Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, sanitary napkin or tampon is disclosed, wherein the absorbent material comprises grains and the absorbent layer is biodegradable. The invention also discloses a process of making the absorbent article.

Abstract: In a fluid conduit connecting device for medical purposes a housing and a connecting member, being connectable to the housing, carry cooperating sealing surfaces. For the purpose of protecting the sealing surfaces of the connecting member these surfaces are covered by protective surfaces of a protective member prior to the connection of the connecting member to the housing. Protective member is arranged to uncover the sealing surfaces when the connection into the housing takes place. The device is suitable particularly for connecting the blood stream of a patient to an external conduit and allows continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration.

Abstract: A device for delivering an anesthetic to the eye, comprising a thin, porous, substantially planar annular body. The inner diameter of the device is slightly greater than the diameter of the limbus or corneal-scleral junction of the eye, and the outer diameter, slightly smaller than the arcuate distance between the upper and lower conjunctival sacs. The device is made of a flexible material such as methylcellulose-based filter paper, thus, it is able to flex to conform to the shape of the eyeball. The device is positioned in the eye with the inner edge circumscribing the limbus and the outer edge extending into the conjunctival sacs. A liquid such as a topical anesthetic, antibiotic, and so forth is added to the body by means of an eye dropper or other suitable means. The liquid spreads rapidly and uniformly throughout the body and diffuses into the eye. If desired, a plurality of equally-spaced radial slits may be formed in the body to enable it to conform to the shape of the eye.

Abstract: A method for surgical correction of vascular occlusions involving replacement of the affected portion of the vessel with a vascular autotransplant grown in the patient's tissues around the modelled preform from a magnetic alloy which speeds up killing, reduces the risk of thromboses, infection and rejection and forestalls the development of the destructive processes in the wall of the autotransplant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for use in performing electrosurgery, wherein a power supply supplies an electrosurgical instrument with a low voltage power signal having a substantially constant peak-to-peak voltage that is independent of the load impedance and which has a crest factor near unity. A power supply is provided to supply a voltage waveform in accordance with the methods of the invention. A clipping circuit is also provided to permit practice of the methods using conventional electrosurgcial generators and previously known electrosurgical instruments, wherein the voltage amplitude and waveform is modified to the desired regime.

Abstract: A device for use in securing a venting pin or infusion spike to a delivery container such as a vial or bottle particularly when instilling a medicinal fluid to a patient through an intravenous set, catheter or similar fluid delivery set.

Abstract: Novel facing materials and methods for their manufacture are provided by this invention. The facing material includes at least a fibrous top layer for engaging body fluid and a generally opaque middle layer. A portion of the facing material is disposed, preferably by piercing, through the generally opaque middle layer to establish a fluid path through the generally opaque middle layer. In the preferred embodiment, the facing material includes a bottom layer having a capillary structure for drawing the body fluid from the fibrous top layer. In this preferred embodiment, the fibrous top layer extends through the generally opaque middle layer to provide fluid communication between the fibrous top layer and the bottom layer. These composite structures provide a clean/dry facing material that has a comfort of a textile facing and the high opacity of apertured thermoplastic films.

Abstract: A medical monitor (1) comprises a recess (6) in its bottom side. A lateral wall (9) of this recess (6) is oriented in the same direction as the front panel (2) of medical monitor (1) and carries connectors or jacks. If the medical monitor is operated in a vertical position, its rear panel becomes its top panel. The rear panel does not comprise any connectors, and the connectors at lateral wall (9) as well as patient connectors (3a, 3b, 3c, 4) are oriented downwards. Therefore, the monitor is safe against sprayed or spilled fluids even if operated in vertical position.

Abstract: A patient fluid collection system is disclosed which includes a fluid collection reservoir, a cover for the reservoir and a liner within the reservoir comprising an enlargeable or expandable wall portion such that the wall portion may expand if the liner fills with fluid. An anti-reflux system is also disclosed as well as a new tandem tube and a new connector.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive and tape are provided having a rubber component (30-60 weight percent) of polyisoprene (4-55 weight percent) blended with a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (96-45 weight percent) and a tackifying component (70-40 weight percent) to provide an adhesive that exhibits superior adhesion performance to low surface energy substrates.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch is disclosed having a filter assembly located therein, the filter assembly including a thin, flexible outer panel of liquid- and gas-impervious sheet material having a peripheral portion sealed to one wall of the pouch and a central portion unattached to, and preferably spaced from, that wall. The pouch wall overlying the central portion of the filter assembly's outer panel is provided with a flap vent in the form of a curvilinear slit defining at least one flap that normally assumes a closed position coplanar with surrounding portions of the wall but flexes outwardly into open position when venting gases from the pouch. The outer panel of the filter assembly is provided with a second flap vent similar to, but preferably out of register with, the first flap vent of the pouch wall, and components of the filter assembly within the pouch function to brace the flap (or flaps) of the second vent against opening in any direction other than outwardly.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus for the controlled collection of body fluids comprising a collection vessel housed in a carrier, a vacuum pump mounted in the carrier, and means for powering pump for continuous operation mounted therein. The collection vessel includes a valved exit port, and inlet port connected to a body mounted fluid collection apparatus, a vacuum control means, liquid level control means an tilt sensing means all operatively connected. Also described are a vented drainage valve assembly, and sound and odor absorbing components.

Abstract: A surgical device constructed of a polyvinyl acetal sponge body constructed with an average pore diameter ranging from about 0.02 to about 1.2 mm and opposite sides laminated with a surface film layer of about 0.0015 inches thick. The laminate surface film layer is perforated with a plurality of holes allowing access to the body of the surgical device having a diameter ranging from about 0.1 to about 0.7 mm allowing absorbtion of fluid through the laminate layer into the sponge body of the device.

Abstract: The invention and the corresponding method of fracture stabilization provided is a malleable medication-containing device that is capable of both stabilizing fracture fragments and delivering medicines directly to fracture fragments when wrapped around or affixed to fractured tissues. This invention is designed to be used in conjunction with rigid fixation devices when rigid fixation is required of the major fragments. The novel device is comprised of two layers affixed to each other by chemical or mechanical means: a flexible, minimally-porous biologically-compatible fabric and a flexible biologically-compatible microporous polymer into which desired medications have been embedded. The preferred method of employment is to wrap the device around a fracture with the medication side in; and tighten it until the desired tension is achieved, thereby holding native fracture fragments in register.

Abstract: An absorbent product having a backsheet, a liner sheet overlying the backsheet, and at least a pair of elongate absorbent pads mounted between the backsheet and liner sheet. The pads are disposed in an initial position with marginal side edge portions thereof disposed in a first overlap relationship and they are mounted in the product for shifting laterally relative to each other to vary the extent of overlap between the pads.

Abstract: A unitary disposable garment, such as disposable training pants, having a high degree of stretch in the cross-machine direction and fitting a broad range of wearer sizes. The unitary disposable garment is manufactured from a chassis and has a waist opening, two leg openings and a pair of side seams which join the front portion of the chassis to the rear portion of the chassis. The unitary disposable garment preferably has an absorbent assembly, i.e. an absorbent insert, secured to the inner layer of the chassis. The chassis from which the unitary disposable garment is manufactured, has four elasticized ear flaps; each ear flap is elasticized by securing an elastomeric element thereto and mechanically stretching the ear flap and the elastomeric element such that the ear flap is elastically extensible in the direction of initial stretching. The front portion of the chassis is then joined to the rear portion of the chassis on each side of the disposable garment by a seam.

Abstract: A protective incontinence hygiene pad of laminate construction for catheter patients who have urinary and bowel incontinence. The pad includes at least one peripheral notched area that premits a catheter tube to pass therethrough with sealable areas around the notch so that the device can be sealed to prevent the escape of both liquid and solid materials from the pad while it is being worn by the user. The notch has an adhesive tab or tape proximate its peripheral edges that secures the catheter within the notch, which helps stabilize the catheter in position while retaining the seal around the pad between the skin of the wearer and the pad.

Abstract: A diaper or absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent between the topsheet and backsheet, and an elevating device for spacing the topsheet above the absorbent to form a pocket-like shape. The topsheet can have an opening and the absorbent can have a hole therein, both of which receive and isolate waste material from the wearer.

Abstract: A flexible, sterile container is provided for sterile storing and mixing of medicaments and liquids which includes a shell with at least one compartment. At least one sterile liquid-containing pouch is in one of the compartments, and a medicament is in the compartment with the pouch or is in a different compartment. The liquid and medicament are mixed together by squeezing the shell and pouch to rupture the pouch to release the liquid for mixing with the medicament just prior to dispensing the mixture.

Abstract: Absorbent products and components for use in absorbent products are disclosed. These absorbent products comprise pressure-sensitive adhesive microfibers and thermoplastic polymer microfibers, that when incorporated into absorbent products provide good liquid transport properties, resiliency, and attachment systems; and further mask odors associated with bodily fluids.