Abstract: A membrane oxygen humidifier that is associated with a gas source for increasing humidity of the gas. The membrane oxygen humidifier includes an enclosure, a membrane unit and a humidification source. The enclosure includes an inlet port and an outlet port. The membrane unit is removably mounted in the enclosure to extend between the inlet port and the outlet port. The humidification source in communication with the enclosure and the membrane unit.

Abstract: A method of making a wound dressing comprises dissolving at least one hemostatic agent in at least one solvent to form a solution. The method continues by freeze drying the solution to form a sponge. The method further comprises compressing the sponge, wherein the sponge is subjected to a vapor above ambient temperature prior to or during the compression.

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 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 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 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 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 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: A membrane oxygen humidifier including at least one water permeable membrane, an enclosure having an air inlet port and an air outlet port and a fan. The at least one water permeable membrane extends through the enclosure. The fan is positioned proximate at least one of the air inlet port and the air outlet port.

Abstract: A method of providing a source of breathable humidified oxygen gas. A membrane oxygen humidifier is provided that includes at least one water permeable membrane and an enclosure. The at least one water permeable membrane has a first membrane side and a second membrane side that are in communication through the water permeable membrane. The enclosure extends over the second membrane side and wherein the enclosure has an air inlet port and an air outlet port. A first gas containing oxygen is directed past the first membrane side. The second gas is directed past the second membrane side with a fan. The first gas is humidified by transferring moisture through the at least one water permeable membrane from the second gas to the first gas.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of making a wound dressing comprises dissolving at least one hemostatic agent in at least one solvent to form a solution. The method continues by freeze drying the solution to form a sponge. The method further comprises including an enzyme in the sponge that enables a human body to readily degrade the hemostatic agent.

Abstract: An membrane drying system comprising: a chamber, a vacuum pump, a sweep gas source, and a membrane device, wherein the membrane device comprises a membrane, a first inlet in fluid communication with the chamber and the membrane, a first outlet in fluid communication with the membrane and the vacuum pump, a second inlet in fluid communication with the sweep gas source and the membrane, and a second outlet in fluid communication with the membrane.

Abstract: A method of making a wound dressing comprises dissolving at least one hemostatic agent in at least one solvent to form a solution. The method continues by freeze drying the solution to form a sponge. The method further comprises compressing the sponge, wherein the sponge is subjected to a vapor above ambient temperature prior to or during the compression.

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: A membrane air drier utilizes an orifice to serve as the sweep air inlet with a sweep diffuser placed a short distance from the orifice. Preferably, an open channel extends from the product end of the membrane module on the shell side of the fibers with a porous diffuser at one end of the open channel and an orifice at the other end of the channel.

Abstract: A membrane air drier utilizes an orifice to serve as the sweep air inlet with a sweep diffuser placed a short distance from the orifice. Preferably, an open channel extends from the product end of the membrane module on the shell side of the fibers with a porous diffuser at one end of the open channel and an orifice at the other end of the channel.

Abstract: A filter is disclosed having a layer of electret filter media or triboelectric filter media immediately adjacent or in intimate contact with one, or both sides, of a layer of hydrophobic media. Such filter is placed in communication with the upstream and/or downstream side of a mechanical electronic or electrostatic filter to solve problems present in the prior art. Additionally, a medical ventilator filter and system using such a filter is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a spirometer mouthpiece assembly having a bag or sock filter medium. A support mechanism is incorporated into the assembly to prevent the filter medium from becoming dislodged during use. This not only protects the user of the spirometer, it also helps prevent contamination.The present invention consists of a spirometer mouthpiece having an interior conduit, a filter medium having an exterior and interior. The filter medium also has a rim portion and bag portion. Lastly, the device has a rigid support mechanism. The filter medium is attached to the interior conduit of the mouthpiece. The support mechanism may be attached to the filter medium or the interior conduit of the mouthpiece. If the support mechanism is attached to the mouthpiece, the filter medium is disposed adjacent the support mechanism.