Abstract: A dressing is disclosed which is made of a very thin film coated with an adhesive. In order to allow application of the dressing, the dressing has, on the surface opposite the adhesive, a fabric backing which is composed of a woven or non-woven fabric or a paper backing material. The dressing can be applied to the wound and the fibrous backing then removed, or the fibrous backing may be retained in place.

Abstract: A surgical dressing is disclosed which is composed of a polymeric film having a moisture vapor transmission rate between 15 and 80 grams per 100 sq. inches per 24 hours. There is an adhesive around the periphery on the lower surface of the film and a series of apertures through the film of the adhesive. There is an absorbent pad on the upper surface of the film secured in place by a fibrous covering material. The fibrous covering material is adhesively coated and is of the same dimensions as the film so that it may be removed without lifting the film from the skin of the patient.

Abstract: Thermally formed annealed surgical devices made from unoriented polymers of p-dioxanone and methods for manufacturing the same. The preferred device is a ligating clip having good in vivo performance characteristics. The method includes initially drying the thermally formed device followed by heating the device without restraint at specific temperatures for specific time periods.

Abstract: Thermally formed annealed surgical devices made from unoriented polymers of p-dioxanone and methods for manufacturing the same. The preferred device is a ligating clip having good in vivo performance characteristics. The method includes initially drying the thermally formed device followed by heating the device without restraint at specific temperatures for specific time periods.

Abstract: A process for molding surgical clips having improved in vivo performance characteristics from polymers of p-dioxanone. The polymers are heated to a temperature above their melt temperature and the molten polymer injected into a mold maintained at a temperature of 35.degree. C. or less.

Abstract: A method of forming stabilized polyacrylonitrile compositions which are particularly suited for the spinning of polyacrylonitrile fibers and films and the compositions produced thereby wherein acrylonitrile polymers containing at least 85 percent acrylonitrile are dissolved in a solvent which is acetonitrile or an acetonitrile -- water mixture and which contains as a color stabilizer a compound having the following general formula:X -- S -- Ywherein X is a monovalent organic radical which may be substituted or unsubstituted selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and combinations thereof; Y is either hydrogen or X; and the total number of carbon atoms contained in both X and Y is in the range of from about 4 to about 20. Preferably, the solvent and polymer are purged with nitrogen and the pH of the solvent is adjusted to about 6.0 - 7.0.

Abstract: Braided silk surgical sutures having increased tensile strength and knot strength are prepared by (1) presoaking conventionally-prepared unstretched braided silk sutures in a non-corrosive liquid (preferably water) for at least about 30 minutes to wet the silk fibers, (2) stretching the presoaked sutures while the same are immersed in a non-corrosive liquid (preferably water), and then (3) drying the stretched silk sutures while maintaining the stretched length and not allowing shrinkage to occur during drying. The wet-stretching method of the invention makes possible the stretching of braided silk sutures to a greater extent than that obtainable by conventional hot-stretching techniques, up to about 21/2 times greater, without damage to the sutures. The wet-stretched sutures of the invention have greater tensile strength and knot strength than the prior art hot-stretched sutures of comparable diameter.

Abstract: The tie-down characteristics of braided sutures are improved by applying to the surface thereof a polymeric ester of a dibasic acid and a glycol.