Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an improved process for making elastomeric polyisoprene articles. In particular, the process of the invention is a system which produces synthetic polyisoprene articles exhibiting tensile strength properties similar to that of solvent-based processes using natural rubber latex. The process comprises an accelerator composition at the pre-cure stage comprising a dithiocarbamate, a thiazole and a guanidine compound. In a preferred embodiment, the accelerator composition comprises zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC), zinc 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (ZMBT) and diphenyl guanidine (DPG), in conjunction with a stabilizer, such as sodium caseinate. The invention also includes an elastomeric polyisoprene product made by the process, such as a surgeon's glove.

Abstract: The invention described herein is drawn to a hollow cylindrical filter for use with a suction canister including a first portion having an open end and a first wall thickness, a second portion having a closed end and second wall thickness less than said first wall thickness, and an elongate central chamber having a substantially uniform diameter along its length. The filter is composed of a composite material including a porous plastic material and material adapted to increase the viscosity of a liquid coming into contact therewith. The filter is constructed to accommodate the changes associated with air flow velocity and shear force across the filter material as the fluid level in the canister rises, and automatically shuts off the vacuum to the interior environment of the suction canister.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biopsy device having the ability to adjust the size of the sample to be removed. The biopsy device includes biopsy needle assembly and cannula insertion guide co-axially aligned therewith such that longitudinal adjustment of the cannula insertion guide likewise adjusts the exposure of the stylet and cutting edge of the biopsy needle assembly thereby changing the size of the resulting sample. A longitudinal adjusting element is positioned between and connects the cannula insertion guide and housing of the device. The invention is particularly useful in biopsy procedures where improved control over sample size and cutting stroke are desirable.

Abstract: A method of making a fluid impervious seam in a multilaminate fluid impervious medical fabric is disclosed. The multilaminate fluid impervious medical fabric includes at least two layers having different melting points, at least one of the layers is comprised of a fluid impervious material. The method includes overlapping two portions of the multilaminate fluid impervious medical fabric to form an overlapped region wherein the two layers having the innermost position in apposition to one another have a lower melting point relative to the melting point of the fluid impervious material layer. The two portions of multilaminate fluid impervious medical fabric are heat sealed together at the overlap at a temperature which is equal to or greater than the melting point of the innermost identical layers and which temperature is less than the melting point of the fluid impervious material layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bone marrow biopsy device 10 that includes a handle, an outer cannula, a stylet, and an inner member. The outer cannula is secured in the handle. The outer cannula defines a distal tip that is tapered to provide a distal cutting edge. The stylet is designed to be inserted in the outer cannula. The stylet defines a sharp distal tip. The inner member is designed to be inserted in the outer cannula. The inner member defines a cutting finger.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides for a surgical drape having a shoulder pouch useful for arthroscopic surgery. The shoulder pouch comprises a single folded sheet of flexible fluid impervious material with an opening in the rear central portion covered by an elastomeric sheet. The elastomeric sheet contains a contoured opening adapted to the anatomy of the shoulder. The top front portion of the pouch contains a wire running along the top edge and exiting at the rear portion, and a conformable strip located at the upper front portion as well. The shoulder pouch of the invention is anatomy specific and affords the practitioner increased control over the configuration of the drape and pouch throughout a surgical procedure.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a medical bowl adapted to accommodate and retain a coiled medical device comprising: generally smooth cylindrical sidewall portion; a generally planar circular bottom portion; and a plurality of retention tabs extending upward from said bottom portion and positioned thereon to provide a space between said sidewall portion and said retention tabs. The retention tabs are structured and positioned to facilitate the handling and grippability of a coiled device placed within the bowl.

Abstract: Powder-free natural rubber and synthetic elastomeric articles, in particular, gloves, having an inner coating of a nitrile rubber with an intermediate layer of a rubber blend comprised of natural or synthetic rubber and nitrile rubber interposed between the nitrile coating and the base glove and their method of manufacture are described. The intermediate layer of the rubber blend interposed between the coating and the glove imparts a unique surface texture to the glove which aids donning and eliminates self-sticking of the inner glove surfaces, especially after the glove has been sterilized by radiation. Additionally the gloves of the invention exhibit good grippability, good donnability, superior tensile strength, elongation to break and stress at 500% elongation.

Abstract: A device for providing thermal therapy to the perineal and rectal areas of a patient is provided. The device can be used alone or in conjunction with an absorbent pad. The device is particularly useful for alleviating post-partum swelling and pain. Different embodiments of the device can be used to provide either hot or cold therapy to a patient.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an elastomeric article, such as a glove, containing an elastomeric material such as latex and a coating layer formed from an aqueous dispersion containing a composite of a silicone-modified polymer, e.g., a silicone-modified polyurethane, and silicone resin particles integrated therein. The interaction between the silicone groups on both the polymer and particles produces enhances binding effectiveness of the particles to the material. Gloves and other articles made in accordance with the invention contain a microroughened skin-contacting surface and exhibit a reduced coefficient of friction and increased lubricity, thereby enhancing the donning properties thereof.

Abstract: Disposable surgical drapes and gowns exhibiting desirable softness, foldability, absorbency and breathability characteristics incorporate cluster bonded nonwoven laminates. Film layers and nonwoven web layers are secured together by spaced apart unbounded adhesive clusters. Each adhesive cluster includes a perimeterless grouping of discrete spaced apart adhesive droplets. A method and modified apparatus for making the cluster bonded laminates is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides automated biopsy instruments especially useful for improving minimally invasive medical procedures to obtain soft tissue biopsy samples. The biopsy instruments provide side-by-side actuators which retract a stylet and a cannula in specific sequences. The biopsy instruments may include a single spring or two springs to sequentially fire the stylet and the cannula.

Abstract: A surgical retractor securing apparatus includes an adjustable securing device which attaches the apparatus to the surgical accessory bar of a halo style head fixation device and a capture assembly that releasably engages the elasticized band of a scalp hook retractor. The adjustable securing device compressively grips along a portion the length of a surgical accessory bar or otherwise attaches to an external support, providing a plurality of attachment points. The capture assembly may include a pivotable cam that releasably grips the elasticized band of a scalp hook retractor by compressing the band between the gripping cam and the surgical accessory bar or other external support.

Abstract: Powder-free natural rubber and synthetic elastomer gloves having an inner coating of a cross-linked polyurethane impregnated with silicone and their method of manufacture are described. The gloves exhibit good grippability, good donnability as measured by their wet and dry coefficient of friction, tensile strength, elongation to break and stress at 500% modulus.

Abstract: A solution applicator comprising a solution container having a frangible twist-off member that enables solution in the solution container to flow out of the solution container when the twist-off member is twisted. The solution applicator also comprises an applicator head having a proximal end and a distal end and a solution pathway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the applicator head being engaged with said solution container at the proximal end, the applicator head having an aperture and applicating material at the distal end, and the applicator end having a receiving member that the twist-off member engages when the applicator is rotated relative to the solution container to thereby open the solution container at the twist-off member to enable fluid to flow from the solution container to the applicating material.

Abstract: The present invention is a solution applicator comprising a solution container having a frangible twist-off member that enables solution in the solution container to flow out of the solution container when the twist-off member is twisted. The solution applicator also comprises an applicator head having a proximal end and a distal end and a solution pathway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the applicator head being engaged with said solution container at the proximal end, the applicator head having an aperture and applicating material at the distal end, and the applicator end having a receiving member that the twist-off member engages when the applicator is rotated relative to the solution container to thereby open the solution container at the twist-off member to enable fluid to flow from the solution container to the applicating material.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a device for applying thermal therapy, treatment or comfort to a patient or user which includes a container having an upper side and lower side with a space therebetween containing a chemical composition adapted to provide a thermal effect, and a plurality of discrete attachment areas which generally define a central location in the container. The device has a nest configuration and automatically conforms to the user's geometry upon application of weight thereon. The discrete attachment areas are positioned to define an inner peripheral base portion and outer peripheral portion in the device which collectively form the nest configuration. The device is particularly useful in thermal treatment for infants.