Abstract: A hand-held device is used to deliver and hydrate a temporary polymeric implant having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section, with a disruptable cover over the implant. A lumen may pass through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The temporary polymeric implant includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: A hand-held device is used to deliver and hydrate a temporary polymeric implant having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section, with a disruptable cover over the implant. A lumen may pass through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The temporary polymeric implant includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: A hand-held device is used to deliver and hydrate a temporary polymeric implant having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section, with a disruptable cover over the implant. A lumen may pass through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The temporary polymeric implant includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: A hand-held device is used to deliver and hydrate a temporary polymeric implant having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section, with a disruptable cover over the implant. A lumen may pass through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The temporary polymeric implant includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: A networked system for authenticating devices that comprise constrained devices connected in a network either directly to cloud based and/or dedicated servers or though gateways to cloud based and/or dedicated servers.

Abstract: A method and means effectively evacuates smoke plumes, vapors, aerosol release, mists, tissue and small particles produced from an operative nasal cavity and any other gas- or air-borne materials provided in or produced in the surgical environment. To this end, an evacuator tube is placed in the contralateral (suction) nasal cavity surrounded by a sealing member which blocks the space between the evacuator tube and nares and/or nasal vestibule.

Abstract: A method and apparatus deliver dry, flowable hemostatic powder into a gas flow stream by gravity delivery within a body of the apparatus. The hemostatic powder is then carried with the gas out of the apparatus into an elongated delivery tube inserted into a patient. Delivery of the powder into the gas flow stream creates a bolus of powder and air which becomes more uniformly distributed as it passes through the elongated delivery tube.

Abstract: A hand-held device is used to deliver and hydrate a temporary polymeric implant having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section, with a disruptable cover over the implant. A lumen may pass through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The temporary polymeric implant includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: A sponge including one or more hemostatic agents and one or more binding agents. At least one of the hemostatic agents is a pregelatinized potato starch. The collective percentage by weight of the one or more hemostatic agents is within the range of approximately one eighth to approximately sixteen times as great as the collective percentage by weight of the one or more binding agents.

Abstract: A polymeric stent having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section. A lumen passes through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The polymeric stent includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen to between 15% and 500% of its dry diameter and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: A networked system for authenticating devices that comprise constrained devices connected in a network either directly to cloud based and/or dedicated servers or though gateways to cloud based and/or dedicated servers.

Abstract: A networked system for authenticating devices that comprise constrained devices connected in a network either directly to cloud based and/or dedicated servers or though gateways to cloud based and/or dedicated servers.

Abstract: A polymeric stent having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section. A lumen passes through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The polymeric stent includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen to between 15% and 500% of its dry diameter and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: A polymeric stent having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section. A lumen passes through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The polymeric stent includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: A polymeric stent having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section. A lumen passes through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The polymeric stent includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method to vent gas from a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure. A body cavity is in fluid communication with an exhaust gas inlet of a vacuum break device. The vacuum break device has a chamber in fluid communication with both the inlet and an outlet. The chamber may comprise one or more openings in fluid communication with the atmosphere. A conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust gas outlet may be connected directly or indirectly to a suction source. The suction source may be activated.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method of treating a wound to clot blood. A sponge material is applied to the wound. The sponge comprises a starch having hemostatic properties and at least one binding agent. The sponge may further comprise a porous, flexible material.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method of treating a wound to clot blood. A sponge material is applied to the wound. The sponge comprises a starch having hemostatic properties and at least one binding agent. The sponge may further comprise a porous, flexible material.

Abstract: A networked system for authenticating devices that comprise constrained devices connected in a network either directly to cloud based and/or dedicated servers or though gateways to cloud based and/or dedicated servers.

Abstract: A delivery device for a method of targeted delivery of materials to nasal tissue uses: a carrier layer having a first surface and an opposed second surface for providing the material from the first surface of the carrier layer onto the nasal tissue in contact with the first surface of the carrier layer; a support layer contiguous with at least a portion of the opposed second surface; wherein the combination of the carrier layer and the support layer enabling pressure to be exerted or increased between the first surface of the carrier layer and the nasal tissue in contact with the first surface of the carrier layer.