Abstract: A transdermal drug-containing dosage unit comprises: a backing layer substantially impervious to the drug to be delivered transdermally; a first polymeric adhesive matrix, in contact with the backing layer, having dispersed therein the drug and having a first delivery profile of the drug; a second polymeric adhesive matrix, in contact with said first polymeric adhesive matrix, having dispersed therein the drug and having a second delivery profile of the drug, wherein said second delivery profile is different from said first delivery profile; and a release liner in contact with the second polymeric adhesive matrix. The first polymeric adhesive matrix can release the drug more quickly or more slowly than the second polymeric adhesive matrix. Through the selection of the two matrices, the delivery profile of the drug through the skin can be selectively modified and controlled.

Abstract: A system including a menstrual pant and an absorbent article. The menstrual pant can have a front part; a back part; a crotch part provided so as to bridge between the front part and the back part, the crotch being utilized for fitting a sanitary napkin, a waist opening part provided in an upper edge of the front part and an upper edge of the back part, a pair of leg openings provided below both side edges of the front part and both side edges of the back part; and a lifting strip disposed along the longitudinal centerline in the rear portion. The menstrual pant can apply body-contacting pressures to the wearer's body longitudinally through the crotch of 25 g/cm2 to 100 g/cm2. The absorbent article can have a topsheet having a body facing surface, a backsheet joined to said topsheet; and an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet. The absorbent article can exhibit a 30-minute Vertical Wicking Height of at least about 12 cm.

Abstract: A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating all or a portion of a wound. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises an impermeable flexible overlay that covers all or a portion of the wound for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the covered portion of the wound. In other embodiments, the impermeable flexible overlay comprises suction assistance means, such as channels, which assist in the application of reduced pressure to the area of the wound and removal of exudate from the wound. In other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the wound in the area under the flexible overlay. In yet other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes wound packing means to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of the wound tissue into an absorbable matrix comprising the wound packing means. In still other embodiments, the appliance may include a suction drain.

Abstract: Nebulizer and method of operation of a nebulizer comprising a cupel capable of containing a liquid and a vibrating member (4) capable of emitting, under the effect of a control signal originating from a control circuit (10), an ultrasound beam making it possible to transform the liquid into mist, in which the vibrating member (4) is sensitive to the sound wave produced during the transformation of the liquid into mist and detection means (14) detect the presence and/or the absence and/or the value of a sound signal originating from the vibrating member, or of a signal corresponding to a sound signal originating from said vibrating member.

Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment a method to promote healing of a wound is provided comprising contacting the wound with a biologically active composition comprising a lipoic acid derivative and gelatin. In another embodiment a topical composition is provided, which can be formulated as a homogenous mixture, such as a spray, mist, aerosol, lotion, cream, solution, oil, gel, ointment, paste, emulsion or suspension or applied on a carrier material, such as a bandage, gauze, foam, sponge, hydrogel, hydrocolloid, hydrofiber, occlusive dressing, adhesive composition or scaffold. Methods for producing such a topical composition and carrier material with the topical composition applied thereto are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dynamic, reduced-pressure treatment system generates reduced pressure and a wave experienced at a tissue site where the wave may have a frequency in the range of from 0.5 Hertz to 20 Hertz. The system includes a manifold for delivering reduced pressure to the tissue site, a sealing member forming a fluid seal over the tissue site, a reduced-pressure source for providing reduced pressure, a reduced-pressure delivery member for delivering reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure source to the manifold, and a wave generator associated with the reduced-pressure delivery member for imparting a wave to the reduced pressure developed by the reduced-pressure source. A reduced-pressure delivery member with liquid-impermeable-and-gas-permeable element may be applied to help reduce blockages and to facilitate ease of treatment. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, method, and devices are disclosed that involve reconfiguring lumens or unblocking lumens relative to a blockage to maintain flow of reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue site. In one instance, a multi-lumen applicator includes an applicator body having a distal end and a proximal end and formed with a plurality of apertures for receiving fluid from the tissue site and for delivering reduced pressure, a first lumen fluidly coupled to the plurality of apertures, a first activation member having at least a closed position and a open position, and a second lumen fluidly coupled to the plurality of apertures but for the first activation member being in closed position. The configuration is such that when the first activation member is moved to the open position, the second lumen is fluidly coupled to the plurality of apertures. Other systems, methods, and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system includes a first fluid pathway in communication with a reduced pressure source and a second fluid pathway. The system includes a reduced pressure manifold having a substantially gas impermeable barrier and at least one outer conduit defining a lateral edge of an interior region. The outer conduit and the substantially gas impermeable barrier enclose a portion of the interior region. The outer conduit is in fluid communication with one of the first and second fluid pathways. The outer conduit has at least one opening in fluid communication with the interior region. An inner conduit is at least partially disposed within the interior region and is in fluid communication with another of the first and second fluid pathways. The inner conduit has at least one opening in fluid communication with the interior region.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an absorbent article that is resistant to twisting and flattening, and that is superior in terms of fluid absorption rate, fluid diffusibility, absorbed fluid retention volume and fluid retention. The absorbent article comprises a top sheet on the skin contact side, a back sheet on the non-skin contact side, and an absorbent body situated between the two sheets, wherein the absorbent body comprises a bulky absorbent sheet, and the bulky absorbent sheet comprises heat-expanding particles that are dispersed in the bulky absorbent sheet and have been expanded by heat.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to a disposable garment having a front region, a back region, and a crotch region extending between the front region and the back region. The disposable garment comprises a chassis in the front region, the back region, and the crotch region. The chassis comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The disposable garment comprises a pair of ear panels extending laterally outward from the chassis in the front region or the back region, a seam panel extending laterally outward from at least one of the ear panels, and a tab formed with the seam panel and extending laterally outward from the seam panel.

Abstract: An anisotropic wound drape for treating a wound on a patient includes a flexible sheet for placing over a tissue site The flexible sheet includes a first isotropic zone, and a second isotropic zone. The first isotropic zone and the second isotropic zone are configured to provide the flexible sheet with anisotropic stretching properties. The anisotropic drape may used as part of a reduced-pressure wound treatment system. Other systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: An inhaler which comprises a base having a plurality of consecutive sealed cavities containing medicament. Foil portions are on one side attached to the base for sealing the medicament within respective associated cavities. A plurality of separating elements are attached to the other side of the foil portions, each separating element being associated with a respective cavity for separating a foil portion from that cavity. Each separating element can be moved-away from its associated cavity so that the sealing foil portion is separated from the cavity which is thereby uncovered so that medicament contained therein is enabled to become entrained in a fluid flow, and then returned with the attached foil portion to cover its associated cavity. A method of operating an inhaler is also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent core comprising a substrate layer and an absorbent layer, the absorbent layer comprising an absorbent material and a thermoplastic adhesive material; the absorbent core has longitudinal and transverse dimensions and consists of nine transverse segments in its longitudinal dimension and six longitudinal segments in its transverse dimension; in each of the transverse segments and longitudinal segments, the absorbent layer has average basis weights of absorbent material of thermoplastic adhesive material; the basis weights of the absorbent layer in at least one of the transverse segments are lower than the basis weights of the absorbent layer in at least one other of the transverse segments; and the basis weights of the absorbent layer in at least one of the longitudinal segments are lower than the basis weights of the absorbent layer in at least one other of the longitudinal segments.

Abstract: Absorbent articles in which the outer cover has an extrusion bonded laminate.

Abstract: Applicators provide heat shields for uncovered skin, in particular the face, hands, and other body parts that may not be clothed such as arms, legs, or torso. In one embodiment, a continuous heat shield is applied the entire face and ears. In another embodiment, a heat shield is applied to portions of the face and neck. In yet another embodiment, a heat shield is applied by multiple applicators. Sets of applicators apply a portions of a contiguous heat shield. Books contain multiple sets of applicators. Camouflage is used for military concealment. Other uses include firefighting, iron working, glass blowing and cooking. Entrained ceramic particles provide heat reflection and insulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for treating and controlling obesity and/or type II diabetes. In one aspect of the invention, a device comprises a hollow sleeve sized and shaped for positioning within a duodenum of the patient, an anchor coupled to the proximal end of the sleeve and being sized and shaped to inhibit distal migration of the sleeve and a plurality of elastomeric objects coupled to the distal end of the sleeve and being sized and shaped to inhibit proximal migration of the sleeve through a pylorus of the patient. The bypass device can be placed and removed endoscopically through the patient's esophagus in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and it is “self-anchoring” and does not require invasive tissue fixation within the patient's GI tract, thereby reducing collateral tissue damage and minimizing its impact on the digestive process.

Abstract: A surgical suction device is disclosed that includes a suction tube having a first longitudinal axis, a proximal opening, and a distal opening; a guide tube that is substantially coextensive with and parallel to the suction tube, and has a second longitudinal axis, a proximal opening, and a distal opening; a stylet having a proximal end and a distal end; and a junction conduit having a proximal opening and a distal opening; wherein the stylet is disposed along the second longitudinal axis and encircled by the guide tube, and the proximal opening of the junction conduit is in contact with the distal opening of the suction tube and the distal opening of the guide tube such that the distal opening of the junction conduit is in fluid communication with the suction tube, and urging the stylet through the guide tube along the second longitudinal axis through the junction conduit translates the distal end of the stylet to the distal opening of the junction conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for administering a liquid drop by drop. This administering device comprises a packaging filled with the liquid, an outflow channel with an administering opening, and means connected to the outflow channel for opening the packaging, wherein the opening means and the packaging are movable relative to each other. The device can have means for receiving the packaging, which receiving means can be adapted to fix the packaging, wherein the opening means are then movable relative to the receiving means. The opening means can conversely also be fixed relative to the receiving means, wherein the packaging is then movable in the receiving means. The opening means can be formed by a sharp outer end of the outflow channel.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a front waist region, a back waist region and a crotch region. The front and back waist regions are permanently attached or releasably attachable to each other by an article fastening system to define a wear configuration of the absorbent article. The article is configurable from the wear configuration to a disposal configuration. A disposal tab has an attachment region attached to one of the sides of the article and extends a greatest length La along at least a portion of a length Lp of one of the sides. A tab region extends transversely outward from the attachment region a greatest distance Dt and is attachable to the article in at least the disposal configuration of the article. The attachment region has a first surface attached to one of the sides of the article and a second surface that defines part of the article fastening system.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for absorbing a liquid, the absorbent article including a chassis including a liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent structure positioned between the liner and the outer cover, the chassis including a front region and a back region, the front region and the back region defining a waist region therebetween. The absorbent article also includes a wetness indicator positioned adjacent the liner or the outer cover, the wetness indicator including a hydrophanous tissue layer having an absorbent-structure-facing side and being in liquid communication with the absorbent structure or the liner, and an indicator material disposed between the absorbent-facing side of the tissue layer and the absorbent structure. The absorbent article can also include a film layer disposed adjacent the tissue layer, and the indicator material can include an active constituent adapted to wick along the tissue layer when the absorbent article is insulted.