Abstract: An external fixation pin entry site dressing, and the method of its application, in which an elongate body of soft, tearable, and compressible absorbent material has a longitudinal primary slit extending inwardly from one side of the body to about the longitudinal midline thereof and a plurality of pairs of transverse slits extending inwardly from opposite sides of the body and partially dividing the body into a multiplicity of separable segments.

Abstract: An occlusive dressing for care of skin wounds includes a skin contacting barrier layer and an overlying backing layer. The backing layer is formed from a thin sheet which is stretchable, and the barrier layer is formed from a composition having an elastomeric phase integrated by a cross-linked polymer network with a particular water-absorbing hydrocolloid phase dispersed therein.

Abstract: A device for retaining a catheter in place at its point of entry into a patient's body. The device includes a resilient, adhesive barrier pad having an opening intended to be aligned with the fenestration in the body wall, the pad also having an entry slit leading to that opening, and a one-piece molded plastic support structure that includes a base secured to the pad, two (or more) flexible support arms projecting upwardly from the base at opposite sides of the pad opening, and a pair of elongated clamping bars at the upper ends of the support arms. In use of the device, a catheter is guided laterally through the entry slit to the opening of the barrier pad, the resilient pad is then adhesively secured to the patient with the edges of the pad defining the slit urged tightly together, and the clamping bars are latched together with the catheter clamped securely therebetween. The method of forming such a catheter retention device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions finding particular utility for coating access systems, lead devices including shunts, cannulae, catheters, catheter adapters, wires and other solid or hollow tubular devices used for a variety of medical purposes is provided. The composition comprises a material selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, mixtures thereof, polyesters, polyurethanes, styrene-block copolymers, natural and synthetic rubbers, polycarbonates, nylon and silicone rubber mixed with an oligodynamic material consisting essentially of compounds of physiological, antimicrobial metals.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions finding particular utility for coating access systems, lead devices including shunts, cannulae, catheters, catheter adapters, wires and other solid or hollow tubular devices used for a variety of medical purposes is provided. The composition comprises a material selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, mixtures thereof, polyesters, polyurethanes, styrene-block copolymers, natural and synthetic rubbers, polycarbonates, nylon and silicone rubber mixed with an oligodynamic material consisting essentially of compounds of physiological, antimicrobial metals.

Abstract: A fluid flow control clamp for in-line insertion on flexible fluid tubing is disclosed. A flow-directing member (10) is positioned intermediate a source of sterilized water or other fluid and a medical humidifier. A blocking element (20) is provided within the flow directing member (10) and inlet and outlet ports (12, 14) are provided on either side of blocking member (20). Resilient tubing (16) is attached to inlet, outlet ports (12, 14) of an appropriate length such that it kinks or crimps (18) when relaxed and unactivated, preventing fluid flow through the clamp.The clamp is activated by insertion of fingers (24) or other opening means within the loop of resilient tubing (16), unkinking the tubing (16), and permitting fluid flow through the clamp. Release of the resilient tubing (16) causes it to resume its normal kinked position, thereby cutting off the fluid flow through the clamp.

Abstract: A suction catheter having a vacuum regulator is useful in withdrawing and eliminating undesirable or unwanted fluids from the body. The catheter, which is essentially tubular in shape, has a longitudinal bore extending through its length and is open ended. Also provided is an opening transverse to the longitudinal bore, generally passing through the upper surface of the catheter. The portion of the catheter about this transverse opening is surrounded by a flexible band, such as a rubber band or a plastic material capable of springing back to its original conformation after deformation. The band is preferably oval-shaped with its long sides abutting the sides of the catheter, so that its top, short side is positioned away from the top surface of the catheter when the catheter is not being used or after the band has sprung back to its original conformation.