Abstract: The present invention provides a drainage catheter for the therapeutic or diagnostic aspiration of fluid or air from the thoracic or abdominal cavities. The present invention provides a catheter needle, a catheter, a needle hub, a stop cock, and a self-sealing valve. The stop cock is removably secured to the catheter by use of a Luer connection. The stop cock is additionally removably secured to the self-sealing valve, again by use of a Luer connection. Use of the Luer connection allows the catheter to be disassembled from the stop cock as well as allows the stop cock to be disassembled from the self-sealing valve. This invention allows the additional medical procedures while the catheter still remains in the patient.

Abstract: A unique powder-free medical glove fabricated from a neoprene copolymer, and a method of making same is described. The gloves of the invention are easily donned without the use of powdered donning agents and retain their puncture resistance, tensile strength, stress at 500% and elongation to break after post-processing by chlorination and sterilization by irradiation. Additionally, the gloves of the invention exhibit minimal discoloration (as measured by the per cent change in yellowness index) and minimal stickiness to themselves and to glove packing materials after sterilization by irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical device having a tissue engaging portion, a shaft member, and a handle assembly. The tissue engaging portion includes first and second opposed jaws for grasping, securing, and occluding body tissue and conduits. The shaft member is operatively coupled to the tissue engaging portion and is capable of being placed in different curvatures. The handle assembly is operatively coupled to both the shaft member and to the tissue engaging portion. The shaft member of the present invention allows the surgeon to bend and adjust the shape of the surgical device to minimize its intrusion and to allow for proper positioning in predetermined body locations. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the device is disposable.

Abstract: A biopsy surgical appliance comprises a biopsy needle having a stylet (21) and a cannula (31), disposed coaxially along an axis (Y) and activated by a mechanical device with two slides (20, 30) which can slide longitudinally inside a shell (10, 50). The first slide (20) of the two slides (20, 30) has a "U" shape with tines (22a, 22b) oriented longitudinally and is moved longitudinally in a first operative environment, in which the central section (22c) of the "U" shape supports one component (21) of two components (21, 31) which constitute the biopsy needle (21, 31). The second slide (30) of the two slides (20, 30) has a head (32) which extends towards and beyond the axis (Y) without interfering with the first operative environment and is inserted freely between the tines (22a, 22b) of the first slide (20), and in which the head (32) supports the other component (31) of the two components (21, 31) which constitute the biopsy needs.

Abstract: An activator (10) made in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes activating crystals (11) that have been formed into a shape and then coated with coating (12). The activator (10) of the present invention can be used in any environment in which the solidification of a supercooled solution occurs and whereby heat is generated during the solidification process. In the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the activator is placed inside a hot pack (15) containing a supercooled solution (16). The hot pack can be made of a container made of a thermoplastic film which is formed into a bag, filled with activator (10) and the supercooled solution (16), and sealed to form the hot pack. The coating (12) of the activator (10) is impervious to the supercooled solution (16) in the hot pack (15) and into which the activator will be placed. The supercooled solution (16) may be any of a variety of chemical compositions known in the art which give off heat as they solidify.

Abstract: A implantable wound drain device includes an annular outer wall, a central core defining at least one longitudinal axis and being disposed within and spaced radially inwardly from the outer wall, and radial inner walls disposed within the outer wall and extending between and connected to the central core and outer wall such that adjacent pairs of the inner walls together with the outer wall form a plurality of elongated lumens for draining fluids therefrom from the wound. The lumens are circumferentially spaced from one another about and extend along the longitudinal axis such that the inner walls are disposed between adjacent pairs of the lumens. Each inner wall has an elongated duct defined therein extending along the longitudinal axis and extending outwardly from adjacent to the central core to the outer wall and define an entrance to the duct through the outer wall to permit fluid flow from the wound exteriorly of the outer wall through the entrance and into the duct.

Abstract: A filter assembly is disclosed which has a first filter element held by or bonded to a spacer and a second filter element positioned adjacent the spacer on a side of the spacer opposite the first filter.

Abstract: A thin elastomeric glove with enhanced gripping surfaces molded into the gripping surfaces of the glove is described. Preferably, the enhanced gripping surface is molded into each of the finger and thumb tips and body portions of the gloves. The enhanced gripping surface may be comprised of a plurality of concave indentations molded into the gripping surfaces of the glove. Alternatively, the enhanced gripping surface is comprised of a plurality of suction cups molded into the gripping surfaces of the glove. The glove may be constructed of any natural or synthetic rubber latex or blends or combinations thereof and has a thickness between about 0.004 to about 0.012 inches, an elongation greater than about 200%, a tensile strength between about 1500 to about 5000 psi and a 500% modulus between about 300 to about 2000 psi.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gown 10 having a fastening structure which allows for easy securing of the gown 10 on a health care professional. The present invention provides a gown 10 having a front 14, two back side portions 16, 18, with two sleeves 20, 22 secured thereto. A tie 27 is provided that is attached to the gown 10. Secured to the front portion of the gown is an adhesive surface 25. The area of adhesion provided is preferably wider than the width of the tie 27 and of sufficient length to properly adhere the tie 27. To secure the gown 10 on the health care personnel, the tie 27 is extended around the back to the front area 14 and secured to the adhesive area 25.

Abstract: A nebulizer for entraining liquid in a flow of carrier gas from a carrier gas source at a select pressure includes a nozzle defining a passage which is circular in cross section and includes a converging section, a throat and a uniformly diverging section, all of which are coaxial and serially connected. The nozzle has an inlet at the mouth of the converging section and an outlet defining a primary orifice at the mouth of the diverging section. The inlet is connectable in fluid communication with the pressurized carrier gas source. The nebulizer further includes a reservoir for the liquid to be entrained and a conduit for conveying a liquid in the reservoir between the reservoir and the primary orifice. The conduit further includes a jacket spaced from and enveloping the primary orifice defining a liquid chamber about the primary orifice. The jacket has a secondary orifice spaced from and coaxial with the primary orifice.

Abstract: The present provides impervious shoccovers primarily for use in medical applications. The shoecovers have a boot which define an inside area, and an elastic band attached to an ankle section of the boot. The boot has a top which defines a foot opening to the inside area, and a bottom opposite of the top. The ankle section is positioned between the top and the bottom. The elastic band is attached to a flap at the ankle section of the boot which extends beyond a fluid resistant seal and thus, leaves the ankle section free of perforations to the inside area. The shoecover is made from a fluid resistant or impervious material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clam shell packaging arrangement having a base 12 which defines a receiving area 23. A cover 14 is further provided which engages in a sealing snap fit arrangement with the base 12. The base 12 and the cover 14 are connected by an integral living hinge 16 which includes a first hinge element 18 connected to the base 12 and a second hinge element 20 connected to the cover 14. The bottom wall of the base 12 defines a plurality of upwardly extending integral plastic bubbles 57. The cover 14 defines a plurality of cooperating downwardly extending integral plastic bubbles 59. The bubbles 57, 59 are resilient enough to cradle a product and flexible enough to secure the product in its position.

Abstract: A microporous film can be made by adding a foaming agent to the components of a film material to create bubbles in the film. The microporous film can also be made by adding filaments to the components of the film material and dissolving the filaments to create the pores. In either process, the size of the pores can be controlled to be no greater than 0.027 .mu.m.

Abstract: A system for tissue removal (biopsy) using a biopsy needle (2,3) appliance (30) and an inserting guide (20) extending lengthwise along a same (y) axis includes, between the handpiece-shell (1) and said inserting guide (20), adjusting means (4,5,6,7,8) adjustably mobile lengthwise suitable for moving said inserting guide (20) lengthwise with respect to said biopsy needle (2,3), so as front free end (22) of cannula-guide (20) may be adjustably positioned above or below front free end of cannula-cutting edge (3).

Abstract: The present invention provides antimicrobial skin-preparations useable to disinfect a surgical site for surgery. The antimicrobial skin-preparation formula includes iodine, alcohol and gel. The new pre-operative skin-preparation quickly and effectively kills microorganisms when applied to the surgical site. The skin-preparation continues to effectively inhibit microorganism growth in the applied area over an extended period of time. One gel skin-preparation according to the invention includes alcohol at 60%-90% v/v, iodine at 1.0%-15.0% w/v, and gel at 0.1%-30.0% w/v. A carrier solvent and other optional components may also be added to the formula.

Abstract: Certain neoprene copolymers make it possible to manufacture surgeon's gloves and Swanz-Ganz balloons having improved properties.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a surgical drape for use during a medical procedure on a shoulder of a patient when the patient is in the so called "beach chair" or Fowlers position. The surgical drape is a one-piece design and has a base panel defining a fenestration which is sealable around the patient's shoulder. Opposing right and left panels extend from the base panel away from the fenestration and a slit extends from a peripheral edge of the drape to the fenestration between the right and left panels. Right and left flaps extend from the right and left panels and overlap each other and cover the slit. A fluid control pouch surrounds at least part of the fenestration. The surgical drape can be used on either the right or left shoulder of the patient and covers the entire patient. The present invention also pertains to a method of draping a patient with the surgical drape.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved powder-free gloves having improved cleanliness as well as desired ergonomics over current natural rubber latex gloves. By controlling the formulation used to construct the gloves, a wide range of physical performance, aging resistance, as well as high cleanliness can be achieved. To this end, the present invention provides a powder-free glove constructed from a sequential copolymer. In an embodiment, the sequential copolymer is chosen from the group consisting of: poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene); poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene); poly (styrene-b-ethylene butylene-b-styrene); poly(styrene-b-ethylene propylene-b-styrene); radial and teleblock copolymers of the type (SI).sub.X, (SB).sub.X, and the like; and graft copolymers.