Abstract: An improved gastrostomy feeding device with improved resistance to acidic and enzymatic degradation is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated feeding tube insertable through a patient's abdominal wall and an anchoring device mounted on the feeding tube, preferably near the first end, to retain said feeding tube within the stomach. The anchoring device is comprised of at least one internal retaining member fabricated from a trifluoropropyl or phenyl modified dimethylpolysiloxane elastomer having improved resistance to acids and enzymes.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating a wound with an inherently antimicrobial dressing. The dressing is a hydrogel containing from about 15 to 95 percent, and preferably from about 61 to 90 percent, by weight of a cationic quaternary amine acrylate polymer prepared by the polymerization of acryloyloxyethyl(or propyl)-trialkyl(or aryl)-substituted ammonium salts or acrylamidoethyl(or propyl)-trialkyl(or aryl)-substituted ammonium salts. The antimicrobial hydrogels are non-irritating to the wound, absorb wound exudate, and, due to the inherently antimicrobial properties, enhance the sterile environment around the wound. The hydrogels have sufficient adhesive properties that loose contact with the wound is assured but can also be removed without leaving any gel residue on the wound. The wound dressings are preferably formed on a substrate, such as a web or patch, for ease in application to and removal from the wound.

Abstract: An electrode for use in stimulating an individual is provided. The electrode includes a conductive element that is at least partially made of a conductive material. The conductive element has an outer edge and has at least one aperture within the outer edge.

Abstract: Coatings are formed by applying to article a copolymer of a water soluble base polymer having graft polymerized thereto an organic moiety that includes a group that reacts with water to form a silanol group, and then curing the copolymer to form a crosslinked hydrogel coating that is absorbent, lubricious and substantially non-water soluble. Coating compositions, coated articles the subject coatings are also described.

Abstract: A cartridge for use on a medical apparatus is provided and includes a body having a proximal chamber and a distal chamber. An antimicrobial agent is disposed in one of the distal or proximal chambers. A port is located on the body and communicates with the chamber in which the antimicrobial agent is disposed. In another embodiment, another port is located in the other chamber. Also, a respiratory suction apparatus is provided that is fitted with a cartridge mentioned above.

Abstract: An improved gastrostomy feeding device with improved resistance to acidic and enzymatic degradation is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated feeding tube insertable through a patient's abdominal wall and an anchoring device mounted on the feeding tube, preferably near the first end, to retain said feeding tube within the stomach. The anchoring device is comprised of at least one internal retaining member fabricated from a trifluoropropyl or phenyl modified dimethylpolysiloxane elastomer having improved resistance to acids and enzymes.

Abstract: Coatings are formed by applying to article a copolymer of a water soluble base polymer having graft polymerized thereto an organic moiety that includes a group that reacts with water to form a silanol group, and then curing the copolymer to form a crosslinked hydrogel coating that is absorbent, lubricious and substantially non-water soluble. Coating compositions, coated articles the subject coatings are also described.

Abstract: A cartridge for use on a medical apparatus is provided and includes a body having a proximal chamber and a distal chamber. An antimicrobial agent is disposed in one of the distal or proximal chambers. A port is located on the body and communicates with the chamber in which the antimicrobial agent is disposed. In another embodiment, another port is located in the other chamber. Also, a respiratory suction apparatus is provided that is fitted with a cartridge mentioned above.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating a wound with an inherently antimicrobial dressing. The dressing is a hydrogel containing from about 15 to 95 percent, and preferably from about 61 to 90 percent, by weight of a cationic quaternary amine acrylate polymer prepared by the polymerization of acryloyloxyethyl(or propyl)-trialkyl(or aryl)-substituted ammonium salts or acrylamidoethyl(or propyl)-trialkyl(or aryl)-substituted ammonium salts. The antimicrobial hydrogels are non-irritating to the wound, absorb wound exudate, and, due to the inherently antimicrobial properties, enhance the sterile environment around the wound. The hydrogels have sufficient adhesive properties that loose contact with the wound is assured but can also be removed without leaving any gel residue on the wound. The wound dressings are preferably formed on a substrate, such as a web or patch, for ease in application to and removal from the wound.