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: The present invention is directed to novel equipment drapes for use with an Interventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (IMRI) device. An IMRI device enables medical personnel to obtain magnetic resonance imaging data on a patient and, at the same time, perform surgery on the patient. An IMRI device requires specialty equipment. The present invention is directed to one form of specialty equipment, equipment drapes. Equipment drapes of the present invention have a U-shape or rectangular shape and are attached to the IMRI machine to maintain a sterile field and to provide a barrier against fluids escaping from a surgery patient. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses an equipment drape having a U-shape with a retractable flap positioned with the "U" portion of the drape. In a further embodiment, the present invention discloses an equipment drape having a U-shape with a retractable pouch positioned with the "U" portion of the drape.

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 electrode carrying surgical drape and method is provided. The drape includes a polymeric film having opposing surfaces and an electrode receiving aperture therethrough. An electrode is disposed in and through the electrode receiving aperture. Electrode receiving aperture patches sealingly affix portions of said electrode to each of the opposing surfaces of the polymeric film in the vicinity of the electrode receiving aperture so as to thereby form a reinforced laminate structure capable of maintaining the sterility of an established sterile field.

Abstract: An ophthalmic drape that can easily be adhered to both the upper and lower margins of the eye without requiring the use of separate instruments for cutting and adjusting. The drape includes a sheet of material with an aperture positioned away from the periphery of the sheet. The drape has two fields of skin compatible adhesive, one on one side of the sheet near the aperture, the other on the other side of the sheet near the periphery. Once the first field of skin compatible adhesive has been adhered to one of the patient's eyelids, the section of the drape supporting the second field of skin compatible adhesive can be folded upwards and doubled back on the drape. The second field of skin compatible adhesive, which had been side away from the patient before folding, is turned side towards the patient after folding. The second field of skin compatible adhesive is then conveniently positioned to be adhered to the remaining eyelid of the patient.

Abstract: A drape for surgical procedures on a shoulder. The drape includes a flexible sheet of fluid impervious material intended to overlay a patient arranged in either a lateral position or a beach chair position. The sheet includes a shoulder accommodating fenestration, and the resilient construction of the sheet around the fenestration causes the sheet to generally conform to a patient's shoulder area after the patient's arm is inserted through the fenestration. A pair of fluid collection pouches are connected to the sheet in a fluid tight fashion on opposite sides of the fenestration, and are arranged such that fluids present at the shoulder during the surgical procedure flow by gravity into one or both of the fluid collection pouches. A method of draping a patient for shoulder surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tear-away surgical drape is provided by the present invention. The drape has a fluid absorbent pad attached to the upper surface of an underlying base sheet. The drape has an opening, or fenestration, therein through which the operation is to be performed. The absorbent pad has a score line in it which extends from an edge of the pad to the fenestration so that it, like the tear-away material forming the base sheet, may be easily torn away after surgery. The present drape is particularly useful when it is necessary to leave a tube, catheter, or other apparatus attached o the patient after the surgery. The tear-away aspects of the drape allow it to be removed without disturbing the attached apparatus.

Abstract: The invention comprises a fluid collection pouch for use during surgical procedures to collect fluids and surgical debris. It comprises a flexible fluid retaining bag having an open top fitted with a flexible, compressible multi-channeled rib. The multi-channeled rib allows fluid to enter the bag even if accidentally closed.

Abstract: A surgical barrier used on a patient during an operating procedure. Wherein the barrier includes a drape, having a patient and doctor side; and valve, located on the drape, for maintaining a barrier between the patient and doctor side while a surgical instrument extends therethrough. The surgical barrier also has a reservoir, located adjacent the valve, for holding a solution therein. Additionally, the reservoir includes a pore for expelling the solution onto the surgical instrument located on the patient side. Moreover, the reservoir includes a refill device for refilling the reservoir with solution. The reservoir has a hollow walled ring shape that is formed circumfrentially around the valve. The hollow walled ring defines a cavity therebetween. The valve is specifically located within the cavity adjacent the doctor side of the drape. Additionally, the surgical barrier includes a collection bag, located on the patient side of the drape, for collecting secretions from a patient during an operating procedure.

Abstract: A device and method for the collection of umbilical cord blood during obstetrical delivery are disclosed. A pouch is attached to an obstetrical drape in a location convenient for filling with cord blood. The pouch includes a canal for the umbilical cord to be inserted into the pouch, and a sealing closure. The pouch may contain an anti-coagulant. One embodiment includes multiple compartments with various blood-treatment substances. After filling the pouch is closed and removed from the drape. The blood can be used for a variety of hematologic laboratory tests and for long term cryo-preservation for a stem cell transfusion to infants and adults.

Abstract: A cryosurgery mask permits the continuous application of coolant during cryosurgery. Cryosurgery employs the application of a coolant, such as liquid nitrogen (LN), to a target tissue to effect the removal thereof. The target tissue normally includes diseased tissue, along with a safety margin of adjacent tissue. The cryosurgery mask includes a flexible sheet having a non-adhesive upper surface and a lower skin-facing surface of a silicone gel composition which remains adherent to skin at cryosurgery temperature. A release film is releasably affixed to the skin-facing surface to protect against contamination. In operation, a hole, dimensioned to encircle both the diseased tissue and a safety margin of adjacent normal tissue, is removed from the sheet. The release film is removed and the hole is positioned over the target tissue. The gel layer adjacent to and surrounding the hole is pressed against the skin. A constant spray of LN may then be applied to the target tissue to effect freezing.

Abstract: A one piece "T" shaped surgical drape of uni-body construction is disclosed which provides for a drape covers which extends vertically from and contoured to the armboard and legboard covers. A bottom sheet portion can be added to the surgical drape to cover the leg area of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a surgical drape for use during a medical procedure on a shoulder of a patient when the patient is in the so called "beach chair" or Fowlers position. The surgical drape is a one-piece design and has a base panel defining a fenestration which is sealable around the patient's shoulder. Opposing right and left panels extend from the base panel away from the fenestration and a slit extends from a peripheral edge of the drape to the fenestration between the right and left panels. Right and left flaps extend from the right and left panels and overlap each other and cover the slit. A fluid control pouch surrounds at least part of the fenestration. The surgical drape can be used on either the right or left shoulder of the patient and covers the entire patient. The present invention also pertains to a method of draping a patient with the surgical drape.

Abstract: A two-part surgical draping system including a disposable drape (1) for adhesion to an operation site, and one or more reusable drapes (6) placed over the disposable drape (1). The disposable drape (1) includes a window (2), an upper absorbent layer (5) and a lower impermeable layer, first adhesive means (3) for adhering the lower impermeable layer to the patient, and non-adhesive preferably oppositely disposed margins (7) which serve to facilitate handling of the disposable drape (1). For attachment of the one or more reusable drapes (6) to the disposable drape (1), either the upper or the lower surface of the disposable drape is provided with second adhesive means (4) which is adherable to the lower or upper side of the reusable drape respectively. After attachment, the one or more reusable drapes (6) leave an access opening to the operation site. Moreover, the adhesive means (3,4) are preferentially protected prior to use by respective removable coverings (3',4').

Abstract: Reinforced surgical drapes are utilized in combination with a thermal treatment system including a basin recessed in a top surface of a system housing to ensure sterility of a sterile medium and to reduce drape costs. A reinforced surgical drape typically includes a primary drape layer of relatively thin construction that may puncture or tear under stress and at least one reinforcing layer selectively attached to drape portions receiving stress during use to prevent the drape from puncturing or tearing. Each reinforcing layer includes at least one segment that may either reinforce substantially the entire drape or the stressed drape portions. Alternatively, a surgical drape may be reinforced by disposing at least one drape over another drape placed on a thermal treatment system. The multiple drape embodiment enables immediate generation of a sterile field above a previously used or damaged drape, and further enables reuse of an underlying drape since an overlying drape provides the sterile field.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing an environment defined by a periphery is provided. The sealing apparatus includes a first frame defining an opening and being disposed on the periphery of the environment and a second frame defining an opening. A flexible material is rotatably interconnected between the first frame opening and the second frame opening to form an iris aperture. The size of the iris aperture can be adjusted by rotating the second frame with respect to the first frame. The first frame may be secured with respect to the second frame in order to fix the size of the iris aperture. For securing the frames with respect to one another, hook and loop fastening material may be provided. The environment and periphery may, for example, be a surgical patient and a surgical drape, respectively.

Abstract: A surgical drape including a liquid-absorbent top sheet (1) and a liquid-impermeable sheet (2) immediately beneath the top sheet. The liquid-impermeable sheet faces a patient, when the drape is in use. At least one elongated element (5) is arranged between the top sheet and the liquid-impermeable sheet.

Abstract: A blanket with permeable window (10) has a blanket (12). The blanket with permeable window (10) further has at least one permeable transparent window (14) positioned within the blanket (12). A periphery of the at least one permeable transparent window (14) is securely attached to the blanket (12) by at least one fastener (20). The at least one permeable transparent window (14) functions to allow viewing of an intravenous tube (18A) and intravenous needle (18B) of an intravenous (18) which is positioned within a patient appendage vein (16AA) of a patient appendage (16A) of a patient (16).

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 surgical retractor is disclosed having a handle portion, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle portion and including an outer tube, a stabilizing member extending from a distal end of the outer tube and a pair of resilient bands pivotably connected to a distal end portion of the stabilizing member. An actuation mechanism is provided which is associated with the handle portion and the resilient bands for moving the bands between open and closed position. The surgical retractor further includes a sheath dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the stabilizing member and the bands. A surgical kit is also provided having a package configured to receive a surgical instrument, a base member for sealing the package, a surgical instrument having proximal and distal ends and having a mechanism for performing a surgical procedure located at the distal end, and a static barrier for enclosing the mechanism of the surgical retractor.

Abstract: A sterile surgical-thermal drape (10) is provided. The sterile surgical-thermal drape (10) includes a sterile surgical drape (12) that maintains a sterile field and a thermal device (14) attached (16) to the sterile surgical drape (12) for regulating the body temperature of a patient (32). The thermal device (14) has an external surface, and is operable to provide convective heating or cooling to a patient.

Abstract: A surgical drape including a flexible bottom sheet having a lower surface of given area for placement on a patient and an upper surface for facing away from the patient, the bottom sheet defining a bottom fenestration of given size for accommodating a surgical procedure. Also included is a flexible top sheet detachably secured to the upper surface of the bottom sheet and covering the bottom fenestration. The top sheet has bottom and top surfaces of predetermined area less than the given area and defines a top fenestration of predetermined size smaller than the given size and aligned with bottom fenestration. A securement mechanism is provided for securing the top sheet around a body appendage after detachment of the top sheet from the bottom sheet. The securement mechanism improves use flexibility of the surgical drape.

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: The present invention relates to a surgical drape having an adhesive edge or border and including a liquid-impermeable layer and a layer of absorbent material fastened thereto. According to the present invention, at least one edge or border of the surgical drape has affixed thereto a separate edge-piece which includes an adhesive coating on that side which in use lies proximal to the patient's body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a universal surgical drape kit, comprising: a plurality of drape panels each having a top surface and a bottom surface; and a plurality of tape attachment strips comprising a backing, an adhesive layer covering one side of said backing, and a liner. At least two of the tape attachment strips are adhesively attached to the top surface and along at least a portion of one edge of the drape panels and a second portion of the tape attachment strips overhangs the drape panels and is covered with a liner. The present invention also provides a surgical drape, comprising: a sheet of drape fabric having a rectangular fenestration cut therein; and four tape attachment strips comprising a backing, an adhesive layer covering one side of said backing, and a liner. The four tape attachment strips are adhesively attached to the top surface of the sheet along the edges of the fenestration and a second portion of the tape attachment strips overhangs the fenestration and is covered with a liner.

Abstract: A surgical drape and a method of simultaneously forming a drape blank of a surgical drape in a single operation having both a screen portion and a fitted portion. A first continuous web forming a body portion of a surgical drape is advanced along a first longitudinal axis to a cutting and bonding location. A second web having first and second long edges generally parallel to a second longitudinal axis is located so that the first long edge of the second web is adjacent to the cutting and bonding location. A curvilinear seam is formed between the first and second webs along a path extending into the second web. The path generally originates and terminates at the intersection of the first long side of the second web and the first and second long edges of the first continuous web, respectively. The seam is cut generally along the path so that a first portion of the second web forms a fitted portion with the body portion of a first surgical drape in the series of surgical drapes.

Abstract: A sterile operating room video monitor and video monitor support device are provided to enable a surgeon to more easily conduct endoscopic procedures. A lightweight self-contained monitor module is provided to enable the surgeon to easily manipulate the image on the video monitor of a surgical area. A video support stand which secures the video monitor in the sterile operating field allows a surgeon to precisely place the video monitor at a desired position. The video support stand includes a monitor mount which may have a plurality of apertures communicating with a source of vacuum to hold a sterile drape tightly over the monitor module screen. Alternatively, the drape may be eliminated, and a close tolerance fit is made between the monitor mount and video monitor securing it in the sterile field. This invention allows positioning of the video monitor in the natural line of sight of the surgeon as he or she performs an endoscopic procedure.

Abstract: A disposable surgical drape comprising a folding funnel, folding frame means, and splash shield functions as a fluid collector for use during surgery. A portion of the splash shield is placed under the patient while the remainder extends over the operating table end to direct fluid flow to a folding funnel which is shaped and positioned as desired with folding frame means. Fluid draining into the funnel is collected for measurement. Folding frame means impart a substantially frusto-conical or frusto-pyramidal shape to the funnel in use and employ one or more hinged struts to help maintain the funnel mouth substantially open and horizontal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tube and cable restraint comprising: a strip of flexible material having a generally elongated rectangular loop-section adapted to form a loop about the tube with an attachment means near the first end of the loop-section adapted to secure (e.g., adhere) the strip to a surgical drape and a refastenable loop forming means adapted to secure (e.g., adhere) the second end of the loop-section to the first end thereby forming a loop around the tube or cable. In another embodiment, the restraint is adapted to secure a tubular drape around a projecting object such as a microscope eyepiece.

Abstract: A surgical retractor liner and integral drape assembly suitable for inserting in an incision and adjusting in place to prevent cross-contamination during surgery between the incise cavity and the surrounding skin of the patient. A flexible liner impervious to microorganisms has resilient inner and outer rings at either end for holding the liner firmly in the incision. A skirt sealingly joined at the outer ring 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: A surgical drape for receiving a limb of a patient includes a base sheet having an opening and a passageway extending between the opening and an edge of the base sheet, an elasticized cuff having a central fenestration applied over the opening in the base sheet and attached to the base sheet about the opening in the base sheet, and a separation defined in the cuff extending between the central fenestration and an edge of the cuff and being longitudinally aligned with the passageway of the base sheet for permitting wrapping of the drape around the limb to isolate and form a seal around at least a portion of the limb through the central fenestration of the cuff. The drape may also include a liquid gathering pouch attached to the base sheet and surrounding the cuff and having a layer separate from the base sheet and the cuff to form a pocket therebetween and an opening surrounding the cuff for receiving liquid therein.

Abstract: A surgical drape for use in surgery upon an upper extremity, in which a patient is placed upon an operating room, or OR, table and one of the patient's arms is laid out roughly perpendicular to his or her body on a hand table placed next to one side of the OR table. The drape comprises an OR table portion, formed of fabric, large enough to entirely cover the patient and to have peripheral edges which hang down around the OR table's circumference at least two feet below the table's top surface. The drape also includes a hand table portion, formed of fabric, large enough to cover the top of the hand table and to hang down around all the sides of that table which are not adjacent to the OR table at least one foot below the hand table's top surface. The drape includes-means for joining the OR and hand table portions, so the hand table portion sticks out from a side of the OR table portion.

Abstract: A surgical drape includes inner and outer flexible tubular members having a flexible drape of sheet material extending between them and a pumping device for pumping fluid into the inner and outer members. Also disclosed is a tool for depositing the surgical drape around the eye of a patient. A method of using the surgical drape as a barrier eye drape includes the steps of inserting the inner tube underneath the eyelids and around the eyeball of the patient, pumping fluid into the inner tube so as to inflate it into engagement with the eyelids and create retaining pressure, depositing the outer tube on the outer surface of the eyelids, pumping fluid into the outer tube so as to inflate it and draw the drape material into substantial planar contact with the interior and anterior portions of the eyelids, thereby retracting the eyelids outwardly and enlarging an opening between them to allow access to the eye for surgical procedures and provide a waterproof seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid collection pouch which may be easily attached to a surgical drape or directly to a patient's skin. The fluid collection pouch comprises a front panel and a rear panel joined along common side edges (thus defining a fluid receiving chamber). The pouch has an open top end to which is adhesively attached a portion of a tape attachment strip. A second portion of the tape attachment strip overhangs the open top end of the pouch and is covered with a liner. In use, the liner is removed (thus exposing an additional portion of the adhesive surface of the tape attachment strip) and the exposed adhesive is placed against the surface to which the pouch is being attached. This design provides a leak free seal between the surface and the pouch, and fluid is able easily to flow over the sealed region into the pouch without being inhibited or directed away.

Abstract: The present invention provides a universal surgical drape kit, having: a plurality of drape panels each having a top surface and a bottom surface; and a plurality of tape attachment strips comprising a backing, an adhesive layer covering one side of the backing, and a liner. At least two of the tape attachment strips are adhesively attached to the top surface and along at least a portion of one edge of the drape panels and a second portion of the tape attachment strips overhangs the drape panels and is covered with a liner. The present invention also provides a surgical drape, comprising: a sheet of drape fabric having a rectangular fenestration cut therein; and four tape attachment strips comprising a backing, an adhesive layer covering one side of the backing, and a liner. The four tape attachment strips are adhesively attached to the top surface of the sheet along the edges of the fenestration and a second portion of the tape attachment strips overhangs the fenestration and is covered with a liner.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention novel medical dressing systems and methods are disclosed using a semiperipheral support design which provides at least one conformal, unsupported dressing edge upon application. The dressing system disclosed herein comprises a backing layer, an adhesive material overlying the backing layer and a release liner overlying the adhesive, wherein said medical dressing system further comprises a final dressing portion and a semiperipheral support portion partially surrounding said dressing portion and said support portion being partially defined by a separation, said dressing portion being further defined by at least one unsupported edge, said one or more unsupported edges extending from a first end to a second end of said semiperipheral support portion.

Abstract: A surgical drape is provided for reducing the potential for contamination at a surgical incision site which includes a first sheet having an opening for passing a body part therethrough and a second sheet connected to the first sheet proximate the opening. The second sheet is preferably of transparent synthetic resing material having adhesive coating on one side thereof. A third sheet may be provided, with the body part positioned between the second and third sheets. The second and third sheets may be connected along their respective side edges to isolate the surgical incision area. In the corresponding method, an incision may be made through the transparent second sheet, with the second sheet adhering to the body part to limit the contamination of the incision site by solids or fluids contacting or coming from the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A surgical drape and a method of simultaneously forming a drape blank a surgical drape in a single operation having both a screen portion and a fitted portion. A first continuous web forming a body portion of a surgical drape is advanced along a first longitudinal axis to a cutting and bonding location. A second web having first and second long edges generally parallel to a second longitudinal axis is located so that the first long edge of the second web is adjacent to the cutting and bonding location. A curvilinear seam is formed between the first and second webs along a path extending into the second web. The path generally originates and terminates at the intersection of the first long side of the second web and the first and second long edges of the first continuous web, respectively. The seam is cut generally along the path so that a first portion of the second web forms a fitted portion with the body portion of a first surgical drape in the series of surgical drapes.

Abstract: A disposable or semi-disposable compact device for confining runoff of hazardous fluid is provided, comprising a removably attached fluid impermeable liner form-fitted to a frame so as to conform the liner to a predetermined container shape to allow for patient decontamination or retention of fluids from leaking structures. The liner could be reused or disposed with or without the fluid.

Abstract: A two-part surgical draping system comprising a disposable drape (1) for adhesion to an operation site, and one or more reusable drapes (6) placed over the disposable drape (1). The disposable drape (1) comprises a window (2), an upper absorbent layer (5) and a lower impermeable layer, first adhesive means (3) for adhering the lower impermeable layer to the patient, and non-adhesive preferably oppositely disposed margins (7) which serve to facilitate handling of the disposable drape (1). For attachment of the one or more reusable drapes (6) to the disposable drape (1), either the upper or the lower surface of the disposable drape is provided with second adhesive means (4) which is adherable to the lower or upper side of the reusable drape respectively. After attachment, the one or more reusable drapes (6) leave an access opening to the operation site. Moreover, the adhesive means (3,4) are preferentially protected prior to use by respective removable coverings (3',4').

Abstract: A surgical splash shield for use in surgical procedures requiring the use of a surgical scope such as an endoscope. In one embodiment, the device is generally rectangular in shape with a hole or an eyepiece port having an elliptical hole located at the center and uses adhesive tape to secure the device. In another embodiment, the device comprises a relatively square section which protects the clinician's body and a circular area which covers the scope and protects the clinician's face. The device, again, has an elliptical eyepiece port and is secured by adhesive tape.

Abstract: A reusable fabric surgical drape such as a cardiovascular drape, for example, having a fenestration to be positioned at a surgical site and one or more slits formed in the drape. Each slit has overlapping edges which are releasably attachable together. The surgical drape may have one such slit extending from the fenestration to an edge of the drape, which, when opened, enables removal of the drape from the patient about any surgical equipment attached to the patient through the fenestration. One or more additional such slits may be formed in the drape and so positioned and shaped as to provide, when opened, reclosable surgical site fenestrations.

Abstract: The present invention is a surgical drape 10 specifically designed for surgery on extremities (e.g. arm, hand, leg, foot). The drape 10 comprises a base sheet 11, a work surface 14, a dam 21 having an adjustable opening 22 and cord stays 25-32. The patient 18 lies under the drape while a subject extremity 23 is placed through the adjustable opening. The dam is made of an elastomeric material which forms a tight engagement around the subject extremity. The work area completely surrounds the dam and is substantially stronger than the base sheet to reduce accidental tearing and prevent instruments from slipping off from the drape. The work area extends a substantial distance around the dam to provide adequate protection from accidentally tearing the drape when surgery is conducted near the dam. The cord stays prevent cords from interfering with surgery or becoming contaminated as a result of falling to the operating room floor.

Abstract: A surgical drape is described which includes a pouch having one embodiment a one-piece construction and formed with a single seam. An edge of the pouch may be extended to create a concave surface to control and contain fluids during a surgical procedure. Once formed or shaped into the pouch and the edge sealed, the sheet has a front portion, a back portion, an upper back edge in the back portion for placement relatively near the surgical site, and an upper front edge on the front portion, which in the final configuration, is located away from the upper back edge. The upper back edge and the upper front edge together define the opening in the pouch having a circumference. Additionally, the length of the upper front edge is preferably greater than the length of the upper back edge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical drape adapted to cover either end of a C-arm-type x-ray machine having a laser targeting device mounted thereon. The surgical drape is made of an x-ray-transparent material, such as plastic, and includes a transparent window made of a material that does not diffuse or diffract a laser beam, such as an acetate film. The transparent window is preferably delineated from the main, plastic sheet of the surgical drape by a colored indicator. The indicator may be, for example, a colored band surrounding the window. Alternatively, the transparent window may itself be colored. In this case, the color chosen is matched to the wavelength of the laser beam so as to allow transmission of the laser beam yet filter out other wavelengths of light. The surgical drape is preferably shaped like a bag to fit over the end of the x-ray machine's C-arm.

Abstract: A surgical drape having first and second fenestration portions. A flap member affixed to the drape. The flap member having a portion unattached to the drape and provided with a fenestration of the same size and shape as the first fenestration portion of the drape. The unattached flap portion is shiftable between an unfolded covering position and folded uncovering position. In the unfolded covering position the unattached flap portion overlies the first and second drape fenestration portions with the second fenestration portion being covered thereby and with the flap member fenestration overlying and being co-extensive with the drape first fenestration portion. When the unattached flap member portion is in its folded, uncovering position, both of the first and second drape fenestration portions are exposed.

Abstract: A reusable surgical drape having a fenestration to be positioned at the surgical site and a trough for collecting liquids which flow from the surgical site. The trough comprises a substantially rectangular panel of liquid repellant fabric having rounded corners and having an opening formed therein corresponding to the drape fenestration. The trough-forming panel is sewn to the drape about the peripheries of their corresponding opening and fenestration. In one embodiment all four sides of the trough-forming panel are folded inwardly toward the fenestration to form liquid receiving and retaining trough segments about the drape fenestration. At each of the corners, where adjacent trough segments meet, the outer peripheral edge of the trough-forming panel is gathered, resulting in a continuous rectangular trough about the fenestration, having substantially rectilinear side segments and rounded corner segments free of seams, stitches, folds or multiple layers.

Abstract: A surgical drape and improved assembly techniques for making the same are provided. The surgical drape has a main body which includes a top edge, a bottom edge and side edges. Portions of the drape define a slit which extends from one of the side edges for a distance into the main body where it terminates. The slit is generally defined by a first slit edge and a second slit edge. A piece of material having a pair of leafs hinged about a common edge is secured to the slit. One of the edges of one of the leafs is secured to the drape near the first slit edge and one of the edges of the other leaf is secured to the drape near the second slit edge.

Abstract: The present invention is a medical drape having at least one sheet with an upper and a lower fenestration formed therethrough, a screen filter and a drainage bag affixed over the lower fenestration, and a hose having one end in fluid communication with the drainage bag. Preferably, the drape is generally I-shaped.

Abstract: A transparent adhesive dressing of synthetic material having reinforced starter cuts is disclosed. The dressing contains three layers, namely, a sheet of flexible film made of polyurethane having an adhesive face, a protective sheet of backing covering the adhesive face, and a sheet of less flexible material made of polyethylene. A starter cut passes through at least two of the three layers. The starter cut is protected by a reinforcing strip disposed on the sheet of the less flexible film.