Abstract: Eye drapes that cover the conjunctiva and reduce the incidence of eye infection are provided. The eye drape has a flexible material and attached thereto a surgical drape. The flexible material is preferably circular with an opening to expose the cornea. The bottom of the flexible material is preferably convex relative to the shape of the eye. The outer diameter of the flexible material is conveniently fits over the ball of the eye. The surgical drape has an opening greater than or equal to the inner diameter and smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the flexible material. The flexible material is removably fixed to the eye through a vacuum force caused by air expelled from, e.g. (i) a pocket of air in between the flexible material and the eye, (ii) a chamber with openings at the bottom of the flexible material, and/or (iii) a suction device.

Abstract: A surgical drape for use during surgery on a patient includes a sheet configured for covering at least a portion of the patient during the surgery. The drape includes a first sheet portion having a size and configuration to overlie the patient during the medical procedure. A fenestration is defined in the first sheet portion at a location corresponding to the site of the medical procedure on the patient. A second sheet portion is attached to a lower surface of the first sheet portion and has a size and configuration so as to be draped from the first sheet portion and extend under the patient's buttocks while remaining attached to first sheet during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A fenestrated extremity surgical drape has improved seal integrity to reduce the occurrence of pathogenic contamination at the surgical site via migration through the seal. The seal has a non-linear configuration to eliminate uneven stress concentrations commonly located at the corners of rectilinear seals. An elastomeric apertured panel can be disposed between a film panel and a fiber/film laminate panel. These layers can be joined by a heat sealing operation along two spaced apart concentric seal locations ringing the aperture and a fenestration in the laminate panel. The assembly can then be affixed by adhering the underside(s) of one or more panels to a base drape, which has an opening aligned with the aperture and fenestration. A method of forming a fenestrated extremity surgical drape is also disclosed.

Abstract: A three-piece surgical drape with fluid diverting channel or sleeve therein and method of making or assembling the same. The drape generally including a first liquid impermeable section attached at either end thereof to second and third sections of the drape, respectively. At least a portion of one end of the first section of the drape folded back upon itself and intermittently tacked or bonded to the first section to create a channel or sleeve adapted to divert fluids. The channel or sleeve may also have a tube or hose placed therein to facilitate or enhance fluid diversion through the channel or fluid removal therefrom.

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 surgical drape for use during surgery on a patient includes a sheet configured for covering at least a portion of the patient during the surgery. At least one pair of straps are configured on an underside of the sheet and extend in generally opposite directions laterally beyond sides of the sheet. The straps have a sufficient length so as to extend down below the support surface upon which the patient rests and engage with each other below the support surface, or with structure alongside the support surface, in order to restrain the patient in a desired position on the support surface.

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 drape according to the present invention is constructed of or includes conductive and insulating drape segments and 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, and conforms to, the basin to form a drape container or receptacle within the basin for collecting a sterile medium. The conductive segments 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, a drape utilized for a plural basin thermal treatment system may form a drape receptacle within each basin. Each drape receptacle includes conductive and insulating drape segments to detect the presence of liquid and/or a leak within that drape receptacle. The conductive segments of the drape receptacles provide signals to the system to facilitate control of system operation.

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: A surgical drape having a sheet. The sheet includes a distal side and a proximal side relative to a surgical patient. The drape also includes a surgical pouch connected to the distal side of the sheet. The surgical pouch is connected to the sheet via at least two elastomeric portions.

Abstract: A hand assisted laparoscopic seal apparatus includes an outer seal, an inner seal and a housing supporting the outer seal relative to the inner seal, wherein one of the outer seal or the inner seal is shaped and dimensioned for engaging and sealing around an arm of a medical practitioner and the other seal is shaped and dimensioned for sealing a body cavity from an external environment.

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 retracting eye drape assembly is disclosed for use around a patient's eye to seclude and seal off the operative field during eye surgery. The drape assembly includes a retraction member connected to the drape and configured to engage the patient's eyelid, an extension member connected to the retraction member or to the drape and configured to substantially enclose the patient's eyelid, and a retraction flap configured to secure the patient's eyelid in a substantially retracted position. A method of applying an eye drape assembly is disclosed. After application of the drape to the patient's face, and while the patient's eyelid is closed, the patient's eyelid is engaged by a retraction member connected to the drape and retracted. While retracted, the patient's eyelid is substantially enclosed to seclude the eyelid and eyelashes from the operational area. The secluded eyelid and eyelashes are then secured in a retracted position.

Abstract: A surgical drape provides a volume to accommodate radiological equipment such as a C-arm x-ray device without pulling the bottom of the drape up which could otherwise interrupt the sterile field. In one preferred embodiment, the space is created with pleated or gathered section, which receives the equipment as it is brought up laterally without lifting any portion of the material overall. A different embodiment of the invention includes a tunnel or tent formed in the material, generally without pleating. In this case, the tunnel or tent extends from the bottom of the drape to or above a patient-contacting procedural area. As a further option, in either the pleated or shaped configurations, additional material may be included to form a slit to further shroud the radiological equipment when positioned for a medial-lateral exposure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm's canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A surgical covering assembly includes a flexible cover that has a length and width each greater than 2.30 feet. The cover has an opening extending therethrough. A transparent window is attached to the cover and substantially covers the opening. The window comprises a flexible material that has at least one section therein defined by perforation lines to allow the selective removal of the section from the window. The section may be selectively removed from the window. The cover may be positioned over a body such that window is aligned with an area to be operated on.

Abstract: An access device particularly adapted for use in laparoscopic surgery facilitates access with instruments, such as the hand of the surgeon, across a body wall and into a body cavity. The device can be formed of a gel material having properties for forming a zero seal, or an instrument seal with a wide range of instrument diameters. The gel material can be translucent facilitating illumination and visualization of the surgical site through the access device.

Abstract: A disposable surgical kit for use with a lavage instrument provides a three dimensional enclosure to capture splash back and aerosols created by the procedure. The kit has a transparent surgical drape to be fitted to a lavage instrument. The drape has an opening for manual access to the wound. A drain receptacle with an absorbent pad is provided to trap the effluvia.

Abstract: A surgical drape system is provided including a drape component and a pouch component. The drape component has a main sheet portion and may have a fenestration for providing access to an operative site on a patient. The pouch component may be created from a rear panel and a front panel superimposed and partially sealed one to the other to provide a pouch having an open top and partially open sides. The rear panel is attached to the drape in proximity to the fenestration and holds the pouch in place on the drape. A number of spaced apart fasteners are disposed upon at least one of the panels proximate to the open top. The fasteners are for fastening sections of the front and rear panel to one another thus establishing alternating fastened and unfastened regions in the open top.

Abstract: A set of surgical marking strips overlay and method of use is disclosed in this invention. These marking strips are pre-printed with desired surgical markings on one side preferably dashed lines, and on the other side can be bonded with adhesive that can be placed on the patient's skin where applicable for surgical procedure. Another way of overlay placement on patient's skin is to moistened area of skin to place marking overlay without any usage of bonded adhesive. At least one marking strip overlay with support sheet is placed into a sterilized pouch for usage prior to surgery. Marking strips can be individually packaged for a specific medical surgical procedure. The marking strips can peel-off easily when surgery is over without harming or disrupting the operated tissue. This feature is noticeable especially right after a cosmetic surgery such as soft tissue fixation procedure and facial aesthetic contouring or reconstruction.

Abstract: A retainer to retain the viscera displaced from an internal body area to be accessed for surgery comprises an outer envelope of pliable material with an evacuation port. At least two sheets of material are arranged in face to face relation in the envelope. The sheets have a forming configuration in which they are relatively free to slide over one another in conforming the envelope to a desired shape and a form retained configuration in which the sheets are restrained from sliding relative to one another on evacuation of the envelope. In one case there are sheets of an inelastic material and sheets of an elastic material. Alternatively the sheets may be of the same inelastic material.

Abstract: A disposable surgical kit for use with a lavage instrument provides a three dimensional enclosure to capture splash back and aerosols created by the procedure. The kit has a transparent surgical drape to be fitted to a lavage instrument. The drape has an opening for manual access to the wound. A drain receptacle with an absorbent pad is provided to trap the effluvia.

Abstract: A surgical incise drape comprising a flexible film having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a film handle applied at the leading edge of the flexible film. A liner substantially covers the major portion of the flexible film, which is coated with an adhesive. The liner may include a liner handle at the leading edge, and one of the liner handle and film handle are of a size for wrapping about at least a portion of the drape when the drape is in a folded configuration. A tensioning strip may be applied to the liner at a position away from the leading edge of the liner to hold at least a portion of the flexible film lying between the film handle and the tensioning strip in a wrinkle-free state when the liner is being removed from the major portion of the flexible film. Further, the liner may be stiff relative to the flexible film such that the liner and the film handle hold the flexible film in a wrinkle-free state when the liner is being removed from the major portion of the flexible film.

Abstract: A surgical aid to facilitate wound closure particularly, but not exclusively, in the abdominal region. The surgical aid includes a body portion and a tail portion. At least the body portion is made predominantly of a planar, flexible and resiliently stretchable material, preferably surgical grade silicone. In a preferred embodiment the surgical aid is fish shaped, having a roughly elliptical body and a smaller elliptical tail. The body and tail portions are integrally formed from a single sheet of surgical grade silicone. The invention also provides a method of using the surgical aid wherein the body portion is inserted into the wound prior to closure to act as a physical barrier between the peritoneum and the viscera. The peritoneum and posterior rectus sheath is then closed by suturing over the body portion. When the closure is almost complete, the body portion is withdrawn using the tail portion as a handle. The closure can then be completed.

Abstract: An adjustable retractor is disclosed comprising an inner ring, an outer ring spaced from the inner ring, and an elongate sleeve open at opposite ends. The sleeve is provided and extends between the inner and outer rings and is connected at the opposite ends to the rings. The outer ring is provided with a pre-loaded rotational torque to assist with rotation of the outer ring about its central axis to roll the sleeve about the outer ring to adjust sleeve length. The outer ring may be formed in a mobius configuration to provide the pre-loaded rotational torque. The outer ring has a cross-sectional shape that may have numerous different configurations. The mobius configuration may include the cross-sectional shape having an outer circumference offset by a predetermined amount about the central axis of the outer ring proceeding longitudinally along the central axis from one location on the outer ring to another location on the outer ring. A method of adjusting a retractor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An O-ring is provided for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector having a stacked or astroidal cross-section and a resilient configuration for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable into a surgical incision. In one embodiment a astroidal cross-section O-ring includes a torsional preloading to enhance snap-action rolling of the O-ring about the cross-sectional center in predetermined increments.

Abstract: An O-ring is provided for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector having a solid cross-section including a cross-sectional center that is spaced from a central longitudinal axis and a resilient configuration for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable into a surgical incision. At least one recess is defined in the O-ring that is selectively sized and shaped to enable a snap-action rolling of the O-ring about the cross-sectional center in predetermined increments. The recess may comprise various cross-sectional shapes, such as, at least one circumferential groove, a plurality of circumferentially positioned recesses, or be shaped such that the O-ring comprises a cruciform cross-section. An improved incrementally adjustable apparatus for protecting an incised wound from exposure to bacterial and other harmful contaminants is also provided including a pair of resilient O-rings connected to opposite ends of an impermeable pliable sleeve.

Abstract: A body cavity lining means is disclosed having a fluid chamber (9) and at least one further means (23) for providing liner means rigidity, in use. Means (23) comprises a further fluid chamber. The provision of two fluid chambers provides much greater control over the insertion and removal of the lining means. The provision of two separate fluid chambers allows the rigidity of the chambers to be controlled independently of eversion. In one embodiment the lining means is used to assist in the insertion of an endoscope for performing a colonoscopy. In one embodiment the at least one further means for providing liner means rigidity comprises a resiliently deformable extendible elongate member. In another embodiment one of the two fluid chambers is formed partially by the endoscope or other semirigid member, and means is provided for advancing the endoscope within the colon.

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 hand access device for use in hand assisted laparoscopic surgery comprises a substantially tubular inflatable sleeve of pliable gas tight material having a twisted inner sleeve section and an outer sleeve section. The device has an inner O-ring for insertion through a wound opening in the abdominal wall and an outer O-ring for location outside of the wound opening. On insertion of a surgeon's arm the sleeve everts while monitoring a reduced lumen seal to the arm and a seal to the wound openings.

Abstract: An O-ring is provided for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector having a solid cross-section including a cross-sectional center that is spaced from a central longitudinal axis and a resilient configuration for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable into a surgical incision. At least one recess is defined in the O-ring that is selectively sized and shaped to enable a snap-action rolling of the O-ring about the cross-sectional center in predetermined increments. The recess may comprise various cross-sectional shapes, such as, at least one circumferential groove, a plurality of circumferentially positioned recesses, or be shaped such that the O-ring comprises a cruciform cross-section. An improved incrementally adjustable apparatus for protecting an incised wound from exposure to bacterial and other harmful contaminants is also provided including a pair of resilient O-rings connected to opposite ends of an impermeable pliable sleeve.

Abstract: A surgical retractor liner and integral drape 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 impervious to microorganisms has resilient inner and outer rings at opposite ends for holding the liner firmly in the incision. The outer ring is rolled down over itself drawing the liner taut and contiguous in the incision. In another embodiment, a skirt is sealingly joined at the outer ring and tapers outwardly and sealingly joins to a drape around a central aperture therein. The inner ring is inserted and expanded against the inner edge of the incision, and the outer ring is rolled down over the liner and skirt to draw the liner taut in the incision and to retract the sides of the incision while positively anchoring the drape in place around the area of the incision.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods, systems, and kits for protecting body tissues which are adjacent to tissues undergoing thermal treatment. Thermal treatment is often prescribed for tumors and other disease conditions within body organs and other tissue masses. The methods, systems, and kits are particularly useful for treating tumors which lie at or near the surface of an organ, such as the kidney, pancreas, stomach, spleen, and particularly the liver. One risk of treating such tumors is the possibility of mistargeting the tumor and penetrating a delivery cannula or portions of a treatment device beyond the surface into the adjacent tissues or organs. In the case of radiofrequency or electrosurgical treatment, healthy surrounding tissue may be directly ablated. An additional risk, present even when the tumor is correctly targeted, is the possibility of thermal damage to the surrounding, non-targeted tissue.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (10) and method for maintaining manuary access to a sufflated body cavity of a patient through a fenestration formed in the patient's body tissue during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The apparatus (10) generally comprises a seal section (100) and a sheath section (200) coupled thereto. The seal section (100) includes an endless loop portion (110) that defines an opening (120). The sheath section (200) includes a mouth portion (210), a glove portion (230), and a pliable intermediate portion (220) extending therebetween. The intermediate portion (220) maintains in reconfigurable manner a substantially gas impermeable barrier between the mouth and glove portions (210, 230) when the glove portion (230) is passed through the opening (120) into the body cavity responsive to manuary actuation.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted wound closure device having a means for identifying infectious agents within a wound site. The vacuum assisted wound closure device includes a screen for placement within a wound site, a sealing means for covering the wound site, and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the screen. A canister may be disposed between the screen and vacuum source, such that fluids or other exudates that may be drawn from the wound during application of negative pressure by the vacuum source are collected in the canister for later disposal. A sensing device, which may be a gas chromatograph, sensor array, or other similar device capable of optically sensing the presence of a bacterial agent or other form of infection being drawn from the wound site, is disposed within the screen or interposed between the screen and the vacuum source.

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: A surgical incise drape including a flexible film having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a film handle applied at the leading edge of the flexible film. A liner substantially covers the major portion of the flexible film, which is coated with an adhesive. The liner may include a liner handle at the leading edge, and one of the liner handle and film handle are of a size for wrapping about at least a portion of the drape when the drape is in a folded configuration. A tensioning strip may be applied to the liner at a position away from the leading edge of the liner to hold at least a portion of the flexible film lying between the film handle and the tensioning strip in a wrinkle-free state when the liner is being removed from the major portion of the flexible film. Further, the liner may be stiff relative to the flexible film such that the liner and the film handle hold the flexible film in a wrinkle-free state when the liner is being removed from the major portion of the flexible film.

Abstract: The hand access port 10 comprises a sleeve 12, having a proximal end 13 and a distal end 14. A flange 15 is located towards the distal end and is used to secure the device to a patient's body. Above the flange 15 is an inflatable chamber 16 having an entry opening 17 through which a surgeon's hand can enter. An insufflation valve 20 in provided on the outer sleeve of the chamber 16 so that the chamber can be inflated prior to the insertion of the surgeon's hand into the device. Beneath the flange 15 is the tensioning device 30 which comprises a pair of identical arcuate bands 32 which are engaged together through two orifices at each side of the edges of the inner sleeve 11 which protrudes into the patient's body. Each band is formed with a bend 40 formed in the middle with two male studs 42 at one end and two orifices 43 at the other end. The tensioning device 30 is formed by reversing two bands 42 so that the male studs 42 engage in the orifice 43 of the other band.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for draping a surgical incision site prior to surgery. Specifically, the methods of this invention involve the in situ formation of a biocompatible polymeric drape over the skin surface at the surgical incision site. An incision is then made through this surface and the surgery is then conducted through the incision.

Abstract: An improved surgical apparatus for hand-assisted minimum invasive surgery with isolation at the site of a wound from ambient conditions. A sleeve of gas-impermeable material includes entry and exit openings for access to the wound, and ports for introducing surgical instruments into the sleeve within easy reach of a surgeon's hand.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence is disclosed. The disclosed methods include: 1) a technique of probe passage to avoid injuring the bladder and to provide a more accurate and reproducible capture of the pubocervical fascia lateral to the bladder neck and urethra, 2) anchor fixation of the suspending sutures to the pubic bone to decrease the risk of suture pull through from above and to decrease post-operative pain and 3) a simple and reproducible technique to set a limited tension of the suspending sutures. A description of these methods and results of procedures with some of these methods are disclosed. Novel drill guides, suture passers, suture tensioners, and various related tools and devices for use in the surgical method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable non-woven drape for use in gynecologic and proctologic examination of female patients. It includes an inexpensive, disposable sheet of non-woven material large enough to provide coverage for the abdomen, perineum and thighs for an adult patient. The distal portion of the drape is incised in such a fashion as to provide sections of the drape. By virtue of gravity, these sections of the drape fall into place and cover the lower abdomen, perineum and thighs, both left and right. This unique invention provides mental comfort, modesty and privacy for the patient and a heightened sense of caring by the physician.

Abstract: A laparoscopy bag of a flexible material with traction strings of drawstrings is provided at its opening or mouth, in particular for use in a trocar, and in which the bag consists of a working section to which a hose-shaped part or extension is attached or which is provided with a hose-shaped extension.

Abstract: A method of welding at least two layers of a thin thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (10A, B) to form a weld seam (12) to produce polyurethane barrier products such as, but not limited to, gloves (20), condoms (30), inflatable catheter balloon cuffs (48A, B), ostomy pouches (50), organ bags (60), and instrument covers (70) through a process of pre-heating a sealing die platen, the at least two layers of the polyurethane (10A, B) softened while under pressure from the preheated die platen, followed by welding the at least two layers of polyurethane (10A, B) film by transmission of a radio-frequency energy to the film (10A, B) to produce a weld seam (12) and then allowing the weld seam (12) to cool, the resultant product having seam integrity.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for hand-assisted minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery which allows for palpation and biophysical feedback within a sterile environment. A sleeve provides a sealed chamber communicating with a wound accessible to an surgeon's hand through entry and exit openings. The entry opening is sealed around the surgeon's wrist or forearm by a cuff.

Abstract: A retractor endoscope for less invasive, direct access endoscopic surgery includes a rigid frame capable of supporting applied loads required to perform retraction of an incision site. The rigid frame includes a handle at one end and a lower blade mount rotatably connected to the opposite end. A translation frame is slidably connected to the rigid frame and includes an upper blade mount rotatably connected thereto. Lower and upper blades are removably mounted to the lower and upper blade mounts respectively, with at least one of the blades including pivot mounts for high intensity fiberoptics. The angle of the lower blade along the lower blade mount rotatable connection and the angle of the upper blade along the upper blade mount rotatable connection are independently adjustable. The size of an operating window is determined by the distance between the lower and upper blade mounts and the angles of the lower and upper blades.

Abstract: Accessory devices for laparoscopic operations can be combined with a plastic receptacle 2 in such a way that an opening formed outside the abdominal wall in a cover sheet 10 can be coupled in sealing relationship with an end of the plastic receptacle 2 that can be closed or opened. The plastic receptacle 2 is in this case still located inside the abdominal space, at least in part, the opening of the plastic receptacle 2 projecting beyond the abdominal wall 4.

Abstract: In abdominal operations, particularly gyneacological abdominal operations, gauze-like material is often used in practice to hold organs such as intestines away from the operative area. This gauze-like material must in many cases be replaced during an operation and also lacks the desired stiffness to hold the intestines in particular in place in all cases.The present invention provides a cushion-like member for inserting into a relatively large body cavity, as formed during abdominal/pelvis surgery, and for restraining one or more body organs (for instance the intestines) and/or for absorbing blood and/or wound fluid, wherein the cushion-like member consists substantially of synthetic, absorbent material and has a outer contour of such shape that it is layable along and or beyond an edge of said body cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an incise system for surgical drapes and the resultant surgical drape. The incise system is a two layer structure including a first layer of incise with an adhesive bottom surface for adhering the layer to a surgical drape and/or the skin of a patient. The first layer of incise further defines a fenestrated area removably attached to the remainder of the first layer by a line of perforations. The second layer of incise is generally coextensive with and releasably attachable to the first layer of incise so as to cover the fenestrated area of the river layer.To use the incise system of the present invention the two layer structure is applied to the patient's skin such that the fenestrated area of the first layer of incise directly overlies the intended incision area. An incision can then be made directly through the two layers of incise. Once the procedure is completed, the top (second) layer of incise is peeled from the bottom (first) layer.

Abstract: A wound dressing for a deep wound is provided. The wound dressing comprises a hydrogel layer having an upper surface and a lower surface. The hydrogel layer is correspondingly sized to fill the cavity of the deep wound. The wound dressing further comprises a dressing removal layer disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface of the hydrogel layer. The dressing removal layer extends outwardly from the hydrogel layer so as to form a pull tab which facilitates removal of the hydrogel layer from the deep wound. A method of making a wound dressing for a deep wound is also provided.