Abstract: A method for treating a breathing condition includes providing a face strip having an adhesive layer and a mesh layer disposed on the adhesive layer and applying the adhesive layer to a mouth of a patient diagnosed with a breathing condition including at least one of a dry mouth, a sore throat, nasal congestion, or hypoxia. The method further includes covering the patient's mouth with the face strip and providing resistance from the face strip at the patient's mouth, and increasing nasal respiration with the face strip. The face strip reduces or prevents the incidence of the breathing condition.

Abstract: Provided is a soft growing robot which may be precisely controlled by reducing the effect of a tail tension applied to its inner periphery. The soft growing robot includes a case having one open side; and a vine including an outer periphery having one end fixed to one side surface of the case, the inner periphery disposed inside the outer periphery while being spaced apart from the outer periphery and extended into the case, a tip connecting the other end of the outer periphery and one end of the inner periphery to each other, and a tip space formed by the outer periphery, the tip and the inner periphery, and a tip space formed by the outer periphery, the tip and the inner periphery. A diameter of the tip is smaller than a diameter of the outer periphery to a bent portion between the tip and the outer periphery.

Abstract: A method for removing a tissue specimen from a patient includes introducing a bag at least partially into a cavity in the body of the patient, the bag comprising an open end and a port, positioning a tissue specimen to be removed from the patient into an interior of the bag by passing the tissue specimen through the open end of the bag, sealing the open end of the bag, removing gas from the interior of the bag through the port while the tissue specimen is contained in the interior of the bag, and entirely withdrawing the bag containing the tissue specimen from the cavity. The bag may include a closure device configured to hermetically seal the open end of the bag, and the port may include a one-way gas valve configured to prevent or retard gas from entering the interior of the bag through the port.

Abstract: A interconnectable port is provided. The interconnectable port is adapted to be at least partially placed in an incision in a patient's body. The interconnectable port comprises a first and second port adapted be interconnected to form the interconnectable port, wherein the second port is disconnectable from the first port, wherein the first port is connected to a first portion of a flexible wall, and the second port is connected to a second portion of the flexible wall, and wherein the flexible wall is adapted to form a chamber.

Abstract: A brace for retaining an organ in an expanded state configured to adhere and substantially conform to an external surface of the organ includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and at least one sheet of thin malleable material forming a middle layer between the inner layer and outer layer, the at least one sheet being enclosed and configured to rigidify and maintain the organ in an expanded state upon application of a vacuum. The brace can be incorporated into a brassiere.

Abstract: Provided is a tissue retrieval bag. The bag is defined by a region of the bag defining an opening; an exterior surface of the bag depending from the opening; and a channel formed into the exterior surface of the bag, wherein the channel provides access to the interior of the bag through the exterior surface. Also provided is a tissue retrieval defined by a region of the bag defining an opening; an exterior surface of the bag depending from the opening; and at least one porthole on the exterior of the bag, wherein at least one tube extends from the at least one porthole.

Abstract: Provided herein are expandable devices, rail systems, and motorized devices. In one embodiment, an expandable device comprises an expandable sac having a tool housed therein. The expandable device is optionally configured for operation while inside a body cavity. The expandable device optionally comprises at least one rail in the sac, and at least one railed device coupled to the rail for movement there on. Movement of the railed device on the rail is provided by, for example, a motor such as an electromagnetic motor or an inch-worm type motor. Expandable devices can be used, for example, to perform minimally invasive medical procedures requiring access to a body cavity. Expandable devices can also be used, for example, to provide safe and stable transport of instruments to the body cavity.

Abstract: A passive stent for retaining an organ in an expanded state configured to adhere and substantially conform to an external surface of the organ may include an inner layer, an outer layer, and a middle layer that is enclosed by the inner layer and the outer layer, comprising a plurality of components configured to interlock and maintain the organ in an expanded state upon application of a vacuum. A method for retaining an organ in an expanded state may include applying at least one force to the organ to place the organ in the expanded state; applying a passive stent to an external surface of the organ; and applying a vacuum to the passive stent sufficient to cause a plurality of components of at least one layer of the passive stent to interlock, where the at least one layer is configured to maintain the organ in the expanded state after interlocking.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing subcutaneous fragile tissue includes obtaining an absorbable surgical mesh having top and bottom major surfaces, the absorbable surgical mesh including a stitching zone and first and second reinforcing zones that bound opposite sides of the stitching zone. The method includes making an incision in a patient's skin for exposing subcutaneous fragile tissue, using one or more absorbable adhesives for adhering the bottom major surface of the absorbable surgical mesh to the subcutaneous fragile tissue, creating an incision through the stitching zone of the absorbable surgical mesh and into the subcutaneous fragile tissue, performing a surgical procedure through the incision, and passing an absorbable suture through the stitching zone of the absorbable surgical mesh and the fragile tissue for closing the incision.

Abstract: A device and use thereof for supply of gas to an operational space configured to adjoin a temporarily open inner portion of a mammal during surgical operations. The device includes a supply conduit, connectable to the gas source including an outlet end, and a body having at least partly an annular shape extending along a circumferential path around centre axis enclosing the operational space. The body has an inner side, outer side, an open interior channel, and an opening allowing the gas to enter the body from the supply conduit. The body is manufactured in foam rubber-like material having large number of open cells functioning as supply nozzles permitting the supply of a substantially laminar, continuous gas stream into the operational space enabling the formation of a gas cushion in the operational space.

Abstract: The wound protector has an annularly collapsible proximal ring and a flexible sleeve extends between the proximal ring and distal ring. After positioning of the distal ring in a wound, the proximal ring is expanded to draw the sleeve taut between the rings and is drawn tight against the wound. In one embodiment, the proximal ring includes a bent hollow tube with an arcuate rod in the tube bridging the open ends of the tube and a compression spring extending within the tube against the ends of the rod to bias the proximal ring into an extended state. Finger grips on the ends of the tube allow for squeezing of the tube into a collapsed state.

Abstract: Provided herein are expandable devices, rail systems, and motorized devices. In one embodiment, an expandable device comprises an expandable sac having a tool housed therein. The expandable device is optionally configured for operation while inside a body cavity. The expandable device optionally comprises at least one rail in the sac, and at least one railed device coupled to the rail for movement there on. Movement of the railed device on the rail is provided by, for example, a motor such as an electromagnetic motor or an inch-worm type motor. Expandable devices can be used, for example, to perform minimally invasive medical procedures requiring access to a body cavity. Expandable devices can also be used, for example, to provide safe and stable transport of instruments to the body cavity.

Abstract: A medical device for use in the creation of a temporary pneumoperitoneum includes a substantially dome-shaped body having a vacuum port providing a fluid passageway between an underside of the dome-shaped body and an upside of the dome-shaped body. A frustoconical port is provide in the domed-shaped body for reception and through passage of one or more pieces of associated medical apparatus therethrough.

Abstract: A guard for providing a cut-resistant pathway through a body orifice or incision to circumferentially protect tissue at the margin is provided. The guard is made of flexible, cut-resistant mesh material having a plurality of interwoven thermosetting filaments. The guard has a central lumen and at least one flared end. The flared end, which serves to anchor the guard in the body opening, is deformable into a reduced configuration to facilitate its insertion and removal. The layer of mesh stretches laterally to increase the diameter of the central lumen. The flexibility and expandability of the guard allows the guard to conform to body openings of different sizes. The guard may include a drawstring to cinch the flared distal end from the proximal end. The guard is thermoset with the flared distal end that is biased to spring back to its normal, undeformed configuration when released from a deformed configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tissue containment and retrieval are disclosed. The containment system includes a primary chamber interconnected with a secondary channel extending from the primary chamber. A tissue specimen is mobilized inside a body cavity and placed into the primary chamber through a first opening. The first opening is pulled through a first incision or orifice and the narrower secondary channel is placed at a second incision or orifice. A second opening at the end of the secondary channel permits observation via a scope inserted through the second opening of the tissue specimen in the primary chamber undergoing morcellation via the first opening. Other systems and methods for deployment, containment, debulking and sealing of the second opening to create a closed system for the safe retrieval of the tissue specimen are provided.

Abstract: Surgical incise drapes including incision edge protectors are described. Methods of protecting the exposed edges of a surgical incision are also discussed.

Abstract: The wound protector has an annularly collapsible distal ring, an expansion member and a flexible sleeve extending between the distal ring and expansion member. After positioning of the distal ring in a wound, movement of the expansion member into an extended state expands the sleeve while drawing the sleeve tight against the wound and the expansion member against the patient.

Abstract: Provided herein are expandable devices, rail systems, and motorized devices. In one embodiment, an expandable device comprises an expandable sac having a tool housed therein. The expandable device is optionally configured for operation while inside a body cavity. The expandable device optionally comprises at least one rail in the sac, and at least one railed device coupled to the rail for movement there on. Movement of the railed device on the rail is provided by, for example, a motor such as an electromagnetic motor or an inch-worm type motor. Expandable devices can be used, for example, to perform minimally invasive medical procedures requiring access to a body cavity. Expandable devices can also be used, for example, to provide safe and stable transport of instruments to the body cavity.

Abstract: A segmented annular tube is formed of a flexible material and includes an intussuscepted tube segment. The intussuscepted tube segment includes a core tube having a sheathed telescoping portion, surrounded by an inwardly folded sheathing portion of an outer tube. A pump selectively urges a fluid the segmented annular tube. Upon a fluid pressure, the folded sheathing portion unfolds and telescopes the core tube, expanding the segmented annular tube.

Abstract: A surgical device (5) for application in a treatment performed on the human or animal body (1) with the aim of providing access to a surgical site in the body, includes at least one inflatable chamber (70, 71, 72) which can be inflated from a collapsed state to an expanded state, in which expanded state the device is suitable for exerting a force on an organ or tissue at the surgical site, at least one elongated flexible member (8, 80), which member at its proximal end (801) is operatively connected to the device, and which member has a length to allow the distal end (800) of the member to be fixed to a fixation site (100, 101) outside of the body, and methods of using this device.

Abstract: An illumination system for adjustably positioning an illuminator in a surgical field in a patient includes an anchor element and an illumination element. The anchor element is configured to be releasably coupled with the patient, and the illumination element is coupled to the anchor element. The anchor element or the illumination element is configured to be coupled, uncoupled, and recoupled with the patient or adjacent surgical equipment. This allows repositioning of the illumination element at a plurality of positions in the surgical field without interfering with adjacent surgical instruments, and further permits adjustment of illumination in the surgical field.

Abstract: A reusable surgical implement is provided that is formed of a core positioned within an enclosure. The core is formed of a suitable flexible material to enable the implement, which can be any suitable device such as a reusable surgical trial implant, rod template or flex driver, among others, to be bent to conform to the desired shape for an actual implant to be placed in the location of the implement. The material forming the enclosure is also flexible to accommodate the flexing of the core, and is biologically inert to enable the implement to be sterilized after use for use in subsequent surgical procedures.

Abstract: A medical device of the present invention includes one or more anchors and an elongated member. Advantageously, the elongated member may be coupled to the anchors. The elongated member and anchors are configured to generate a force on a mesentery. The force is sufficient to retract a bowel of the patient into an upper portion of an abdominal cavity of the patient. When the patient is in a slightly angled position, the weight of the medical device pulls the mesentery into the upper abdomen. Since the bowel is connected to the mesentery, the device also indirectly pulls up the bowel. In some implementations of the device, a slight angle may be unnecessary. In others, the device may also inversely retract the mesentery and attached organs into the lower abdomen to facilitate surgical access to the upper abdomen. In some implementations of the device, a slight angle may be unnecessary.

Abstract: Provided herein are expandable devices, rail systems, and motorized devices. In one embodiment, an expandable device comprises an expandable sac having a tool housed therein. The expandable device is optionally configured for operation while inside a body cavity. The expandable device optionally comprises at least one rail in the sac, and at least one railed device coupled to the rail for movement there on. Movement of the railed device on the rail is provided by, for example, a motor such as an electromagnetic motor or an inch-worm type motor. Expandable devices can be used, for example, to perform minimally invasive medical procedures requiring access to a body cavity. Expandable devices can also be used, for example, to provide safe and stable transport of instruments to the body cavity.

Abstract: An incrementally adjustable wound retractor, which provides access to a body cavity, includes a flexible retraction sheath, an inner ring having a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision attached to the distal end of the retraction sheath, and at least two rows of a plurality of loops disposed around the proximal end of the retraction sheath, each row of loops sized and configured to receive a noncompliant split hoop. The two split hoops may be rolled over each other and around the annular axis to retract the sheath with sufficient force to stretch the incision to the desired diameter.

Abstract: A surgical shield includes an at least partially rigid shield member extending in at least two spatial dimensions, at least one flexible sheet member, and a coupling element. The shield member has an aperture traversable by a surgical instrument, while the coupling element is provided on the shield member for releasably connecting the shield member to the instrument. The flexible sheet member is attached to the shield member so as to define, with the shield member, an enclosure having one open side opposing the shield member.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly, includes a load distributing plate configured for resting on, and being supported by, a top surface of a patient table; a first clamp assembly adjustably coupled to a first side of the load distributing plate and configured for removable attachment to a first side rail of the patient table; a second clamp assembly coupled to a second side of the load distributing plate and configured for removable attachment to a second side rail of the patient table; and an adapter rail fixed to the second side of the load distributing plate and configured to detachably couple to a support assembly interface, such that an adjustable support assembly may be coupled to the load distributing plate to thereby allow for an off-center load attached to the support assembly to be moved relative to the patient table while the load remains substantially supported by the table surface.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a sleeve and a port. The sleeve is adapted for insertion within tissue to access an underlying tissue site. The sleeve defines a first passage therethrough. The first passage has a first diameter. The port defines one or more second passages extending therethrough. The port is adapted for insertion within the first passage of the sleeve in a substantially sealed relationship therewith. The one or more second passages are adapted for a substantially sealed reception of a surgical object therethrough. The one or more second passages have one or more second diameters. The port is selectively removably positionable within the first passage of the sleeve. The first diameter is greater than the one or more second diameters.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the wound protector has an annularly collapsible proximal ring and a flexible sleeve extends between the proximal ring and distal ring. After positioning of the distal ring in a wound, the proximal ring is expanded to draw the sleeve taut between the rings 11, 12 and is drawn tight against the wound. In a second embodiment, the wound protector has a flexible sleeve secured between a distal ring and proximal ring of fixed diameters. In addition, an expansion member is disposed within a loop of the flexible sleeve about the proximal ring. After positioning of the distal ring in a wound, movement of the expansion member into an extended diametric state expands the loop in the sleeve diametrically while drawing the rings towards each other.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods are provided for preventing the formation of post-operative adhesions. In one device, an envelope of material defines at least one opening, and another layer of adhesion-preventing material is disposed on an exterior surface of the envelope. A rigid or semi-rigid barrier member is at least partially disposed in a space inside the envelope, without adhering to the envelope such that the barrier member can be pulled out of the envelope through the opening.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a body having first and second body members. Each body member has an opposed side and an outer side. The body members are coupled to one another by a connector and are moveable with respect to one another between an approximated position and a spread position wherein the opposed sides are flexed outwardly and apart from one another to define a passageway therebetween. A flexible membrane is coupled to the first and second body members and extends therefrom such that translating the flexible membrane radially outwardly moves the body members from the approximated position to the spread position.

Abstract: Provided herein are expandable devices, rail systems, and motorized devices. In one embodiment, an expandable device comprises an expandable sac having a tool housed therein. The expandable device is optionally configured for operation while inside a body cavity. The expandable device optionally comprises at least one rail in the sac, and at least one railed device coupled to the rail for movement there on. Movement of the railed device on the rail is provided by, for example, a motor such as an electromagnetic motor or an inch-worm type motor. Expandable devices can be used, for example, to perform minimally invasive medical procedures requiring access to a body cavity. Expandable devices can also be used, for example, to provide safe and stable transport of instruments to the body cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical access systems and methods of using the same to access a surgical site during a surgical procedure. The surgical access system includes a portal member and a patch. The portal member includes at least one longitudinal port for passage of a surgical object. The portal member is formed from a compressible material and is adapted to transition from a first expanded condition to a second compressed condition such that an outer surface of the portal member is adapted for a substantial sealing relation with an opening in tissue upon insertion of the portal member therethrough. The patch includes a non-porous substrate having a tissue facing surface including an adhesive for positioning over the opening in the tissue and sealing a surface thereof. The patch is adapted for sealed reception of the portal member.

Abstract: Provided is a fixation device for retaining a skin penetrating medical device, such as a cannula, on the skin of a patient. The fixation device includes a retaining component including a support layer having an adhesive coating, and a landing zone component, including a support layer having an adhesive coating, the landing zone component being adapted to be adhesively attached to the skin around the point of penetration. The retaining component acts as a skin-contacting component and is adapted to be applied on top of the landing zone component, and at least partially cover the medical device, such that the adhesive coating of the retaining component is applied to the support layer of the landing zone component. The adhesive coating of the retaining component includes a first adhesive, and the adhesive coating of the landing zone component includes a second adhesive, the first adhesive being different from the second adhesive.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods are provided for preventing the formation of post-operative adhesions. In one device, an envelope of bioabsorbable material defines at least one opening, and a layer of bioabsorbable adhesion-preventing material is disposed on an exterior surface of the envelope. A rigid or semi-rigid barrier member is at least partially disposed in a space inside the envelope, without adhering to the envelope such that the barrier member can be pulled out of the envelope through the opening. In another device, a rigid or semi-rigid barrier member is removably attached to a layer of bioabsorbable adhesion-preventing material by a controlled adhesive. In another device, a rigid or semi-rigid bioabsorbable barrier member, such as compressed cellulose, is attached to a layer of bioabsorbable adhesion-preventing material. The envelope of bioabsorbable material may include cellulose or oxidized regenerated cellulose.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods are provided for preventing the formation of post-operative adhesions. In one device, an envelope of bioabsorbable material defines at least one opening, and a layer of bioabsorbable adhesion-preventing material is disposed on an exterior surface of the envelope. A rigid or semi-rigid barrier member is at least partially disposed in a space inside the envelope, without adhering to the envelope such that the barrier member can be pulled out of the envelope through the opening. In another device, a rigid or semi-rigid barrier member is removably attached to a layer of bioabsorbable adhesion-preventing material by a controlled adhesive. In another device, a rigid or semi-rigid bioabsorbable barrier member, such as compressed cellulose, is attached to a layer of bioabsorbable adhesion-preventing material. The envelope of bioabsorbable material may include cellulose or oxidized regenerated cellulose.

Abstract: Bowel retractor devices. In various forms, the bowel retractor devices are configurable from a collapsed position wherein the retractor may be inserted through a trocar cannula or other opening in a patient's body to a second expanded position wherein at least a portion of the patient's bowel may be advantageously supported in a desired position.

Abstract: A tissue protector is adapted to be positioned on the skin surrounding an incision. The tissue protector provides a load bearing surface for surgical tools and instruments to prevent blunt force and pressure trauma to the skin and soft tissues within the incision. In one embodiment, the tissue protector is a sheet of wear-resistant material having an opening corresponding to the incision and expandable as the incision is retracted. In another embodiment, a tissue protector device includes a continuous expandable arrangement of interconnected L-shaped links. In still another embodiment, a one-piece tissue protector includes a flexible panel supported on the skin and a flexible sleeve extending into the incision. Yet another embodiment of the invention resides in a track that is supported about the incision. An instrument support platform is slidably mounted to the track to support a surgical tool relative to the incision.

Abstract: A surgical drape comprising a base sheet defining a base sheet aperture, an absorbent pad attached to the base sheet and defining a pad aperture positioned in substantial alignment with the base sheet aperture, and a linear tear polymer pane attached to the base sheet and absorbent pad and defining a fenestration in substantial alignment with the base sheet and pad apertures. The base sheet, absorbent pad and linear tear polymer pane are operatively arranged to tear in communication with one another when the drape is torn away from a patient. The linear tear polymer pane further and has an adhesive strip to adhere the drape to the patient's body when the drape is in position during surgery.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in surgery comprises a sleeve (1) having an entry opening (4) at an outer end and an exit opening (5) at an inner end to access a patient's body. Exit sealing means (10) are provided for sealing the exit opening (5) to a body. Entry sealing means (20) are provided for sealing the outer entry against an arm passing therethrough to create a controlled environment within the sleeve. A valve (101) comprises an outer ring (105,106) and a sealing sleeve (107) of flexible material mounted to the ring (105,106) and extending into the opening defined by the ring to terminate in a substantially centrally disposed inlet opening (108).

Abstract: A draping system provides a continuous sterile field between a patient incision area and one or more medical practitioners. The draping system has a quick release system incorporated into the drape that enables a medical practitioner to separate from the continuous sterile field without disrupting the sterile field around the practitioner or the patient. The draping system may include an abbreviated practitioner gown, a drain and an integral patient incision area or a flap for extending the continuous sterile field around to one or more additional operating room tables. A modular drape and gown system extends the sterile field beyond the operating table allowing practitioners to couple to the extended field. A tent provides an enclosed sterile field useful in mobile or other non operating room surgical environments. Integral lighting and information displays facilitate field surgical procedures.

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 composite viscera protector consisting of a silicone layer, a polypropylene mesh layer and an additional silicon layer having a thickness between 0.5 and 2.53 mm, with a repeating series of holes in a pattern over its entire surface or a portion thereof with the holes being slits on one or two planes non-intersecting and being of a size between 1 and 10 mm.

Abstract: A surgical drape (1) has a first absorbent region (4) on the upper side thereof. According to the invention, the first absorbent region (4) extends along at least one edge of the drape (1), the first region having a dispersion of liquid on an inclined plane better than in a region (3) or regions adjacent to the first absorbent region.

Abstract: A composite viscera protector consisting of a silicone layer, a polypropylene mesh layer and an additional silicon layer having a thickness between 0.5 and 2.53 mm, with a repeating series of holes in a pattern over its entire surface or a portion thereof with the holes being slits on one or two planes non-intersecting and being of a size between 1 and 10 mm.

Abstract: Described herein are nasal respiratory devices and methods for treating a variety of medical diseases including snoring and sleep apnea through the use of such devices. In general, these devices include an airflow resistor, such as a flap valve and a holdfast for securing the device in communication with the subject's nasal cavity. The devices may be configured to include leak paths to regulate the expiratory pressure when worn by a subject. Methods for using these devices may include securing a device over or at least partially within (or both of) a subject's nasal cavities.

Abstract: A medical instrument thermal treatment system according to the present invention is in the form of a stand including a thermally treated tray to thermally treat medical instruments. The stand includes a frame to support the tray, while a drape including a sensing device is disposed over the tray to form a drape container or receptacle within the tray for collecting a sterile medium. The tray is thermally treated to heat the sterile medium in order to warm medical instruments or other medical items placed in the tray. The sensing device provides a signal to the system indicating the presence of liquid and/or leaks within the drape container to facilitate control of system operation.

Abstract: A method for postoperative use of an adhesion prophylactic. After an operation that might have to be repeated, a non-reabsorbable membrane, made of material that is compatible with a body, is placed between an operation site and adjacent tissue. The membrane is configured such that during a repair operation the membrane can be used to facilitate exposure of the operation site.

Abstract: A flexible protective cover for preventing fluid from entering an open epidermal site on a user, comprising: a central portion having at least one rib, an edge connected to the central portion at an angle, a lip disposed around the edge, a sealing member disposed over the lip for providing a sealing engagement between the lip and the open epidermal site, and at least one adjustable strap removably connected to the central portion. Also disclosed is a flexible protective cover having a central portion, an edge connected to the central portion at an angle, an inflatable sealing member integral with the edge for providing the sealing engagement, and at least one adjustable strap removably connected to the central portion.

Abstract: A method for preventing infection and maintaining aseptic epidermal areas by preventing contaminated fluid from entering an open epidermal site on a user, comprising the steps of: removably attaching at least one adjustable strap to a reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover comprising a sealing member, covering the open epidermal site with the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover while maintaining a space between the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover and the open epidermal site, and tightening the at least one adjustable strap to secure the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cove over the open epidermal site to create a fluid-tight seal between the sealing member and the open epidermal site, thereby preventing contaminated fluid from entering the open epidermal site.