Abstract: A first sponge device for use to manipulate and prepare the surface of the epithelium of an eye prior to application of an ophthalmic solution has a handle and a sponge head secured to the handle. The head is made of an absorbent, wicking sponge material and has a non-sharp, tissue preparation surface of predetermined shape for rubbing across the surface of the epithelium layer in order to manipulate the tissue. After the surface is prepared, a second, holding sponge is placed over the eye to act as a reservoir and to hold ophthalmic solution against the eye surface.

Abstract: There is disclosed a surgical sponge device comprising a sponge portion and a handle portion The sponge portion is formed from an open cell foam material having an external surface. The handle portion comprises a grip at one end thereof that compressively grips mutually opposed external surface regions of the sponge portion an edge of the sponge portion. Substantially all of the external surface of the sponge portion is formed as an uncut external surface, except for at least one predetermined region of the external surface that is located close to the grip, the at least one predetermined region of the external surface being formed as a cut external surface. Because most of the external surface of the sponge portion is uncut, it will be free of unwanted particulate material.

Abstract: A first sponge device for use to manipulate and prepare the surface of the epithelium of an eye prior to application of an ophthalmic solution has a handle and a sponge head secured to the handle. The head is made of an absorbent, wicking sponge material and has a non-sharp, tissue preparation surface of predetermined shape for rubbing across the surface of the epithelium layer in order to manipulate the tissue. After the surface is prepared, a second, holding sponge is placed over the eye to act as a reservoir and to hold ophthalmic solution against the eye surface.

Abstract: A first sponge device for use to manipulate and prepare the surface of the epithelium of an eye prior to application of an ophthalmic solution has a handle and a sponge head secured to the handle. The head is made of an absorbent, wicking sponge material and has a non-sharp, tissue preparation surface of predetermined shape for rubbing across the surface of the epithelium layer in order to manipulate the tissue. After the surface is prepared, a second, holding sponge is placed over the eye to act as a reservoir and to hold ophthalmic solution against the eye surface.

Abstract: A first sponge device for use to manipulate and prepare the surface of the epithelium of an eye prior to application of an ophthalmic solution has a handle and a sponge head secured to the handle. The head is made of an absorbent, wicking sponge material and has a non-sharp, tissue preparation surface of predetermined shape for rubbing across the surface of the epithelium layer in order to manipulate the tissue. After the surface is prepared, a second, holding sponge is placed over the eye to act as a reservoir and to hold ophthalmic solution against the eye surface.

Abstract: A surgical spear includes a cut sponge element that has been processed to render it at least substantially free from particulates and other debris; an eye spear comprised of an essentially particulate-free sponge element is uniquely suited for LASIK surgery. In most instances the surgical spear will be enclosed in a packaging component, which may or may not be fabricated from a water-permeable material and may or may not be left unsealed in the packaging step.

Abstract: A surgical spear includes a cut sponge element that has been processed to render it at least substantially free from particulates and other debris; an eye spear comprised of an essentially particulate-free sponge element is uniquely suited for LASIK surgery. In most instances the surgical spear will be enclosed in a packaging component, which may or may not be fabricated from a water-permeable material and may or may not be left unsealed in the packaging step.

Abstract: An article for packing body cavities comprises a protective sheath of supple, smooth, polymeric film, containing an absorbent sponge or like tampon component. The sheath facilitates insertion and removal of the article by minimizing tissue attachment, adherence, abrasion, and desiccation of the tampon.

Abstract: A nasal packing article, made from a material that is expansible when wetted, is formed with a plurality of laminae that are independently movable and separable from one another, and that expand to effectively exert hemostatic pressure. The article may comprise an assembly of layers interengaged in face-to-face contact, or it may be defined by slits that extend entirely through the thickness or width of the body but terminate short of one end, to leave the laminae connected thereat.

Abstract: A swab, and a substance to be applied thereby, are contained within a sleeve which can readily be opened by use of manual force. The sleeve provides a handle portion that conforms closely to that of the swab stick, thus offering a secure and natural grip for manipulation of the swab while, at the same time, minimizing the amount of the contained substance that can seep along the length of stick, and an element of the sleeve that remains after opening of the unit also serves a protective function. Because of the form of the sleeve it is easy and inexpensive to fabricate as a fully functional article, using only an internal mold member, and it lends itself to facile assembly with the swab.

Abstract: A device for draining body fluids and irrigating solutions adapted for utilization with respect to operations on the human body, such as brain operations, eye operations, micro surgery and other types of operations, wherein a wick material, which may be used as a single unit or wherein a wick material, which may be separated or cut into sections, is connected to a drainage funnel or pouch which may be secured by adhesive or otherwise at the site of the operation and wherein the wick material is capable of capillary absorption of fluids initially and when saturated, of acting in a siphon-like manner to draw fluids into the pouch. The pouch itself at its lower end is connected by a tube to a collection bag which is appropriately vented.