Abstract: A surgical device constructed of a polyvinyl acetal having a body constructed with an average pore diameter ranging from about 0.02 to about 1.2 mm and a fused surface layer of about 0.25 min. The fused surface layer is substantially closed and has a pore diameter ranging from about 0.01 to about 0.45 mm allowing absorption of fluid into the body of the device.

Abstract: Laser shields including the MEROCEL.RTM. brand hydroxylated polyvinyl acetal foam material, for covering an endotracheal tube, for covering parts of a patient's body, and for covering instruments and the like, and laser shields including a micro-corrugated metal foil layer.

Abstract: Laser shields including the MEROCEL.RTM. brand hydroxylated polyvinyl acetal foam material, for covering an endotracheal tube, for covering parts of a patient's body, and for covering instruments and the like, and laser shields including a micro-corrugated metal foil layer.

Abstract: A surgical device constructed of a polyvinyl acetal sponge body constructed with an average pore diameter ranging from about 0.02 to about 1.2 mm and opposite sides laminated with a surface film layer of about 0.0015 inches thick. The laminate surface film layer is perforated with a plurality of holes allowing access to the body of the surgical device having a diameter ranging from about 0.1 to about 0.7 mm allowing absorbtion of fluid through the laminate layer into the sponge body of the device.

Abstract: A tissue/organ retraction or displacement sponge comprising a rigid dry absorbent shaped sponge body constructed of laminated layers of sponge material with differing pore size density causing differing swelling rates and expansion. The sponge when hydrated substantially expands protecting an organ or moving the same to be a different area.

Abstract: An organ securing sponge device comprising a rigid dry absorbent linear compressed sponge body, sheet, net or pouch constructed of sponge material of polyvinyl acetal of a specific pore size density. The sponge when hydrated forming a wedge shaped sponge with a center cut out and an inclined surface which resists movement when engaging an organ, said sponge body when hydrated expands to position an organ which it has been laid adjacent to and having an absorbency of about times its weight.

Abstract: A method of treatment of Stage II, III and IV wounds in human beings comprising the steps of: inserting a surgical dressing constructed of a polyvinyl acetal having a pore diameter ranging from about 0.3 to about 1. mm into an open wound so that it conforms to the general configuration of the open wound; allowing the surgical dressing to remain in the wound to autolyze slough and necrotic tissue from the wound and absorb wound exudate from the wound; and removing the surgical dressing to selectively atraumatically debride the wound without damaging granulation tissues.

Abstract: A nasal pack inserter apparatus having a barrel member with a throughgoing lumen providing an inlet and an outlet for a plunger reciprocally mounted therein. The barrel member defines rib means projecting into the throughgoing lumen defining a track for the plunger which is configured to fit in the track when inserted into the lumen. The plunger member has a thumb piece on one end and a pusher tip on the other end to transport a nasal pack provided with a withdrawal thread through the lumen into a nasal cavity. The withdrawal thread of the nasal pack is positioned within a channel formed in the plunger body to prevent fouling of the same within the barrel lumen.

Abstract: A medical sponge comprising a sterile rigid absorbent linearly shaped sponge body, one end of the body being rounded. A plurality of parallel flex lines are formed in said linear body running substantially along its length with one section of the body having flex lines formed therein which run perpendicular to and intersect the parallel flex lines. An end of the body is provided with angular flex lines formed therein which run angularly to and intersect the parallel flex lines.

Abstract: A device for cleaning and defogging an endoscope. A sponge is impregnated with a composition of water, a glycol and a water soluble wetting agent. The impregnated sponge is packaged in a container designed to facilitate cleaning and defogging of the endoscope. In one embodiment, the impregnated sponge is provided in an open container, and the endoscope is wiped against the impregnated sponge. In another embodiment, the impregnated sponge is provided in a tubular container, into which the endoscope is inserted. In yet another embodiment, the impregnated sponge is provided in a device designed to be attached onto an endoscopic trocar cannula. In yet another embodiment, the impregnated sponge is attached to the surface of a flapper valve in an endoscopic trocar cannula, such that the sponge in contacted by the endoscope when the endoscope is inserted in the cannula.

Abstract: A surgical sponge for use in the larynx of a throat comprising a porous cellular absorbent sponge material pre-formed in a compressed rigid member which retains its compressed small volume condition. The surgical sponge is constructed of cellular absorbent sponge material which wicks up fluid from the body to expand from compressed condition to a predetermined larger size to form an arcuate elongated body with flat end surfaces and a "C" shaped cross section defining a concave channel, at least one of the flat end surfaces being coated with a fluid impervious layer which prevents the flow of fluid therethrough. The sponge material is impregnated with a radiopaque material such as barium sulfate, and is provided with an attaching cord allowing removal of the sponge body from the patient.

Abstract: A device for cleaning and defogging an endoscope. A sponge is impregnated with a composition of water, a glycol and a water soluble wetting agent. The impregnated sponge is packaged in a container designed to facilitate cleaning and defogging of the endoscope. In one embodiment, the impregnated sponge is provided in an open container, and the endoscope is wiped against the impregnated sponge. In another embodiment, the impregnated sponge is provided in a tubular container, into which the endoscope is inserted. In yet another embodiment, the impregnated sponge is provided in a device designed to be attached onto an endoscopic trocar cannula. In yet another embodiment, the impregnated sponge is attached to the surface of a flapper valve in an endoscopic trocar cannula, such that the sponge in contacted by the endoscope when the endoscope is inserted in the cannula.

Abstract: A sustained and controlled release form of iodine is achieved by a complex of polyvinyl alcohol and the iodine characterized by a low water solubility. The polyvinyl alcohol may be reacted to form hydroxylated polyvinyl acetal sponge and the sponge is topically applied as an antimicrobial agent which releases controlled amounts of iodine sufficient to kill germ cells with minimal toxicity to surrounding tissue.