Abstract: An absorbent article with a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction and including an absorption body enclosed in a cover, wherein the cover has a fluid-permeable surface and a fluid-impermeable surface and wherein the absorption body has at least one absorption layer, exhibiting a penetrating slit with a first cut edge and a second cut edge. The absorption layer is shaped by the material on both sides of the two cut edges being moved in a direction essentially at right angles to the slit and being locked in the moved position.

Abstract: A arrangement and processes is disclosed for the suction removal of waste products such as smoke and tissue particles in the ablation of biological tissue by means of a laser beam, wherein the laser beam is directed to the tissue through the orifice of a tubular channel and the waste products are sucked through the orifice into the channel. It is provided in an arrangement of the type mentioned above that the inner wall of the channel has at least one outlet opening for a gas in the vicinity of the orifice and the flow of gas is directed to the center of the channel and therefore toward the laser beam. In this way, it is effectively achieved that the gas does not flow through between the orifice and the treatment area so as to flow over the surface of the substance, but exits already from the orifice or from the immediate vicinity of the orifice under by suitable pressure and is guided into the interior of the channel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rotational atherectomy drive shaft having an asymmetrical tissue removal section. One or more strands of wire are helically wound about an elongated mandrel having an enlarged diameter section with a predetermined shape, thereby forming an elongated, flexible drive shaft which has an enlarged diameter tissue removal section. A portion of the drive shaft, including the enlarged diameter tissue removal section, is placed into a first clamp and given a first heat treatment to give the wire turns of the enlarged diameter tissue removal section an initial set, thereby preserving the initial shape of the enlarged diameter tissue removal section of the drive shaft. The drive shaft is then removed from the first clamp and the mandrel is dissolved. The enlarged diameter section of the drive shaft is then deformed to an asymmetrical shape by placing a portion of the drive shaft, including the enlarged diameter tissue removal section, into a second clamp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for draining a liner-type medical suction apparatus. The method includes the acts of positioning the liner-type medical suction apparatus relative to a drainage device including a conduit, causing the conduit to communicate with the liner interior, and draining the fluid from the liner interior through the conduit. The apparatus includes a support member adapted to support the liner-type medical suction apparatus and a drainage device housing adjacent to the support member. The device also includes a conduit including a first end coupled to the drainage device housing and a second end for communication with the liner interior.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nursing dribble pad which is applied by adhesive to either the mother's breast or the top of a nursing bottle so as to absorb any dribbled liquid on the region around the mouth of the infant when nursing. The dribble pad is soft and rapidly absorbs substantially all liquid which dribbles from the infant's mouth. The dribble pad has a facing layer, an absorbent layer and a liquid impermeable layer.