Abstract: The present invention relates to an intracorneal lens (1), comprising a circular main body having a convex front surface and a convex rear surface, characterized in that the convex front surface has a single uniform radius of curvature (Rcv) and the concave rear surface has a radius of curvature (Rcci). The radius of curvature (Rcci) of the concave rear surface is greater than the average radius of the cornea by 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.2 to 1.5 mm, in particular preferably 0.5 to 1 mm. The present invention further relates to a kit, comprising a storage unit (15) and a pre-load unit (P) inside the storage unit (15). The storage unit (15) is made of a watertight material and can be closed watertight by means of a plug (16). The pre-load unit (P) is fitted with the intracorneal lens according to the invention.

Abstract: An artificial lens for an eye (10) is described. According to the present invention, an artificial lens for an eye is now provided, in which the focal width can change. This is realized according to the invention by providing the artificial lens with two or more media (12, 13) that are flexible in shape as lens elements and that the two media that are flexible in shape stand in direct contact with one another. The media that are flexible in shape are preferably disposed in an uptake container forming a lens body (11).

Abstract: An intraocular lens for providing vision to a subject contains an optic, a support structure coupled to the optic. The intraocular lens also includes a textured surface and/or subsurface layer. The optic is disposed about an optical axis and comprises an anterior surface and an opposing posterior surface, the surfaces being configured to focus light when implanted within an eye having a capsular bag. The textured surface is disposed over a surface portion of the intraocular lens. The subsurface layer is configured to scatter an amount of light that is at least twice the amount of light scattered by portions of the material adjacent the subsurface layer or at least twice the amount of light scattered by another intraocular lens that does not have the subsurface layer, but which is otherwise substantially equivalent.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens for providing a range of accommodative vision contains an optic and a haptic. The optic is disposed about an optical axis and includes an anterior surface and a posterior surface defining a clear aperture of the optic. The haptic is at least partially disposed inside the optic and includes an inner structure, an outer structure, and a plurality of arms disposed between and connecting the inner structure and the outer structure. The inner structure is circumferentially disposed about the optical axis, while the outer structure is circumferentially disposed about the inner structure and has an outer face. Each arm has proximal portion adjacent the inner structure and a distal portion adjacent the outer structure that is bifurcated in a radial direction from the proximal portion. The intraocular lens also has an outer surface defined by outer surfaces of the plurality of arms and an outer surface of the outer structure.

Abstract: Implantable corneal and intraocular implants such as a mask are provided. The mask can improve the vision of a patient, such as by being configured to increase the depth of focus of an eye of a patient. The mask can include an aperture configured to transmit along an optical axis substantially all visible incident light. The mask can further include a transition portion that surrounds at least a portion of the aperture. This portion can be configured to switch from one level of opacity to another level of opacity through the use of a controllably variable absorbance feature such as a switchable photochromic chromophore within a polymer matrix.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valve apparatus is adapted for delivery into a patient in a circumferentially collapsed condition, followed by circumferential re-expansion at the implant site in the patient. The apparatus includes an annular anchoring structure that can be implanted in the patient first. The apparatus further includes an annular valve support structure, which supports a flexible leaflet structure of the valve. The support and leaflet structures are initially separate from the anchoring structure, but they can be implanted in the patient by interengagement of the support structure with the already-implanted anchoring structure.

Abstract: A mandrel (5) for molding polymer valve leaflets for heart valve prostheses is disclosed, including a body portion (52) including an outer surface with ridges (60) and contoured surfaces (64) corresponding to the leaflets, the upper edge of the contoured surfaces corresponding to the free upper edge of the leaflets, and the mandrel including a mandrel extension (54) above the body portion, and a gap (68) extending around the mandrel between the upper edge of the contoured surface and the mandrel extension. A process for producing these polymer valve leaflets is also disclosed by dip coating with this mandrel and removing the polymer film created at the gap, preferably by applying suction or blowing thereto.

Abstract: A delivery catheter and a method for deploying a cardiovascular prosthetic implant using a minimally invasive procedure are disclosed. The delivery catheter comprises an elongate, flexible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end has an outer diameter of 18 French or less, a cardiovascular prosthetic implant at the distal end of the catheter body, wherein the cardiovascular prosthetic implant comprises an inflatable cuff and a tissue valve coupled to the inflatable cuff, and at least one link between the catheter body and the cardiovascular prosthetic implant.

Abstract: Methods of repairing the mitral valve and reducing mitral regurgitation. One method includes securing a first tissue anchor to a position on a posterior portion of the annular tissue of the mitral valve and a second tissue anchor to a position on an anterior portion of the annular tissue of the mitral valve. At least one tensile member spans between the first and second tissue anchors and across the orifice of the mitral valve. When tension is applied to the at least one tensile member, the posterior portion of the annular tissue is pulled toward the anterior portion.

Abstract: Osteochondral graft composition that include a cartilage component and a bone component, and which include one or more perforations in the bone component and/or the cartilage component, are provided. Methods of manufacturing and using such osteochondral graft compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed relating improved articular models, implant components, and related guide tools and procedures. In addition, methods and devices are disclosed relating articular models, implant components, and/or related guide tools and procedures that include one or more features derived from patient-data, for example, images of the patient's joint. The data can be used to create a model for analyzing a patient's joint and to devise and evaluate a course of corrective action. The data also can be used to create patient-adapted implant components and related tools and procedures.

Abstract: A humerus implant has a stem, cup shaped body and a locking adapter. The cup shaped body is locked to the stem by a key-slot mechanism. The cup shaped body has a center portion and a plurality of flexible first sidewall segments and second sidewall segments, with gaps between neighbored sidewall segments. The first sidewall segments have a plurality of locking fins while the second sidewall segments having a plurality of recesses and holes. The locking adapter has means for fixing the locking adapter to the cup shaped body and a locking ring for locking the sidewall segments into their final positions.

Abstract: A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus, a posterior lumbar facet staple and a staple gun for a posterior lumbar facet staple, a posterior cervical facet joint staple, and a staple gun for a posterior cervical facet joint staple are provided. The BDFT apparatus includes an intervertebral cage including a plurality of internal angled screw guides, a plurality of screw members, and a screw locking mechanism that prevents the screw members from pulling out of the internal angled screw guides. The internal angled screw guides orient a first screw member superiorly and a second screw member inferiorly. The intervertebral cage is adapted for posterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterio-lateral thoracic intervertebral placement, or anterior cervical intervertebral placement.

Abstract: An expanding device for expanding the spacing between bones is provided. The expanding device includes a spacer configured to be expandable and disposed between the bones, a catheter provided with the spacer at a distal end thereof and adapted to introduce a filler into the spacer, and a sheath having a lumen through which the catheter is inserted and in which the spacer before expansion can be housed. The spacer includes a spacer body configured to be expandable, an introduction section through which a filler is introduced into a rear-end-side expansion section of the spacer body, and a bypass passage through which part of the filler in the introduction section is introduced into a distal-end-side expansion section of the spacer body.

Abstract: A spinal implant apparatus that is an expandable spacer including features to minimize or eliminate spacer cant or offset during and after completing the expansion process. The spacer includes a top component, a base component in engagement with the top component, and an expansion mechanism arranged to change the top component's position with respect to the base component. The mechanism for causing expansion may be a screw, a cam, a wedge or other form of distracting device. In one embodiment, the expandable spacer includes a base component with a set of towers and a top component with a set of corresponding silos, where the towers and silos are configured to minimize or eliminate tilt of the top component as it extends upwardly from the base component. In another embodiment, the spacer may include a stepped arrangement around the perimeter of the top component and the base component for engagement during height expansion with minimal canting or slippage.

Abstract: Instrumentation for implanting a cervical disc replacement device includes cervical disc replacement trials for determining the appropriate size of replacement device to be implanted, an insertion plate for maintaining the elements of the replacement device in fixed relation to one another for simultaneous manipulation, an insertion handle for attachment to the insertion plate for manipulation of the elements, an insertion pusher for releasing the insertion handle from the insertion plate, a drill guide that cooperates with the insertion plate to guide the drilling of tap holes for bone screws to be placed through bone screw holes in the flanges of the replacement device, clips that are applied to the flanges after placement of the bone screws to resist screw backout, and a clip applicator for applying the clips to the flanges.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant includes a base body, a top endplate and a center component. The top endplate is configured to be placed onto an open top of the base body and to expand upward. The top endplate includes a plate, first and second side protrusions extending vertically downward from first and second sides of the plate, respectively, first and second protrusions including inclined surfaces and extending obliquely downward from a first end of the plate and third and fourth protrusions having a triangular shape with at least one inclined surface and extending downward from a second end of the plate. The center component is configured to be placed within the base body and to interface with the top endplate and to move longitudinally forward or backward within the base body, thereby causing the top endplate to expand upwards or move downward, respectively.

Abstract: A system for spinal fusion includes a spacer, a plate, an attachment member, and a first temporary fixation screw. The spacer includes a first coupling aperture having a first thread with a thread pitch that is greater than or equal to one third of a depth of the first coupling aperture. The plate includes a first attachment aperture and second coupling aperture. The attachment member includes a mating thread that mates with the first thread. The attachment member is configured to couple the spacer and the plate when inserted through the second coupling aperture and rotated to engage the first thread of the first coupling aperture. The first temporary fixation screw is configured to attach the plate to a first vertebra when inserted through the first attachment aperture and driven into the first vertebra.

Abstract: A surgical extraction device for extracting an orthopedic part or other hardware. The device includes a gripping portion at a distal end of the device and a handle portion and a strike plate at a proximal end of the device. The handle portion includes a body that includes a first handle and a second handle that are pivotably coupled to one another. The gripping portion includes a first gripping member and a second gripping member that are pivotably coupled to one another.

Abstract: Guides configured to guide one or more osteotomes to remove a femoral component that is implanted in a femur. When implanted, the femoral component includes a stem implanted within the femur, a proximal end that extends from the femur, and a receptacle in the proximal end. The guides are configured to attach to the femoral component and attach to the receptacle in the femoral component. The guides include one or more openings sized to guide the osteotomes along the stem of the femoral component. The guides may further include multiple different sections that can be attached together.

Abstract: In the use of devices and methods for measuring applied pressure on an article, such as a patella construct during a surgical procedure, differently sized and configured clamp bushing adapters can be interchangeably employed with, and removably secured to, a clamp stem to adapt to the relative sizes of objects being clamped. Embodiments of an installation cap can also be provided to assist with proper setup and operation by, for example, removably covering spike elements associated with a working surface of embodiments of the device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument alignment guide comprising a mount (2) arranged to be coupled to a bone of a patient, an alignment rod (4), a guide rod (24) and an indicator (26). The alignment rod (4) has a first end pivotally coupled to the mount (2) such that the inclination of the alignment rod (4) relative to the mount (2) is adjustable. The guide rod (24) is couplable to a second end of the alignment rod (4) at an adjustable angle and orientation such that the guide rod (24) can extend transverse to the alignment rod (4). The indicator (26) is coupled to the guide rod (24) to indicate when the guide rod (24) lies at a desired angle relative to a horizontal axis. Also disclosed is a method of aligning a surgical instrument using the surgical instrument alignment guide.

Abstract: An orthopedic surgical instrument assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an orthopedic surgical instrument including a first surface, and a measurement gauge removably coupled to the orthopedic surgical instrument. The gauge includes an arm having a tip positioned proximal to the orthopedic surgical instrument, and a plurality of markings defined on the arm. Each marking indicates a predetermined distance from the first surface of the orthopedic surgical instrument. The assembly may be used during an orthopedic surgical procedure on a femur, which is also described herein.

Abstract: Local swing leg control was developed that takes advantage of segment interactions to achieve robust leg placement under large disturbances while generating trajectories and joint torque patterns similar to those observed in human walking and running. The results suggest the identified control as a powerful alternative to existing swing leg controls in humanoid and rehabilitation robotics. Alternatively, a detailed neuromuscular model of the human swing leg was developed to embody the control with local muscle reflexes. The resulting reflex control robustly places the swing leg into a wide range of landing points observed in human walking and running, and it generates similar patterns of joint torques and muscle activations. The results suggest an alternative to existing swing leg controls in humanoid and rehabilitation robotics which does not require central processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthesis assembly, comprising an outer stem (10) provided with a proximal opening (11), and at the distal end (12) thereof is provided with a connecting means (13) for fastening an additional component, and which is formed of a material that is rigid in the longitudinal extension thereof, in which at least one slit (14) extending at least partially in a longitudinal direction is inserted in order to allow deformation in a radial direction. The prosthesis assembly further comprises an inner stem (20) made of a flexible material and provided with a proximal opening (21), at least one tensioning device (30) that is affixed to the outer stem (10) and can be accessed by way of a diameter change of the outer stem (10). At least one electrode (40) is displaceably fastened to a side of the outer stem (10) that is facing the inner stem (20).

Abstract: An adjustable seal system, seal component for use in the system, and method are provided for forming a sealing interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket. The seal component is selectively placed over the outer surface of a suspension liner including a plurality of seal bands, which the seal component may removably and securely engage.

Abstract: An expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, is disclosed. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical rings generally aligned on a common longitudinal stent axis and interconnected by one or more interconnecting links placed so that the stent is flexible in the longitudinal direction. The link pattern is optimized to reduce strain on the links and enhance longitudinal flexibility and security of the stent. The stent includes a distal end ring and a proximal end ring that have a length that is shorter than the length of the body rings.

Abstract: A bioerodible endoprosthesis includes a bioerodible magnesium alloy. The bioerodible magnesium alloy has a microstructure including equiaxed Mg-rich solid solution-phase grains having an average grain diameter of less than or equal to 5 microns and second-phase precipitates in grain boundaries between the equiaxed Mg-rich solid solution-phase grains. The beta-phase precipitates have an average longest dimension of 0.5 micron or less. The microstructure can be produced by one or more equal-channel high-strain processes.

Abstract: In some aspects, graft devices for a mammalian patient can include a tubular member comprising a first end; and a fiber matrix surrounding the tubular member, wherein the fiber matrix is designed and constructed to be substantially continuously tapered at the first end to define a diameter that increases as it approaches the first end.

Abstract: An endoluminal device can be configured for precise positioning during deployment within a vessel. The endoluminal device can be a tack, stent, vascular implant or other type of implant. The endoluminal device can have circumferential member with an undulating configuration having multiple inward and outward apexes and struts extending therebetween. Two of the struts can be used to establish a foot for the precise positioning of the device during deployment. A method of placing the endoluminal device can include withdrawing an outer sheath such that a portion of the endoluminal device is expanded prior to the rest of the endoluminal device.

Abstract: An expandable helical stent is provided, wherein the stent may be formed of an amorphous metal alloy or other non-amorphous metal with a securement. The stent is formed from flat or tubular metal in a helical coiled structure which has an undulating pattern. The main stent component may be formed of a single helically coiled component. Alternatively, a plurality of helically coiled ribbons may be used to form a stent heterogeneous in design, material, or other characteristic particular to that stent. The helical tubular structure may be secured with a securement, such as a weld, interlock or a polymer, to maintain the helical coils in a tubular configuration. The helical coils of the main stent component may be spaced apart or nestled to each other. The nestling of the undulation of adjacent helical coils contributes to maintaining the tubular shape of the helically coiled stent.

Abstract: The invention provides for intra-luminal stents, especially stent having controlled fracture connection, as well as, methods of making and using the same. In one embodiment, a stent for implantation into a vessel has a plurality of annular segments collectively forming tubular shape, characterized by at least first and second adjacent annular segments each defined by a plurality of struts and at least one joint interconnecting respective struts of the first and second segments on a non-permanent basis.

Abstract: A stent includes: wavy-line pattern bodies having a wavy-line pattern and arranged side-by-side in an axial direction; and coiled elements arranged between the wavy-line pattern bodies adjacent and extending in a spiral manner around an axis, in which all apices on opposite sides of the wavy-line pattern of the wavy-line pattern bodies that are adjacent are connected by way of the coiled element. When viewing in a radial direction, a circular direction-of the wavy-line pattern bodies is inclined with respect to the radial direction, and a winding direction of one of the coiled elements located at one side in the axial direction with respect to the wavy-line pattern bodies and a winding direction of one other of the coiled elements located at the other side in the axial direction are opposite.

Abstract: An introduction arrangement for a fenestrated or branched stent graft (13) intended for deployment into the lumen of a vessel having a blind vessel extending from it. The introducer (1) has a distal end intended to remain outside a patient in use and a proximal end with a nose cone dilator (11) and an arrangement to retain the branched stent graft distally of the nose cone dilator. A sheath (15) on the introducer extends over the branched stent graft to the nose cone dilator. An indwelling catheter (22) extends from the distal end of the introducer and enters the fenestration or side arm and through to the nose cone dilator, the indwelling catheter has a guide wire (29) extending through it. The guide wire can be extended beyond the nose cone dilator in use before the sheath is withdrawn from the branched stent graft so that it can be snared from the contra-lateral artery.

Abstract: A device for use in bariatric surgery includes a tube member, a coupling member, and a rod member. The tube member includes a proximal portion and a distal portion having a distal end. The coupling member is affixed to the tube member. The rod member includes a proximal portion and a distal portion having a distal end. The rod member is slidably coupled with the coupling member. The distal end of the rod member is fixedly coupled to the distal end of the tube member. The proximal portion of the rod member is translatable relative to the tube member to transition the distal portion of the rod member between a contracted position, wherein the distal portion of the rod member extends along the distal portion of the tube member, and a deployed position, wherein the distal portion of the rod member bows outwardly relative to the tube member.

Abstract: According to various embodiments of this disclosure, an orthopedic rehabilitation device includes a splint, a sole coupled with the splint, and a protective covering. The splint is configured to engage a lower portion of an individual's leg that extends above the individual's ankle. The splint includes at least a first rigid support member that prevents flexing of the lower portion and at least partially immobilizes the individual's ankle. The sole is configured to receive the individual's foot. The sole includes at least a second rigid support member that prevents flexing of the individual's foot. The protective covering is configured to receive the individual's forefoot. The protective covering includes a rigid mesh or solid layer that protects the individual's forefoot from an external force, such as a falling object or any other impact encountered in a work, athletic, training, combat, or other environment where protective apparel is required or recommended.

Abstract: A portable urinal system including a handheld urinal and a reservoir. The handheld urinal has a neck assembly, with a user operated neck valve assembly permitting urine to flow through the neck assembly, and a urinal cup coupled to the neck assembly so that upon use of the urinal and operation of the neck valve assembly by the user, urine flows through the neck assembly into the urinal cup. The reservoir has a larger volume than the urinal cup and includes a lid assembly with a substantially rigid spout assembly and a reservoir cup. Urine is transferred from the urinal to the reservoir when the user couples the urinal cup to the spout assembly and opens the spout assembly such that urine collected in the urinal cup drains into the reservoir cup.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are drug delivery devices and methods for the treatment of ocular disorders requiring targeted and controlled administration of a drug to an interior portion of the eye for reduction or prevention of symptoms of the disorder. The devices are capable of controlled release of one or more, drugs and may also Include structures which allow for treatment of Increased intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous humor to flow out of the anterior chamber of the eye through the device.

Abstract: Injection devices for delivering pharmaceutical compositions into the eye are described. Some devices include a resistance component for controllably deploying an injection needle through the eye wall. The resistance component may be disposed on the injector device, or on a portion of the injection device housing, or on a drug reservoir. Some devices may be removably attached to a drug reservoir, for example, through a luer connector. Other devices may comprise internal luer seal for securely connecting a drug conduit of the device to the luer cavity of a drug reservoir. Yet other devices may comprise a priming-enabling element to facilitate the drug priming of a shielded needle. Related methods and systems comprising the devices are also described.

Abstract: A vitrectomy probe for removing vitreous material from an eyeball, having a longitudinal axis and an outer tube with a closed end and a lateral surface, at least one inlet port located proximate to the closed end and configured to allow the vitreous material to enter into the outer tube; an inner tube arranged in the outer tube to relatively move with respect to the outer tube, the inner tube having an opening with a cutting profile through which the vitreous material can be cut and can enter the inner tube. A drive unit configured for causing the outer tube and the inner tube to move relatively with respect to each other, in such a way that the cutting profile cuts the vitreous material entering the inlet port.

Abstract: A method and delivery system are disclosed for creating an aqueous flow pathway in the trabecular meshwork, juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal of an eye for reducing elevated intraocular pressure. Pulsed laser radiation is delivered from the distal end of a fiber-optic probe sufficient to cause photoablation of selected portions of the trabecular meshwork, the juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and an inner wall of Schlemm's canal in the target site. The fiber-optic probe may be advanced so as to create an aperture in the inner wall of Schlemm's canal in which fluid from the anterior chamber of the eye flows. The method and delivery system may further be used on any tissue types in the body.

Abstract: A system for implantation in an eye of a patient includes a flow device sized for implantation into the eye of the patient. The flow device includes a fluid flow passageway and a flow system. The flow system may include a regulator having a magnetic element, and may be displaceable in the fluid flow passageway to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway. The system may also include a control device physically separate from the flow device and configured to be disposed outside the eye, the control device comprising an actuator magnetic field generator configured to act on the magnetic element to adjust the regulator in the flow system to selectively adjust flow through the flow device in response to changes in intraocular pressure.

Abstract: A device for processing material of a workpiece, the device including a pulsed processing laser, a focusing lens, a beam-deflection unit, a control unit and a confocal detector unit. The intensity of the laser radiation is variable. An imaging unit is provided to detect structures within the workpiece using electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation of the imaging unit is radiated via the beam-deflection unit and the focusing lens into the workpiece, and evaluating device is provided and compares the position of the focus of the laser radiation determined by the detector unit with the expected position of the focus in the image of the workpiece obtained by the imaging unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for stabilizing an eye for an ocular laser procedure while minimizing corneal distortions which can adversely affect a surgical laser beam. For the systems, a patient interface includes a contact element for stabilizing the eye and establishing a conformal interface with the anterior surface of the cornea. More specifically, devices are disclosed which overlay both a central corneal region and a peripheral corneal region. In some embodiments, a first material is used in the contact element to overlay the central corneal region and a second material is used in the contact element to overlay the peripheral corneal region. Typically, the first and second materials differ in terms of hardness and deformability. In another embodiment disclosed herein, a contact element having a viscoelastic material for stabilizing an eye for a laser procedure is described.

Abstract: Provided is an introducer for use with otolaryngological devices such as Eustachian tube stents. The introducer includes a guide, a stopper, an engager, and a release mechanism. An otolaryngological device having a first surface and a second surface that is nonparallel to the first surface may be loaded on the introducer by frictionally engaging the first surface of the device to a distal terminus of the engager. The device may be unloaded from the introducer by actuating the release mechanism. Upon actuation, the release mechanism slides the distal terminus of the engager toward the guide while the stopper abuts the second surface of the device. As a result, the relative motion between the engager and the stopper slides the device off the engager. Also provided are kits that include the introducer and methods for using the introducer.

Abstract: A sound attenuation system can include a first end that can include a shaft and a flange, the flange can be coupled to the shaft, and a second end that can include a filter stem and a cap. The filter stem can have a hole. The cap can have a first position in which the cap occludes the hole and can have a second position in which the cap is clear of the hole.

Abstract: An adhesive tape (1) made of silicone is intended for medical applications. The tape (1) has a sheet material (12) based on nonwoven fibers, coated on an internal face (12a) intended to be in contact with the skin, with a barrier membrane (14) which adheres to the sheet material, based on crosslinked silicone polymer, and with a layer (16) of atraumatic and biocompatible silicone adhesive gel, and on an external face (12b), with a layer (18) of a nonstick and waterproof polymer based on a fluorosilicone or fluorocarbon polymer.

Abstract: A compression orthosis for a lower limb includes a compression knit having at least one honeycomb area defined by a knit with a first type of mesh interconnecting elastic knitting yarns, non-elastic knitting yarns and elastic weft threads, and a second type of mesh. The structure is defined by elastic knitting yarns having meshes extending over at least two rows. The elastic weft yarns have floats of at least two needles, and the non-elastic knitting yarns have floats of at least one needle.

Abstract: A nasal drip pad apparatus for use on a patient after sinus surgery including a drip pad assembly positioned underneath the patient's nose and a string forming a continuous loop configured to extend through the interior of the drip pad assembly configured to form a pair of loops. One of the loops is placed around one of the patient's ears and the other one of the loops is placed around the other one of the patient's ears.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming a composite structure, preferably for use in an absorbent structure used within the personal hygiene industry, such as for instance feminine hygiene garments, baby diapers and pants and adult incontinence garments. The present invention preferably provides a method and apparatus for depositing and positioning particulate materials in a desired pattern onto a moving carrier layer. The method allows accurate forming of a pattern of particulate material clusters at high production speed having improved attachment properties, with reduced raw material usage and relative low cost. The present invention foresees in the need for improved thin, flexible, lightweight absorbent structure having optimal absorption, distribution and retention.