Abstract: A surgical wound closure device comprising multiple layers joined at only one edge of each layer in a book-like arrangement and having opposite unjoined edges, including a substrate having a proximal surface and a distal surface; a drape having a proximal surface and a distal surface, and being disposed proximally to said substrate; and an adhesive layer having a proximal surface and a distal surface; said drape being disposed releasably adherently to said distal surface of said adhesive layer. Also provided is a surgical procedure employing a surgical wound closure device.

Abstract: There is provided an SMS laminate for use as a medical fabric. The multilayer non-woven SMS fabric is designed to have the basis weight of the fabric asymmetrically skewed toward one side. In one embodiment the medical fabric is a laminate used as a sterilization wrap having a first spunbond layer, a meltblown layer and a second spunbond layer in which the first spunbond layer is on the side, once an item to be sterilized is wrapped, that is away from the item and that has a greater basis weight than the second spunbond layer that is on the side nearer the item to be sterilized. The medical fabric may also used to produce medical gowns to and drapes.

Abstract: A sterile adaptor, a sterile drape with the integrated sterile adaptor, and a telerobotic surgical system including the sterile drape are provided. The adaptor, drape, and system allow for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system to maintain a sterile barrier between the sterile surgical field and the non-sterile robotic system while also providing an interface for transferring mechanical and electrical energy and signals between a robotic arm and a surgical instrument in the sterile field.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering certain nerve blocks includes a sheath constructed from a flexible ultrasound echogenic material, a more rigid introducer/dilator for introducing the sheath into the patient, and an ultrasound echogenic catheter for inserting through the sheath once the distal end of the sheath is in place adjacent the nerve(s) to be blocked and the introducer/dilator has been withdrawn. The catheter has provisions at its proximal end for connecting to a source of local anesthetic. Methods for use of this apparatus are also described.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to a surgical drape which decreases the likelihood of infection by protecting the surgical site both during and after the operation. Further, the present technology can be used in conjunction with a fluid-collection system for surgical procedures which result in a large volume of fluid to be collected from the surgical site.

Abstract: A device for loading a guide wire into the open end of a tubular instrument, such as a catheter. The device can be a block of material having a groove in its surface. The ends of the guide wire and the tubular instrument are placed into the groove and moved toward each other. When the ends meet, the groove guides the guide wire into the open end of the tubular instrument. The groove, or at least a portion of the groove, can have a cross-sectional contour that closely matches the outside radius of the tubular instrument. The groove can have a substantially vertical wall and a substantially non-vertical wall. A variety of attachment mechanisms may be provided for attaching the device to a towel draping a patient.

Abstract: A wrappable sterile radiation shield drape, a wrappable sterile radiation shield drape in combination with a radiation shield, and a method of providing a sterile surface about a suspended radiation shield is provided. The drape includes a flexible wall having a sterilized outer surface. The wall has opposite side edges extending between upper and lower ends. The upper end has an everted portion providing an inverted pocket. The wall includes an upper fastener adjacent its upper end. The upper fastener is configured to releasably fix the upper end of the wall relative to the radiation shield. The wall further includes an edge fastener adjacent at least one of its side edges. The edge fastener is configured for releasable attachment adjacent the opposite side edge to releasably maintain the wall in a wrapped configuration about the radiation shield with the side edges being releasably maintained in overlapping relation with one another.

Abstract: A medical garment system for comfortably restraining at least one limb of a gown wearer while permitting the wearer to receive medical treatment. The medical garment system is particularly useful for special needs patients, such as autistic children, who may become frightened when medical personnel are attempting to administer medication. Such patients may react by violently moving their arms, causing themselves or the medical personnel harm. When the arms of such a patient are comfortably subdued during such procedures, the patient is better protected from injury.

Abstract: A surgical drape (10) has a planar, flexible covering element (11) with an area (30) for accommodating a reference means (40) for a navigation system, the reference means protruding from the plane of the covering element. The area (30) has at least two deformable, elongated bar elements (18), which are connected to the covering element (30) and have two bar ends (27). The bar elements include the area (30) for accommodating the reference means (40) between the bar elements. At least one elongated shortening means (20) can be fixed on the covering element (11) and interacts with at least one of the bar elements (18), for reducing and/or fixing the distance of the two bar ends (27) from each other so that the area (30) for accommodating the reference means (40) is lifted out of the plane of the covering element (11).

Abstract: A sterile drape, system, and method for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system are provided. In one embodiment, a sterile drape includes an exterior surface adjacent to a sterile field for performing a surgical procedure, and an interior surface forming a cavity for receiving the non-sterile portion of a robotic surgical system, such as a manipulator. The drape further includes an integral cuff including a permanently turned-up fold of the exterior and interior surfaces at an open end of the cavity and a marker on the permanently turned-up fold designating a sterile side and a non-sterile side of the drape.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing uniform thickness layers of liquid to surfaces and especially surgical sealants to surgical sites to create, in situ, a surgical incise drape is disclosed. The applicator employs a supported thin layer of foam which achieves layer thickness which are substantially independent of the pressure applied to the applicator during use. Methods of using the applicator are also disclosed.

Abstract: An MRI-compatible patch for identifying a location includes a flexible base layer, a flexible substrate and at least one of MRI-visible fiducial element. The flexible base layer is mountable on and substantially conformable to a patient's body surface. The base layer has opposed upper and lower primary surfaces. The flexible substrate is releasably attached to the upper primary surface of the base layer and substantially conformable to the patient's body surface. The at least one MRI-visible fiducial element is defined by or secured to the flexible substrate. The patch may include a plurality of the MRI-visible fiducial elements arranged in a defined pattern.

Abstract: A radiation shield assembly and method of providing a sterile barrier to radiation is provided. An assembly includes a rigid support member and a radiopaque sheet operably fixed to the support member. A sterile flexible drape covers the radiopaque sheet. Another assembly includes a sterile flexible drape and a through opening. A radiopaque member is disposed about the through opening. A method includes laying a first flexible drape having an access opening over a patient and then laying a radiopaque member substantially about the access opening on the first flexible drape. Another method includes providing a flexible drape having a sterile outer surface and a through opening and disposing a radiopaque member about the through opening. Another method includes laying a sterile flexible drape having a pocket and a through opening over a patient. Then, disposing at least one radiopaque member in the pocket about the through opening.

Abstract: A urology drape is disclosed which comprises a flexible sheet (12) which has a flexible hood (22) overlying part of the sheet (12) to form a repository (24) between the sheet (12) and the hood (22). The sheet (12) has a hole (18) to enable a procedure to be performed on a patient when the drape is located on the patient. Bodily fluid is able to flow from the hole down the sheet (12) into the repository (24) and when the procedure is finished, the drape can be folded or otherwise collapsed into a disposable package so that the drape and fluid can be disposed of in a hygienic manner.

Abstract: A urological drape is provided defining a vaginal aperture and a finger cot for accessing the rectum of a patient without making contact therewith. The drape includes an adhesive backing for fixing the drape relative to the patient. Preferably, a pouch is provided which is constructed and arranged to catch any fluids which might be discharged from the vagina during an examination or surgical procedure.

Abstract: Techniques for biventricular pacing include a rigid shaped stylet approximating curves of a coronary sinus and branch vein. Some techniques include a parasternal coronary sinus cannula comprising an outer sheath and an obturator. The obturator is removeably disposed inside the outer sheath from a device end of the hollow shaft. The obturator includes a flexible stem that fits snugly inside the hollow shaft, a malleable core disposed inside the flexible stem, a tapered tip that extends beyond a cardiac end of the shaft when the obturator is disposed inside the outer sheath, and a sensor for determining properties of the subject in a vicinity of the tapered tip. An optional pressure-seal, such as a tent, connected to suction maintains negative intrepleural pressure for insertion under local anesthesia.

Abstract: A sterile drape configured for isolating a portion of a surgical device within a sterile environment, comprising: a plurality of drape interface mechanisms comprising: at least one drape/handle interface mechanism comprising a first ring defining a first opening through the sterile drape and configured for coupling with a control mechanism, the control mechanism comprising a surgical device for controlling a surgical instrument; and at least one drape/shaft interface mechanism comprising a second ring defining a second opening through the sterile drape, and configured for sealingly receiving a shaft there through as the shaft moves with a piston and is detachably coupled with the piston, wherein the piston is configured for responding to a first set of control signals sent by a first mechanical manipulation mechanism via a first connector by moving between a proximal end and a distal end of a first mechanical slave cylinder.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nonwoven fabric including at least one nonwoven web material layer having thermoplastic polymer filaments and an initial thickness Ts, wherein the method includes embossing the nonwoven web material layer to form in the layer an embossed portion having a compressed thickness Tc that is less than Ts and an expanded portion of the layer having a thickness Te that is greater than Ts.

Abstract: A medical drape is disclosed. The drape comprises a main portion having a front side, a back side, a first edge, a second edge, a top, and a bottom. The first and second edges are positioned opposite one another. The top and the bottom are positioned opposite one other. The drape further comprises a first and a second fenestration extending completely through the main portion and spaced generally equidistant from a vertical axis. The vertical axis is generally parallel to the first and second edges. The drape further comprises a third and a fourth fenestration extending completely through the main portion and are spaced generally equidistant from the vertical axis. The first and second fenestrations are closer to the top than the third and fourth fenestrations.

Abstract: A surgical drape has a fenestration configured to aid in identifying an anatomical point of interest and positioning the fenestration at the surgical site. In one preferred form, the surgical drape has a chevron-shaped fenestration for positioning the fenestration relative to the xiphoid process region of a patient, which is useful for establishing the sterile field in certain bariatric procedures. An anesthesia screen at a head of the drape extends laterally to the sides of the base sheet forming the fenestration and defines integral arm board covers. The lateral ends of the anesthesia sheet are sealed in part to close the ends of the arm board covers. A secondary base sheet defining a smaller, secondary fenestration is releasably attached to the base sheet so that the fenestrations can be aligned with one another. Various instrument and chord management features are also included. A method of making the drape is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoresponsive adhesives. The invention further relates to methods for the reversible attachment of retinal implants, other implants, and drug delivery devices.

Abstract: A surgical drape with a functional interface for engaging surgical instruments, including a flexible, tube-like sleeve for creating a sterile barrier around a non-sterile holding arm. The drape is open at a proximal end, and has a hub at a distal end for connection to a distal end of the holding arm. The hub has sterile external surfaces that allow surgical instruments to be easily removably attached in a variety of directions and orientations, providing sufficient mechanical strength to transmit forces from the instruments to the holding arm. The hub includes an externally accessible, sterile actuator for actuating an electronic circuit local to the holding arm on the non-sterile side of the barrier.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a one piece customized disposable surgical drape to be used in any surgery, and more specifically to a one piece customized disposable surgical drape that includes one or more of the following: (1) a patient drape for use with a standalone non-draped image acquisition device (requiring circumferential access to the patient); (2) a patient drape for use with a standalone non-draped image acquisition device with image guidance navigation technology; (3) the means to provide temporary sterile coverage of an underlying sterile field; (4) the means to provide sterile separation of at least a portion, if not the entire temporary sterile coverage; and (5) the means to provide covering of the undersurface of the operating surface and enclosing any suspended medical devices, wires, cables, tubes, etc.

Abstract: A surgical procedure bag allowing for rapid preparation of a surgical procedure while ensuring the sterility of the patient and the surgical instruments. The surgical procedure bag comprises a top layer and a bottom layer. The bottom layer is placed above and against the surgical site and, wearing gloves, the surgeon inserts his/her hands through the top layer and manipulates the pre-sterilized surgical instruments placed inside the bag to perform the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A sterile surgical procedure bag allows for rapid preparation of a surgical procedure while ensuring the sterility of the patient and the surgical instruments. The three dimensional shape of the bag creates a sterile space within which a surgical procedure may be performed. Sterile Instruments needed to perform the surgical procedure are secured to the interior of the bag in an organized and easily accessible way. The bag is attached to the surgical site. The bag further comprises openings for insertion of hands covered with sterile gloves into it, or the sterile instruments can be reached and manipulated through the bag's wall.

Abstract: A tray (100) for accommodating a coiled medical device, such as a catheter assembly (700), includes a first compartment (101), a second compartment (102), and a third compartment (103). The catheter assembly (700) and devices associated with a catheterization procedure, such as syringes (701,702) containing sterile water and lubricating jelly and a specimen container (703) can be disposed within the tray. Printed instructions (1001) can be included with the tray (100). One or more layers of wrap material (2200) can be folded about the tray (100) to enclose the tray (100) and other items, such as an additional layer of wrap material (2701), packaged liquid hand sanitizer (2401), and packaged gloves (2402). When a health care services provider (3101) unfolds the wrap material, the same can be used to create a sterile field beneath a patient (3201).

Abstract: Antimicrobial laminates of the invention comprise at least one adhesive layer; a backing outwardly exposed on a first side of the adhesive layer; and, optionally, a release liner outwardly exposed on a second side of the adhesive layer opposite from the first side of the adhesive layer. At least one of the at least one adhesive layer and the backing comprises an antimicrobially effective amount of substantially pure chlorhexidine.

Abstract: A sterile adapter, a drape including the adapter, and a method of draping a manipulator arm are provided. In one embodiment, the sterile adapter includes a housing configured to receive a distal face of an instrument manipulator having a plurality of manipulator actuator outputs, and a membrane interface disposed at a distal end of the housing, the membrane interface including a plurality of actuator interfaces. The adapter further includes a pair of supports coupled to the housing, the pair of supports configured to retain a surgical instrument having a plurality of instrument actuator inputs so that the plurality of instrument actuator inputs are positioned opposite to corresponding manipulator actuator outputs with an actuator interface between each corresponding instrument actuator input and manipulator actuator output.

Abstract: A surgical eye drape with a first and second drape sections, each drape section having a wing extending from each edge with a flap for forming a pouch disposed between the wings. The drape sections are disposed above and below an eye with the wings position on opposing sides of the eye and the pouches disposed across the upper and lower eyelids of the eye. The pouches are positioned under the eyelids and the blades of a speculum inserted into the pouches when actuated wrap the drape material around the eyelids which prevents contamination of the eye from bacteria washed from the eyelids during surgical procedures.

Abstract: A sterile surgical sheet comprising two parallel slits and bands of adhesive bonding for prepping a patient for bilateral knee replacement surgery and providing adequate shielding from an upper thigh tourniquet. The sheet is of one-piece construction and utilizes two parallel slits for placement around a patient's legs to maintain a sterile field and seal off a tourniquet area. Outer sections of material are wrapped around and over each leg from the outside, while an inner section between the slits is folded over the patient's groin and over the outer section wrapping. Bands of adhesive bonding along the slits secure the folded assembly against the patient's legs and ensure the sheet does not come unwrapped. This provides doctors and nurses with a bounded sterile region and uninhibited access to a patient's legs. The one-piece drape provides convenience for users and reduces effort when preparing a patient prior to surgery, eliminating the use of multiple, overlapping sheets that are prone to separation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination drape and carrying bag unit including a singular sheet or plurality of joined sheet of pliable materials, both permeable and impermeable, of size to define a mat to accommodate a working medical procedural area thereon, upon which may be placed in single or combination, medical equipment and patient. The sheet has a drawstring casing extending about its periphery. The casing has openings therein on opposite sides of the mat and a drawstring is received in the drawstring casing and is of size to extend continuously about the periphery of the sheet when it defines a mat. The drawstring is slidably received in the drawstring casing so that when portions of the drawstring are pulled out of the drawstring casing through the openings, the periphery of the sheet forms gathers adjacent the casing to permit the periphery to reduce in size whereby the unit forms a carrying bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibers and nonwovens made from plasticized polyolefin compositions comprising a polyolefin, a non-functionalized hydrocarbon plasticizer and a slip agent.

Abstract: A drape having a pair of elongated sheets connected at distal ends to define a skirt, with opposing side walls in a first portion of the elongated sheets having a first width and in a second portion having a different width so the drape has a stair-step structure, with a paper and plastic laminated first and second tier panels attached to the elongated sheets in spaced-relation and a central panel attached therebetween, for covering a tiered surgical operating table.

Abstract: A urology drape is disclosed which comprises a flexible sheet (12) which has a flexible hood (22) overlying part of the sheet (12) to form a repository (24) between the sheet (12) and the hood (22). The sheet (12) has a hole (18) to enable a procedure to be performed on a patient when the drape is located on the patient. Bodily fluid is able to flow from the hole down the sheet (12) into the repository (24) and when the procedure is finished, the drape can be folded or otherwise collapsed into a disposable package so that the drape and fluid can be disposed of in a hygienic manner.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus used for collecting fluids during a medical procedure includes a fluid collection pouch having an open end, an inflatable bladder substantially surrounding a perimeter of the open end, and a pump coupled to the inflatable bladder. The pump is operable to inflate the inflatable bladder. According to another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus used for collecting fluids during a medical procedure includes a fluid collection pouch having an open end with a perimeter, a channel surrounding approximately one half of the perimeter of the open end, an inflatable bladder disposed within the channel, and a pump disposed within the channel and coupled to the inflatable bladder. The pump is operable to inflate the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A biodegradable monolayer medical material, comprising at least 20 percent cellulose fibers by dry weight, with a remainder consisting of at least 75 percent by dry weight of natural fibers, the monolayer medical material providing a barrier to liquids and/or microorganisms meeting at least level 1 performance based on a standard defined by AAMI PB70, and at least a portion of the monolayer medical material comprises a softening process pattern configured to soften the monolayer medical barrier material.

Abstract: A surgical drape includes a flexible opaque sheet configured to satisfy barrier performance requirements of AAMI PB70:2003, and a flexible transparent sheet disposed within the opaque sheet to form a window sized and shaped to permit the patient to view the surgical procedure therethrough. The window is configured to satisfy the barrier performance requirements of AAMI PB70:2003, and a flexible, opaque cover is sized and shaped to substantially match that of the window. One or more releasable fasteners are configured to releasably dispose the cover in superposed relation with the window, to selectively cover and uncover the window.

Abstract: Disposable operating room surgical draping systems are disclosed. Methods of using disposable operating room surgical draping systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are articles and processes for making elastic composite structures which can be used as or converted into a component of disposable hygiene products or articles of apparel. At least one relatively inelastic substrate, for example a nonwoven substrate, is adhesively bonded with a hot melt adhesive to a certain selected type of elongated polyurethane material in the form of a film or one or more fibers or filaments. The elongated polyurethane material is then allowed to relax which provides an elastic composite structure which is gathered or puckered.

Abstract: A sterile radiation shield drape configured to be disposed about a radiation shield while the radiation shield is hanging from a support at its top end and extending to a free bottom end is provided. The radiation shield drape includes a circumferentially continuous wall having a sterilized outer surface and an inner surface extending between an upper end and a lower end. The inner surface circumferentially bounds a cavity sized for receipt of the radiation shield. The upper end has an everted edge providing at least one pocket extending along the upper end and further includes at least one fastener provided adjacent the upper end. The at least one fastener is configured to releasably fix the circumferentially continuous wall about the radiation shield.

Abstract: A medical procedure drape, for use during a diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed on a patient supported by a patient cart, including a cover and a holder for the endoscope. The cover superimposes a portion of the patient and a portion of the patient cart. The endoscope holder is fixed to a boundary of the cover and extends above the level of the patient support surface on the patient cart. The endoscope holder retains and supports the endoscope during insertion and at other such times that the endoscopist may wish to set the endoscope aside to perform other tasks.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a sterile surgical instrument, a robotic surgical manipulator, and a sterile drape covering at least a portion of the robotic surgical manipulator. The surgical instrument has a proximal interface and a distal end effector. The proximal interface includes a gimbal assembly with two intersecting rotational axes coupled to the distal end effector. The robotic surgical manipulator has a drive plate that bears against the gimbal assembly. The drive plate has two degrees of rotational freedom about a center of motion that is coincident with an intersection of the axes of the gimbal assembly. The sterile drape includes a sterile sheet covers at least a portion of the robotic surgical manipulator, a frame bonded to the sterile sheet, an instrument interface that covers the drive plate of the robotic surgical manipulator, and a diaphragm that connects the instrument interface to the frame.

Abstract: A surgical barrier device includes an inflatable thermal blanket with an attached surgical drape. The inflatable thermal blanket is inflatable through an inlet by a thermally-controlled inflating medium. An aperture array on the undersurface of the inflatable thermal blanket exhausts the thermally controlled inflating medium from the inflatable thermal blanket. The surgical drape extends from the inflatable thermal blanket and is sized to substantially cover the entirety of the patient's body. Where patient access is required, that drape has an opening to provide access to a surgical site.

Abstract: Medical lens assemblies and sterile drapes with a lens assembly are presented herein. In one embodiment, a lens assembly includes an annular lens housing that is attachable to a medical drape. The lens housing is configured to releasably attach to a medical device, such as a surgical microscope. An annular lens cover holder is removably attachable to the lens housing. A lens cover for shielding the objective lens is pivotably hinged to the lens cover holder. In another embodiment, a drape assembly includes a flexible body sized to cover an optical device. A lens housing attached to the drape body is engageable with the optical device to attach proximate to an objective lens thereof. A lens cover holder is removably attached to the lens housing to rotate about a first axis. A lens cover is mounted to the lens cover holder to pivot about a second, different axis.

Abstract: Breathable and biodegradable polymeric film materials of the invention are highly suitable for use in personal care absorbent articles and other articles. The film includes a biodegradable polymer resin, a thermoplastic starch, a filler and optionally, a protein. The breathable film has a renewable natural polymer component.

Abstract: A drape including a sensing device according to the present invention is disposed over a top surface of a thermal treatment system having a basin recessed therein. A portion of the drape is pushed down into the basin to form a drape container for collecting a sterile medium. The thermal treatment system may be of the type that either heats or congeals the sterile medium. The sensing device includes electrodes that are typically disposed through the drape and sealed. The electrodes provide signals indicating the presence of liquid and/or leaks or other conditions within the drape container to the system to facilitate control of system operation. In addition, the sensing device includes a fuse to limit the drape to a single use. The system disables the fuse to indicate prior use and detects tampering to bypass the fuse, thereby preventing use of the drape for subsequent medical procedures.

Abstract: A drape for clean operation is a flexible bag-shaped structure for maintaining a substantially closed operating space around an operation site. The bag-shaped structure comprises a bottom wall 1 and a transparent top wall 2 and has a closed proximal end 100a and a closed distal end 100b. The bottom wall 1 is provided with at least one operation site-revealing opening 3 close to the proximal end, and the top wall 2 is provided with at least one pair of hand insertion parts 4 at a position close to the operation site-revealing opening 3 to allow the physician to aseptically insert the hands into the operating space, and a closed, openable and closable medical device supply port 5 for supplying medical devices required for operations at a position away from the operation site-revealing opening 3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable surgical cover having a fluid impermeable base cover material with a lower side facing the patient during use and an upper side, wherein the upper side comprises an absorbent layer, a first absorbent region, and at least one second absorbent region. For this purpose the second absorbent region is overlapped by a fluid absorbent and fluid permeable material section having outer edges and adjoining edge regions. The surgical cover as such extends in a longitudinal direction LR between an upper end and a lower end. The absorbent material section is undetachably fixed across the entire circumference on the upper side of the base cover material, and is substantially not connected to the base cover material outside of the edge regions such that a pocket is formed between the absorbent material section and the fluid impermeable base cover material.

Abstract: Articles having zoned breathability such as personal hygiene articles are provided having controlled regional breathability with high MVTR regions and low MVTR regions. The zoned breathability articles comprise organic acid-modified ionomer resins.

Abstract: A surgical drape includes a first, closed container within which a first sheet is disposed. The first sheet has first and second opposed ends, the first end of the first sheet being removable from the container so as to remove a desired portion of the first sheet from the container, the second end of the first sheet remaining within the container. Preferably, the first container is laid across a desired portion of the table prior to placing the patient on the table. After the patient has been positioned properly and prepped, the first sheet can be pulled from underneath the patient and pulled out of the first container so that the sheet covers the table in the area of surgical interest and then covers the entire side or end of the table down to the floor. After the surgical procedure has been completed, the first sheet and the container can be removed and discarded.