Abstract: A system and method for preventing the spurting of blood from a vein or artery, the system including an adhesive tape comprising an air permeable non-woven material, across the width of which an adhesive is applied in rows, and a hemostatic island absorbent dressing pad, which expands on contact with fluids, affixed to said non-woven material, and an armband associated with the adhesive tape, the armband including a flexible strap having a notched underside, a pressure box with a rigid extension on either side thereof attached to one end of the strap, the pressure box and extensions forming a T shape, a groove defined along the width of the strap where the strap is attached to one rigid extension, at one end of the T shape, to enable the strap to bend downwards at a 90.degree.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of use for reducing bleeding from the situs of a percutaneous arterial puncture in a living being, with the opening in the arterial wall having been closed by a closure including at least one portion of a suture extending out of the puncture. The apparatus basically comprising a mass of material which inhibits the flow of blood therethrough, e.g., collagen, a carrier for carrying the suture portion through the mass of material, and means for holding the mass of material with respect to the suture portion so that it closely engages tissue contiguous with the puncture tract. The means for holding may comprise a knot in the suture portion, or can be a releasably securable member for location on the suture portion. In one embodiment the carrier comprises a piercing member, e.g., a needle, arranged for location within the interior of the artery for passage thereout through the wall of the artery and through the mass of material to carry the suture portion therethrough.

Abstract: A device for sealing a puncture in a tissue within a living body, comprises a flexible tube including an opening, wherein the flexible tube extends from a proximal end which, when the device is in an operative position, is located outside the living body, to a distal end which, in the operative position, is located within the living body on a distal side of the puncture in combination with an inner member received within the flexible tube so that the inner member may move proximally and distally with respect to the flexible tube. A first end of a flexible anchor member is coupled to the inner member so that, when the inner member is moved with respect to the outer member, a second end of the anchor member extends through the opening outside the flexible tube.

Abstract: An external ear occlusion device (10, 22) includes a deformable material (18) that conforms to the shape of at least a portion of a user's external ear to occlude the external ear. The deformable material (18) includes an aliphatic polyester, which may be a polycaprolactone polymer having the formula: ##STR1## where R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A system, a closure, and method of use for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a blood vessel. The puncture includes an opening in the vessel wall and a tract leading to the opening. The system includes an introducer sheath and associated positioning device, a hemostatic puncture closure, and a deployment instrument. The positioning device enables the introducer sheath to be positioned at a desired position within the vessel. The deployment instrument includes a tubular carrier holding the closure. The closure comprises a rigid, e.g., radio-opaque, anchor, a compressed collagen plug, and a thin filament connecting the two in a-pulley-like arrangement. The instrument and introducer are used to introduce the closure into the puncture, with the anchor located within the artery and with the collagen plug within the puncture tract. A locking member is provided to hold the closure in place at its operative position, whereupon hemostasis occurs rapidly, thereby sealing the puncture.

Abstract: A hemostatic closure for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a blood vessel. The puncture includes a tract leading to it from the skin of the being. The closure comprises a rigid, resorbable material anchor having a reinforcement strip therein, a compressed collagen plug, a thin filament connecting the anchor and the plug in a pulley-like arrangement, and a locking mechanism, The plug is deployed so that the anchor is pulled against the tissue contiguous with the puncture inside the artery and with the plug and the locking member within the puncture tract. Pulling on the filament moves the plug toward the anchor member to a puncture sealing position. The locking mechanism is arranged to be actuated to engage the filament in such a manner that the plug is held in the puncture sealing position. In one embodiment the locking mechanism comprises a compressible disk mounted on the filament.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of use for reducing bleeding from the situs of a percutaneous arterial puncture in a living being, with the opening in the arterial wall having been closed by a closure including at least one portion of a suture extending out of the puncture. The apparatus basically comprising a mass of material which inhibits the flow of blood therethrough, e.g., collagen, a carrier for carrying the suture portion through the mass of material, and means for holding the mass of material with respect to the suture portion so that it closely engages tissue contiguous with the puncture tract. The means for holding may comprise a knot in the suture portion, or can be a releasably securable member for location on the suture portion. In one embodiment the carrier comprises a piercing member, e.g., a needle, arranged for location within the interior of the artery for passage thereout through the wall of the artery and through the mass of material to carry the suture portion therethrough.

Abstract: An ankle/foot orthosis for supporting a patient's ankle in a neutral orientation, including a calf section and a foot section pivotally coupled to the calf section to allow adjustment of a relative angle therebetween. A brace extends between the backsides of the foot and calf sections for maintaining the relative angle in a fixed position, and for allowing adjustment of the orthosis into one of several predetermined positions including an upright position, a fully reclined position, and one or more intermediate positions. The foot section includes a heel portion that maintains positive clearance with a patient's heel, which is an ulcer prominent area, and prevents inadvertent contact therewith, particularly when the orthosis is in the upright position. In the fully reclined position, the orthosis provides access to the patient's heel and sole regions, and elevates the patient's leg and foot above a supporting surface.

Abstract: A surgical plug and method are disclosed for minimizing leakage of insufflation fluid from an inflated body cavity through a puncture opening during an endoscopic surgical procedure. The surgical plug and method can be used to maintain insufflation during an endoscopic surgical procedure. The surgical plug includes a cap to plug the puncture opening and seal it, and a shaft extending from the cap into the body cavity. The shaft has helical thread, and the shaft is screwed into and through the opening until the cap is adjacent the body wall through which the opening is made. The surgical plug is stable and can maintain its sealing effect throughout an entire endoscopic surgical procedure. It also does not obstruct or interfere with the field of vision at the surgical site within the body cavity during the procedure. The method of using the surgical plug is simple and straightforward.

Abstract: A device for sealing incisions in the body of a patient wherein the device includes a bioabsorbable sealing member having an elongate shaft member and an elastomeric and flexible balloon member. The device may also include a preformed or injectable collagenous material associated therewith to hemostatically seal the incision in the body of the patient. The shaft member may include one or more lumens extending therethrough in flow communication with one or more balloon members thereon to provide a relatively simple device which effectively seals an incision in the body of a patient.

Abstract: A radiology kit for use with a catheter includes a first connection member 20 for attachment to the skin of the patient around the stomal orifice and a second connection member 30 (a cap) constructed for releasable attachment to a first connection means, i.e. a rib 23, on the first connection member. The cap has an end wall 33 with a hole 39 therein through which a catheter 40 can be threaded. A third connection member 50 of the kit is attached to a drainage sleeve 52 and constructed for releasable attachment to a second connection means, i.e. a rib 25 on the first connection member 20.

Abstract: A medical dressing for treating open chest injuries, or other injuries that compromise or could possibly compromise the pleural space of the chest cavity. Specifically, a medical dressing used by first responders to treat an open pneumothorax, treat and/or prevent a tension pneumothorax from developing, remove the accumulated blood of a hemothorax or re-inflating a collapsed lung without invasive procedures and in some instances act as a conduit for treating a tension pneumothorax or a collapsed lung with invasive procedures.

Abstract: A system, a closure, and method of use for determining the position of a blood vessel via a percutaneous puncture and for sealing the percutaneous puncture in the blood vessel. The system includes an introducer sheath and associated positioning device, a hemostatic puncture closure, and a deployment instrument. The positioning device enables the introducer sheath to be positioned at a desired position within the vessel. The deployment instrument includes a tubular carrier storing the closure. The carrier has a distally located free end to be extended via an introducer through the puncture and its associated tract. The closure comprises a radiopaque rigid anchor, a compressed collagen plug, and a thin filament connecting the two in a pulley-like arrangement. The carrier ejects the anchor through the introducer and puncture and then draws it against the free end of the introducer.

Abstract: This is an intravascular prosthesis deliverable transvenously for the occlusion of large heart defects. The defects are predominantly large atrial septal defects and ventricular septal defects. The device has an occluder connected with a centering counter-occluder. The device is delivered to the heart by known methods. The occluder is released on the distal side of the defect and the proximal centering counter-occluder is stretched, pulling the device over the center of the defect. Subsequently, the centering counter-occluder is buttoned against the occluder and is opposing the right atrial side of the septum. The radiopaque button is placed upon a string to verify buttoning.

Abstract: A device for the percutaneous transluminal repair of septal defects is disclosed. The device comprises first and second expandable occluders fastened to each other, each occluder including a framework having a central hub with elongated struts radiating therefrom. The struts are constructed such that they have a resistance to fatigue that exceeds the maximum fatigue stresses to which the struts will be subjected over a prolonged period in vivo. As such, the device exhibits a significantly decreased likelihood of metal fatigue failures after prolonged exposure in vivo.

Abstract: A two-piece bandage for placing on each side and over a wound, includes two pieces of material having an adhesive on one side to adhere to the skin. A first piece of the bandage has an adhesive layer covering one end of the bottom side of the bandage, and another end of the bottom side that overlies the wound, and does not have adhesive thereon except at the edge. A small peel strip covers the edge having the adhesive thereon. A second piece of the bandage is a strip of material having a bottom side covered with adhesive, and a strip of plastic material on one end of the top, non-adhesive, side.

Abstract: A system, a closure, and method for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a blood vessel. The puncture includes a tract leading to it from the skin of the being. The system includes an introducer sheath, a positioning device, a hemostatic puncture closure, and a deployment instrument. The positioning device positions the introducer sheath at a desired position within the vessel. The deployment instrument includes a tubular carrier having a distal end storing the closure. The carrier is extended via an introducer sheath through the tract and puncture into the blood vessel. The closure comprises a rigid anchor, a spacer member, a compressed collagen plug, and a thin filament connecting them in a pulley-like arrangement. The anchor has a centrally located domed projection. The carrier ejects the anchor through the introducer and puncture and then draws it against the free end of the introducer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for laparoscopic hernia repair including the use of an introducer sheath housed around an inner tubular plunger. The plunger houses an elongated ribbon formed into a loop, the loop being formed by a bipartite distal end of the ribbon. A patch with a passageway is attached to the loop with each of the two ends of the bipartite distal end of the ribbon being introducible into one end of the passageway for opening the patch into a planar configuration once it is pushed out of the sheath by the plunger.

Abstract: A surgical diaphragm for use in laparoscopic gynecological surgery is illustrated and described. Proximal and distal tubes extend from the diaphragm with the end of the proximal tube being accessible to the surgeon. The diaphragm functions to maintain the pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery when a colpotomy is required. The proximal tube may be sealed in such a way as to permit fluid egress and ingress to the surgical site through the colpotomy, and also to permit surgical tools to be inserted through the tubes.

Abstract: An intravascular prostheses is delivered transarterially or transvenously to occlude cardiac defects. The defects, which may include the patent ductus arteriosus, the ventricular septal defect and the atrial septal defect. The prostheses is a device having a distal occluder attached to a string and a proximal occluder connected to the string. The occluders are delivered to the heart by known methods. With the distal occluder on the distal side of the defect and the proximal occluder on the proximal side of the defect the occluders are adjusted according to the thickness of the heart structure at the defect. In one embodiment the adjustment is by moving the distal occluder over a series of knots or buttons in the string. In another embodiment the proximal occluder is connected to the distal occluder by an elastic string so that the elastic tension of the strings bring the occluders into position. A radiopaque button is placed upon the string to aid positioning the occluders.

Abstract: A system, a closure, and method of use for determining the position of a blood vessel via a percutaneous puncture and for sealing the percutaneous puncture in the blood vessel. The system includes an introducer sheath and associated positioning device, a hemostatic puncture closure, and a deployment instrument. The positioning device enables the introducer sheath to be positioned at a desired position within the vessel. The deployment instrument includes a tubular carrier storing the closure. The carrier has a distally located free end to be extended via an introducer through the puncture and its associated tract. The closure comprises a radiopaque rigid anchor, a compressed collagen plug, and a thin filament connecting the two in a pulley-like arrangement. The carrier ejects the anchor through the introducer and puncture and then draws it against the free end of the introducer.

Abstract: A tapered stent made of resilient material for interconnecting portions of a Fallopian tube after a resection procedure. The stent is tapered to conform to the tapered inner surface of the Fallopian tube and is provided with at least one suture on at least one end for use in inserting the stent within the Fallopian tube and to secure the stent in place.

Abstract: A shield for protecting a catheter while a patient is taking a shower/bath includes a first band for engaging a first portion of the patient's body and having an intermediate portion, a second band for engaging a second portion of the patient's body and having an intermediate portion, a water proof panel spanning between the intermediate portions of the bands, and water absorbent panels on lateral sides of the water proof panel and spanning between the intermediate portions of the bands.

Abstract: A canalicular implant adapted to be inserted into the punctum of an eye and which is adapted to be transported into the horizontal portion of the canaliculus to occlude the same is shown. The implant comprises an elongated member having a medial end, an opposed lateral end and a central member having a predetermined dimensional cross-section extending therebetween. The medial end has a tapered section which slopes and decreases in cross-section as it extends towards the medial end. The tapered section terminates in a medial tip having a dimension which enables the medial tip to enter and pass through the punctum. The lateral end has a collapsible flared section which increases in cross section as it approaches the lateral end and which terminates in an outer edge having dimension which is greater than the predetermined dimensional cross section of the central member. The collapsible flared section has a fully extended position and a collapsed position.

Abstract: A method for treating an external eye condition due to a deficiency of tears as shown. The method includes the steps of testing the eye to determine if a tear deficiency exists.

Abstract: A one-way valve for use in the emergency closing of an open thoracic wound to prevent inflow of air into the thoracic cavity but permitting one-way outlet flow of air and liquid from the cavity thus preventing pressure build up within the thoracic cavity.

Abstract: A method and system for the repair of hernias through laparoscopic techniques including plugging and patching, the system comprising a first assembly having a tubular sheath; a tubular plunger located within and moveable with respect to the sheath, the plunger having a distal end spaced proximally of the distal end of the sheath and a proximal end extending proximally of the proximal end of the sheath; a plug within the sheath at the distal end and moveable from interior thereof to exterior thereof upon manipulation of the proximal ends of the sheath and plunger by a surgeon.

Abstract: A disposable, protective reclosable wound dressing or bandage providing wound access that is easy to apply and/or open without disturbing a protective crust of blood and serum that forms over a wound, said crust being more commonly called a scab. In addition, it is convenient to apply medication without removing the bandage and at the same time, the wound may be inspected and otherwise treated while maintaining the bandage in place. The dressing is low in cost, simple and uncomplicated, non-metallic and not rigid but resilient and thus adaptable to the shape of the body part to which it is applied. One of its most important features is its capability to be repeatedly opened for inspection or for the application of medication and thereafter to be reclosed without losing any of the integrity of seal.

Abstract: A bandage which is particularly suitable for use on large wounds such as skin grafts and burns. The bandage has a ring of pliant material adapted for engagement with the skin surrounding a wound, an absorbent material extending around the inner periphery of the ring of pliant material for collecting exudate from the wound, an adhesive on the lower side of the ring of pliant material for affixing the bandage to the skin, an air permeable member affixed to the upper side of the ring of pliant material and adapted to cover the area within the ring without touching the wound, and an outer protective layer overlying the air permeable member and having a plurality of openings through which air can pass.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating a wound or attaching a device or article to the skin using a film of pressure sensitive adhesive having dispersed therein a discontinuous gaseous phase contained within voids in the adhesive. The adhesive is formed from the polymerization of a hydrophilic premix and exhibits high moisture vapor transmission and fluid absorbency.

Abstract: A disposable closure for an artificial or an incontinent natural intestinal opening has a porous, elastic, air-filled body which in a state not influenced by external compressive forces is a substantially cylindrical, conical or bell-shaped structure having a cross-sectional area, measured halfway between its ends, of at least the double of the cross-sectional area of the intestinal duct for which it is intended. When supplied by the manufacturer, this elastic body is compressed to a substantially cylindrical shape having a cross-sectional area as or slightly below that of the intestinal duct in question. The elastic body is maintained in that compressed state by a moisture- and/or heat sensitive material, the shape-maintaining effect of which is rapidly eliminated upon contact with the moisture content of the intestine and/or the heat of the human body. The elastic body may for instance be made of a foam plastic and the shape-maintaining material may for instance be a cover of polyvinyl alcohol.

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: A therapeutic rectal device for alleviating the discomfort of hemorrhoids by protecting the irritated anorectal surfaces from pressure and friction. The rectal device is horseshoe shaped and includes a resilient covering surrounding a core element of malleable material. The device is readily adjustable to conform to the shape and movements of the user's body without displacement, and may be used in combination with hemorrhoidal preparations to promote healing.

Abstract: An improved gastrostomy valve by which to deliver liquid nourishment through the abdominal wall of a baby that, due to a congenital, functional, or other disability, is unable to eat normally. The gastrostomy valve is provided with an expansible membrane or balloon and a fluid circuit interconnected therewith. Fluid is provided via the fluid circuit to inflate the balloon which, in turn, causes the membrane to roll towards the abdominal wall of a baby. The inflated membrane assumes a torroidal configuration which forms an efficient seal against the abdominal wall, whereby to minimize leakage and prevent an inadvertent removal of the gastrostomy valve from the abdominal cavity. The improved gastrostomy valve also includes an internally disposed feeding lumen or stem, an externally disposed fluid infusion port, and an anti-reflux check valve located therebetween.