Abstract: A wound dressing defining skin facing areas having different degrees of skin adherence. The dressing comprises a backing layer defining a center portion and a border portion surrounding the center portion. A carrier layer is secured to the border portion of the backing layer within the border portion and includes a first skin adherent facing layer. An absorbent core is connected to a surface of the backing layer within the center portion and a second skin adherent facing layer is disposed along a surface of the absorbent core. The first facing layer has greater skin adhesive properties than the second facing layer.

Abstract: A bandaging device and method for sequestering a wound or an inoculation site on a patient are provided. The device comprises a body integrally formed to encase the wound or inoculation site. The formed body comprises a substantially transparent top portion for visually inspecting the wound or inoculation site, a side portion descending from the top portion to a lower edge, and a flange extending radially outward from the lower edge. The bandaging device is formed from a material that is substantially liquid-impermeable to prevent liquid or other contaminants from reaching the wound or inoculation site. The bandaging device also comprises at least one section that is formed from a material that is substantially liquid-impermeable and vapor-permeable to allow vapor to reach the wound or inoculation site while preventing liquid or other contaminants from contacting therewith.

Abstract: The animal wound shield is a protective casing having a shank portion and an appendage cover that can be disposed around a limb and an attached appendage of the animal. The appendage cover is articulated to a lower end of the shank. Thus, the appendage cover is pivotally connected to the shank and moves with the movement of the appendage. The shank may have more than one section, or an upper and lower portion, to extend further up on the limb, and yet still accommodate for joints. The shield is designed for use around an injured limb to cover a bandaged area and prevent further damage to the wounded site. Vent openings are defined in the shank and the appendage cover to permit air circulation. Fasteners may be used at a top end of the shank to hold the shank on the limb.

Abstract: A method for reducing pressure damage to skin of a person includes determining a location on the person susceptible to pressure damage, and adhesively securing a skin protective device to the location. The skin protective device includes a substrate having an inner surface, and an outer surface. An adhesive layer substantially covers the inner surface, and at least one fluid-filled cell is on the outer surface to cushion the skin of the person.

Abstract: An elastomeric puncture site patch for adhering to skin and antiseptically covering the skin at an area where a sharp object such as a syringe needle or intravenous is to be inserted. The patch is comprised of an elastomeric transparent self-sealing membrane and a spacer having an aperture. The spacer has an adhesive film on the surface opposite the membrane for adhering the patch to the skin. When the patch is applied to an area of the skin, a chamber is formed between the skin and the membrane and bounded by the spacer. In use, the skin is antiseptically cleaned and the patch applied. The syringe needle or similar device punctures the membrane and the skin. At the end of the procedure the needle is withdrawn and any blood remaining on the outside of the needle or oozing from the wound is trapped in the chamber, thus preventing contamination of the area beyond the chamber. A method of manufacturing the puncture site patch is also provided.

Abstract: A wound closure including a wound bridging portion that has sufficient dimensional stability to hold the wound edges in proper alignment, even in the face of substantial stretching of the wound closure as a whole, is disclosed. The wound closure is dimensionally stable directly over the wound. The remainder of the wound closure is preferably substantially more extensible and elastic than the wound bridging portion to improve conformability and adhesion of the wound closure to the patient. The wound closures may include opposing end portions of unequal lengths yielding an asymmetric shape that facilitates close placement of the wound closures along a wound.

Abstract: A bandaging system for use in the treatment of a patient with a venous leg ulcer comprising as an inner layer in the system a highly absorbent bandage which bandage comprises at least 5% by weight of a highly absorbent fiber and as a further layer in the system an elastic bandage.

Abstract: A wound covering includes a loop member including a peripheral wall that has an upper edge, a lower edge, an inner surface and an outer surface. The loop member defines an opening. A screen is attached to the loop member such that the screen extends across the opening. The screen comprises an air permeable and flexible material. A panel is attached to and extends along the peripheral wall of the loop member such that the panel does not extend over the opening. The panel comprises a flexible material having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface faces the same direction as the lower edge of the loop member. An adhesive is positioned on the lower surface of the panel. The panel may be attached to a skin surface such that the loop member extends around a wound on the skin surface.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage is disclosed for protecting blisters or wounds, or for preventing chaffing or the formation of blisters. In one embodiment, the bandage includes a protective layer for covering the blister or area of skin to be protected, and an adhesive layer surrounding the protective layer. The opposite side of the bandage contains a low-friction layer or surface and a separate sheet of low-friction material adjacent to but movable with respect to the low-friction layer or surface. The sheet of low-friction material is attached to the bandage in such a way that it can move with respect to the bandage in response to frictional forces, thereby minimizing a transfer of frictional forces from clothing or the like to the bandage. A method of treating blisters, as well as a method of preventing chaffing and the formation of blisters are also disclosed.

Abstract: A unitary wound closure device adapted to permit a wound on a patient to be viewed while the closure device is secured to the patient. The device comprises a body having sufficient flexibility for it to be folded against itself. The body includes first and second surfaces facing away from one another, a securing portion having a length and width sufficient to secure facing edges of the wound in close juxtaposition with one another and viewing portion having a length and width sufficient to circumscribe the wound of the patient. A first quantity of adhesive-substance is disposed on the first surface of the body to adhere the securing portion of the body to the patient. A second quantity of adhesive substance is disposed on the second surface of the body to adhere the viewing portion to the patient and the securing portion when the viewing portion is folded over and onto the protecting portion and the patient.

Abstract: The nature of the invention is to thoroughly compress the entire length and circumference of a medical site, limb, torso, neck, arm and leg with a tubular elastic sleeve that has openings at both ends. The I.V. Sleeve has bands of compressed elastic reinforcement about its circumference and equidistant throughout its entire length. The purposes of the bands are to reinforce the I.V. Sleeve and protect the compressed integrity of the remainder of the site and sleeve in the event of puncture or rupture of the sleeve in another section. For distribution and packaging it is rolled upon itself like an elastic ring. During use the entire elastic ring is stretched over any obstruction and onto the medical site where it is then unrolled onto the site becoming a skin tight protective barrier. The I.V. sleeve allows for its material to be manufactured with both impregnable and pregnable materials, man made and natural.

Abstract: This subject invention is a protective shield for protecting indwelling medical devices, during showering, bathing, or swimming. This protective shield includes an inner bag having an opening containing by a medical grade absorbent material, where the opening is surrounded by a medical grade adhesive for attachment to a patient's skin. The medical device in inserted into the bag through the absorbent material. This bag is covered by an attached outer cover, which has an adhesive material applied along it peripheral edge or attachment to the patient, which diverts the flow of fluid away from the opening of the inner bag. The absorbent material in opening of the inner bag traps and hold fluid penetrating the two adhesive barriers affording additional level of protection in preventing fluid from reaching the inside of the pouch.

Abstract: A modified adhesive gauze for absorbing discharge from wounds in an adhesive bandage package. The modified adhesive gauze includes a structural membrane that supports a thick dome shaped gauze pad and a plurality of adhesive strips to hold the gauze in place. The gauze pad has an increased capacity to contain matter discharged from the wound and would therefore require less changing while still providing protection for the wound.

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: A medical device for containing body fluids includes an elongate sleeve and at least one closure strap. The elongate sleeve defines a longitudinal axis and has at least one open end. The sleeve is made of a material that has an absorbent layer and a substantially transparent, nonporous layer positioned outwardly of the absorbent layer. Preferably, the material of the sleeve also includes a non-adherent, porous layer positioned inwardly of the absorbent layer. The strap is attached to the sleeve for closing the open end and for positioning and securing the sleeve over a wounded area or over a dressing covering a wound. The strap is made of a flexible, elastic material. The strap is wrapped completely around the sleeve and is affixed to itself, thus positioning and securing the sleeve over the wounded area or the dressing. In one preferred embodiment, the medical device includes an elongate sleeve having a pair of open ends and a pair of straps.

Abstract: An adjustable dressing wrap made from an elastic, porous, breathable mesh material, mounted on a framework including two substantially vertically-oriented fasteners along its left and right ends, and two substantially horizontally-extending elastic members, wherein the framework is substantially more rigid than the elastic mesh material when it is placed on the patient. The horizontally-extending elastic members may be adjusted by tightening around the body part such that the elastic mesh material may support and maintain the wound dressings in place.

Abstract: A device for closing and promoting the healing of a skin laceration in a predetermined skin portion of the body. The device comprising a first means engageable with a skin portion of the body for drawing such laceration together. A screen member disposed intermediate with the skin laceration and first means for maintaining closure of such skin laceration. A medical adhesive engageable with a screen member as a means for sealing the skin laceration together.

Abstract: A bandage for autolytic debridement includes a fluid-impermeable enclosure having a sidewall forming a margin defining an opening, and a skin-facing surface that surrounds the opening. An attachment means is disposed on the skin-facing to attach the enclosure to the skin, with the margin extending outside of and surrounding at least the bed of a wound. When the enclosure is attached to the skin it creates a closed, fluid-impermeable chamber over a wound, substantially without contacting the wound. The bandage includes a fluid absorbent material disposed in the fluid-impermeable enclosure at or near the continuous margin, and out of the opening. The fluid absorbent material is thus positioned to receive and retain exudated fluid that originates in the wound, thereby by promoting autolytic debridement. The closed, fluid-impermeable chamber maintains a near-100% humid atmosphere about the wound, thereby promoting healing of the wound.

Abstract: A method for excluding infectious agents from the site of an incision into the tissue of a patient. Air is the vicinity of the patient is filtered through an ionizing filter, such that any infectious agents in the air are electrically charged with a specified polarity. A region surrounding the site of the incision is thus characterized by an electrostatic charge of the same specified polarity as the infectious agents such that the infectious agents are repelled from the site of the incision. Infectious agents may be excluded from the site of an incision by creating a pressure field of air having a gradient along at least one path running from a zone including the incision to a neighboring zone so that air flows in the direction in the direction of decreasing pressure.

Abstract: A facial wound dressing support device configured to accommodate a variety of facial injuries and expedites the healing process while minimizing the patient's discomfort. As facial tissue has a high degree of sensitivity and is cosmetically significant, rapid healing with minimal permanent damage is highly desired. The subject wound dressing support device includes a facial mask made of a loose weave “loop like”, stretchable, breathable, washable and reusable material. The mask is adaptable to a multiplicity of differing facial topography structures on the head and face of the patient. The mask includes releasable hook fasteners at a first end of the mask which engage the loose weave material at various locations along a length of a second end the mask for securing the mask around the patient's head and next to the patient's face. The facial wound dressing support system may include openings for the patient's eyes, mouth and nose to facilitate continuous use by the patient.

Abstract: A leg guard and method that protect the area around an incision that is placed into the leg during heart by-pass surgery. The leg guard has a generally concave body member that has a central section and a pair of outer sections located on either side of the central section. The radius of curvature of the outer sections is greater than the radius of curvature of the central section. A strap extends between the outer sections for encompassing a user's leg and holding the body member thereonto. The body member is made from a hypoallergenic material and has at least one aeration hole therethrough. A resilient member may be attached to the outer periphery of each outer section.

Abstract: A device that blocks a patient's view of the site of insertion of a needle or catheter while allowing a healthcare worker visual and physical access to the site. The devices includes a strap and an opaque member connected to the strap. The opaque member is made from a semi-rigid material. A portion of the opaque member may be lifted to provide a visual barrier that blocks the patient's view of the site of insertion of a needle or catheter.

Abstract: A spinal protection device is provided which minimizes the formation of post-operative adhesions. The protection device may comprise a fenestrated shield, and may be positioned such that contact between the shield and the spinal dura is substantially avoided.

Abstract: This device is a simple non occlusive protective WOUND SHIELD which protects most wounds without contacting the wound and consists of a single piece of convexly curved thermoplastic material forming a dome over the wound that said dome rests on a contiguous rim which is seated on the skin surrounding the wound and this said rim having several tabs attached for the purpose of securing the WOUND SHIELD to the skin surrounding the wound with roller adhesive tape or velcro tape and said dome having multiple perforations in its convexity to permit atmospheric air to circulate over the surface of the wound.

Abstract: A device for protecting a user against lesions, mainly bone lesions and especially fracture of the neck of the femur. The device includes a shell, a fastening structure and an adhesive part. The shell has a concave and a convex side. The adhesive part includes a skin-friendly adhesive suitable for long-term contact with the skin. The fastening structure is fixed near the peripheral zone of the shell on the concave side thereof, and is fixed on the adhesive part inside the peripheral zone of the shell. The fastening of the adhesive part to the first coupling part of the fastening means is done by a non-permanent attachment.

Abstract: A bandage for autolytic debridement includes a fluid-impermeable enclosure having a sidewall forming a margin defining an opening, and a skin-facing surface that surrounds the opening. An attachment means is disposed on the skin-facing to attach the enclosure to the skin, with the margin extending outside of and surrounding at least the bed of a wound. When the enclosure is attached to the skin it creates a closed, fluid-impermeable chamber over a wound, substantially without contacting the wound. The bandage includes a fluid absorbent material disposed in the fluid-impermeable enclosure at or near the continuous margin, and out of the opening. The fluid absorbent material is thus positioned to receive and retain exudated fluid that originates in the wound, thereby by promoting autolytic debridement. The closed fluid-impermeable chamber maintains a near-100% humid atmosphere about the wound, thereby promoting healing of the wound.

Abstract: A closure device for use in closing lacerations, incisions, wounds and the like. The closure device includes a relatively narrow closure member connected at one end to an enlarged viewing member. Both members have adhesive layers applied in appropriate places to adhere the closure device to the patient. Protective members are arranged to cover the device so that the device can be handled and applied by a person wearing surgical gloves. The wound closure device may also include a hinge member joining the closure member and the viewing member.

Abstract: A method for treating a bone defect is provided by identifying a bone site suitable for receiving an implant; and introducing a strongly resorbable, poorly crystalline apatitic calcium phosphate at the implant site, whereby bone is formed at the implant site. A bone defect may be treated by identifying a bone site suitable for receiving an implant; and introducing a hydrated precursor to a strongly resorbable, poorly crystalline apatitic calcium phosphate at the implant site, whereby the hydrated precursor is converted in vivo to a poorly crystalline apatitic calcium phosphate and whereby bone is formed at the implant site. The implant site may be a variety of sites, such as a tooth socket, non-union bone, bone prosthesis, an osteoporatic bone, an intervertebral space, an alveolar ridge or a bone fracture.

Abstract: The device has a protrusion maintaining sustained pressure to an area of the upper abdomen. This mechanical pressure serves to assist in closing the cardiac sphincted, help induce esophageal relaxation and, in the case of a hiatal hernia, to return the stomach to the correct anatomical position. The device is semirigid to allow the device to apply pressure to the user without being pushed outwardly.

Abstract: Bandages for application to the skin of an individual to treat pressure ulcers and other impaired blood circulation problems include a flexible strip having a pair of opposing major planar sides; an adhesive on one of the major sides; and a flexible foam inner member on the one major side of the strip. The foam inner member has a pair of opposing major sides, one being fixed to the strip. At least some of the adhesive on the strip is exposable around the foam member to secure the bandage to an individual. The foam inner member has an outer perimeter extending around and between the major sides of the foam inner member lacking any step extending transversely to the foam inner member and flexible strip sufficiently abruptly to create a discontinuous pressure change along the skin of the individual receiving the bandage and hindering blood flow under the foam inner member. More particularly, the foam members are tapered or undercut to smoothly transition between its two major sides.

Abstract: Device for protecting large wounds, such as surgical incisions, from the environment. The device contains a semi-rigid, flexible plate with attaching means which direct environmental pressures away from the wound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to iodine demand disinfectants. It relates in particular to a process for preparing a polyiodide-resin for use as an iodine demand disinfectant wherein a porous strong base anion exchange resin in a salt form, is contacted with a material capable of donating a member absorbable by the resin so as to convert the resin to the polyiodide-resin. The adsorbable member is selected from the group comprising I.sub.2 and polyiodide ion having a valence of -1. The process is characterized in that conversion of the anion exchange resin to the polyiodide-resin is effected at elevated temperature and elevated pressure, the elevated temperature being 100 degrees C or higher, the elevated pressure being greater than atmospheric pressure. The present invention also relates to disinfectant substance comprising an iodine (impregnated) resin as produced by the above process.

Abstract: An apparatus used with clothing for maintaining a gap between the clothing and a wound of a patient using at least one spacer attached to the clothing and contacting an area of the patient's skin adjacent the wound to provide a gap between the clothing material and the wound.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel barrier webs that have certain desirable physical qualities such as water resistance, increased durability, improved barrier qualities and the like. The present invention further comprises a barrier web comprising a web that has been treated with a curable shear thinned thixotropic polymer composition, the fabric being adapted to be substantially impermeable to liquids, permeable to gases and impermeable to microorganisms. The barrier webs of the present invention are either impermeable to all microorganisms or are impermeable to microorganisms of certain sizes. The present invention also includes fabrics that are capable of either selective binding certain microorganisms, particles or molecules depending upon what binding partners are incorporated into the polymer before application to the fabric.

Abstract: An input command controller provides logic function selection signals and proportional signals. The signals are generated by movement of a ball member and socket member relative to two orthogonal axes. When the joystick is implanted a transmitter transmits the signals to a patient carried unit. The patient carried unit includes an amplitude modulation algorithm such as a look-up table, a pulse width modulation algorithm, and an interpulse interval modulation algorithm. The algorithms derive corresponding stimulus pulse train parameters from the proportional signal which parameters are transmitted to an implanted unit. The implanted unit has a power supply that is powered by the carrier frequency of the transmitted signal and stimulation pulse train parameter decoders. An output unit assembles pulse trains with the decoded parameters for application to implanted electrodes.

Abstract: A protective covering for a lesion comprises a frame for adhering to the skin of a patient and for surrounding a lesion. The frame has a central opening and a generally L-shaped cross section including a wall, and a base that surrounds the lesion and attaches to the patient's skin with an adhesive. One end of the wall extends perpendicularly from the base, extending around the central opening. The free end of the wall includes a peripheral recess wherein a rim of a cover is received. The cover aligns with the opening and the rim extends fully around the cover so that when the frame base is attached to the patient's skin surrounding a lesion, and the rim of the cover is sealingly received in the recess of the wall, a sealed space is provided enclosing the lesion to protect it from the water. The cover may be put on and taken off the frame many times while the adhesive connection between the frame and skin remains intact.

Abstract: A topical hyperbaric bandage having a gas diffusion resistant flexible and/or resilient sheet material and including an adhesive layer adapted to be affixed to the skin. The adhesive layer is adapted to surround a treatment area, at least one release layer disposed over the adhesive layer and a device that supplies a therapeutic gas to the treatment area. The bandage is adapted to retain a single charge of therapeutic gas over a treatment period. The bandage includes a reservoir and a device for opening the reservoir.

Abstract: A non-contact wound covering for covering a wound. A peripheral sealing ring is covered by a barrier layer and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive. The barrier layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume over the wound. The barrier layer may include active and passive heaters and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is the transfer of a heated fluid to the wound covering.

Abstract: A covering device (10) for use in covering lacerations, wounds, incisions, insertions of medical devices and the like. The wound covering device includes a flexible hinge member (26) having a width approximately coextensive with the portion of the wound to be covered. The hinge member (26) having a first portion (32) connected at one end to a cover dressing (18), and a second portion (34) connected to a handle member (12). The hinge member (26) having adhesive layers (36, 38) applied in appropriate places to adhere the hinge member (26) to the cover dressing (18), and the hinge member (26) to the patient. Handle member (12) and a protective member (40) are arranged to cover the device so that the device can be handled and applied by a person wearing surgical gloves.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage includes a flexible planar abrasion resistant body having an outer face, an inner face, and a peripheral edge. A sterile pad is secured to the inner face of the abrasion resistant body. A covering of flexible material is secured to the outer face of the abrasion resistant body and extends past the abrasion resistant body to form wings. The wings have an adhesive coating whereby the wings may be adhered to human skin to maintain the sterile pad in position over a wound. The covering is attached to the abrasion resistant body immediately adjacent to the peripheral edge leaving an unsecured central portion of the covering extending across the second face of the abrasion resistant body. Rubbing results in movement of the unsecured central portion of the covering against the abrasion resistant body thereby insulating the sterile pad from movement due to said rubbing.

Abstract: A wound dressing is disclosed in which a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, preferably of a soft, pliant adhesive composition having one or more hydrocolloids dispersed therein, is backed by an elastomeric film and has its opposite (bodyside) surface covered by a removable primary release sheet and a release strip, with at least a portion of the release strip being interposed between the adhesive layer and the primary release sheet along one side edge of the dressing. The primary release sheet and the release strip have superposed or overlapping tab portions that project outwardly beyond a side edge portion of the dressing. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive and backing layers are translucent and the release strip is visible therethrough by reason of sharp color or tonal contrast in relation to the primary release sheet.

Abstract: Device for protecting large wounds, such as surgical incisions, from the environment. The device contains a semi-rigid, flexible plate with attaching means which direct environmental pressures away from the wound.

Abstract: The invention developed is a nursing pad assembly suitable for absorbing lacteal fluid which is conformable to the human breast. It includes a conformable casing comprising a central area and a plurality of outwardly extending fingers, the central area possessing a pocket having a front opening and a rear opening; an absorbent padding material located in the pocket and capable of being removed through the front opening; and adhesively attaching the outwardly extending fingers to an area surrounding the nipple in such fashion that the nipple will contact the absorbent padding material through the rear opening. When the absorbent padding material is removed from the pocket, the nipple will be exposed through the front opening to enable nursing without requiring removal of the entire pad assembly.

Abstract: The dressing system of the present invention provides, in one aspect, a composite dressing that allows a wound to be dressed in one easy step and redressed without disturbing the wound. The composite dressing comprises a contact component having a bottom side facing a wound, and a top side. A dressing component is releasably attached to the top side of the contact component such that the dressing component can be readily separated from the contact component if pulled relative to the contact component. The contact component can remain on the wound to prevent disturbance, and another composite dressing or dressing component can be applied to the contact component.

Abstract: A spinal protection device is provided which minimizes the formation of post-operative adhesions. The protection device may comprise a substantially pliable shield, and may be positioned such that contact between the shield and the spinal dura is substantially avoided.

Abstract: Improved processes are provided for treating a porous substrate (especially a fabric) to produce novel internally coated porous materials. During treatment, a curable thixotropic material and one or modifying materials are applied to the porous substrate as an impregnant. The treatment imparts specific properties to the end product material. Selection of the modifier material is based on the particular end use application. Sufficient energy is directed to the impregnant and porous substrate to cause the impregnant to flow into the porous substrate and force the modifier to specific positions within the substrate.

Abstract: A barrier web comprising a fabric that has been treated with a curable shear thinned thixotropic polymer composition, the fabric being adapted to be substantially impermeable to liquids, permeable to gases and impermeable to microorganisms. The barrier webs of the present invention are either impermeable to all microorganisms or are impermeable to microorganisms of certain sizes. The present invention also includes fabrics that are capable of either selectively binding certain microorganisms, particles or molecules depending upon what binding partners are incorporated into the polymer before application to the fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable anchoring device to retain a catheter at a desired location inside a patient. The anchoring device includes a securing member with a body portion having an opening extending through the tubular body portion. The opening has a first dimension adapted to retain the catheter by frictionally engaging the catheter. The body portion of the securing member is dilatable to have an opening with a second dimension such that the securing member can slidably move about the catheter. The invention also relates to an anchoring device with a dilator member portion with a forward end wherein the forward end is adapted to detachably mate with the securing member through a portion of the opening of the securing member and to dilate the tubular body portion of the securing member from having an opening with the first dimension to have an opening with the second dimension.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising an absorbent layer (5) and absorbent layer retaining means wherein the absorbent layer retaining means comprises an adhesive annular foam flange (2).

Abstract: An enclosure which provides a sterile environment for insertion of a catheter, attachment of an iv setup and the like and in another embodiment for sterile maintenance of a localized surgical site. The enclosure in both embodiments is comprised of a sterile transparent dome section comprised of a medically inert and acceptable resilient or rubber-like plastic material such as polyurethane, PVC or polyethylene, with a flat flange section peripherally situated around the base of the dome and extending away from the enclosure. The flange section comprises an adhesive section on the underface thereof whereby the dome can be sealingly and hermetically removably adhered to the skin of a patient to enclose a portion of a patient's skin in a controllable environment.