Abstract: A disposable surgical drape for use in cardiovascular surgical procedures which may optionally be used to isolate a sterile pumping mechanism from a non-sterile pump driving mechanism and/or provide support for medical equipment, such as medical tubing.

Abstract: A device and method for collecting distension media or other fluids discharged during surgical procedures is shown. Also shown is a method for reducing the risk of hyponatremia. The apparatus makes it practical to determine the amount of distension media retained by a patient during hysteroscopic or other surgical procedures, particularly procedures using non-isotonic distension media during monopolar electrosurgery. The apparatus and methods are also useful during a variety of laparoscopic, obstetric, cardiovascular, liposuction, plastic, orthopedic, restorative, and other procedures.

Abstract: Shields for protecting parts of the body during use of lasers or similar high intensity light. One of the shields is a dental shield shaped to conform to the typical dental alignment in the buccal area of the patient. Other shields are for protecting the genital areas of either a male or female patient. The female shield protects the vulva of a female patient. The male genital shield is a penile guard, in the form of a thick tube that is placed around the upper half of the penis when a procedure is performed for removing the hair follicles on the lower half part of the penis. The shields are made of a light color, preferably white, in order to disperse or reflect the energy and avoid the penetration of the laser or other light instruments all the way through the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nonwoven surgical drape made of a non-cellulose containing base sheet having a source of additional weight uniformly distributed along side edges of the drape. The source of additional weight may have a mass per unit length between about three times and about eight times the basis weight of the base sheet.

Abstract: A surgical drape is provided that is capable of forming a pocket. In particular, the surgical drape includes a fabric formed from a nonwoven layer. The nonwoven layer has a surface that includes a plurality of strands arranged on the surface with a plurality of bonds spaced about the surface. The nonwoven layer also includes a plurality of loops extending between the bonds. The surgical drape also includes at least one hook fastener that contains hooks engageable with the loops of the nonwoven layer. As a result, an edge of the fabric can be folded such that the hooks engage the loops of the fabric to form a pocket. The pocket can have one open end, two open ends, or two closed ends.

Abstract: An operating room drape for allowing the presence of a monitor or display panel close to a surgical field while maintaining a sterile field between the monitor and the surgical site. A window in the drape, or all of the drape, is formed of a high clarity material and at least the window is adapted to lie against the monitor screen to provide enhanced visibility. The window may be configured as a separate rectangular insert formed, for example, of a five mil EPV vinyl or other clear polymer medically acceptable material, and sterilized by a process such as ethylene oxide or gamma ray sterilization. The window material may be treated by a process such as corona discharge treatment to enhance its surface adherence properties, while a major portion of the drape, or a release portion, may be non-adherent to facilitate positioning of the window and also removal of the drape following use. The drape itself may constitute a bag.

Abstract: A friction control article including a backing layer having a first surface with an array of at least 100 upstanding stems per square inch and a second surface. At least a portion of the upstanding stems is an elastomeric material and the stems have an aspect ratio of at least 1.25. The first surface has a static coefficient of friction when dry of at least 0.6 and a static coefficient of friction when wet within 20% of the static coefficient of friction when dry. The first surface has a peel strength and a tensile strength of substantially zero when engaged with another slip control article. The first surface has a relatively high shear strength when engaged with another slip control article. The high shear forces are due primarily to the frictional properties of the elastomeric materials, not a mechanical interlock of the stems, such as on a mechanical fastener.

Abstract: A thermal treatment system for thermally treating a sterile medium is controlled via a controller selectively manipulable by a user during system operation. The system facilitates entry of a desired temperature range for thermally treating the sterile medium and includes an alarm to notify the user of a status of the measured temperature relative to the desired temperature range.

Abstract: A polyurethane dispersion and method of making are provided. The dispersion is stable in an alcohol-water mixture. The dispersion is a reaction product of: (i) at least one oligomeric polyactive hydrogen compound, wherein said compound is an alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl structure optionally substituted in and/or on the chain by N, O, S and combinations thereof, and wherein the compound is insoluble in 50:50 weight percent of said alcohol-water mixture; (ii) at least one polyisocyanate, and (iii) at least one polyactive hydrogen compound soluble in the alcohol-water mixture selected from the group consisting of a compound containing an ionic group, a compound containing a moiety capable of forming an ionic group, a compound containing a polyester, polyether, or polycarbonate group having a ratio of 5 or less carbon atoms for each oxygen atom, and mixtures thereof; and (b) at least one polyfunctional chain extender.

Abstract: A fluid absorbent article for surgical applications includes a top layer including an apertured film having a plurality of apertures formed therein. Each aperture includes a base and an apex with the aperture base oriented in an upper surface of the top layer and the apex positioned a depth below the base and upper surface. An absorbent layer includes an absorbent media positioned to underlie the top layer generally coextensive with the top layer and receive fluids passing through the top layer. The absorbent media is operable for dispersing and containing the fluid within the article. Bases of the apertures have a plurality of generally straight sides and are positioned with respect to the upper surface to present a plurality of different angles to fluid flowing on the upper surface to hinder and divert the fluid so that it more readily passes through the apertures to the absorbent layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single-use, disposable absorbent laminate containing one or more layers of hydrophilic meltspun material bonded to a breathable film. The meltspun fabric layer may include at least one spunbonded fabric, meltblown fabric or other nonwoven fabric that is made hydrophilic prior to bonding to the film. The filaments or microfibers of the spunbonded or meltblown fabrics may contain a hydrophilic additive in or on the filaments or microfibers. The film of the surgical drape remains breathable while enabling the laminate to resist penetration by liquids and viruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable surgical drape (1) that includes a layer (2) of absorbent material and a layer (3) of plastic material. According to the invention, net material (4) extends between the respective layers of absorbent material and plastic material (2 and 3) over the entire drape (1) or over parts thereof.

Abstract: A drape including a sensing device is disposed over a thermal treatment system having a basin recessed therein to form a drape container or receptacle within the basin for collecting a sterile medium. The thermal treatment system may either heat or congeal the sterile medium. The sensing device is typically disposed through the drape to provide a signal indicating the presence of liquid and/or leaks within the drape container to the system to facilitate control of system operation. In addition, the sensing device may be affixed to a plural basin drape utilized for a multiple basin thermal treatment system. The drape forms a drape receptacle within each basin, while a sensing device is typically disposed within each drape receptacle to detect the presence of liquid and/or a leak within that drape receptacle to facilitate control of system operation in substantially the same manner described above.

Abstract: A medical instrument arrangement includes an operation microscope system (100) and a carrier unit (101) carrying the operation microscope (102). The medical instrument arrangement is at least partially covered by a drape (110). The air inside the drape (110) is removed by a suction unit. The drape (110) is fixed to a portion of the carrier unit (101) at a collar (115). By operating the suction unit at different suction rates, disturbing vibrations of the system during a surgical procedure can be minimized.

Abstract: A surgical drape manufactured or fabricated from a polymeric film having a low glare finish and a predetermined coloration for reducing the luminous intensity of light reflected from the surface thereof is provided. Such surgical drape thereby minimizes reflectivity therefrom, and thus eye strain and fatigue. The subject invention includes the use of colorants, dyes, pigments, etc. to form translucent polymeric surgical drapes that absorb a selected range of wavelengths from surface reflected light. More particularly, the use of coloring agents in combination with a textured surface yield a surgical drape possessing reduced luminance and glare, thereby mitigating eye strain and fatigue. The preferred range of reflected light, in order of preference, is 625-700 nm, 520-560 nm, 450-520 nm, 400-450 nm, 600-625 nm, and 560-600 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compress or drape for single use, constituted by a plurality of alternating superposed sheets of hydrophilic cotton gauze and of non-woven hydrophilic web, and to a method of manufacturing it, the method comprising the following steps: making a continuous multilayer strip by simultaneously paying out sheets of hydrophilic cotton gauze and of non-woven web from reels, said sheets passing together via a drive device before reaching stations for making up individual drapes; putting non-woven bands around the longitudinal edges of the multilayer strip by paying out from payout spools; assembling the bands in a bonding station by means of ultrasonic bond lines; cutting individual drapes to length transversely in a cutting station; taking off the cut-apart drapes perpendicularly in a drive device; and putting bands into place around the transverse edges of the individualized drapes, and securing them by ultrasonic bonding.

Abstract: A disposable drape for use in covering dual-tier surgical carts used in hospital operating rooms. The drape is adapted to be placed upon both shelves of a surgical or medical cart having two shelves—an auxiliary shelf situated above a larger main shelf or table. The drape is intended to be sterile, and is provided with absorbent surfaces at locations corresponding to the tup surfaces of the cart's shelves when the drape is properly installed upon the cart. The drape is seamless. Pull tabes are provided to aid in the installation of the drape upon a cart without compromising drape sterility.

Abstract: A thermal treatment system for thermally treating a sterile medium is controlled via a foot actuated switch to thermally treat the sterile medium to a desired temperature and/or form (e.g., slush). The thermal treatment system includes a basin recessed in a system top surface, while a surgical sterile drape is placed over the system and within the basin to form a drape container for containing the sterile medium. The basin may be configured to cool the sterile medium and form sterile surgical slush, or heat the sterile medium to provide warm sterile liquid. A dislodgment mechanism may be employed within a cooling basin to manipulate the drape and dislodge frozen pieces of sterile medium adhered to the drape. Information pertaining to the sterile medium and system operation may be displayed on a system display that has dimensions sufficient to provide visibility of the information to users located within extended ranges from the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides medical articles having a fluid control film component which comprise a sheet having microchannels that permit directional flow of a liquid. Articles incorporating the fluid control film include: wound dressings, wound drains, tympanostomy fluid wicks, intravenous access site dressings, drug delivery dressings, and sweat collection patches.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical drape and a method of applying the drape to a patient. The ophthalmic surgical drape is made from a sheet having an aperture in the interior of the sheet, and at least two tear lines in the sheet extending from the aperture. The drape also has a field of skin compatible adhesive adjacent the aperture, with the field being traversed by the tear lines so as to divide the field into at least two portions. The drape may be provided in a folded condition in which tearing can be accomplished so as to divide the drape into two sections before the drape is unfolded. Also disclosed are two tear lines disposed along an oblique angle, and a method of applying the drape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compress or drape for single use, constituted by a plurality of alternating superposed sheets of hydrophilic cotton gauze and of non-woven hydrophilic web, and to a method of manufacturing it, the method comprising the following steps:

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: An ophthalmic surgical drape and a method of applying the drape to a, patient. The ophthalmic surgical drape is made from a sheet having an aperture in the interior of the sheet, and at least two tear lines in the sheet extending from the aperture. The drape also has a field of skin compatible adhesive adjacent the aperture, with the field being traversed by the tear lines so as to divide the field into at least two portions. The drape may be provided in a folded condition in which tearing can be accomplished so as to divide the drape into two sections before the drape is unfolded. Also disclosed are two tear lines disposed along an oblique angle, and a method of applying the drape.

Abstract: An operating room drape for allowing the presence of a monitor or display panel close to a surgical field while maintaining a sterile field between the monitor and the surgical site. A window in the drape, or all of the drape, is formed of a high clarity material and at least the window is adapted to lie against the monitor screen to provide enhanced visibility. The window may be configured as a separate rectangular insert formed, for example, of a five mil EPV vinyl or other clear polymer medically acceptable material, and sterilized by a process such as ethylene oxide or gamma ray sterilization. The window material may be treated by a process such as corona discharge treatment to enhance its surface adherence properties, while a major portion of the drape, or a release portion, may be non-adherent to facilitate positioning of the window and also removal of the drape following use. The drape itself may constitute a bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical drape that includes a liquid-absorbent top sheet (1) and a liquid-impervious sheet (2) immediately beneath the top sheet. The liquid-impervious sheet faces towards a patient when the drape is in use. According to the invention, at least one string of hotmelt glue (5) is disposed on the surface of the drape, this hotmelt glue extending from the upper side of the top sheet, through said top sheet and bonds with the liquid-impervious sheet.

Abstract: A fenestrated surgical drape has a panel having at least two portions and a centrally located fenestration. The two portions each have a deployment tab located on a portion distal end and the portions are folded near or on the fenestration so that the deployment tab is accessible and adapted to deploy the portion away from the fenestration. The portions are folded over the fenestration so that the inner surface surrounding the fenestration is unobstructed for ease in locating the fenestration over a patient application site.

Abstract: A surgical retractor liner (12) and integral drape (16) suitable for inserting in an incision and adjusting in place to prevent cross-contamination during surgery between the incised cavity and the surrounding skin of the patient. In one embodiment, a flexible elastic liner (12) impervious to microorganisms has resilient inner (20) and outer rings (18) at either end for holding the liner (12) firmly in the incision. The outer ring (18) is rolled down over itself drawing the liner (12) taut and contiguous in the incision. In another embodiment a skirt (14) is sealingly joined at the outer ring (18) and tapers outwardly and sealingly joins to a drape (16) around a central aperture (16a) therein.

Abstract: Two plies (12, 14) woven from synthetic yarns (18) are joined together to define a single, two-ply surgical wrapper (10) which may be used to wrap a surgical pack (50) with only the single wrapper (10) to provide the effect of a sequential wrap.

Abstract: A thermal treatment system for thermally treating a sterile medium is controlled via a foot actuated switch to thermally treat the sterile medium to a desired temperature and/or form (e.g., slush). The thermal treatment system includes a basin recessed in a system top surface, while a surgical sterile drape is placed over the system and within the basin to form a drape container for containing the sterile medium. The basin may be configured to cool the sterile medium and form sterile surgical slush, or heat the sterile medium to provide warm sterile liquid. A dislodgment mechanism may be employed within a cooling basin to manipulate the drape and dislodge frozen pieces of sterile medium adhered to the drape. Information pertaining to the sterile medium and system operation may be displayed on a system display that has dimensions sufficient to provide visibility of the information to users located within extended ranges from time system.

Abstract: A flexible surgical drape has an adhesive side and a non-adhesive side. The adhesive side is adhesive across substantially its entire face. The drape consists of a flexible sheet suitable for covering a substantial portion of a patient's body. A pocket for catching patient secretions and other fluids is attached to the adhesive side of the drape. The drape contains an opening capable of receiving a removable valve, which, when in place, seals off the opening and prevents the passage of gases, secretions, and fluids that are typically present during a medical procedure. The valve can be made to lock into the opening so as to reduce the likelihood of its inadvertent removal. An examining tool such as a colonoscope fits through a hole extending through the valve and thus can be passed from one side of the drape to the other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable surgical drape (1) that includes a layer (2) of absorbent material and a layer (3) of plastic material. According to the invention, net material (4) extends between the respective layers of absorbent material and plastic material (2 and 3) over the entire drape (1) or over parts thereof.

Abstract: A wound therapy combination comprising a suction head and a surgical drape. The suction head comprises a planar flange portion and a tubular connector piece on a first face that communicates with an aperture extending to a second face. The second face is formed with projections that define flow channels for facilitating flow of liquids to the aperture.

Abstract: Method of using a drape is described for use in various ophthalmic surgeries including refractive eye surgery. The drape can be configured in at least sixteen different ways for both single or bilateral eye surgical procedures. The drape includes an adhesive liner that acts as a cover for the non-surgical eye. A tent portion is also provided that allows the patient to blink or comfortably keep open the covered non-surgical eye. Allowing the patient to blink or keep open the covered non-surgical eye gives support or assists in fixation of the surgical eye. The drape is also positions the apertures are on the lower half of the drape in order to leave the bottom of the nose and mouth uncovered for patient comfort. An adhesive liner may be provided with the drape for allowing coverage of the non-surgical eye.

Abstract: A drape is described for use in various ophthalmic surgeries including refractive eye surgery. The drape can be configured in at least sixteen different ways for both single or bilateral eye surgical procedures. The drape includes an adhesive liner that acts as a cover for the non-surgical eye. A tent portion is also provided that allows the patient to blink or comfortably keep open the covered non-surgical eye. Allowing the patient to blink or keep open the covered non-surgical eye gives support or assists in fixation of the surgical eye. The drape is also positions the apertures are on the lower half of the drape in order to leave the bottom of the nose and mouth uncovered for patient comfort. An adhesive liner may be provided with the drape for allowing coverage of the non-surgical eye.

Abstract: A surgical drape including a flexible sheet having a top surface and an outer edge including distinct given and particular segments, the primary sheet defining a fenestration for accommodating a surgical procedure; a flexible first flap secured to the given segment and shaped and arranged to be foldable over the sheet into a position substantially covering the fenestration; and a flexible second flap secured to the particular segment and shaped and arranged to be foldable over the sheet into a position substantially covering the fenestration. The flaps are deployable to selectively reduce the size of the fenestration.

Abstract: A sterile drape serving to preserve the sterile integrity of an operating field is disclosed. The drape has a rigid optically clear window which allows a visible light beam, such as a laser beam, to exit a targeting device without refraction or distortion that could result in misalignment of the visible light beam relative to a targeted object. The rigid optically clear window is made of a material having an ability to transmit light and which ability remains substantially unchanged after the drape has undergone a gamma radiation sterilization process.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical drape and a method of applying the drape to a patient. The ophthalmic surgical drape is made from a sheet having an aperture in the interior of the sheet, and at least two tear lines in the sheet extending from the aperture. The drape also has a field of skin compatible adhesive adjacent the aperture, with the field being traversed by the tear lines so as to divide the field into at least two portions. The drape may be provided in a folded condition in which tearing can be accomplished so as to divide the drape into two sections before the drape is unfolded. Also disclosed are two tear lines disposed along an oblique angle, and a method of applying the drape.

Abstract: A surgical drape and surgical drape kit are provided for engaging a hook fastener to fasten the surgical drape to an object. The surgical drape includes a fabric including a nonwoven layer, the nonwoven layer having a surface including a plurality of strands. The strands are arranged on the surface with a plurality of bonds spaced about the surface and a plurality of loops extending between the bonds, the loops being engageable with the hook fastener for fastening the surgical drape to the object. The surgical drape kit may also includes a plurality of surgical drapes for use together during a surgical procedure, the loops being engageable with the hook fastener for fastening the surgical drape together.

Abstract: A medical drape for controlling fluid during a medical procedure. The drape includes a base sheet formed of a fluid impervious material which is placed underneath a patient and on an operating bed. A sealing lip, which is made of a material such as a plastic encapsulated, compressible foam to conform to the underside of the patient, is attached to the base sheet in a fluid tight fashion and serves to achieve a fluid tight seal between the medical drape and the patient positioned thereon. The sealing lip rings a region of the base sheet and causes fluid that runs down along the patient above the base sheet to collect on the base sheet region, from where it is funneled to a fluid collection pouch. In an alternate embodiment, the medical drape is provided with a patient covering main sheet. A method of controlling fluid run-off during medical procedures with the a medical drape is also disclosed.

Abstract: A generally V-shaped drape formed of polymer or related materials and which functions as a sling to hold the scrotum upwardly, and out of place, during medical analysis and treatment. The drape includes a V-shaped member, formed of a highly flexible polymer, such as polyethylene, and includes a pressure sensitive adhesive area at its lower end, for application to the base of the scrotum, and further includes pressure sensitive adhesive at the upper legs of the V-shaped drape, for application to the abdomen wall, to provide a sling that flurnishes continuing clearance for access to and application of the various medical instrumentation used especially during treatment of the prostate, or other proximal anatomy located at this region of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a surgical drape having a base sheet including a primary fenestration and at least one secondary fenestration, the drape being suitable for use in surgical procedures having multiple surgical sites.

Abstract: A medical drape for retaining and controlling fluid flow comprising at least one polymeric film having a predetermined texture made from a plurality of cells able to retain fluid.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical drape and a method of applying the drape to a patient. The ophthalmic surgical drape is made from a sheet having an aperture in the interior of the sheet, and at least two tear lines in the sheet extending from the aperture. The drape also has a field of skin compatible adhesive adjacent the aperture, with the field being traversed by the tear lines so as to divide the field into at least two portions. The drape may be provided in a folded condition in which tearing can be accomplished so as to divide the drape into two sections before the drape is unfolded. Also disclosed are two tear lines disposed along an oblique angle, and a method of applying the drape.

Abstract: A medical drape for retaining and controlling fluid flow comprising at least one polymeric film having a predetermined texture made from a plurality of cells able to retain fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is a fenestrated craniotomy drape including a main sheet, translucent anesthesia side screens, a gusset forming the corners of the anterior edges of the drape, a run-off collection pouch whose back side is pressed flat and affixed to the drape, with a back side fenestration surrounding the fenestration of the main sheet, and a front side fenestration, and adjustable tube holders. The drape optionally includes a layer of a fenestrated absorbent material between the drape and the pouch, a solids screen and drain port in the pouch, and a ductile material about the edges of the front side fenestration of the pouch that holds the pouch open. The back-side fenestration of the pouch and those of the drape and the absorbent material are covered by an incise sheet, located between the back side of the pouch and the drape. The adhesive side of the incise sheet facing the patient is covered by a releasable backing.

Abstract: A configuration of surgical drapes for convenient dispensing and handling from a container. The configuration includes a continuous rolled length of surgical drapes having opposing major and minor longitudinal edges. Each drape of the continuous roll is separable from adjacent drapes by longitudinally spaced apart lines of weakness throughout the continuous length of surgical drapes. The continuous rolled length of surgical drapes includes an adhesive strip adjacent the major longitudinal edge of the continuous rolled length of surgical drape. The adhesive strip in turn carries a removable release liner thereover which preferably partially overhangs the adhesive strip. The continuous rolled length of surgical drapes further has an accordion pleat fold to thereby reduce the stored and dispensed width of each drape of said continuous length of surgical drapes.

Abstract: There is provided a surgical drape of a multilayer structure, the surgical drape having an inner layer of polyurethane material which is substantially impervious to material passing therethrough while being vapor permeable, a top layer of a knit fabric having interstices therebetween to absorb moisture, and a bottom layer of a knit fabric. The drape preferably has a thickness of between 0.015 inches and 0.034 inches.

Abstract: The ophthalmic surgical sponge is described which includes a base and a corneal shield assembly. The base allows absorption of corneal fluid during eye surgery. The corneal shield assembly is used as an absorption structure and a structure to protect the corneal cap which is formed during eye surgery, particularly in surgeries that remove tissue from the corneal stroma. The corneal shield assembly protects the corneal cap as well as the hinge of the flap during the actual tissue removal from either a laser or other tissue removing devices. Thus, the corneal cap is protected from scatter rays from the laser or other debris created from tissue removal of the cornea. Wetting the ophthalmic sponge creates a co-hesive seal so that the corneal shield assembly can seal the corneal cap securely. This seal is removable after the surgery is completed to re-expose the corneal cap and replace the cap on the cornea.

Abstract: An adhesive composition having dispersed therein a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent for use in medical applications, such as an adhesive for surgical drapes, wound dressings and tapes. The adhesive is composed of acrylic polymers, tackifiers and a preferred antimicrobial agent, diiodomethyl-p-tolylsulfone. The adhesive composition is essentially solventless and capable of application in a hot melt process while maintaining stability at elevated temperatures in the range of 275° F. to 350° F., which not only allows hot melt application, but allows for ethylene oxide sterilization under heat stress.

Abstract: A surgical drape and surgical drape kit are provided for engaging a hook fastener to fasten the surgical drape to an object. The surgical drape includes a fabric including a nonwoven layer, the nonwoven layer having a surface including a plurality of strands. The strands are arranged on the surface with a plurality of bonds spaced about the surface and a plurality of loops extending between the bonds, the loops being engageable with the hook fastener for fastening the surgical drape to the object. The surgical drape kit may also include a plurality of surgical drapes for use together during a surgical procedure, the loops being engageable with the hook fastener for fastening the surgical drapes together.