Abstract: A rubberized sealing ring has a flat smooth broad bottom sealing surface for sealing with and spreading the pressure over an area of the rectal mucosal tissue. A peaked top surface has a wide inwardly sloping face for funneling the fecal matter into a tapering funnel-shaped neck. The sealing ring compresses together in a linear shape for anal insertion and expands resiliently into a sealing ring inside the patient past the interior anal sphincter. An external receptacle connects to the neck for collecting excretions. The receptacle may be formed integrally with the neck and sealing ring or may be detachable. A gas release valve is built into the top of the receptacle. An enema tube may be inserted in the neck. A spring may be built into the center of the sealing ring. A coil spring, flat spring, or combination spring may be used.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for performing less-invasive surgical procedures within an organ or vessel. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a method of closed-chest surgical intervention within an internal cavity of a patient's heart or great vessel. According to the method, the patient's heart is arrested and cardiopulmonary bypass is established. A scope extending through a percutaneous intercostal penetration in the patient's chest is used to view an internal portion of the patient's chest. An internal penetration is formed in a wall of the heart or great vessel using cutting means introduced through a percutaneous penetration in an intercostal space in the patient's chest. An interventional tool is then introduced, usually through a cannula positioned in a percutaneous intercostal penetration.

Abstract: A transcutaneous access device includes a subcutaneous skirt, a transcutaneous neck and an extracutaneous telescoping sleeve all of which may be made of an inexpensive plastic material. Preferably, the skirt and neck are covered with a porous bed material which encourages the growth of tissue and collagen. The device functions as a conduit for an access catheter and is sized to minimize contact with the catheter and to allow vertical and horizontal motion of the catheter relative to the implanted portions of the access device so that torsion and stretching of the tissue adjacent to the implanted access device caused by normal body motions do not upset the biological seal that forms around the access device.

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: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants, feminine hygiene garments and the like, that have a unique waist feature that improves the dynamic fit as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. Such absorbent articles comprise a chassis assembly preferably comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; an extensible back waist feature; and a closure system for maintaining the absorbent article on the wearer. The extensible back waist feature provides an extensible feature that provides a more comfortable and contouring fit by initially conformably fitting the diaper to the wearer and by sustaining this fit. The extensible back waist feature has a hip panel, a central waistband panel, and a pair of side panels. The force/extension characteristics of each panel is designed to provide such improved fit and containment.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants, feminine hygiene garments and the like, that have a unique waist feature that improves the dynamic fit as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. Such absorbent articles comprise a chassis assembly preferably comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; an extensible back waist feature; and a closure system for maintaining the absorbent article on the wearer. The extensible back waist feature provides an extensible feature that provides a more comfortable and contouring fit by initially conformably fitting the diaper to the wearer and by sustaining this fit. The extensible back waist feature has a hip panel, a central waistband panel, and a pair of side panels. The force/extension characteristics of each panel is designed to provide such improved fit and containment.