Abstract: The invention described herein provides for a simple, economical system and method for reducing environmental release of dental amalgamous mercury from teeth caused by cremation of corpses. The invention controls and reduces the amount of mercury released using a pre-crematorial and non-disfiguring system and method. The system of the invention can include a dental containment and applicator delivery system to apply a curable thermal protectant composition onto the teeth. The composition coating significantly inhibits the extent of thermal destruction of the tooth per se including its amalgam filling content.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hygiene articles comprising nanofibers. The nanofibers are made from a melt film fibrillation process with a polymer composition having a melt flow rate of less than about 400 decigram per minute. The nanofibers, having a diameter of less than 1 micron, must comprise a significant number of the fibers in one layer of the web contained by the hygiene article. The hygiene articles include diapers, training pants, adult incontinence pads, catamenials products such as feminine care pads and pantiliners, tampons, personal cleansing articles, personal care articles, and personal care wipes including baby wipes, facial wipes, and feminine wipes.

Abstract: Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A surgical fluid basin includes a receptacle member having a lower wall and a peripheral wall extending from the lower wall and arranged about a longitudinal axis, and having an internal chamber within the peripheral wall for reception of fluids. The peripheral wall has at least one terrace defined within the peripheral wall corresponding to a volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. The at least one terrace defines an internal rise surface and an internal run surface intersecting the internal rise surface. The internal run surface includes indicia markings corresponding to the volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. A plurality of terraces may be defined within the peripheral wall with each terrace corresponding to a predetermined volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. The internal run surface defined by each terrace includes indicia markings corresponding to the volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula, including the modification of an existing dialysis fistula; and a method of supplying oxygenated blood to the venous circulation of a patient. A kit of anastomotic implants is described which supports a broad base of patient anatomies and fistula locations. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: An ostomy coupling is disclosed comprising a floatable coupling part. The coupling part is supported with respect to an adhesive wafer by means of a flexible support collar that permits displacement of the coupling part in a floatable manner. The flexible collar comprises plastics film and has bistable shapes. The collar is configured to hold the coupling part stably in (i) an extended position spaced from the adhesive wafer, to facilitate an ostomate to manually brace the coupling part in order to relieve the attachment force when an ostomy appliance is press fitted to the coupling part, and (ii) in a retracted position close to the adhesive wafer.

Abstract: An adapter is disclosed for an ostomy coupling. The adapter provides a floatable coupling characteristic to an ostomy body fitment that has a non-floatable coupling part. The adapter comprises a first coupling part for attaching to the non-floating coupling part of the body fitment, a second coupling part for releasably attaching to an ostomy appliance, and a flexible collar between the first and second coupling parts. The flexible collar permits the second coupling part to be displaced away from the first coupling part, thereby creating a space for an ostomate to manually brace the second coupling part against an attachment force when an appliance is fitted.

Abstract: Reduced pressure wound therapy is performed on a sacral region of a patient using an adhesive dressing comprising a flexible planar layer and a non-planar fold-sealing region configured to seal to the intergluteal cleft of a patient. The fold-sealing region is located on an outer edge of the adhesive dressing and comprises a tapered configuration.

Abstract: A sperm collection device includes an open/close unit including two open/close members openably and closably supported about a hinge and core pieces supported by the open/close members. The core pieces are configured to open and close with the open/close members and to form an insertion space when the open/close members are closed.

Abstract: Provided is a cap device for home use to temporarily cover the stoma resulting from a urostomy, colostomy or ileostomy procedure. It provides a favorable means of preventing leakage during routine cleaning around the stoma during the ostomy pouch replacement process. The device may include, in any combination, use of a flexible elastomeric material for creating low suction to assist with retention, a shaped lip for comfort and sealing, a disposable liner, or internal absorption material to help avoid spillage and leakage.

Abstract: A drain for use in medical applications may include an elongated conduit configured to be implanted in a body cavity, wherein the conduit has a proximal end and a distal end. The conduit may include at least one channel configured to drain fluid from the body cavity and at least one lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the conduit. The lumen may be at least partially surrounded by the at least one channel and may be separated from the at least one channel by a wall. At least one hole in the wall may be configured to provide fluid communication between the lumen and the at least one channel.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification cannula 10 includes a hub 12 for engagement with an ophthalmic surgical instrument. An elongated needle 14 having a proximal end 16 is attached to the hub 12. The cannula 10 has an aspiration lumen 20 spanning a majority of a length of a needle 14 from the proximal end towards a distal end 18. A venturi lumen 22 is formed in the needle adjacent the distal end. The venturi lumen 22 is in communication with the aspiration lumen 20 so that fluid and tissue may be aspirated through the venturi lumen 22 and the aspiration lumen 20.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for an ostomy pouch. The assembly includes a body flange having an adhesive coating on one side adapted to be adhered to the peristomal skin surface of an osteomate. Diametrically opposed loops project from the edge of the flange and form pockets. Also included is an ostomy pouch having a stoma receiving opening surrounded by a stiffly flexible ring having diametrically opposed loops that cooperate with the pockets on the flange loops. An adhesive coating is provided on the flexible ring and there is a mechanical interlock between the ring and flange. When the loops on the flexible ring are aligned with the pockets on the flange the flange and ring may be adhesively interlocked to attach the pouch to the body flange.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent system arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: A safety cap assembly for sealing an ostomy bag opening comprising: an attachment means, where said attachment means secures the safety cap assembly to the ostomy bag opening; a vertical tubing, where the vertical tubing fits onto the ostomy bag opening; an absorption barrier, where said barrier lies within the inner portion of the vertical tubing; and an end cap, said end cap encloses and seals the tubing. In one exemplary embodiment, the attachment means includes a Velcro fastening strip. The absorption barrier may be made of a cotton material or other absorbent material.

Abstract: A urinary catheter assembly is disclosed having a catheter, a sheath enclosing an insertable portion of the catheter, and one or more vents in fluid communication with the lumen of the sheath and an environment outside the sheath.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of polyacrylic acid is placed in a mold, frozen, and freeze-dried to form a sponge-like polyacrylic acid structure. The sponge-like polyacrylic acid structure is compressed by the application of heat and pressure to reduce the thickness and increase the density of the sponge-like polyacrylic acid structure to form a densified polyacrylic acid structure. The densified polyacrylic acid structure is preconditioned by heating to form a wound dressing. The wound dressing can be applied to control severe, life-threatening bleeding from a wound at a wound site of a person.

Abstract: An apparatus for fluid collection is disclosed, which comprises: a frame, composed of a plurality of unit cells, each being made of an absorbent polymer composite; and a bag, for receiving the frame while being connected to a conduit provided for enabling a fluid to flow in and out the bag therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in situ cleanable filter for an ostomy appliance comprising a pathway for leading gases to a vent in an ostomy bag and a protective element contained in said pathway to prevent solid or semi-liquid waste from blocking the pathway where a channel or compartment formed by liquid impermeable layer(s) is defining at least part of the pathway and at least a part of said compartment or channel contain a protective element of an open celled compressible material having a memory and having a pore size of at least 60 PPI, said protective element extending in the same direction as the gas flow within the channel or compartment, said channel or compartment having an opening providing access to the pathway from the interior of the bag, said pathway having another opening being connected to a vent in the ostomy bag, optionally via a deodorizing filter. The invention relates to an ostomy appliance comprising a filter as above and a method for emptying and cleaning the filter.