Abstract: A uridom for use as an external male catheter in a urinary incontinence device is manufactured by thermoplastic processing, using as base material a non-preprocessed compound material based on one or more thermoplastic, polystyrene-based block copolymers, preferably polystyrene polyethylene/butylene polystyrene copolymers, the elasticity of which has been enhanced through addition of a paraffinic process oil.

Abstract: A method for implanting cells into a host tissue is provided. The method comprises the steps of: creating an implant assembly for holding cells including wall means for forming a porous boundary between the host tissue and the implanted cells in the device, the pore size of the boundary being sufficient to isolate the implanted cells from the immune response; implanting the assembly without the cells into a host tissue; and accessing an interior of the assembly to add the cells thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implanting cells in a host is provided. In an embodiment, an implant assembly for a host tissue is provided comprising wall means defining a chamber for holding cells for implantation, the wall means including means for foxing a porous boundary between the host tissue and the implanted cells in the chamber, the pore size of the boundary being sufficient to isolate the implanted cells from the immune response of the host tissue, and port means for providing selective access to the chamber.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a valve replacement system together with methods of preparation and use, are provided for endovascular replacement of a heart valve in a host. The valve replacement system includes up to five components: (1) a prosthetic valve device, (2) a valve introducer device, (3) an intraluminal procedure device, (4) a procedure device capsule, and (5) a tissue cutter. The system provides for endovascular removal of a malfunctioning valve and subsequent replacement with a permanent prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet and a liquid absorbent pad for absorbing a liquid exuded from the human body positioned there between, and having an elasticized side flap along each side edge of the absorbent article. The side flap has a loop member formed from either the topsheet or the backsheet, or an optional secondary non-woven sheet, which extends from and loops back toward said side edge of said absorbent pad, and an inserted member formed from a layer which extends from said side edge of said absorbent pad. An elastic material is affixed along a portion of the length of the inserted member, and a seal affixes the inserted member inside the loop member at its base end.The absorbent sanitary article provides improved fit and leakage protection with better comfort.

Abstract: A non-occlusive medication patch to be applied to the skin includes a porous self-supporting backing layer to give the patch the required integrity and strength by acting as a supporting framework for other components, and a flexible hydrophilic pressure-sensitive adhesive reservoir comprising a hydrocolloidal gel for the sustained release of medication to be absorbed topically through the skin into the body of a patient. The reservoir has two portions: first, an external coating layer with an exposed lower skin-contacting surface that forms a pressure-sensitive bond with the skin, and second, an upper internal portion which infiltrates the porous backing and becomes solidified therein after being applied so that the reservoir and the backing are unified, enabling the backing itself to act as a storage location for the medication-containing reservoir.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having an improved internal reinforcement strip comprising a paper (i.e., cellulosic) material. The disposable absorbent article has an adhesive tape fastening system preferably comprising tape tabs disposed adjacent each longitudinal edge and a landing member for refastenably adhering to the tape tabs. The landing member consists of a portion of the external surface of the backsheet. An internal reinforcement strip comprising a paper material is positioned so as to correspond with at least the landing zone. The reinforcement strip is joined to the internal surface of the backsheet. The use of paper for the material of the reinforcement strip provides a low cost yet effective reinforcement of the landing zone and an excellent substrate for printing of indicia that will aid in proper positioning of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A filter device and method of filtering components from a surgery plume. The filter device is comprised of a plurality of elements which react with one or more components of a surgery plume, such as that generated during electrocautery or laser surgery. The filter device, particularly in conjunction with a separate particle filter, removes cyanide, formaldehyde, benzene, and particulates, as well as odor-causing species and moisture from the surgery plume.

Abstract: Generally stated, the present invention provides a distinctive absorbent article comprising a backsheet layer, and a topsheet layer which is disposed in facing relation with the backsheet layer. An absorbent body is interposed between the backsheet layer and topsheet layer. The absorbent body includes a retention portion which comprises a matrix of substantially hydrophilic fibers having a distribution of high-absorbency particulate material therein. The hydrophilic fibers and high-absorbency particles can be provided in a fiber-to-particle weight ratio within the range of about 70:30 to about 30:70. A surge management layer, comprising bicomponent fibers having a denier of not more than about 3 d, is located adjacent at least one major, facing surface of the topsheet layer, and can cooperate with the article components to provide for a liquid Penetration Rate index of not less than about 2.67 ml/sec.

Abstract: An anticoagulant composition for a blood dialysis circuit contains a fatty acid derivative in liquid form at ambient temperature, and an antioxidant. The antioxidant is contained in an amount of 0.0001 to 5.0 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the fatty acid derivative. An air trap chamber device for a blood dialysis circuit contains a vessel for storing blood dialysed by a dialysis unit, an inlet tube for introducing the blood treated with dialysis into a liquid in the vessel selected from the group consisting of a layer of the aforementioned anticoagulant composition, and the blood, a measurement unit for measuring the pressure of air in the vessel lying above the layer of the anticoagulant composition, an adjustment unit for adjusting the pressure of the air and an outlet tube for conducting the blood treated with dialysis out of the vessel.

Abstract: A disposable urinary and fecal waste containment product comprising a separate front urinary pad and a separate rear fecal pad detachably joined together is disclosed. Each of the front and rear pads comprise a liquid impermeable backing, an absorbent core and a liquid permeable facing. The rear fecal pad is preferably substantially square or rectangular and has elastic means along its lateral sides and top (waistband) edge to cause it to be gathered and to assume a bowl-like configuration.

Abstract: An aspirating device for removing fluids from a body site includes a container for collecting aspirated fluids, a suction device in communication with the container for applying a negative pressure to the container, a tube connected to the container and adapted to communicate with a body site for transferring fluids from the body site to the container in response to negative pressure in the container, and a valve for controlling the negative pressure in the container, the container having a diaphragmatic wall operable to actuate the valve.

Abstract: A system for embryo retrieval from a uterine cavity may employ apparatus comprising a container of liquid medium, a syringe and a filter interconnected by a plurality of valved conduits connected in a closed loop to circulate the liquid medium into and out of the container, syringe, filter and cavity cyclically. The circulation cycle can be repeated many times with a minimum amount of liquid medium to collect a maximum number of embryos in the filter.

Abstract: A male incontinence device comprises a condom (16) which fits over the end of a penis (17) and is secured by a band (11) having overlapping ends with H&L fasteners. When the condom is filled with a quantity of urine, it can be removed and emptied. Alternatively, the distal end of the condom has a valve (12, 13) thereat for manual emptying of the condom when it is in place. The valve may comprise a tubular housing (12) fitted into an end of the condom and a plug (3) which can be removably inserted into the housing. A brief-type undergarment (32) has a pouch 33 for supporting the condom when filled with urine (37). In lieu of a separate housing, the end of the condom may be thickened and formed into a tube (41) so that a plug (43) can be inserted into the tube. Alternatively, the end of the condom can be fitted with a ball-obturator valve (47, 49, 50) which can be opened to empty the condom by squeezing it from outside to distort the valve seat and thus open the seal formed by the ball obturator.

Abstract: A permanent receptacle for collecting urine from women comprises a tray (2) and an oblong bevelled funnel (5) which co-operates with the urethra; the tray has a raised lip (4) conformed to surround the female organs, inside which is located said funnel (5) surround by a gutter (10) and, on one side only by a basin (12); the funnel (5) and the gutter (10) communicate with a collecting enclosure adjacent to the tray. The collecting enclosure has emptying means associated with a pumping system.

Abstract: For use with one piece and two piece ostomy devices, the adapter is situated on the adhesive-coated body side of the dressing which attaches to the skin surrounding the stoma to mount the collection pouch. The adapter includes a substantially rigid, annular member with a convex surface and an annular adhesive wafer. The wafer overlaps the edge of the member exposing a portion of the adhesive surface. The wafer and member are protected by a plastic shield. The wafer and member are applied to the body side of the dressing, with the convex surface of the member adjacent the wafer, as they are removed from the plastic shield. The exposed adhesive surface of the wafer directly contacts the adhesive of the body side of the dressing to form a secure bond. The result is a dressing with a convex shaped body side having a substantially uninterrupted layer of adhesive.

Abstract: An aspirator including a container having an internal chamber with the chamber having a suction tube connected to a closed bellows within the chamber for creating a vacuum, and also having a patient tube for insertion into the body cavity of a patient for sucking removal of mucus and other excess bodily fluids by the vacuum. The aspirator further includes an injection port by which mucus may be removed from the container and a pressure relief valve to permit air to escape from the container as the flexible bellows expands to its equilibrium state. The suction tube further includes a moisture trap to occlude gaseous flow to the mouthpiece in the event moisture enters the suction system. The apparatus further includes a clip to occlude fluid flow through the patient tube when the operation is completed. The patient tube may include a Yankauer tip or be cut with an oblique angle adjacent its tip. The bellows cap may be attached to the underside of the top of the container in one of several ways.

Abstract: An external catheter system for males including a waist belt assembly, a genital sheath having a scrotum bar, and a urine collector, wherein the sheath and urine collector are interconnected by a length of flexible tubing. The urine collector provides means for collection of expelled urine and means to stage and treat expelled urine prior to ultimate disposal.

Abstract: An integral hinged clip having two limbs. One limb is held by two opposed resilient catch portions of the other limb within a channel defined by said other limb. The catch portions effecting said holding in their normal undeformed positions. The clip is useful as a closure for a drainable ostomy pouch.

Abstract: An aspirator including a container having an internal chamber with the chamber having a suction tube connected to a closed bellows within the chamber for creating a vacuum, and also having a patient tube for insertion into the body cavity of a patient for sucking removal of mucus and other excess bodily fulids by the vacuum. The aspirator further includes an injection port by which mucus may be removed from the container and a pressure relief valve to permit air to escape from the container as the flexible bellows expands to its equilibrium state. The suction tube further includes a moisture trap to occlude gaseous flow to the mouthpiece in the event moisture enters the suction system. The apparatus further includes a clip to occlude fluid flow through the patient tube when the operation is completed. The patient tube may include a Yankauer tip or be cut with an oblique angle adjacent its tip. The bellows cap may be attached to the underside of the top of the container in one of several ways.