Abstract: An adhesive bandage and integral wrapper therefor is constructed of a continuous length of bulky, nonwoven bandage and wrapper material which is preferably a nonwoven fabric batt constructed at least in part of heat-fusible fibers. The bandage pad is formed by a Z-fold in the bandage portion of the material. The adhesive wing portions of the bandage are compacted and fused prior to the application of a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The wrapper portion of the product may be entirely nonwoven fabric compacted and heat-fused and coated with an adhesive release surface, or may be formed in part of polyethylene or similar film. The wrapper material is folded around the bandage and sealed on three edges to totally enclose the bandage.

Abstract: A surgical swab comprises a warp knitted body portion (1) and an integrally warp knitted handling tape (3). Both the body portion and the handling tape are formed as two superimposed layers on a twin needle bed knitting machine, the respective longitudinal and/or laterally extending edges of each layer being joined by interknitting.The swab may be cut from a continuous swab strip which is formed by continuously knitting a length of body portion fabric and of handling tape fabric with a lateral band of the fabrics being knitted together at intervals. Individual swabs are separated from the strip by cutting through the lateral band.

Abstract: Adhesive bandages comprising a pad area and adjacent adhesive-coated areas are prepared from a single sheet of heat-fusible bandage material, preferably a nonwoven batt material, by overlapping the center portion of the material in a Z-fold to form a triple thickness pad area, and heat calendaring the material adjacent the desired pad area to provide a surface suitable for coating with adhesive. The integrity of the pad is preserved by heat fusing the material along the folded edges of the pad.

Abstract: Ultraviolet light absorbing polymer compositions comprising copolymers of 2-Hydroxy-5-acrylyloxyphenyl-2H-benzotriazoles with one or more other monomers copolymerizable therewith, particularly acrylic monomers are useful in the manufacture of occular devices, particularly intraoccular lenses and contact lenses. Polymers of the disclosed benzotriazoles may be added to other organic materials to impart ultraviolet absorbing properties thereo.

Abstract: A soft toric contact lens having spherocylindrical power for correcting astigmatism in humans and utilizing a prism ballast as a means of maintaining correct axial orientation. The degree of prism is greater than 1.0 diopter, and the peripheral outer surface of the lens is tapered off to a relatively thin edge of constant thickness over a substantial portion of the ballast area.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive having the capacity to absorb at least about 7 percent of its own weight in water and having a desirable combination of plasticity and wet-stick characteristics, as well as good dry skin adhesion. An adhesive composition particularly suitable for use as a stoma seal adhesive comprises (I) from about 30 to about 80 parts by weight each of (a) a pressure-sensitive adhesive component comprising a synthetic or natural gum-like substance and (b) a moisture absorbing component comprising a synthetic carbohydrate or natural water soluble or swellable hydrocolloid together with (II) from about 2 percent to about 20 percent by weight silica, based on the total weight of the adhesive composition.

Abstract: Oral hygiene formulations incorporating N.sup..alpha. -alkyl derivatives of arginine, or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, optionally in combination with fluoride compounds, are effective in combatting microorganisms, inhibiting acid production and reducing dental caries.

Abstract: Oral hygiene formulations incorporating N.sup..alpha.,N.sup.G -diacyl derivatives of arginine, or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, optionally in combination with fluoride compounds, are effective in combatting microorganisms, inhibiting acid production and reducing dental caries.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions are provided wherein there is obtained an enhancement of activity by combining the antimicrobial agent with an effective amount of a potentiator. The potentiator is selected from the group consisting of a primary, secondary and tertiary phenylalkanol, halophenylalkanol or C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkylphenylalkanol where the alkanol has from about 3 to about 9 carbon atoms.The compositions comprising an antimicrobial agent and a potentiating agent are useful as surgical scrub solutions and in dressing topical wounds where the presence of blood and wound exudate would otherwise inhibit the action of the antimicrobial agent if it were to be used alone.Also provided are topically active compositions wherein topical activity of a medicament is enhanced by combining the medicament with an effective amount of a potentiator as defined above. The topical compositions are useful as topical anesthetics, cell regulatory agents, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory compositions, and the like.

Abstract: A plastic band is secured around the outside of a prosthetic heart valve adjacent the sewing cushion to protect the valve leaflet material against inadvertent needle punctures and tears while sutures are being placed through the sewing cushion. The band is held in place by a single retention suture which passes through the band and sewing cushion of the valve and extends across the valve orifice. The protector is especially desirable for use with pericardial tissue valves having the tissue mounted on the outside of the valve stent where the tissue is particularly exposed and susceptible to needle damage.

Abstract: A plastic stent for a prosthetic trileaflet heart valve consisting of a cylindrical body section terminating at one end in three apical, commissure posts, and at the other end, in an outward-extending flange. The flange is provided with an interrupted channel encircling the base of the cylindrical section. An optional metal ring may be mounted adjacent the flange and spaced from the base of the cylindrical section. A cloth cover is secured to the stent by stitching directly through the flange in the area of reduced thickness resulting from the interrupted channel.

Abstract: Natural tissues fixed with a tanning solution such as glutaraldehyde and intended for implantation in humans, e.g., porcine heart valve prosthetic devices, are treated with a solution of a water soluble salt of a sulfated higher aliphatic alcohol such as sodium dodecyl sulfate to inhibit mineralization, particularly calcification, of the tissue after implantation.

Abstract: An injectable embolization and occlusion solution for the selective closure of organs, their duct systems, or blood vessels, comprises a solution of a prolamine such as zein in a physiologically compatible solvent such as ethanol. The solution is injected into the site to be treated where the prolamine quickly precipitates in the body fluids to occlude the site area.

Abstract: An improved package for a plurality of needled sutures comprising a folded suture retainer wherein a bundle of substantially aligned suture strands are coiled between two folded panels while the needles are retained between two adjacent folded panels. The needles are centered on one panel by an opening communicating with the interior of the package. A removable portion in the outer needle retaining panel provides access to the needles while the bulk of the suture remains coiled within the package.

Abstract: An improved package for needled sutures comprising a folded suture retainer wherein a coiled suture is contained between two folded panels while the needle is contained between two adjacent folded panels. A gusset along the foldline between the needle retention panels and the suture retention panels provides a channel for the length of suture traversing the foldline and facilitates the easy withdrawal of the suture from between the panels of the folded retainer.

Abstract: Alternating esteramide polymers are obtained from the reaction of bis-oxamidodiols such as N,N'-bis(.omega.-hydroxyalkylene)oxamide with a dicarboxylic acid or diesters such as diethyl oxalate, diethyl succinate, diethyl suberate, or dimethyl terephthalate. The polymers are obtained in good yield and have film- and fiber-forming properties. Some polymers are absorbable in biological systems and are useful as absorbable surgical devices. Other of these polymers are nonabsorbable and are useful as textile fibers.

Abstract: A device for retaining a natural tissue heart valve and stent assembly during storage and transportation prior to implantation of the valve. The device consists of an open-ended, cylindrical valve case having an internal support for a valve support ring adapted to grasp the valve stent. A retainer holds the valve support ring in position within the valve case. The assembled device is stored in a jar containing a preserving liquid until the valve is to be implanted.

Abstract: Alternating esteramide polymers are obtained from the reaction of bis-oxamidodiols such as N,N'-bis(.omega.-hydroxyalkylene)oxamide with a dicarboxylic acid or diesters such as diethyl oxalate, diethyl succinate, diethyl suberate, or dimethyl terephthalate. The polymers are obtained in good yield and have film- and fiber-forming properties. Some polymers are absorbable in biological systems and are useful as absorbable surgical devices. Other of these polymers are nonabsorbable and are useful as textile fibers.