Abstract: A binder layer for a laminated wound dressing is brought into contact with a sheet coated with a pattern-coated adhesive sheet. As the binder layer is in contact with the pattern-coated adhesive sheet, a series of closed-loop cuts are made in the binder layer. The closed-loop cuts are made in such a way that the material enclosed by each closed loop is substantially physically separated from the remainder of the binder layer. Then the binder layer is moved away from the pattern-coated adhesive sheet, so that the binder layer and the pattern-coated adhesive sheet are no longer in contact. When the binder layer and the pattern-coated adhesive sheet are moved apart, the material enclosed in the closed-loop cuts—i.e., the cut waste fragments—are retained on the pattern-coated adhesive sheet, ensuring that the binder layer includes a series of cleared perforations.

Abstract: A reinforced suture strip that incorporates resilient bands oriented parallel to one another along a longitudinal axis of the suture strip. Each band includes a semirigid strip of resilient material, said strip generally extending substantially the length of the suture strip, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the suture strip. The reinforced suture strip inhibits or minimizes both abductive and transverse movement by the opposing sides of flesh about an incisive wound. The present invention also comprises in some of its embodiments methods and processes for treating wounds using reinforced suture strips as described herein.

Abstract: A dressing that comprises a contact layer for contacting a wound, with the contact layer including silicone; a foam-based hydrophilic middle layer that carries a metal-based antimicrobial agent; and a backing layer that prevents moisture within the dressing from escaping into the air through evaporation. Silicone in the contact layer interacts with the wound to minimize the appearance of scar tissue. Moisture, either applied beforehand or from the wound exudate, travels through the porous contact layer into the foam middle layer. There, the moisture acts to release metal ions from controlled-release mechanisms, such as zeolites containing the metal ions. The ions then travel within the moisture into the wound, where they act to kill bacteria and other infectious microorganisms and to prevent infections from gaining a foothold. Many embodiments, for the metal-based antimicrobial agent, use silver ions or a combination of silver ions and other metal ions.

Abstract: An antimicrobial dressing comprising a hydrophobic, porous, meshy, silicone-coated contact layer and a fibrous substrate layer that carries and releases a metal-based antimicrobial agent to prevent infection. In some embodiments, the contact layer comprises a mesh of silicone-coated polyethylene fibers. The silicone in the contact layer helps to reduce the appearance of scars as wounds heal. In some embodiments, the substrate layer comprises a fibrous mesh in which some or all of the fibers are coated in a zeolite carrying metal ions. When the dressing encounters moisture, and moisture penetrates to the substrate layer, the moisture acts to release the antimicrobial metal ions from the zeolites. The ions then migrate through the porous, meshy contact layer into the wound, where they kill microorganisms that cause infection.

Abstract: A laminated dressing defining an area adapted to receive and hold medicine. In one embodiment of the invention, the dressing comprises a contact layer and a backing layer, both fabricated from absorbent materials. The contact layer has an inboard surface and an opposing outboard surface defined. The outboard surface of the contact layer is adapted to be applied to a patient's skin surrounding a wound. The contact layer further defines a die-cut through-opening substantially in the center of the contact layer. Adhering to the inboard surface of the contact layer is the backing layer, which likewise has an inboard surface and an opposing outboard surface defined. Medicine is received in the area defined by the through-opening in the contact layer and the inboard surface of the backing layer. A polymer film covers the outboard surface of the backing layer to prevent the escape of medicine from the dressing through the backing layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to external devices for dilating nasal passageways and to the manufacture thereof. More specifically, the external nasal dilator of the present invention usually comprises a resilient sheet, an adhesive layer, and an adhesive-protecting sheet. In some embodiments of the external nasal dilator, the resilient sheet defines a groove for reducing the peel force that results from bending the dilator over the bridge of the nose. In addition to the groove or in lieu thereof, some embodiments of the external nasal dilator comprise a nasal passage region having a reduced width to reduce the peel force. Finally, the dilator can comprise a sheet of adhesive tape, which in some embodiments can provide an instant tack surface to facilitate application of the dilator.