Abstract: A novel device and method for the application of two or more components of a fibrin sealant using a gas is disclosed. The novel device and method involve the concentric arrangement of annular apertures for each of the components concentric with and radially outward of a center gas discharge aperture in the exit end of a spray head. Reservoirs for each component, for example syringe cartridges or cylinders, are in dextrete fluid communication with the spray head and preferably can be activated by a common means.

Abstract: A polymeric device for the controlled release of active agents contained in the device in which the polymer has a glass transition temperature greater than the normal storage or non use temperature of the device. When heated to or above the glass transition temperature of the polymer, the active agent is released. The release of active agent can be switched on or off by the adjustment of the temperature of the polymeric device above or below the glass transition temperature of the polymer.

Abstract: A hydrocolloid wound gel composition useful for cleansing an debriding wounds and having some capacity for absorbing wound exudate and a method of treating wounds comprising applying the hydrocolloid wound gel to a wound.The composition includes sodium carboxymethylcellulose, pectin, propylene glycol and water.

Abstract: A two stage method using the same container for both cleaning and microbiologically decontaminating grossly soiled surgical instruments is described. A presoak in an enzyme solution is followed by direct addition of a compatible disinfectant and a continued soak to decontaminate surgical instruments and other paraphernalia used in healthcare facilities.

Abstract: A two-part ostomy coupling has a first part which is a flat annulus having inner and outer peripheral walls. With the annulus these walls define a shallow channel. The coupling has a second part formed by a second flat annulus with radially inner and outer rims formed by respective flexible peripheral elements of plastics material. The first and second parts are constructed so that the second part is a push fit into the shallow channel defined by the first part. An annular member having a flexible resilient strip extending inwardly from its radially inner edge and an element extending from its radially outer edge which can engage under a rim portion of the said outer peripheral wall. Alternatively, the second part may be an annular member having a flexible resilient strip extending outwardly from its radially outer edge and an element extending from its radially inner edge which can engage under a rim portion of the said inner peripheral wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a catheter to a bag includes a pair of coupling rings for trapping a part of the bag wall between them. A cutter having a blade of circular or closed loop form makes a cut in the trapped wall and an elastomeric member for gripping a catheter is connectable to the cutter or to one of the rings. The catheter is inserted in the elastomeric member and through the rings, the member serving as a gaiter.

Abstract: A faecal incontinence bag having flexible front and rear walls secured together around their periphery. The front wall has a hole therein for entry of matter discharged by the wearer. The hole is surrounded by an adhesive pad of skin-compatible water-resistant material secured to the external surface of the front wall surrounding the hole. The pad is generally heart-shaped so that when in position on the wearer the concave portion of the heart-shaped pad is towards the front of the wearer.

Abstract: A drainage tap can be readily fixed in a face-to-face manner to the wall of a plastics drainage bag and is easily operated by a user. The tap has a body and a valve member therein, and the latter is held within the body by engagement of an external rib on the valve member in a slot which extends into a flange of the body.

Abstract: An attachment assembly is disclosed for attaching an article such as a wound cover or a prosthesis to human skin. The article attached may be, for example, a cover or dressing over a wound or a fistula or other lesion, it may be an eye patch or a breast prosthesis for use after masectomy or it may be a pouch to cover the genital region. The attachment assembly comprises a body-attachable pad of skin-compatible adhesive material and a series of double-sided adhesive layers thereon, which layers are constructed and arranged to be manually peeled off one-by-one when desired in order to expose a fresh adhesive surface to which the article is then attached.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance has four annular parts. The first part is attachable to the body of the wearer. It is also attachable to the third part by a second part which comprises a rotatable locking ring. The third part is attachable to the fourth part in a push fit manner and the ostomy bag is connected to the fourth part.

Abstract: A penile clamp has a flexible member for encircling the shaft of the penis. It can be tightened around the penis. The arrangement and construction of the flexible member is such that such tightening causes a localized pressure to be applied to a central portion of the underside of the penile shaft.

Abstract: A synthetic plastic bag for containing liquids, e.g., urine, has a plastic outlet tube. It is manufactured by a first step of seam welding the tube between two superposed bag walls. In a subsequent step, an encircling sleeve is slid over the tube to a position where it contains within it the portions of the bag walls on either side of the tube. Thirdly, this sleeve is compressed onto the tube by a crimping operation conducted with the crimping force applied in a direction substantially parallel to the plane in which the bag walls lie. The tube may be part of a tap or other outlet fitting such as a push-pull tap.

Abstract: A releasable catheter retaining device is mounted on a pad of medical grade skin adhesive material. The device has a flange with a central hole, and a post extends from a surface of the flange opposite to the pad. An elongated tab extends from the post, there being a slot in the post for receiving the free end of the tab. With this arrangement, the tab can be passed through the slot after encircling a catheter which extends through the hole, in order to grip the catheter and to retain it in position.

Abstract: A bag 10 for containing liquids is formed by welding together two plastic sheets around their peripheries and includes a neck portion 11 for connection to an outlet. An outlet tube 13 is partially inserted into the neck portion leaving a part of the tube with an upstanding seal member 17 outside the neck portion. A sleeve 18 is passed over the neck portion and the sleeve is shrunk into place, urging the neck portion 11 into tight engagement with the outlet tube 13 and effecting a seal between the sleeve 18 and the seal member 17 on the outlet tube 13.

Abstract: Cultivation of a strain of the microorganism Micromonospora sp. A.T.C.C. No. 53481, yields the novel antibiotic substance glyphomicin, which is a mixture of glyphomicin A and glyphomicin B.

Abstract: A three part ostomy coupling has a first part having a flange, a central chute and an array of space projections. A second part has a peripheral seal for engaging and surrounding the outer wall of the chute an outwardly projecting rim which can be snap fitted on the space projection. A third part is rotatable to effect a positive lock between the rim the projections, for example by deforming the projections inwardly.

Abstract: The guidewire gripping device is usable in connection with guidewires of the type used in medical application, i.e., for guiding catheters. The guidewire gripping device is constructed from a spring loaded, slitted cylindrical body.

Abstract: An ostomy device for releasably connecting an ostomy bag to an adhesive backed label including a mounting member for connecting one of two coupling parts to the label. The mounting member comprises an expandable portion for facilitating displacement of the connected coupling part between a normal position and an expanded position. The expanded portion comprises a pair of accordion-like folds including an inner fold and a smaller outer fold. The connected coupling part comprises a rib portion having a deflectible sealing strip extending therefrom. The rib portion is connected to the mounting member adjacent the outer folds such that the sealing strip is positioned intermediate the inner and outer folds when the coupling part is in the normal position. The inner fold guides discharge from the stoma into the bag and away from the interengaged coupling parts. In an alternate embodiment, the mounting member is affixed to the label.