Abstract: A surgical access device for subcutaneous implantation in a patient adjacent a bodily cavity. The device comprises a resilient biocompatible plate, a slit through the plate and a skirt which extends internally from the edge of the slit. The device has attachment points for securing the device subcutaneously to muscle or other tissue. The slit through the plate opens in response to an appropriate force to provide access to the bodily cavity through the skirt.

Abstract: An article for the protection of humans, animals and other articles from damage due to undesired exposure to lasers comprising a tubular element comprising at least one layer comprising a xerogel comprising at least one water-insoluble hydrophilic polymer wherein if said tubular element comprises at least three layers the layer adjacent the distal side, relative to the laser beams, of said xerogel layer comprises a metallic layer the proximal surface of which may be reflective or nonreflective of the laser beams and wherein said xerogel layer may further comprise a pigment. In addition, the layer on the distal side of said metallic layer may be a xerogel. During use of the articles of the invention the xerogels thereof are in a hydrated condition, i.e., they are hydrogels.

Abstract: A device for assisting wound closure in a surgical procedure in the form of a silicon rubber suture mat (1,3) and having a front region (2) of generally lenticular shape and an integral narrower tail region (3), the sides (3') of which are mutually biconcave with respect to the biconvex sides (2') of the front region (2) and are continuously curved therewith. When closing a wound, the front region (2) is used to cover, protect and retain the internal organs by being tucked under adjacent tissue, with the tail region (3) protruding from the wound. After the wound has been almost completely closed, the mat, due to its shape and inherent flexibility may be smoothly removed through a small remaining wound aperture (11) prior to final closure.

Abstract: The invention discloses a protective device for use during autopsy by a prosector operating with handheld instruments. The autopsy subject is covered by a transparent dissection chamber-forming device which is attached to the draped about the body of the subject. By attaching the device to the body of the subject the dissection site is isolated from the prosector and his support staff. The device provides an instrument port through which the handheld instrument can be partially inserted and further the device provides for sealing against the instrument. In addition to the device, a method of protecting autopsy room staff is also disclosed. Through the device and the associated method, the prosector is enabled to use, with an unobstructed view of the autopsy subject, handheld instruments while the effluent from the dissection of the autopsy subject is restricted within the sealed dissection chamber. The autopsy room staff is thus protected from infection.

Abstract: Combination surgical drape, dressing and closure structure and method of use before, during and after a surgical procedure. A combination drape and dressing includes a central dressing portion which may have an incision guide line, transverse index lines and intersecting grid lines which may be radio-opaque thereon, and a peripheral drape portion which portions are secured together by means of a weakened tear line. A straddling closure is utilized in conjunction with the combination drape and dressing to close an incision made through the dressing portion of the combination drape and dressing which straddling closure may be integral with or separate from the drape and dressing and extends over and beyond the entire length of the incision and for a substantial distance on both sides thereof. The straddling closure may be substantially flat or in a modification may be initially rolled, to be rolled onto the dressing portion of the combination drape and dressing over an incision therethrough.

Abstract: A surgical retractor including a barrier member forming a surgical dam for retaining viscera in an abdominal cavity during surgery and which is substantially nonabsorbant and is capable of being bent to a selected configuration and also including a core member enclosed within the barrier member that is capable of retaining the barrier member at the selected configuration. The barrier member is made of a flexible material such as foam plastic and has a cover made of a material impermeable to the passage of blood. The core member is preferably made of a metal capable of being bent to the plurality of selected configurations and being capable of retaining the selected configuration against the pressure of the viscera in the abdominal cavity.

Abstract: A sterilizable drape for draping an ultrasound probe during an invasive ultrasonographic procedure, and a process of forming such a drape. An elongated sleeve member, having an open first end and a substantially closed second end with a circular fenestration therethrough, is formed of a sterilizable, flexible, fluid impervious material such as polyethylene. A pair of pull ties extend from the open end to aid in pulling the drape over an ultrasound probe and cable. A tubular member, having an outside diameter substantially equal to the fenestration diameter and formed of a sterilizable, flexible, resilient, fluid impervious material such as latex, is sealed to the sleeve member and extends through the fenestration. The tubular member has an open first end, communicating with the sleeve member interior through the fenestration, and a closed second end.

Abstract: Covering sheet, which can be made form-retaining particularly for surgical use, with an airtight cover to be placed under vacuum, flexible opposite outer walls enclosing two layers of flexible fiber material enclosing granular particles fixed in place.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to use a variety of thin membranes, 1.0 to 2.0 mm thick made of any hydrogel polymer, as a temporary cover on organs exposed to air during surgery. The membranes are characterized by a high water content in excess of 85 weight percent, unique biocompatibility, transparency and pliability. These characteristics prevent drying of the organ surface and reduce bacterial contamination of the exposed tissue.