Abstract: A convex adapter for use in connection with ostomy equipment comprises a ring-shaped member (10, 15, 18). The ring-shaped member (10, 15, 18) comprises a central, relatively rigid ring (10) with a convex face (12) as well as a peripheral, relatively flexible part (15) extending considerably longer and radially than the relatively rigid ring (10).

Abstract: A disposable absorbent product which includes a chemically reactive means having an end point adapted to provide a visual indication of the presence of a substance in mammalian bodily excrement, wherein the chemically reactive means is adapted to: (A) to provide the visual indication as a result of interacting with the mammalian bodily excrement; (B) the end point of the chemically reactive means is adapted to be reached within a period of time which begins with the first insult of the chemically reactive means by the substance and ends when the disposable absorbent product is discarded; and (C) the chemically reactive means is adapted to have a stable end-point, such that the visual indication remains valid within a period of time which begins when the end point is reached and ends no sooner than when the disposable absorbent product is discarded. If desired, the chemically reactive means can be adapted to provide a visual indication of the approximate concentration of the substance.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for applying a plurality of compositions, preferably two, containing a dermatological or other therapeutical agent to the skin from a single dispensing and applicator system. The system has a plurality of compartmentalized applicator pads which may be exposed and sequentially or simultaneously applied to the skin area to be treated. The system is useful for administering separate phases of an occlusive or semi-occlusive film-forming solution for treating pathologies of the skin. When the phases are applied to and dried upon the skin, a polymeric film forms to retain the therapeutical agent in contact with the surface of the skin.

Abstract: Low basis weight nonwoven fibrous web, which can be incorporated into personal care articles, has an ink printed thereon and has an average wet crockfastness value of at least about 4 or greater. A method is provided for making the ink-printed web.

Abstract: A disposable laminar device for collecting body fluids during obstetric, gynecologic, proctologic or urologic procedures or examinations is formed from sheet plastic. The device includes a planar area which is placed on the edge of an examination table, with the patient's buttocks on top. The patient's weight holds the device, but it may also be clipped to the table. Projecting outward from and cantilevering off the table edge is a collection region of the lamina, contiguous with the planar area. The collection region includes a drain portion which receives and directs fluids draining from the perineal area of the patient into a cup integrally formed in the lamina. The drain portion is bordered by a raised ridge or dike which prevents fluids from spreading under the buttocks onto the planar area. The collection region also preferably includes a flat work area and receptacles formed therein to hold solutions, instruments, swabs, and the like.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin or incontinence guard, comprises a liquid-impermeable surface layer which is remote from the wearer when the article is worn, a liquid-permeable surface layer which faces towards the wearer in use, and an absorbent pad which is contained between the two surface layers. The absorbent pad is arched in a transverse direction, at least at its center part, and therewith exhibits a convex surface on the side of the pad which faces the wearer in use. The edges of the article are restrained from flexing toward the liquid-permeable surface, and the transverse arch is maintained by a restraining device attached to the longitudinal edges of the article.

Abstract: A method for withdrawing a first catheter inserted into a patient's vasculature over a resident guidewire, without removing the guidewire, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing an elongated tubular container having a proximal end and a distal end, and having an extension wire disposed therein for the length of the tubular container and axially secured to the proximal end of the container, axially connecting the distal end of the extension wire to the proximal end of the resident guidewire, and withdrawing the catheter over the resident guidewire and extension wire into the container.

Abstract: A washable nappy (10) having a rear portion (11) which tapers towards a crotch portion (12) which then joins to a front portion (13). Fasteners are used to secure the rear portion (11) to the front portion (13) so that the nappy is retained in position. The nappy is of a laminated structure having an outer layer formed of plush cotton toweling and a co-terminus inner layer formed of brush cotton. An intermediate layer is formed of 100% bonded polyester which covers at least the crotch portion and aids in transporting moisture from the inner layer to the outer layer.

Abstract: A method for performing coronary artery bypass relies on viewing the cardiac region through a thoracoscope or other viewing scope and endovascularaly partitioning the patient's arterial system at a location within the ascending aorta. The coronary artery bypass procedures are formed under cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia, where an arterial blood source is created using least invasive surgical techniques.

Abstract: The invention is related to a tampon applicator (10) made of plastic, especially for feminine hygiene, consisting of an approximately cylindrical outer sleeve (12) which is intended for receiving a tampon (14) and in the rear end of which there is inserted in an axially non-displaceable manner hollow grip piece (16), in which a slide (18) is arranged so as to be axially movable. The outer face of the slide (18) is connected in the vicinity of its fromt end, to the inner wall of the grip piece (16) by means of at least one predetermined breaking point (24). Thus, the tampon applicator can be produced from just two injection-molded parts allowing reduced expenditure on machinery and assembly. The slide is held captively in the grip piece until the tampon applicator is put to use.

Abstract: A multifunctional device for insertion in an anatomical cavity through a narrow portal includes an expandable bladder, a body of fluid absorbing material carried by the bladder and a mechanism, which can be inflation or mechanical, for expanding the bladder. The device has a cross-sectional size in a compressed state with the fluid absorbing material in a dry state and the bladder contracted to facilitate insertion of the device through the portal. The fluid absorbing material is soft and expandable in a wet state upon absorption of body fluids in the anatomical cavity, and the bladder is movable via the expanding mechanism to move the device to an expanded state wherein the cross-sectional size of the device is increased. The bladder is movable to decrease the size of the device to facilitate withdrawal of the device from the anatomical cavity through the portal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved urinary drainage device which simulates the inlet end of the normal, non-catheterized urethra. This novel design significantly reduces the risk of urinary tract infection typically associated with internal catheters by providing a drainage duct comprising a truncated, collapsible inner lumen. Like the non-catheterized urethra, the collapsible inner lumen collapses after urination to prevent urine back flow. The invention further relates to an improved evacuator-type collection receptacle, the improvement comprising a resilient means or displacement means for controlling the negative pressure created within the collection receptacle.

Abstract: A portable, patient assignable, medical suction apparatus usable especially in the medical evacuation field. The suction apparatus includes self contained battery energy sourcing in addition to capability of operation and battery charging from a variety of alternating and direct current energy sources as are commonly available in transportation vehicles and ground based medical facilities. The disclosed apparatus includes provisions for suction canister usage, electromagnetic interference reduction, mounting on an existing aircraft stanchion and shelf and hand carriage to a patient's bedside. Military usage and possible civilian usage are also disclosed.

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 valve operated catheter for urinary incontinence and retention comprises a flexible duct (2) designed to be inserted in the patient's urethra, the catheter provided with a spiral shaped end portion (12), having a plurality of holes (16) for the passage of urine. The duct 2 is provided, at its other end, with a seat (21) in which there is housed a valve (20) made of elastic material, the valve being usually closed because of the elastic action. The valve (20) may be operated by the patient through light compressive action on two winglets (25) which are fixed to the end of the duct near to the valve, the winglets positioned symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the same valve, outside the top of glans, so as to cause the opening of the passage (22) through elastic deformation of the valve (20).

Abstract: A tubular vascular graft made of synthetic or natural material. In one embodiment of this invention the effective lumen of the vascular graft is controlled by providing a fenestrated diaphragm within the tubular graft, the periphery of which diaphragm is in engagement with the inner wall of the tubular graft. The diaphragm is made weak on at least two radial lines extending from the inside surface of the tubular graft to the edge of the diaphragm's central orifice. The effective orifice of the tubular graft is that of the diaphragm's central orifice when the diaphragm is intact, but is enlarged to be that of the graft's lumen when the diaphragm is ruptured at its weak radial lines, such as by using a balloon dilatation catheter. In a second version the tubular graft has a second wall along a portion of its length. The second inner wall bulges inwardly from the inner surface of the tubular graft with a saline solution filling the space between the wall and forming the bulge.

Abstract: An apparatus for the rapid delivery of therapeutic and or diagnostic agent to a body cavity or withdrawal of fluid from the body cavity is disclosed. This apparatus comprises in combination a catheter having a first and second conduit, an atomizer connected to the distal end of the first conduit, and a balloon surrounds the conduits. A multi-port valve is connected to the proximal end of the second conduit. An inflation tube with its input end connect to the multi-port valve while the output end connects to the balloon. A chamber for dispensing the selected agent is attached to one of the opening of multi-port valve via its air input while its output port is connected to the first conduit via a pressure relief membrane. A collection system having a three-way valve is connected to the opening of the multi-port valve by a third conduit.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating biopsy wounds in human patients is provided. The process involves filling the wound with a disc of collagenous material coated with elastine, with the disc of material being of a size to substantially fill the biopsy wound. The collagenous material is preferably derived from the skin of hoofed animals such as calves, sheep and pigs. The disc is combined with a microporous top layer, preferably polyether urethane.This combination is easy to apply and leads to hemostasis, improved wound healing and less wound contraction and scarring.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing a small area of epidermis from the skin to expose an intact area of dermis and subsequently deliver a liquid in contact with the exposed dermis. This method of delivery allows the rate of absorption of substances into the body to be enhanced by removal of the epidermis. A preferred embodiment removes the epidermis by forming a suction blister, the apparatus having a housing attached to the skin adhesively to define a chamber in which suction is applied. Suction is applied to the chamber without connection to an external source of suction by means of an evacuated cell separated from the chamber by a disruptable membrane. A tubular member is actuated to rupture the membrane, disrupt the blister and deliver liquid to the chamber in successive stages of operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A single needle system for withdrawing donated blood, processing the blood to harvest components such as platelets, and returning processed blood to the donor through the single needle. Processing is performed by a centrifuge which separates blood components into stratified layers with a buffy coat containing platelets and white blood cells stably interfacing a red blood cell layer. Blood is withdrawn during a draw cycle and returned to the donor during a return cycle. A recirculation system is provided so that blood flows at a reduced rate through the processing system during the return cycle in order to minimize return cycle time while maintaining the stable position of the interface between buffy coat and red blood cell layers. A storage bag receives processed blood during the draw cycle and blood is squeezed from the bag during the return cycle, a portion returned to the donor and another portion entering the recirculation path.