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 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 sound processor assembly having a coil support device which allows for the coil to be moved without damaging the plastic components or deforming the shell body. This is done by making the ear shell of the sound processor assembly, whether an integrated sound processor assembly or a linked sound processor assembly, out of two separate polymers: a first polymer that does not soften when heat is applied, and a second polymer which does. The first polymer is used for the first polymer zone of the shell which is shaped to the ear canal, while the second polymer is used for the section of the shell which supports the coil. This allows the shell to be heated, thereby softening the second polymer but not the first, and allows the coil to be repositioned to a new location.

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 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 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.

Abstract: A sound processor assembly having a coil support device which allows for the coil to be moved without damaging the plastic components or deforming the shell body. This is done by making the ear shell of the sound processor assembly, whether an integrated sound processor assembly or a linked sound processor assembly, out of two separate polymers: a first polymer that does not soften when heat is applied, and a second polymer which does. The first polymer is used for the first polymer zone of the shell which is shaped to the ear canal, while the second polymer is used for the section of the shell which supports the coil. This allows the shell to be heated, thereby softening the second polymer but not the first, and allows the coil to be repositioned to a new location.

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: An improved middle ear implant and method are disclosed. The invention particularly relates to magnetic implants and to attachment devices and methods for mounting a magnet in the middle ear of a patient. The implant comprises a wire-form and a magnet disposed in a housing. The method may comprise the steps of: positioning a magnet in optimal alignment; and attaching said magnet to an ossicle in the middle ear. The method may further comprise the step of using a wire-form to attach the implant to the ossicle. Still further, the method may comprise the step of anchoring the implant to the ossicle with biological cement.

Abstract: An improved cochlear implant and method are disclosed. The present invention relates particularly to an external processing unit of a cochlear implant which processes sounds from within the ear canal of the patient. The implant comprises a microphone placed within the ear canal of the patient. The implant can alternatively comprise a hollow tube placed within the ear canal of the patient which is used to carry sound to a microphone located elsewhere. The method may comprise the steps of: providing a microphone in the ear canal, thereby improving the hearing of said hearing-impaired subject. The method may comprise the steps of: providing in the ear canal a tube that delivers sound to a microphone, thereby improving the hearing of said hearing-impaired subject.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of an unwanted material from a fluid containing the unwanted material comprising the steps of introducing an immiscible extraction fluid into the fluid having an unwanted material therein to form a plurality of extraction fluid droplets in the fluid, allowing the plurality of extraction fluid droplets to hydrophilicly interact with the unwanted material in the fluid to cause the extraction fluid droplets to form into a plurality of coalesceable droplets, coalescing the coalesceable droplets into larger droplets containing the unwanted material, and separating the larger droplets containing the unwanted material from the fluid.

Abstract: A device and method for preventing ingression of contaminants and moisture and for removing moisture from a fluid reservoir, the device comprising a fluid reservoir for supporting a fluid therein, a fluid reservoir opening for allowing an exchanging of air between an interior of the fluid reservoir and the ambient surrounding, and a membrane-based reservoir dryer located in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, the membrane-based reservoir dryer comprising a source of compressed gas and a membrane dryer for drying the compressed gas to increase the capacity of the compressed gas for absorbing moisture from the fluid in the reservoir.

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 conically shaped filtration and/or separation apparatus is provided which is constructed from a stack of filters at least some of which are different sizes superposed above each, other, of said plurality of said filters in a fluid communicable relationship. A collapsible version of such conically shaped filter and/or separation apparatus is provided whereby a plurality of such filters are connected together using two piece interlocking or connecting end caps.