crown has depending posterior legs adjustable in multiple dimensions for conveniently adjusting the halo crown to a patient's skull. Each leg slides along a single axis yet provides adjustments in three dimensions due to a portion thereof extending downwardly, inwardly and rearwardly and the orientation of the axis.

Abstract: Antimicrobial alcohol-containing compositions and methods of using the compositions to disinfect surfaces and provide therapeutic benefits are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dressing consisting of a non-reinforced, apertured gel web, wherein the gel is substantially anhydrous and comprises a water-soluble, polysaccharide- or cellulosic-polymer and a humectant, for use in treating burns. The present invention also provides a method for making the dressing.

Abstract: A wound dressing has a wound-contact layer formed from a polyurethane foam. The foam comprises one part by weight of the reaction product of an isocyanate-capped prepolymer with water (and optionally other hydroxy-functional compounds), and from 0.03 to 0.3 parts by weight of a natural or synthetic rubber. The isocyanate-capped prepolymer is preferably an isocyanate-capped ethyleneoxy/propyleneoxy copolymer, and the rubber is preferably an acrylic rubber.

Abstract: The invention provides a wound dressing (1) comprising a wound contacting sheet (4) laminated to one side of an absorbent layer (3) of water-swellable absorbent material such as a polyurethane. A liquid water-impermeable backing layer (2) is laminated to the other side of the absorbent layer (3). The wound contacting sheet is provided with one or more slits (5) therein. Expansion of the absorbent layer (3) due to absorption of wound exudate causes the slits (5) in the wound contacting sheet (4) to expand, thereby allowing passage of high flow rates of wound exudate. If the flow of exudate falls, then the slits close, thereby avoiding excessive drying of the wound surface.