Abstract: A proximity detection apparatus for a control unit for use in controlling a medical device, the proximity detection apparatus comprising: a detecting part and an emitting part; one part being located in the medical device and the other part in the control unit, so that when the control unit is attached to the medical device the detecting part detects the emitting part and instructs the control unit to select a first mode of operation and when the control unit is detached from the medical device, the detecting part does not detect the emitting part and instructs the control unit to select a second mode of operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dissolving the components of gel forming materials suitable for use in wound care comprising the steps of admixing said components with an ionic liquid. The ionic liquid may be selected from the group of tertiary amine N-oxides, N,N-dimethyl formamide/nitrogen tetroxide mixtures, dimethyl sulphoxide/paraformaldehyde mixtures and solutions of limium chloride in N,N-dimethyl acetamide or N-methylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a balloon catheter in which the balloon is mounted on the end of the catheter in a manner that creates a recess or pocket between the catheter wall and balloon wall. The recess or pocket opens toward the proximal end of the catheter. The rigid end of an introducer element or finger is received in the recess to attach it to the catheter. The distal end of the catheter, with the end of the introducer element in the recess, is inserted and positioned within the bowel by manipulating the introducer element or finger. After the catheter is properly positioned in the bowel, the introducer element or finger is withdrawn, detaching it from the catheter as the end of the introducer element slides out of the recess and then out of the bowel. The balloon is inflated prior to or after the withdrawal of the introducer element to anchor the end of the catheter in position within the bowel.

Abstract: An elastomeric particle (1, 1, 1?) comprises a non-conducting elastomeric body (2) having an electrically conducting surface (4a, 4b, 6). Pressure sensor elements (20, 20?, 20?; 30, 30?, 30?, 30??) comprising such elastomeric particles are disclosed, as well as sensor clusters (50?, 50??, 50IV, 50V, 50VI, 50VII, 70) comprising such sensor elements. There is also disclosed a pressure sensor element (40, 40?, 40?, 40??, 40IV, 40V, 40VI, 40VII), comprising a resistive element (44, 44?, 44?) providing a conduction path, a first electrode (42a, 42a-1, 42a-2, 42a-3, 42a-4, 42a-5, 42a-6), connected to the resistive element, a second electrode (42b, 42b?), which in a quiescent state is spaced from said first electrode, wherein the second electrode, when the pressure sensor element is subjected to a pressure, is arranged to contact said first electrode or said resistive element. Systems comprising such sensor elements and sensor clusters are disclosed, as well as methods of their fabrication.

Abstract: A wound dressing for post-operative sites requiring drainage includes a thin film or film/foam laminate layer with an adhesive applied to one surface thereof and an absorbent layer positioned on the adhesive surface. The dressing has an aperture to accommodate a drainage tube and a slit extending from the aperture to an outer edge of the dressing.

Abstract: A drainable ostomy pouch has an outlet. Reinforcing members at the outlet are deformable by application of manual pressure at their ends to distend the outlet. The lateral edges of the reinforcing members may be offset, which encourages the reinforcing members to consistently bend away from each other. A peelable distributed mechanical engagement fastener secures the outlet in a folded condition. The fastener parts are hook-hook type plastic extrusions, and provide a snap-engagement. A security flap is foldable under the outlet when in its folded condition. The outlet is released in two stages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biocompatible adhesive for securely adhering ostomy appliances simultaneously to the body and the stoma. The ostomy appliance is comprised of an adhesive component and a body waste collector component, wherein the adhesive component includes a mucoadhesive component. The mucoadhesive component comprises a polymer with functional groups that provide adhesion to skin and stoma.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance is disclosed with an inflatable seal for sealing against the stoma. The inflatable seal has a first inflatable chamber portion for fitting inside the stoma to seal against the internal tissue. The inflatable seal also has a second inflatable chamber portion for sealing externally against the stoma and peristomal skin. In one embodiment, a tube extends through the inflatable seal to provide a communication passage for discharge of body waste without removing the inflatable seal. The tube floats with respect to an adhesive mounting member to allow a waist between the first and second inflatable chamber portions to self-locate in the stoma.

Abstract: Polysaccharide nanofibers having anti-microbial properties, said nanofibers comprising an alginate and having silver nanoparticles dispersed throughout the nanofibers.

Abstract: A rectal appliance with a tubular member defining a communication passage for body waste, and first and second inflatable chamber portions carried on the tubular member for forming internal and external seals with respect to the anus. One or both of the inflatable chamber portions have a partly flared shape. The second inflatable chamber portion has a low external profile, and a concave sealing surface. The inflatable chamber portions are defined at least partly by a common flexible membrane that is constrained near a middle region to define a narrow waist between the two inflatable chamber portions.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising a layer in the form of a strip and comprising gel-forming fibers, the strip having longitudinal lines of stitches formed from a thread and transverse lines of stitches formed from a thread.