Abstract: A wound dressing includes a first and a second absorbent layer, each absorbent layer being of a non-woven fabric of fibers, and each being able to absorb liquid and a screen comprising polyester and cotton fibers between, and bonded to, the two absorbent layers. The bonded absorbent layers and the screen form essentially a single, layered fabric body. The bonding between the first and second absorbent layers and the screen is brought about by a needle-punching process in which the punching density is 1700-1900 punches per square cm.

Abstract: A manual and automatic fluid control system and method for use in open and laparoscopic laser surgery and electrosurgery is disclosed. The system includes a manual mode along with several automatic modes which can effectuate both suction and irrigation, either individually or simultaneously. In the various automatic modes, the suction and/or irrigation is automatically activated during activation of a medical apparatus for laser surgery or electrosurgery without requiring separate activation from the surgeon or operating room staff. Several safety features for monitoring the fluid control system are also incorporated within the system such as fluid sensors for detecting the absence of irrigation fluid, pressure sensors and vacuum systems for monitoring fluid pressure, fluid sensors for monitoring fluid volume, and warning signals for detecting empty containers.

Abstract: A steam-generating unit that is applied to the skin or the mucous membranes has a steam-generating part that employs chemical energy, and the surface applied to the skin or mucous membranes is made from a moisture-permeable sheet. The temperature of the steam generated by the steam-generating part and released from the surface of the steam-generating unit is kept to 50° C. or lower. Steam that is as safe as that from a steam towel can be easily and continuously supplied to the skin and mucous membranes by this steam-generating unit.

Abstract: Sequestrants and inhibitors of protease are applied to the wound site through the use of wound dressing based carrier systems to which they may be optionally ionically or covalently bound for the purpose of the initiation or enhancement of healing associated with chronic non-healing wounds.

Abstract: A microsurgical irrigation device, comprising a first tube for supplying liquid from a liquid source, the first tube having a first end in communication with the liquid source, and further having a second end; an elastomeric bulb connected to the second end of the first tube, wherein the bulb is in communication with the first tube; a second tube for dispensing liquid expelled from the elastomeric bulb, the second tube having a first end connected to the bulb and further having a second end, wherein the second tube is in communication with the bulb; an inlet, one-way, valve preventing liquid from returning from the bulb into the first tube when the bulb is actuated, and allowing liquid to flow from the first tube into the bulb when the bulb is released; and an outlet, one-way, valve preventing liquid from exiting the bulb until a predetermined amount of pressure is provided by bulb actuation.

Abstract: A first aid adhesive plaster comprising a pad on an upper surface of which an ointment is laid, an adhesive sheet of rectangular and an ointment protect cover formed to be a blister having a dome section by making its central portion project upwardly to form a gentle arc. The pad is covered with the blister by applying the ointment protect cover onto the adhesive sheet separably while leaving a gap between the ointment on the pad and an undersurface of the blister.

Abstract: The present invention is a wound healing system and method of use to address the healing of wounds found on a foot of a patient. The wound healing system provides an apparatus and method of protecting and healing foot wounds, especially foot ulcers of diabetic patients. The wound healing system can be used on a wound found on almost any area of the bottom of a foot. The wound healing system includes a method of reducing the mechanical load on a wound, allowing the patient to walk while the system is in use, allowing the patient to access and attend to the foot, allowing different methods of treating a foot wound, and providing a kit with which medical personnel can easily fit the patient with the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus applies heat to tissue from a level that does not contact the tissue, in order to elevate the temperature of the tissue being treated toward normothermia. The apparatus may be attached to the skin of a person to form a treatment volume about the tissue to be treated. A heater, supported at the layer, is held near the tissue to be treated, out of contact with the tissue. The heater is for operating in a near-hyperthermic temperature range in order to treat the tissue. An example of a near-hyperthermic temperature range is 38° C. to 46° C. A controller may include means that cause the heater to operate over a therapeutic sequence, that cycle the heater on and off, that provide selectable average temperature values, that cause the heater to operate over an average temperature range, that cause the heater to operate at an average temperature over a therapy cycle, or that cause the heater to operate at an average temperature over a therapeutic sequence.

Abstract: A method for using a dressing (10, 300) having a plurality of anchor structures (301, 303,305, 307), a treatment structure (314) and an elastic material (321, 322), extending from the anchor structures (301, 303, 305, 307) to the treatment structure (314).

Abstract: A hospital type of bandage integrates an absorbent pad and non-stick layer with a fluid-impermeable outer layer and an adhesive in a single composite structure. In a preferred embodiment the invention further includes means which may be used to turn the bandage inside out upon removal, so that surfaces once contacting a patient are no longer externally exposed. A bandage according to the invertible embodiment preferably includes a pocket formed on the side of the bandage facing away from the patient after application, this pocket being large enough to accommodate at least a portion of a human hand, and inside this pocket and located opposite the entrance is a means for grasping which may be pulled outwardly through pocket opening, thereby inverting the entire structure. Various forms of devices for grasping are possible as alternatives, including a string, a tab and a tab with one or more finger-receiving holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brace including a support member that is configured to the actual or desired shape of a user's body part, a support structure for mounting the support member on a user, a variable force applicator for adjusting the amount of force to be applied by the support member and an indicator for displaying the force applied.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage having at least one soft, three-dimensional toy. In one form, a soft, three-dimensional toy figure, such as a stuffed character, animal or play object, is attached to the top surface of a flexible backing that is coated with adhesive on its skin-contacting, bottom surface and an absorbent pad is attached to the bottom surface and central portion of the flexible backing for application directly to a body wound. In another form, the toy could cover the wound directly, using either soft, three-dimensional appendages coated with adhesive or appendages made of flexible backing material coated with adhesive to attach the bandage to the skin. The bandage could also be designed so that the toy could be easily removed from the rest of the bandage components to allow for play with the toy away from the wound site.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device suitable for releasable attachment to a patient's skin surface over a selected wound area in a non-contact position relative to the selected wound area, the wound treatment device comprising an attachment portion suitable for releasable attachment with the patient's skin surface, having an inner perimeter for defining the selected wound area, a wound treatment portion with a substantially planar wound cover and a support member supporting the wound cover, and a transition portion with a membrane connecting the wound treatment portion to the attachment portion, the membrane extending around the outer perimeter of the support member and attached to the attachment portion between the inner and outer perimeter of the attachment portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting an implanted medical device such as a catheter or ostomy stoma from the force exerted by wearing a seatbelt or other strap by placing an annular shaped structure over the top of the medical device to bridge the seatbelt over the top of the device, thus transferring the force to the area surrounding the device. Alternate embodiments of the apparatus may contain a clip, loop, snap or other fastener to attach the apparatus to the seatbelt or other strap, thus holding the apparatus in place while in use.

Abstract: A tissue treatment device suitable for use on an extremity, such as a hand or foot, includes a cover formed as a bag, sac, or pouch, and a support member disposable within the cover to support a portion of the cover off of, and out of contact with, tissue to be treated. The cover has an open end with one or more attachment portions disposed thereon for attachment to a limb whose extremity is received in the cover.

Abstract: A bandage for autolytic debridement includes a fluid-impermeable enclosure having a sidewall forming a margin defining an opening, and a skin-facing surface that surrounds the opening. An attachment means is disposed on the skin-facing to attach the enclosure to the skin, with the margin extending outside of and surrounding at least the bed of a wound. When the enclosure is attached to the skin it creates a closed, fluid-impermeable chamber over a wound, substantially without contacting the wound. The bandage includes a fluid absorbent material disposed in the fluid-impermeable enclosure at or near the continuous margin, and out of the opening. The fluid absorbent material is thus positioned to receive and retain exudated fluid that originates in the wound, thereby by promoting autolytic debridement. The closed, fluid-impermeable chamber maintains a near-100% humid atmosphere about the wound, thereby promoting healing of the wound.

Abstract: A method for using a dressing mechanism having a first section, a second section, and a third section, the first section being coupled to the second section and the second section being coupled to the third section, the first and third section comprising an elastic material.

Abstract: An absorbent dressing comprising a hydrophilic gel absorbent layer having a patterned surface on at least one major surface thereof is provided. The patterned surface allows greater surface area for absorption of wound exudate when oriented toward the wound surface, while reducing the absorbent surface area in direct or indirect contact with the wound.

Abstract: Foam wound dressings for medical and veterinary use are disclosed, along with methods for making the same. The wound dressings contain a hydrophilic polyurethane foam matrix having at least one hydrocolloid absorptive material integrally and generally uniformly dispersed throughout that improves the absorptive properties of the wound dressing. The foam wound dressings are formed from a polymerized combination of an aqueous mixture having at least one hydrocolloid absorptive material with a hydrophilic urethane prepolymer in a predetermined ratio.

Abstract: A constrained stet has a plurality of stent retaining bands disposed about the stent which maintains the stent in a reduced diameter configuration. The stent is capable of being expanded from a reduced diameter configuration to a fully expanded configuration.