Abstract: A guidewire (10) compatible for use with magnetic resonance systems and/or x-ray fluoroscopy is made from non-metallic materials with a high specific electric impedance, preferably constructed primarily of polymers. An outer polymer tubular sheath (18) is provided that is sealed at a proximal end (24) and a distal end (26). One or more markers (16) may be provided in selected locations inside the polymer sheath (18). The markers (16) are magnetic resonance markers and/or radiopaque markers. The outer sheath (18) may be sheathed in a protective layer which is also non-metallic and tends to improve the physical characteristics of the guidewire.

Abstract: This invention provides a sock containing a coating material such as a coloring agent or dye, applied to at least a portion of the interior surface of the sock for sensing pressure points on a patient's foot to which the sock is fitted. The sock is placed on the patient's foot to cover preferably the entire foot, but at least the bottom portion thereof. The sock is removed after being worn for a period of time, and in those areas of the foot susceptible to pressure points, the coating material transfers from the interior of the sock and adheres to the foot in those points. The present invention is particularly applicable to a person having diabetic neuropathic feet wherein portions of the foot may be insensitive to pressure and therefore must be protected against pressure sores.

Abstract: The present invention for a massaging device comprises a plurality of resilient first members and a plurality of resilient second members. Each first member and second member has a fixed end connected to a handle. The first members each have a free end distal the fixed. The second members similarly have free ends distal the fixed ends, and the free ends on the second members are spaced apart from the free ends on the first members toward the handle.

Abstract: A toothbrush which includes a handle with a head portion at one end, a recess in the head, a bristle pack located in the recess with the bristles attached by one end to the base of the recess, the recess opening being bounded by inwardly directed shoulders, and the outer extremities of the bristles lying in abutting relationship with the inner faces of the shoulders. There is a fluid supply line provided along or through the handle and communicating with the recess. Preferably, the bristle pack is formed by a number of clusters of bristles, it being the outermost clusters that are in close abutting relationship with the edges of the shoulders of the recess, and adjacent clusters at least at the edges of the pack being in close but spaced relationship.

Abstract: A shoulder brace (10) including front (80) and rear pressure pads to be respectively positioned on front and rear portions of an individual's shoulder joint, a support member (18) to be positioned at a mid-section of the individual, a front frame member connected to the support member and the front pressure pad, and a rear frame member connected to the support member and the rear pressure pad. Also included is an arm cuff to be positioned on the arm of the individual, and a compression mechanism (20) configured to compress the front and rear frame members in accordance with a movement of the individual's arm such that the front and rear pressure pads press against the individual's shoulder joint.

Abstract: An ambulatory support device includes two support belts configured to be positioned around a user's body. At least one of the support belts includes a canting mechanism that couples opposing right and left portions of the support belt. The canting mechanism allows the opposing right and left portions to rotate about associated pivots to allow the support belt to conform to the user's body and synchronizes the movement of the opposing right and left portions of the support belt such that movement of the right or left portion causes and requires movement of the opposing left or right portion, respectively, of a substantially equivalent magnitude. The traction device also includes one or more supports. Each support is coupled between the support belts and provides stability to the user's body.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage having at least one soft, three-dimensional toy figure. In one form, a soft, three-dimensional toy figure, such as a stuffed character, animal or play object, is attached to the top surface of a flexible backing that is coated with adhesive on its skin-contacting, bottom surface and an absorbent pad is attached to the bottom surface and central portion of the flexible backing for application directly to a body wound. In another form, the toy could cover the wound directly, using either soft, three-dimensional appendages coated with adhesive or appendages made of flexible backing material coated with adhesive to attach the bandage to the skin. The bandage could also be designed so that the toy could be easily removed from the rest of the bandage components to allow for play with the toy away from the wound site.

Abstract: A wound care bandage (10) for treating a wound (12) is provided. The bandage (10) includes an SIS layer (14) to be placed on the wound surface (16) and a cover (18) to placed over the wound (12). The bandage (10) further includes a structure (20) to provide a vacuum space (22). A method for promoting wound healing is further provided. The method includes applying the above-mentioned wound care bandage (10) to the wound (12) and creating a vacuum in the vacuum space (22) to draw blood controllably from the wound (12) into the SIS layer (14).

Abstract: The invention provides a wound dressing or therapy compress (100) containing a fill material (108) permanently loaded with an antimicrobial silver. The dressing or compress comprises a flexible upper backing (104) and a lower shell (102) fastened to one another, and each of which comprises a synthetic fabric. The lower shell is fluid-permeable and is adapted to be placed in direct or covered contact with a wound or tissue to be treated. The backing may be either fluid permeable or non-permeable, as desired, to allow for the release or retention of moisture. The shell and backing are joined to one another to form a plurality of fill material enclosures (106) therebetween, each such fill material enclosure containing a zeolite fill material which is permanently loaded with antimicrobial silver. The presence of the silver within the fill material promotes a germ and microbial free environment approximate the shell and within the dressing or compress.

Abstract: This invention discloses a donor blood donation and sampling system including a donor needle adapted for drawing blood from a body, a blood collection bag coupled to a blood collection conduit which is coupled to the donor needle, a blood sampling conduit also coupled to the donor needle, and a sampling tube assembly arranged for selectable fluid engagement with the blood sampling conduit and for selectable clamping engagement with at least said blood collection conduit. A donor blood donation and sampling method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices for facilitating transdermal passage of materials are provided. In a preferred embodiment, a device for delivering a substance to skin of a subject is provided. A substance storage unit is adapted to store the substance. An analysis unit is adapted to receive a portion on a body fluid of the subject, to analyze the portion, and to generate a signal responsive to the analysis of the portion, One or more electrodes are adapted to be placed at respective sites on the skin. A substance delivery unit is adapted to receive the signal, and, responsive thereto, to drive at least some of the one or more electrodes to apply to respective ones of the sites on the skin a current capable of ablating stratum corneum epidermidis of the skin, so as to facilitate delivery of the substance from the storage unit through the skin at the respective ones of the sites.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a system for maneuvering an implant to a target site and deploying the implant at the target site is provided. This system includes an inner housing and an outer housing where the inner housing is slidable within the outer housing. The outer housing may have a working channel with a first end and a second end and a piercing jaw moveably coupled to the first end. The inner housing may have a working passage with a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end having a piercing jaw moveably coupled to it.

Abstract: A micro-injection molded disposable needle assembly having more than one passageway formed therein to permit the simultaneous drawing and administering of fluids through separate passageways is disclosed. The micro-injection molded disposable assembly includes one or more sensors disposed therein for measuring and monitoring one or more desired body or surrounding environmental conditions. A method of forming the disposable needle from an elastomeric material using micro-injection molding is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides automated control of aural irrigation by utilizing a process controller in connection with an irrigation supply unit and irrigation delivery unit. Sensors situated in the irrigation supply unit and irrigation delivery unit provide data feedback to the process controller enabling essentially instantaneous and precise control of operational parameters. In addition, data customized to individual patients as well as historical data for use in analysis is stored in and processed by the control processor to increase the accuracy and utility of the aural irrigation system. Further, patient response data (e.g., from an ENG sensor) is also input to the process controller, thereby enabling extremely fast and accurate test analysis with minimal effort by the device operator.

Abstract: A system for controlling patient temperature uses a central venous line catheter having axially spaced distal and proximal heat exchange balloons. The central venous line catheter is provided with one or more lumens for providing access to the central blood supply of the patient, and with additional lumens for communicating heat exchange fluid to the balloons. Heat exchange fluid temperature is controlled through a feed back loop in which patient temperature is sensed and used to control a temperature control unit comprising a heating device and/or a cooling device in heat exchange relationship with the heat exchange fluid. A tubing set transports the heat exchange fluid between the central venous line and the temperature control unit, with a pump serving to circulate the fluid in a closed fluid circuit in the system.

Abstract: An electrically powered, plunger-free, valve-free adjustable veterinary delivery system for the administration of veterinary pharmaceuticals or vaccines to a variety of poultry or livestock. The delivery system includes a rechargeable battery positioned to power an electric motor which is used to actuate a peristaltic pump that propels pre-determined quantity of fluid medicament through the system for delivery. The system teaches adjustable dosage control of the fluid medicament by means of an electronic control unit which uses photo-optic sensor to calibrate dosage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular pressure infuser apparatus adapted to allow a user to modify the configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus by utilizing one or more interchangeable manual and/or automatic pumps to inflate a pressure infuser bag of the pressure infuser apparatus. The modular configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus permits the user to detach and reattach a motorized pump and/or a manual pump to the pressure infuser bag quickly, easily, and efficiently without decreasing the air pressure of the pressure infuser bag. By providing selectively removable pump modules, the user can select the configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus that is best adapted to the needs of the patient. A pressure release valve is configured to regulate the pressure of the pressure infuser bag.

Abstract: A human growth factor delivery system for use in connection with dermabrasion includes a source of human growth factors in fluid. The growth factor fluid may be applied to the target skin area simultaneously with the step of abrading the skin by a single handpiece. Furthermore, the fluid is caused to penetrate by a combination of the abrasive elements, a vacuum, and a positive pressure applied in bursts, which produces a massaging effect. The fluid source may be contained in a removable cartridge adapted to fit within the handpiece. The fluid is drawn from the cartridge by the vacuum. The vacuum also draws a portion of target skin into a space of the handpiece for contact with an abrasion element. The vacuum furthermore draws excess fluid and removed skin cells into a disposable or reusable canister.

Abstract: A non-patient safety needle assembly for mounting with a conventional intravenous blood collection set is provided. The non-patient needle assembly includes a hub assembly adapted for mounting with a blood collection set, and an internal blunting member including a blunted tip. The non-patient needle assembly further includes an external cannula concentric with the internal blunting member and including a non-patient puncture tip adjacent the blunted tip. The external cannula is axially displaceable with respect to the hub assembly between a first retracted position in which the non-patient puncture tip extends beyond the blunted tip and a second activated position in which blunted tip extends beyond the non-patient puncture tip. A blood collection set including such a non-patient needle assembly interconnected with an intravenous needle assembly through tubing is also provided.

Abstract: A needle holder for use with a needle assembly for blood collection is provided, and in particular, for use with a needle assembly including an activation mechanism adapted for axial displacement between a first position and a second position with respect to the needle assembly through engagement with a blood collection tube. The needle holder includes an outer body having a first end adapted for attachment to such a needle assembly and a second end having an internal opening therein. The needle holder further includes an inner body slidable within the outer body which includes a mechanism for axially displacing the activation mechanism between the first retracted position and the second activated position. The inner holder may be in the form of a tubular body which is axially slidable within the outer body, or may be in the form of an arm extending through a channel in the outer body, and including a tab for finger activation by a user.

Abstract: A dual blunting needle assembly for use in blood collection procedures is provided. The needle assembly includes a hub assembly having a first external cannula with an intravenous puncture tip, a second external cannula with an external blunt tip and an internal lumen extending through the hub assembly from the intravenous puncture tip to the blunt tip. The needle assembly further includes an internal cannula extending concentrically within the internal lumen of the hub assembly. The internal cannula includes an internal blunt tip at a first end and a non-patient puncture tip at a second end.

Abstract: An implant having a tube for permitting fluid flow has an outer flange at the outlet end and a retention projection near the inlet end. A delivery device for implanting the implant has a central bore for accommodating the implant during the implantation procedure. When the implant is loaded in the delivery device, the retention projection of the implant protrudes beyond the outside surface of the delivery device. After the delivery device and implant have penetrated the tissue through which drainage is desired, and the retention projection has fully penetrated through the tissue, the delivery device is withdrawn. The retention projection acts as a hook engaging the inside surface of the tissue, causing the implant to stay implanted in the tissue. An implant may also be provided with a mechanism for temporary occlusion, in whole or in part, of the flow passage.

Abstract: A safety needle-bearing medical advice (10) is provided. Specifically, a safety device for injecting medicinal fluid into a patient is provided. The device comprises a hollow housing (20), a needle assembly (40) and a plunger (30). The needle assembly (40) releasably retains a needle (45) in an extended position in which the sharpened tip of the needle is exposed for use. At the end of an injection stroke, the plunger (30) engages the needle assembly (40), such that the needle (45) is released and retracted into a cavity (38) within the plunger. The device (10) includes structure for reducing the dead-space volume, which represents the amount a fluid remaining in the device at the end of an injection stroke. In addition, preferably the device (10) includes structure for minimizing the volume of potential air bubbles trapped in the medicinal fluid prior to an injection.

Abstract: A needleless luer access connector is disclosed having a septum disposed in a housing. The septum has a proximal portion with a cross section, a medial portion with a cross section smaller than the cross section of the proximal portion, and a distal portion. A longitudinal slit extends through the septum from the proximal portion to the distal portion. The septum and housing are designed so that septum will not be rotated or removed from the housing when the connector is accessed by a male luer taper. In addition, the septum and housing are designed to bias the slit at the distal portion closed and so a male luer connector does not have to extend completely through the distal portion to open the slit at the distal portion. Finally, the septum and housing are designed to minimize the amount of dead space in the connector when accessed with a male luer taper.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for keeping the lumens and the distal orifices of catheters and like articles free of undesirable granulation tissues, granulomas, and the like. The catheter of the invention overcomes the problem of catheter occlusion by providing an immediately available source of an anti-neoplastic agent that minimizes or prevents formation of granulation tissue or granulomas at the tip and/or in the lumen of the catheter, thereby maintaining catheter patency. The catheter comprises a body with an exterior surface and a distal end, wherein at least the distal end comprises an anti-neoplastic agent to prevent or minimize catheter occlusion when the distal end of the catheter is in contact with a bodily tissue and/or fluid. In one embodiment, the anti-neoplastic agent is applied to the catheter as a coating. In another embodiment, the anti-neoplastic agent is an integral part of the catheter material.

Abstract: Simple microneedle devices for delivery of drugs across or into biological tissue are provided, which permit drug delivery at clinically relevant rates across or into skin or other tissue barriers, with minimal or no damage, pain, or irritation to the tissue. The devices include a substrate to which a plurality of hollow microneedles are attached or integrated, and at least one reservoir, containing the drug, selectably in communication with the microneedles, wherein the volume or amount of drug to be delivered can be selectively altered. The reservoir can be formed of a deformable, preferably elastic, material. The device typically includes a means, such as a plunger, for compressing the reservoir to drive the drug from the reservoir through the microneedles. In one embodiment, the reservoir is a syringe or pump connected to the substrate.

Abstract: This is a handheld eye flushing apparatus that comprises an eyecup that holds eyewash liquid in it for eye flushing. The rim of the eyecup is contoured to the eye orbit and rests on the eye orbital area. Attached to the inside of the eyecup is a stirring mechanism that stirs the eyewash liquid during usage. The force and duration of the stirring is predetermined to prevent eye damage. This apparatus accommodates the free movement of the eyelids and the eyeball inside the eyecup during utilization. The rim of this eyecup may have a liner to further increase comfort and liquid sealing around the eye. A magnetic strip may be placed near the bottom part of the rim to catch ferrous metal particles in industrial environment usage. A grid may be added between the rim and the agitator to keep the user away from the agitator.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device and methods for obtaining signals related to blood analytes and bone features by collecting spectra, such as fluorescence and Raman spectra, through the nail of a finger or toe. The invention additionally provides methods of modulating blood flow in a tissue of a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diapering system (200) suitable for the collection of urine and faeces. Claimed and described is a diapering system comprising one human waste collection bag integral with one absorbent component (preferably a diaper like absorbent component) located outside of or adjacent to the collection bag.

Abstract: A self-forming seal absorbent article is provided and includes a biaxially extensible outer cover, a biaxially extensible bodyside liner forming a wearer adjacent surface, a biaxially extensible absorbent core assembly interposed between the outer cover and the bodyside liner, and a pair of laterally-spaced apart and longitudinally-extending containment flap members disposed along the wearer adjacent surface of the bodyside liner.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-contact coating method for producing a continuous coating and articles constructed therefrom. This invention further relates to a method for producing a textile material with a moisture-impermeable barrier layer and to a method for producing a moisture-absorbing article of hygiene which has such a barrier layer. This invention particularly relates to a textile material and hygienic disposable articles comprising a body fluid impermeable barrier layer produced from said coating method. Preferably, the thermoplastic composition used in the method for producing the barrier layer exhibits certain rheological characteristics.

Abstract: The focus of the invention is an absorbent article such as a diaper, pant diaper, adult incontinence guard, sanitary napkin and the like containing a skin conditioning agent in at least a portion of the article so as to be transferable to the skin of the wearer. The skin conditioning agent is contained in a hydrogel foam material (9; 19; 20) intended to be applied in skin contact with the wearer, either directly or indirectly via a liquid permeable material (2).

Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and a liquid retentive absorbent member interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent member comprises, in admixture, a superabsorbent polymer A having a rate of absorption of 8 g/30 sec/0.3 g or more measured by DW method and a superabsorbent polymer B having a rate of absorption of 5 g/30 sec/0.3 g or less measured by DW method at a polymer A/polymer B weight ratio of 90/10 to 10/90. The admixture optionally further comprises fluff pulp in an amount of from 0 to 30% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent core for use in an absorbent article and methods to make the absorbent core and absorbent articles. The absorbent core has a discrete wicking layer made with compressible fibers such as eucalyptus or chemically treated fibers. The absorbent core and articles made with it have improved vertical wicking capacity and superior rewet characteristics.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, e.g., a diaper, having a top sheet, a back sheet, a core and a fluid acquisition system. The fluid acquisition system is formed by wrapping a layer of a non-woven material about the core, so that the marginal edge portions of the layer overlap each other over the upper surface of the core. The overlapping marginal edge portions are hydrophillic to form a dual layer fluid acquisition system. The remainder of the layer of non-woven material is hydrophobic. An additional layer can be located adjacent the overlapping portions to form a three layer acquisition system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to menstrual absorbent articles, such as female sanitary napkins which are designed to be worn in and attached to a thong slips or G-string undergarment. In general absorbent articles for wearing with and attached to an undergarment should be designed to follow the shape of the undergarment where they are attached. For a thong slip this results in a sanitary napkin or panty liner having a wider front end and a narrower rear end. This design can also he described as triangular shape or trapezoidal shape. According to the present invention such thong shaped menstrual absorbent articles are provided in a construction in which the kind and amount of material, in particular for the absorbent core, and construction of the article, is selected such that the flexure resistance of the article remains below a critical value.

Abstract: An absorbent article (40), such as a labial pad configured for disposition within the vestibule (42) of a female wearer. The labial pad may be worn by females for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection or both, and has at least one notch (100) generally formed in the periphery thereof.

Abstract: This invention discloses digital tampons comprising a substantially cylindrical mass of compressed fibers, the tampons having a fibrous core substantially surrounding the central axis of the tampons and an uneven number of 7 or 9 ribs which extend radially outwards from the core.

Abstract: Digital tampons are disclosed which are capable of radially expanding into a non circular cross-sectional shape upon exposure to a wet environment, typically in use condition, so as to reduce bypass leakage. The inventions also relates to tampon blanks and a process of producing the tampons.

Abstract: A system for collecting and processing donated bone marrow comprises a closed and/or sealable collection container and a closed and/or sealable satellite container. The system may also include at least one porous medium interposed between the collection container and the satellite container. The porous medium is a size gradient depletion media. The system may also include at least one third container in fluid communication with the collection container. The system may also include at least one manifold interposed in the fluid flow path between the collection container and the third container.

Abstract: A method for inducing lactation for the purpose of removing harmful toxins from a woman's body is provided. Specifically, the present invention includes, among other methods, using a baby mannequin-breast pump to induce lactation and to enable comfortable and efficient toxin removal from a woman's breast.

Abstract: Several embodiments of an endourethral prosthesis, assembly, and attendant methods are provided for patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or urinary retention. The endourethral prosthesis includes a reversibly expandable element disposed circumferentially about, and longitudinally along a tubular member adapted to receive urine. The tubular member is positionable within a lower urinary tract such that the reversibly expandable element operatively engages a structure of the lower urinary tract so as to prevent migration of the prosthesis so positioned. The reversibly expandible element is in non-reversible fluid communication with the tubular element for selective expansion thereof, the reversibly expandible element is further operatively engagable so as to discharge fluid non-reversibly received from the tubular member exterior to same.

Abstract: An implantable infusion device (10) includes a lightweight, inert housing (12) which contains an infusate (18) for administration to a patient, and an enclosed, gas-impermeable variable volume chamber (30) which contains a pressure source, such as propellant, mechanical spring, or the like. The variable volume chamber may be in the form of a rigid-walled expandable bellows structure or a nonstretchable flexible bag and is attached to the housing so as not to obstruct the entry port for introduction of A recharging fluid flow path (31) is provided adjacent to where the variable volume chamber is attached to the housing. The infusate is delivered from the device via a catheter in response to expansion of the variable volume chamber against the volume of infusate in the housing. A separate bolus injection port (38) is provided which allows infusate to be safely introduced directly into the catheter and overrides the controlled pressure-driven delivery.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use by a surgeon for grasping a tissue of a surgical patient without causing a crush injury of the tissue is disclosed. The instrument includes an elongate shaft having two ends with a handle at a first end of the shaft, and a grasping tip at a second end of the shaft. The grasping tip includes a body housing at least one suction element, wherein the at least one suction element mechanically produces suction locally (distally) within the grasping tip.

Abstract: The present invention is a wrist mechanism and a method for making robotic devices in which the transmission of motion, force and/or torque around a revolute joint can be accomplished without coupling. This construction allows mounting the actuators on the base or lower elements of a mechanism, so that only linkage elements move the end-effector. Thus reducing inertia of the moving elements and increasing performance of the device. The decoupled motion of the end-effector or links is achieved by routing their transmission cables around idler pulleys placed parallel to the joint rotation axis on an optimal position such any stretch on the transmission cable is minimized. In particular, this construction can be use for robotic surgical tools that have two independently driven jaws, decoupled and orthogonal from its articulating wrist.

Abstract: The present device provides an apparatus for securely positioning a medical instrument through an incision within a patient. The apparatus comprises a trocar for extending through the incision in the patient and receiving the medical instrument. The apparatus also comprises a drive assembly for moving the medical instrument within the trocar in a direction that extends substantially parallel to the length of the trocar. The drive assembly can have a housing that is spaced from the trocar or that forms a portion of the trocar. The apparatus also includes a positioning system for rotating the medical instrument about a plurality of spaced points located outside the body and a plurality of perpendicularly extending axes. The positioning system includes an adapter for securing the trocar to the positioning system.

Abstract: A method of turning a medical device, having a magnetically responsive element associated with its distal end, at an operating point within an operating region inside a patient's body from an initial direction to a desired final direction, through the movement of at least one external source magnet. The at least one external source magnet is moved in such a way as to change the direction of the distal end of the magnetic medical device from the initial direction to the desired final direction without substantial deviation from the plane containing the initial direction and the desired final direction.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting vision in the eye, including an imaging device adapted to form images of a portion of the eye and transmit the images to a remote location. A display device is in communication with the imaging device and is adapted to display the images of the portion of the eye at the remote location. A laser is adapted to be positioned relative to the eye and coagulate the portion of the eye displayed on the display device. A control device is at the remote location and is adapted to control the position of the laser.

Abstract: Biomechanical responses of the eye are used to improve photorefractive procedures. LASIK or PRK treatments, for example, can be improved by taking pre-operative measurement and predicting the corneas's biodynamic response to the ablative treatment. Predicitve use is mad of the biodynamic response of the cornea due to laser or mechanical keratectomy, that is, creating a corneal flap characterisitc of LASIK. Comparison of pre-flap and post-flap, (pre-ablation) data of the cornea such as corneal thickness, flap thickness, corneal topography and wavefront, for example, can provide predictive information applicable to modifying an ablation alorithm before the laser is engaged, either for a current operation or the development of a model.

Abstract: A refractive surgical procedure method using microkeratome blade for use for the removal of the epithelial layer and underlying Basement Membrane while leaving a smooth and undisturbed Bowman's Membrane in preparation for a laser refractive surgical procedure. The blade is capable of cutting through the epithelial layer and Basement Membrane, but not capable of cutting through Bowman's Membrane. Prior to removing the epithelium, a solution suitable for reducing the adhesion of the epithelium is applied to the eye. Following surgery, a customized contact lens is placed on the eye. The contact lens may contain an agent to assist in the regeneration of the epithelium.