Abstract: Absorbent, retentive pulp is described which is capable of retaining good absorbency even after having been highly compressed. The pump is produced by subjecting a microfibrillated pulp slurry to pore generation by means of freezing and solvent exchange and to cross-linking with a cross-linking agent.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing topical dressings is provided. This method utilizes a continuous multi-layer strip having a continuous layer of a first foil and on one side thereof a laminated material comprising a layer of skin adhesive protected with a release film. The laminated material is divided into separate portions, each portion containing a respective aperture which holds a topical substance. A second foil is then disposed over the substance containing aperture. This second foil is separable between portions to define individual dressings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dressing which incorporates substance for cleansing sores and stimulating the healing thereof. The substance is zinc oxide, which is bound in the dressing with the aid of a tissue-compatible polymer. The invention also relates to a method for preparing such dressings.

Abstract: A decoupling sleeve for inclusion in a fluid conduit of an ultrasonically-operated instrument, such as a surgical instrument, which is irrigated by irrigating fluid at the operative site. The decoupling sleeve includes a tubular thin-walled body portion defining spaced openings, and a collar member for retaining the decoupling sleeve in a tip cap sleeve member for the instrument. The inclusion of the decoupling sleeve in the irrigating fluid conduit intermediate a portion of an ultrasonically-operated tool and the interior of the tip cap sleeve member defining the fluid conduit impedes the transmission of ultrasonic energy through the fluid medium in the conduit, thus reducing objectionable cavitation and bubble formation at the operative site.

Abstract: Methods and testing models for use in testing the effects of substances on human skin without the need for human subjects. The present invention includes a flap having viable, functional human skin on one side and animal skin on the opposite side. Sandwiched between the layers of skin are one or more isolated veins, arteries, and nerves. This isolated vasculature joins the animal and the skin flap. The human skin layer is simply a split thickness skin graft prepared from living, but discarded, human skin. The present invention allows various substances to be applied directly to the human skin. The presence of absence of the substance can then be detected in the blood flowing in the isolated vasculature. Thus, tests involving living human skin can be performed without the need to directly involve human subjects.

Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed for delivering a beneficial agent to an environment of use. The dispenser comprises a semipermeable wall surrounding a compartment containing a heat responsive composition, and an expandable composition. A passageway in the wall connects the compartment with the exterior of the dispenser.

Abstract: Device for ventilating and pressure balancing the interior of a sealed vessel (91) containing a substance which is to be taken out from said vessel e.g. by an injection syringe, said vessel being provided with a closure means (2) comprising a sealing member (2) through which a puncturing member, e.g. a needle can be passed for entering the interior of said vessel the closure means (2) or a connection means (3) attachable onto said vessel is provided with ventilating means (10, 13, 14, 15) arranged to provide a communication between the interior of the vessel (1) and a closed container or alternatively the atmosphere via a filter (16).

Abstract: The automatic intubation device described herein consists of an endotracheal tube which can be inserted automatically into the trachea without the use of a laryngoscope or a physician skilled in its use and which will avoid obstructions on the way to the trachea and comprises a combination of: (1) a flexible guide comprising either a flexible tube or rod having no more than a slight curvature in the length thereof, preferably an esophageal tube, and having a male or female adaptor or track running at least a substantial portion of its length and (2) the endotracheal tube to be inserted into the trachea which endotracheal tube may have a substantial amount of curvature therein and also has a female or male adaptor or track complementary to the adaptor of the guide and designed to fit into or onto the adaptor of the guide.

Abstract: Biocompatible reservoirs are constituted by collagen, optionally associated with mucopolysaccharides and/or gelatin; these reservoirs can be filled with an active principle which does not have to be mixed with collagen. The reservoirs can be employed to either hold or to emit one or more active principles in order to concentrate same and/or to distribute same at a controlled rate "in vitro" and/or "in vivo". The reservoirs thus are enclosed vessels of conseration of "in vitro" or "in vivo" cultures of cells, bacteria or viruses.

Abstract: A grooved stylet having a puncture point aligned with the stylet axis is mounted through a catheter to form an assembly. The aligned puncture point enables more accurate piercing of a vein, and reduces the possibility of double piercing the vein.The stylet near its proximal end is provided with a circular shoulder which abuts the proximal end of the catheter, and the catheter end is positioned on the stylet so that only the stylet puncture point projects beyond the catheter.The catheter is constructed of a hydrophilic polymer which expands away from the stylet and permits the stylet to be withdrawn from the puncture site, leaving the catheter in place in the vein.If desired, a plurality of bores may be provided in the catheter for separate attachment to different I.V. solutions; this enables various solutions to be fed at different rates to the patient through a single I.V. puncture site.

Abstract: An indicating means in a dosage dispensing device for medicaments, particularly a dosage inhaler which indicates a number of dosages administered from the dosage dispensing device. The indicating means includes a rotatable disc (1) having apertures (2) passing therethrough which can be filled with a medicament in particle form. By rotating the disc the apertures can be brought into an air channel or duct (3) through which air is inhaled. The rotatable disc has associated with a central portion a spiral groove or ridge (4) which can engage with peripheral teeth (8) on a toothed wheel (6), such that rotation of the disc (1) results in rotation of the toothed wheel and the toothed wheel is provided with one or more markings (9) which are visible from outside the dosage inhaler upon rotating the disc a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A dermal or transdermal patch comprising (1) a backing layer which is non-permeable with respect to a drug formulation to be contained within the patch, (2) a membranous layer, which is permeable to the drug, having a first surface partially in contact with said backing layer so as to define multiple compartments, (3) at least one drug or drug formulation contained within said compartments, (4) an adhesive layer on a second surface of said membranes layer, and (5) a peelable protective cover layer on said adhesive layer.

Abstract: A medical material comprising a shaped article made of a soft vinyl chloride resin composition, a layer formed on the shaped article and composed essentially of crosslinked gelatin having good bio-compatibility with a living body, and an intermediate bonding layer firmly bonding the crosslinked gelatin layer to the shaped article.

Abstract: A device for indicating the penetration of a needle into a vein, artery, lumen, or other cavity in a patient's body includes a filament that is moved through the needle toward its sharpened end. As the needle is inserted through bodily tissue, the distal end of the filament is retained by the tissue at the needle's sharpened end. The filament is loaded with compressive force so that the distal tip is moved through the end of the needle when the end enters a space. Penetration is indicated by the sudden movement of a visible indicator attached to the filament that is caused when the retention of the filament's distal tip is released by the penetration of the needle's end into the space.

Abstract: A dosage form is disclosed for delivering the beneficial drugs pseudoephedrine and brompheniramine to a biological environment of use.

Abstract: A precision intraocular surgical tool for removal or severing and removal of tissue from the eyeball of a patient includes a first tube of very small diameter having a port near one end, with the port including a tissue-shearing portion and, towards the closed end of the tube, a portion of substantially smaller size than the tissue-shearing portion, and a second tube concentric with the first tube. The first and second tubes fit snugly together, and one of the tubes is slidable with respect to the other. The end of the second tube adjacent to the port has a sharp cutting edge portion, and may also include a second smooth portion. The tool includes a mechanism for drawing tissue into the port for moving one of the tubes so that the sharp cutting edge portion can cross the port and cut tissue sucked into the port or, alternatively, so that the opening in the port can be restricted to the smaller-sized portion for aspirating tissue from the eyeball of a patient without cutting such tissue.

Abstract: A medical bandage is disclosed comprising a reservoir containing a gelled fluid, rheological agent and a drug. A method of using the bandage for producing a beneficial effect is disclosed also.

Abstract: A novel method of oxygenating the tissue of a living mammal is disclosed comprising the steps of providing an oxygenated fluorocarbon-containing liquid; injecting that oxygenated liquid into the peritoneal cavity of said mammal; and withdrawing said fluorocarbon liquid from said cavity, said injecting and withdrawing be conducted at a rate sufficient to oxygenate said tissue. Accordingly, a novel "artificial lung" is disclosed which is useful to selectively oxygenate the body of a mammal, as reflected by increased arterial blood gas (pO.sub.2) in said mammal.

Abstract: A medical instrument formed of a wall of flexible vinyl chloride resin and enabled to be flattened is disclosed. In this instrument, the inner wall whose opposed surfaces come into mutual contact when the instrument is flattened is made of a flexible vinyl chloride resin composition containing cross-linked vinyl chloride resin particles and, therefore, enabled to form minute protuberances and depressions in the inner wall surfaces. This instrument is useful as bags for holding medical fluids and blood.

Abstract: This invention relates to a small bell-shaped latex rubber protector that is designed to be placed over the top of, e.g., an endoscope prior to its passage into a body cavity through a tract thereof. Once it is passed in a folded back position, a sharp, pointed or cutting foreign object can be retrieved from the cavity using a forceps or other accessory. The protector hood is then flipped into the open position by pulling the instrument back through, e.g., the lower esophageal narrowing. The bell-shaped latex protects, for example, the esophagus and posterior pharynx from the foreign body during its removal.