Abstract: An improved surgical needle of the type having a simple main cutting edge extending across the needle and formed by the intersection of two planar surfaces for use in cutting through hard body tissue material. The forward end of the needle includes a relatively small third substantially planar surface having an acute angle of convergence with the axis of the needle and intersecting at substantially equal acute angles with the other two planar surfaces. The surgical needle is preferably curved in the reference plane defined by the main cutting edge and the axis of the needle. Such an improved surgical needle results in an extremely sharp needle with a high resistance to burring.

Abstract: A surgical drainage system is provided for the drainage of fluid from a body cavity which comprises a first collection compartment, a second compartment, and a connecting passageway for connecting the first and second compartment in fluid communication. The volume of the connecting passageway is insignificant with respect to the second compartment and the connecting passageway provides a visual indication of changes in pressure in the body cavity by reason of oscillation of collected fluid therein.

Abstract: A drainage apparatus for evacuating fluids from cavities including a collection chamber for collecting fluids from the body cavity, a water seal chamber and a pressure regulator chamber. A valve mechanism is provided in the water seal chamber to permit the outflow of gases from the apparatus in the event of a sudden increase in pressure in the device due to respiratory movements or leakage of air.

Abstract: Aqueous detergent solutions of block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide having the structure: ##STR1## and an ethylene oxide to propylene oxide ratio of at least 4:1 have been found to be surprisingly useful in the cleansing of contaminated wounds in that they do not impair the wound's ability to resist infection. Surgical scrub solutions of these detergent solutions containing in addition antiseptic agents provide cleansing solutions which both eliminate bacteria and provide the desired cleansing action without impairing the wound's ability to resist infection.