Abstract: A sheet-form composite suitable as a spyrosorbent wound dressing and exhibiting differential moisture vapor transport rate properties is disclosed. The sheet-form composite includes a hydrophilic, monolithic film layer characterized by having a differential ratio of wet to dry moisture transport rate greater than 1 and a dry moisture transport rate greater than about 2,600 g/m.sup.2 /24 hrs. This film layer is laminated to a hydrophilic exudate transport layer. The exudate transport layer can itself be, or can further include, a hydrophilic pressure sensitive adhesive applied in a continuous or discontinuous pattern. The sheet-form composite has a moisture vapor transport rate of greater than 2,000 g/m.sup.2 /24 hrs when dry, and a wet to dry moisture vapor transport rate ratio in the range of about 1.5 to about 10.

Abstract: Polyurethane products having long-term biostability in combination with a low modulus of elasticity and a high ultimate tensile strength and other desireable mechanical properties which are particularly useful as leads for implantable pacemakers, as vascular grafts, as mammary prostheses, and as other products which are intended to be placed within the body of a mammal for extended periods with no substantial degradation of the product. The polyurethanes are prepared from the reaction of an organic diisocyanate, preferably an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diisocyanate with polycarbonate glycol chained extended with diol, diamine or a mixture of diamine and alkanolamine.

Abstract: A sheet-form material suitable as wound dressing and having enhanced moisture control properties is disclosed. This sheet-form material includes a porous sheet of absorbent, elastomeric segmented polyurethane having an open pore structure and an apertured adhesive facing on one side of the porous sheet. A liquid impermeable but water vapor permeable backing may be provided on the opposite side of the porous sheet, if desired. Also disclosed is a method for forming an apertured adhesive facing for the sheet-form material.

Abstract: A pressure monitor for use in connection with tissue expander envelopes implanted beneath the tissue of the skin wherein a liquid is injected into the envelope to cause expansion of the skin or tissue and additional liquid is periodically injected to cause progressively increased expansion of the tissue. The tissue monitor includes means extablishing direct communication between the pressure monitor and the liquid injected under pressure whereby the monitor will provide a reading of the internal liquid pressure in the envelope. The method comprises the steps of implanting an inflatable envelope beneath the skin, injecting a sterile solution under pressure through a fill line communicating with the envelope, interrupting the flow of liquid under pressure into the envelope, sensing the pressure level of liquid injected into the envelope, and adjusting the pressure level when necessary either by removing from or injecting liquid into the envelope.

Abstract: A sheet-form material suitable as wound dressing and having enhanced moisture control properties is disclosed. This sheet-form material includes a porous sheet of absorbent, elastomeric segmented polyurethane having an open pore structure and an apertured adhesive facing on one side of the porous sheet. A liquid impermeable but water vapor permeable backing may be provided on the opposite side of the porous sheet, if desired. Also disclosed is a method for forming an apertured adhesive facing for the sheet-form material.

Abstract: A hydrophilic, segmented polyether polyurethane-urea that exhibits an increase in tensile strength and elongation when wet with water and is capable of forming visually clear films permeable to water vapor is disclosed.

Abstract: A microporous biocompatible material is formed by preparing a segmented polyether urethane urea solution containing 25%.+-.1.5% solids dissolved in a solvent. The solution has sufficient viscosity to be preshaped and formed into the desired thickness of the finished article, then immediately immersed into a precipitation bath in which the solvent in the solution is miscible for a time interval sufficient to cause the solution to set up into an opaque elastomeric article. The article is immediately removed from the bath, any excess solvent extracted and then dried at a temperature on the order of 35.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. followed by heat treating by annealing for approximately sixty minutes at a temperature at 100.degree. C. to 130.degree. C. The void volume of the membrane solution is controlled to within the 50% to 80% range and the pore size from ca<0.1 to several mms.

Abstract: A microporous biocompatible material is formed by preparing a segmented polyether urethane urea solution containing 25%.+-.1.5% solids dissolved in a solvent. The solution has sufficient viscosity to be preshaped and formed into the desired thickness of the finished article, then immediately immersed into a precipitation bath in which the solvent in the solution is miscible for a time interval sufficient to cause the solution to set up into an opaque elastomeric article. The article is immediately removed from the bath, any excess solvent extracted and then dried at a temperature on the order of 35.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. followed by heat treating by annealing for approximately sixty minutes at a temperature at 100.degree. C. to 130.degree. C. The void volume of the membrane solution is controlled to within the 50% to 80% range and the pore size from ca <0.1 to several mms.