Abstract: A tissue closure treatment system and method are provided with an external patient interface. A first fluid transfer component FTC.1 comprises a strip of porous material, such as rayon, with liquid wicking properties. FTC.1 can be placed directly on a suture line for transferring fluid exuded therethrough. An underdrape is placed over FTC.1 and includes a slot exposing a portion of same. FTC.2 comprises a suitable hydrophobic foam material, such as polyurethane ether, and is placed over the underdrape slot in communication with FTC.1. Negative pressure is applied to FTC.2 through a connecting fluid transfer component FTC.3. A negative pressure source can comprises a manual device or a power-operated suction device. The tissue closure method includes a manual operating mode using a manual suction device with an automatic shut off for discontinuing suction when a predetermined volume of fluid has been drained.

Abstract: A system for removing osteal cement and prosthetic joint components in connection with a prosthetic joint revision includes a controller connected to and controlling operation of a transducer, such as a surgical saw or drill. A tool mounted on the transducer is adapted for engaging the prosthetic joint cement mantel and melting an engagement portion of same. The cement in the engagement portion is resolidified with the tool tip embedded therein. The tool thus bonds to the cement mantel, and is used for vibrating, softening and breaking up same when operation of the transducer resumes. An osteal cement and prosthetic device removal method includes the steps of melting an engagement portion of the osteal cement mantel, bonding a transducer-mounted tool to the cement mantel by resolidifying the cement engagement portion and reactivating the transducer for vibrating, softening and breaking up the cement mantel whereby it can be removed from the patient.