Abstract: A dressing (30), a grommet (10) and a combination thereof are described for making a dressing for use in locating and retaining conduits and/or tubes used in therapy of a wound is described, the dressing (30) comprising a backing layer (32) having an adhesive coating (34) thereon for adhering the dressing (30) to a patient; the backing layer (32) having a cut-out (48) therein for receiving a grommet member (10); said grommet member (10) having at least one aperture (14) therethrough for receiving a conduit; and, said grommet member (10) further comprising a flange portion (16) in some embodiments for attaching the grommet member (10) to said adhesive coated backing layer (32).

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and applying therapy or prophylaxis to wounds, in which irrigant fluid containing a physiologically active material from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. A biodegradable scaffold underlies the dressing on the wound bed to promote tissue growth. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing, an assembly comprising the dressing and scaffold, and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. microfiltration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: A device or composition comprising an agent for the coagulation of protein-containing fluids, wherein the agent comprises an inorganic component which is soluble in protein-containing fluids. Use of such a device or composition for the coagulation of protein-containing fluids. A coagulum of protein-containing fluid produced using such a device or composition.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for healing bone fractures comprises applying an ultrasound signal to a target site. The ultrasound signal comprises a generally uniform distribution of constructive interference positions in the target site.

Abstract: The rate of degradation of polymers and polymer blends containing (poly) lactic acid can be increased and controlled by the inclusion of up to 10% (typically less than 1%) by weight of specific additives such as lauric acid or a derivative thereof such as the anhydride.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir (12) connected to a conformable wound dressing (3) and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device (18) for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means (17) for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. microfiltration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing mate rials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: A solid coupling material for conducting ultrasound from an ultrasound source to a surface, wherein the material maximises contact with the surface and the ultrasound source such that there are minimal or no air gaps in the interface between the surface and the material and in the interface between the ultrasound source and the material.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for cleansing wounds (5) in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir (12) connected to a conformable wound dressing (2) and wound exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (which may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound, and means for supplying physiologically active agents to the wound. The former provides a desired balance of fluid at a controlled nominal flow rate that removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing over the wound bed. The latter maintains physiologically active agents at a level that promotes wound healing.

Abstract: Polymer compositions comprising poly-glycolic acid (PGA) or a functional derivative thereof with a tensile strength of at least 1200 MPa are disclosed. Processes suitable for manufacturing said compositions are also described, comprising rendering PGA into an amorphous state then drawing to form a highly orientated polymer structure. The polymer compositions can be used to make artefacts, for example sutures, or used in combination with other polymers or non-polymeric substances to produce other artefacts, for example medical devices suitable for implantation into the human body. Processes for the production of said artefacts are also described.

Abstract: An attachment for a surgical instrument, comprising: a drive input hub for connecting, in use, to a power source; a drive output hub for connecting, in use, to a surgical instrument; and a body connecting the drive input hub to the drive output hub, the body comprising means for transferring drive from the input hub to the output hub, wherein the body, the drive input hub and the drive output hub are at least in part not coaxial. A method for surgically preparing a bone using such an attachment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer compositions namely biodegradable segmented block copolymers comprising polyol residues having a number average molecular weight of at least 4000 Daltons and in that the polyols are connected by actual linkages.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (which may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and over a biodegradable scaffold in contact with the wound bed (which encourages healing tissue growth from the wound bed). The apparatus has means (which includes the device(s)) for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound. A dressing assembly including the dressing and the scaffold, and the dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and applying therapy or prophylaxis to wounds, in which irrigant fluid containing a physiologically active material from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. microfiltration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: Biocompatible, implantable material comprising flexible, elongate tape and a plurality of elongate elements, each elongate element being aligned along and independently translatable in the longitudinal direction of the tape; implants manufactured from this material, for the partial or total replacement or reinforcement of connective tissue such as ligament, cartilage, bone, meniscus tendon, skin.

Abstract: A wound dressing which comprises a carrier layer having a non-adherent to cell layer on a wound facing surface thereof. The non-adherent layer has bonded thereto a biodegradable cell anchoring layer which anchors mammalian cells. In use, the degradable layer breaks down releasing the cells into the wound site which are discouraged from reattaching to the dressing by the non-adherent layer. Thus the dressing can switch from a cell binding state to a state in which the binding of cells is discouraged. Systems, methods of treatment and methods of manufacturing the dressing are also disclosed.