Abstract: The present invention relates to an irrigation device for use in an orifice. The device has a tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end and at least one bore axially extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The bore terminates at a plurality of orifices which extend at an angle from the bore. As an additional feature, the tubular member can define an internal baffle which extends in a direction from the distal end to the proximal end of the tubular member. The internal baffle aids in deflecting a stream of pressurized fluid out the orifices of the tubular member. A flared member is coaxially positioned with respect to the tubular member. The flared member defines a tip in close proximity to the distal end of the tubular member and a base which is in a spaced apart relationship from the tip. The flared member defines a plurality of flared sides extending from the tip to the base. As the flared sides extend from the tip to the base, the flared sides increase in circumference.

Abstract: A bag carrier includes a generally planar body portion having a peripheral edge extending thereabout. The peripheral edge of the body portion may, if desired, include an enlarged upper flange portion, a pair of enlarged side flange portions, and an enlarged lower flange portion that extend continuously about the peripheral edge of the body portion. The body portion is preferably formed in an ergonomic manner, i.e., in a manner that is safe and comfortable for grasping by a human hand. A plurality of bag holding hooks extend laterally in opposite directions from the sides of the body portion. Each of the bag holding hooks is generally C-shaped, with the terminal ends thereof located adjacent to the side flange portions of the body portion. A plurality of suspension hooks also extend laterally in opposite directions from the sides of the body portion. Each of the suspension hooks includes an elongated flexible arm that terminates in a generally C-shaped suspension hook portion.

Abstract: The invention comprises tissue approximation forceps which are particularly useful in approximating wound edges where tissue glue is to be used. A handle includes two leg members which mount grip members having grip surfaces. When the handle is squeezed, moving the grip members toward one another, the edges of the wound are moved together without everting. The tissue glue is then applied.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of approximating a wound or laceration without everting the wound edges and tissue approximation forceps to practice the method. The tissue approximation forceps include handle members which mount grip members having grip surfaces. The grip surfaces are moved toward the skin where the grip surfaces engage the skin while remaining generally parallel to the skin surface. The grip surfaces frictionally hold the engaged skin surfaces while the handle members are moved from an uncompressed position to a compressed position. The grip members can be moved toward or away from one another to approximate the edges of the wound or laceration without everting the wound edges. Tissue adhesive is then applied.

Abstract: A nasal speculum having generally arcuate blades movable between a closed position and an open examination position. The speculum includes interconnected parallel arms having cross members at one end. The cross members mount a pair of intermediate members having the arcuate blades at their distal ends. After the blades are inserted in a nasal passageway, the arms are squeezed to move the blades from the normally closed position outwardly to the open examination position. Preferably, the nasal speculum is a one-piece molded plastic having smooth conical blades at the work surfaces.

Abstract: A point of use microfiltration device suitable for filtering the cooling water and cooling air supplies to a turbine driven dental handset is a multicompartmental device containing microporous filtration membranes effective to remove particulate matter, particularly microbes, thus protecting the patient from the risk of infection. The device contains passages providing for unrestricted turbine supply and return air, and may be provided with a light path suitable for use with fiber optic light supplies. The device is advantageously constructed to mate with standard multilumen and hand-piece end fittings, and may be disposed of after a single use.

Abstract: A combination air and water microfiltration device suitable for mounting on a dental syringe handset contains microporous membrane air and water filters which prevent particulate and bacterial contamination of the air and water streams applied to a dental patient's oral cavity during dental procedures. The small pore size of the microporous membrane allows filtration of infectious agents while maintaining adequate flow rates.