Abstract: A method of and structure for separating tissue. The method comprises the step of directing a fluid medium under pressure from a tissue separator including a floating tip at the tissue while floating the tip of the separator on the fluid medium. The tissue may be living tissue and in accordance with the method of the invention may be separated along natural cleavage planes. The fluid medium may be a gas or liquid and may be regulated in pressure and formed in pulses. It may be passed around and/or through the floating tip. The tissue to be separated may also be nudged by the floating tip. The fluid medium may be treated water from a municipal water supply or separate container and may be passed over a high surface to fluid interacting soap-like, replaceable cartridge made of at least one of an abrading, cleansing, polishing, and geriocidal material within the tissue separator structure prior to being directed at the tissue to be separated.

Abstract: Combination surgical drape, dressing and closure structure and method of use before, during and after a surgical procedure. A combination drape and dressing includes a central dressing portion which may have an incision guide line, transverse index lines and intersecting grid lines which may be radio-opaque thereon, and a peripheral drape portion which portions are secured together by means of a weakened tear line. A straddling closure is utilized in conjunction with the combination drape and dressing to close an incision made through the dressing portion of the combination drape and dressing which straddling closure may be integral with or separate from the drape and dressing and extends over and beyond the entire length of the incision and for a substantial distance on both sides thereof. The straddling closure may be substantially flat or in a modification may be initially rolled, to be rolled onto the dressing portion of the combination drape and dressing over an incision therethrough.

Abstract: Structure for and a method of separating tissue pneumatically comprising a source of gas under pressure, a regulator for regulating the pressure of the gas, and flow controls for directing the pressure controlled gas to a disposable gas directing stem and head assembly, and the method of use of such structure comprising directing gas under controlled pressure and direction toward tissue to be separated.