Abstract: A device for shielding a surgical incision or other sensitive area of the body from contact with clothing or other items. The shielding device has a protective member including a substantially rigid frame, a plurality of substantially rigid support legs, each of which extend from the protective frame in an angular relation toward the body of the user and terminate in a contact end and a plurality of contact elements on the contact end of each of said support legs for contacting the body of the user. The device also includes a flexible support loop attached to the protective member and forming a loop for placing around the neck of the user to suspend the protective member from the user's neck and position it over the area to be shielded.

Abstract: An injection patch for facilitating injection into a patient and for confining blood from the injection wound has an absorbent pad against the skin of a patient around an intended injection site and a second surface. An elastomeric, self-sealing membrane through which an injection needle can penetrate lies against the second surface of the pad and closes the central opening. A cover layer with a central opening overlies the membrane and exposing a central portion of it to identify the injection site. The patch is adhesively held to the patient's skin. An injection can be made with a needle passed through the membrane and the patient's skin, after which the needle is extracted while the membrane wipes the needle, reseals and forms a cavity with the pad and the patient's skin to contain blood from the injection site until after hemostasis.

Abstract: There are described padding materials comprising a first moisture vapor permeable film layer and a second moisture vapor permeable film layer with air bubbles spaced therebetween. The air bubbles may optionally contain foam pips. Methods of preparation and uses of the padding materials are also described.

Abstract: A wound protection device for protecting a wound the device being constructed to have a continuous outer wall, formed of a resilient material, surrounding a hollow, inner core. A first end of the device contacts intact skin surrounding the wound, the resiliency of the material protecting the surrounded would from forces associated with incidental contacts to the wounded area.

Abstract: A dressing for wounds that permits a cover member to be repeatedly unsealed or opened for inspection, medication of the wound or for any other purpose and then repeatedly resealed without loss of integrity of the seal. Opening and resealing may be accomplished by means of a hasp comprising a latch and an eye or the like. The dressing may be secured to the body skin of a user by means of an epidermal adhesive tape strip base member that has a wound circumscribing aperture. A pad, medicated or not, may be supplied to cover a wound under treatment within the circumscription of said circumscribing aperture.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter shield is formed by a base having side walls underlying a portion of a hand and forearm of a patient having an inserted infusion needle. The side walls at one side of the base define a thumb nesting recess therebetween. Resilient padding is interposed between the base and the patient's hand and forearm and straps extending transversely across the patient's hand releaseably secure it to the base. An inverted transparent generally U-shaped shield has leg portions removably secured to the base side walls with the bight portion of the shield in vertically spaced relation, with respect to the patient's hand, permitting visual inspection of a venipuncture site at all times.

Abstract: There is provided a laminate material having stretchability and recovery, breathability and barrier properties, and being made from a nonwoven elastomeric web having at least one web of textile material discontinuously adhesively bonded to each side thereof. The laminate material is free of an elastomeric film, the elastomeric web is substantially flat when the laminate is unstretched, and the nonwoven elastomeric web provides recovery to the laminate. The nonwoven elastomeric web is preferably a web of meltblown elastomeric fibers and the other webs may be knits, wovens or scrim materials. These laminates are well suited for infection control products, personal care products and garments.

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.

Abstract: A non-contacting shield for use in the perineal area, comprising a main body maintained a distance from the perineal area by two lateral panels which fold generally perpendicularly relative to the main body. The lateral panels, preferably expanded or padded along the outer portion, are positioned adjacent the inner thighs and occupy the pockets formed by the juncture of the thighs and pelvis. The lateral panels are arcuate and the main body is composed of a flexible material to allow it to conform to the shape of the perineal area.

Abstract: A biocompatible protection device is disclosed to minimize the postoperative formation of adhesions between adjacent tissue such as between the heart and the sternum thereby facilitating cardiac revision surgeries. The device is substantially oblong in shape and has attachment means positioned along the periphery of the device. The device is preferably anchored to the sternum.

Abstract: Device and related method for determining the surface area of a wound. The device includes a transparent sheet having a series of perforations defining first and second sections of the sheet which allow the first and second sections to be separated from one another along the perforations. The transparent sheet is folded along the perforations so that the two sections overlap each other, and the sections are substantially free of adhesive material. The second section includes indicia thereon which allow a user to determine the surface area of a wound after the outline of the wound or opening is traced thereon. Upon use, the device is placed over the wound or opening, with the first section toward the wound or opening, and the outline of the wound or opening is traced onto the second section.

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 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 plurality of devices are provided for dressing wounds, injuries, and inserted intravenous (IV) catheters on a body portion of a patient. Each device has a pressure plate for being positioned in engagement with the wound, injury, or inserted IV catheter, and at least one securing strap to secure the pressure plate in engagement therewith. An embodiment having a bandage secured to an elongated pressure plate with a flexible center portion may be applied to a wound in the area of a body joint. Another embodiment having a bandage secured to each of two pressure plates may be applied to a wound comprising first and second wound areas located in the same general lateral portion of a body portion. Still another embodiment having a raised portion at one end of the pressure plate generally shaped to correspond to the external portion of an inserted IV catheter may be applied to secure the IV catheter.

Abstract: A reclosable wound cover having a base for securement to the skin surfaces of a patient surrounding a wound and having a reclosable, transparent cover is disclosed. The base is formed of a barrier layer of soft, conformable fluid-absorbing, adhesive material and a thin, elastomeric backing layer which covers a surface of the barrier layer opposite from its skin-contacting surface. The cover includes a planar, transparent cover film which allows for visual inspection of the underlying wound through an opening in the base. The cover is smaller than the perimeter of the base so that lifting forces applied to the cover will not tend to separate the base from the skin surfaces of the patient and so that the cover does not contact the skin surfaces of the patient. An adhesive border is secured along the peripheral edge of the cover for releasably securing it to the backing layer of the base.

Abstract: A protective appliance to be worn by an individual for protecting a body part of the individual, which body part is covered by a piece of clothing, includes an inner shell part of a generally convex configuration to be arranged such that one side of the inner shell part is covered by the piece of clothing at the body part of the individual. The inner shell part includes opposite flange members and a central curved member integrally connected to the flange members which have configurations allowing the flange members to be arranged in facial contact with respective body surface parts adjacent to the body part of the individual as the central curved member bridges the flange members so as to cover the body part of the individual without contacting the body part, and as the flange members are arranged in facial contact with the body surface parts.

Abstract: An incrementally adjustable apparatus and method of use thereof for protecting an incised wound from exposure to bacterial and other harmful contaminants. A pair of resilient O-rings is connected to opposite ends of an impermeable pliable sleeve. One of the O-rings is formed to engage the inner edge of the wound with a portion of the sleeve above the wound capable of being rolled onto the other ring to draw the remaining sleeve portion contiguous with the sides of the wound. Flat surfaces on the other ring provide a gripping surface to turn the ring about its annular axis.

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 includes 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 a viewing portion having a length and width sufficient to circumscribe the wound on 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: An elastic, hemostatic appliance for application to the skin of a patient has a first layer of foam material having a proximal surface and a distal surface relative to the patient and an annular layer of foam material having a distal surface adhered to the proximal surface of the first layer, a proximal surface and a central cavity extending entirely through the annular layer. The proximal surface of the annular layer has adhesive for adhering to the skin of the patient. A continuous elastomeric membrane extends across the central cavity adjacent the first layer and closing the distal side of the cavity.

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 rib protector slips over the cut ends of ribs to protect a person working in the thoracic cavity. In an autopsy or the like wherein the front of the rib cage has been cut away to provide access to the thoracic cavity, the cut ends of the ribs are rough and splintery. The rib protector is tough and thick enough that splinters will not pass through the protector. The protector encases the ends of all the cut ribs, one protector being on each side of the rib cage. Adhesive, natural clamping of the protector, or the like can hold the protector in place. The protector may be made in any size, and will be easily cut for final adjustment of the size.

Abstract: Disclosed are wound dressings comprising an absorbent pad for receiving and retaining wound fluids sandwiched between first and second outer sheet materials, the first sheet material for placement on the wound being a perforated non-adherent film for preventing the dressing from sticking to the wound, the second sheet material being characterized as being bacteria-impermeable, the absorbent pad being a multilayer structure comprising an inner layer of a low density absorbent material for receiving fluids diffusing to the dressing from the wound and an overlying layer of a high density absorbent material for receiving and retaining wound fluids diffusing through the inner layer in order to inhibit skin maceration due to the wetness of the surface area of the absorbent pad adjacent the wound.

Abstract: A stratiform pad for surrounding and protecting a bed sore from pressure while the patient is in bed. The pad comprises a median layer containing a closed cell air bubble film, a body-contacting layer bonded to one surface of the median layer to adhere the pad to the patient's body, and a bed-contacting layer bonded to the other surface of the median layer to adhere the pad to the bed surface. The pad contains an interior bed sore receiving aperture and provides sustained lift of the body away from the bed in the area of the sore, thus relieving the pain of pressure and providing space for the flow of healing air.

Abstract: A bandage for removably retaining a replaceable dressing against a patient's skin includes a tape having an adhesive inner surface with pressure-sensitive adhesive thereon and a nonadhesive outer surface, a base portion on the tape for adhesive securement to a patient's skin, a tab formed integrally with the base portion by a folded-over portion of the tape, a first opening in the base portion for placement over a wound on the patient's skin for receiving the dressing, a second opening in the tab exposing an adhesive portion of the inner surface of the tape for receiving and adhesively holding a pad which overlies the first opening when the tab is in a closed position, and cooperating hook and pile fabric on the tab and the base portion containing the first opening for selectively securing the tab to the base portion.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and a noninvasive device for preventing pressure build-up in pleural space and reducing possibility of development of tension pneumothorax from open pneumothorax by providing a rigid, tubular base firmly attached to an annular flange and a noninvasive, flexible, pliable sheet with a central aperture for closing a sucking chest wound of a patient, while providing a possible path for discharging air, body fluids or any combination thereof from the pleural space of a patient. A generally flat, one-way check valve for allowing air discharge is located in the tubular base. A protective, tubular cover comprises a screening means and is used for protecting the check valve from foreign debris while allowing exit of air, body fluids or any combination thereof from the check valve and enabling visual monitoring of fluid levels within the device.

Abstract: An umbilical girdle for securing the navel of newborns, and characterized by the fact that it comprises one tubular piece formed from an elastic mesh (1) and provided in its border portions with an elastic edge. The measurements of the girdle in a state of contraction and repose and its degree of elasticity adjust to the measurements of the midsection of the newborn (2), so that when in use it adheres gently but firmly around the abdomen in such a way that it secures a compress (3) and the fastening clip on the stub of the umbilical cord without causing discomfort to the user. The placement and removal of the mesh is performed quickly and simply without having to wrap it around the newborn's body.

Abstract: A self-adhering eye patch with an adhesive backing for securing the patch to the face of a user. The patch includes an inner foam or inflatable bladder for atraumatically maintaining the lid of the eye closed. A cover covers the inner member and the inner member is of sufficient thickness to maintain the lid securely closed without damaging the eye. A shield member to enhance the protection of the eye may also be utilized.

Abstract: A closure for an elongated skin wound having a pair of edges has a pair of parallel tapes each formed by a U-shaped one-piece textile outer strip having a longitudinally extending outside flap and, parallel thereto, an inside flap joined at a longitudinal fold, and a filler strip extending longitudinally between and spacing the flaps apart. Each tape has an inner edge turned toward the other tape and carrying one of a pair of longitudinal rows of interleavable teeth on the outside flaps. Stitches or the like engaged through the flaps and filler strip of each tape hold them together. A skin-compatible adhesive adhered to inside faces of the inside flaps allows the inside flaps to be adhered to skin to each side of the wound. A slider displaceable longitudinally along the rows of teeth can interleave and couple them together so that, when the tapes are adhered to skin to each side of the wound, coupling the rows of teeth with the slider pulls the edges of the wound together.

Abstract: A stratiform pad for surrounding and protecting a bed sore from pressure while the patient is in bed. The pad comprises a median layer containing a closed cell air bubble film, a body-contacting layer bonded to one surface of the median layer to adhere the pad to the patient's body, and a bed-contacting layer bonded to the other surface of the median layer to adhere the pad to the bed surface. The pad contains an interior bed sore receiving aperture and provides sustained lift of the body away from the bed in the area of the sore, thus relieving the pain of pressure and providing space for the flow of healing air.

Abstract: The pin site shield having a separate sponge and retainer removably securable to an orthopedic pin, wire, or similar implement. The retainer comprises a body having a slot form therein for receiving the orthopedic pin and a clamping member hingedly secured thereto. The clamping member is selectively moveable between open and closed positions, with interlocking surfaces on the body and clamping member engaging one another when the retainer is in its closed position to secure the retainer at its appropriate position on the pin. Protrusions on the body and clamping member allow installation of the retainer by squeezing the protrusions between a thumb and forefinger, with removal of the retainer being effected by spreading the protrusions apart.

Abstract: A bandage which retains bodily fluids at least until such fluids reach the top of the dressing that may be placed in the bandage and which permits removal or replacement of the dressing without detaching the bandage from the patient. The bandage has a holder with a base portion which is adhesively attached to the skin of the patient and which contains an aperture to accommodate a wound. Connected to the base portion is at least one flap which folds over the dressing that may be inserted into the holder and which has a releasable fastener to close the holder, to maintain the dressing in a desired position, and to enable the bandage to be opened for inspection of the wound or replacement of the dressing. Fluid retention is accomplished by having the distal (with respect to the patient) edge of no flap closer to the patient's body than is the distal side of the dressing.

Abstract: A protective device having two transparent, spaced-apart shields held at an angle to one another. The device is symmetric so that either shield can serve as a base for the other and either can serve as a shield. When one of the shields is horizontal, the other shield is positioned at a suitable angle with respect to the practitioner's face to shield against contact with the patient's body fluids during medical procedures. The shields are held in cantilevered relation by a single support so that access to the space therebetween is maximized and so that the device can be oriented as dictated by the handedness of the user. The device is preferably formed from a single sheet of clear plastic folded twice to form the angled shields on either side of the support. The device may be used with minor surgical procedures and any medical procedure that involves venipuncture or arterial puncture.

Abstract: A device for covering, protecting and providing ready access to an infusion or wound site on a patient's limb including a first cover with cushions for supporting the patient's limb. A second cover is placed over the patient's limb into contact with the lower cover. Connecting straps removably connect the upper and lower covers together to protect the infusion site while permitting ready access to the infusion site. The covers may be provided with sections of transparent material to view the infusion site without having to remove the device. The device may also be used to immobilize a joint, by strapping the covers together across the joint.

Abstract: A device for use by a person wearing a colostomy, ileostomy or ureterostomy bag which protects the bag from binding by clothes and being noticed as readily by others. The device is a semirigid guard worn by the person below the stoma at the level of his or her waistband or belt line. The inner portion of the guard conforms to fit snugly and comfortably against the person's body. The outer portion of the guard is semirigid and curved to permit the waistband of the person's clothing to fit smoothly around the guard. The inner and outer portions may be separate pieces, removably attached to one another, as with hook and loop fasteners. Between the inner and outer portions of the guard is an opening through which the bag hangs freely. The outer portion may extend up to a level so that it covers and protects the stoma.

Abstract: A protective wound bandage which allows for the body's natural epitheliazation process to be enhanced by the function of said bandage in the following ways. A non-stick surface is provided to make contact with the wound. An absorbent pad is provided for body fluid drainage. The skin adhesive surfaces of the flexible plastic strip which can be made to any dimension, in combination with the pad act to protect and cohesively and coherently bind the wound edges together. The removably, reattachable, tear tab provides the ability to regulate and monitor oxygen flow to the injury site. The pad, in either the standard or perforated form acts to protect against shock and also acts as an medicant delivery system. The bandage acts as a medicant delivery system and is also simultaneously, variably, oxygenatable. The bandage is engineered to operate in either the dry or medicated versions.

Abstract: A replaceable plastic protective cover to prevent damages to and to waterproof an infusion device attached to a person for receipt of periodic doses of drugs wherein the cover includes an annular flange with waterproof adhesive therearound to affix the same to the skin and a housing extends upward from said flange with a closable opening for access to the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A shield formed of a thin, flexible, spreadable sheet having approximate sizes and shapes. The sheet can include pockets for receiving miscellaneous materials, as well as a handle for easy extraction from an intrabody cavity. The shields are made of non-flammable, non-toxic materials and are used in laparoscopic procedures.

Abstract: A valved bandage and method for covering an open wound in the chest cavity. The bandage includes a flexible sheet having a hole formed therein. A normally closed one way valve section extends outward from the outside of the sheet and in communication with the hole. The bandage is secured over the chest wound, so that the valve is in alignment with the chest wound opening to close the chest wound. The bandage enables fluids from inside the chest cavity to flow into the valve, to open the valve and be released to the outside. The valve automatically closes after the flow of fluids into the valve substantially ceases, to prevent back flow of air from the outside to the inside of the chest cavity. The one way valve section of the bandage may be formed into an angled configuration, so that the position of the outlet of the angled valve section may be varied to provide optimum drainage of fluids.

Abstract: An improved site protector of simple one-piece construction includes a convex tapered bubble as the main body portion, and a plurality of aeration openings defined at step-down portions of the bubble, the step-down portions providing strength, stability and rigidity to the bubble. A locking member provided at one end of the site protector stabilizes the catheter at the insertion site.

Abstract: A disposable pressure applying bandage for superficial wounds comprises a pad, for placement on a wound, a flexible arcuate member having its convex surface against the pad, and adhesive material extending over the arcuate member, for attachement of the arcuate member and the pad over the wound. Attachment of the adhesive material to a patient's skin flattens the arcuate member, to a lesser or greater degree, applying pressure to the wound.

Abstract: A plaster which comprises a gas check valve being inserted in an aperture and which, on the side facing the skin, is provided with a carrier being coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive, makes the emergency treatment of open thorax injuries possible.

Abstract: A medicating device for human nails and adjacent tissue which, in the preferred embodiment, includes a transparent viscoelastic gel pad having one or more pharmacologically-active substances incorporated therein; a sheet of transparent, impermeable, and elastic material providing an occlusive layer adjacent to the upper surface of the viscoelastic gel pad; an elastic retaining ring perimetrically surrounding the viscoelastic gel pad to prevent migration due to shoe pressure; and a porous meshwork attached to the elastic retaining ring so as to additionally anchor the gel pad from migration. The porous meshwork member may be located at the surface of the viscoelastic gel pad opposite the occlusive covering sheet, or may run through the viscoelastic gel pad in its anchoring function.

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 dressing with a pad to be applied to a wound and consisting of a flexible, capillary-active material and stiffening elements. The stiffening elements extend at right angles to the flat side of the pad to be applied to the wound and are arranged to stabilize the volume of the pad such that it can absorb a predeterminable amount of fluid, and to counteract and distribute forces acting on the pad. To form an occlusive dressing, the pad can be enclosed in a cover of vapor-permeable, plastic film having a perforated portion on the flat side of the pad facing the wound.

Abstract: A protective bandage for covering a wound or other sensitive body area. A fluid-filled bubble means is positioned centrally of the bandage and is adapted to overlie the sensitive body area to protect it against impacts, to reduce the pain of impacts, and to promote healing.

Abstract: An infusion site guard for use at all peripheral and central venipuncture infusion sites and on pediatric and adult patients. The guard is a hollow plastic member with a U-shaped base and a sidewall curved upwardly and inwardly to form a cover which is form fitted to the infusion site under finger pressure and which can be taped in place.

Abstract: A sterile, medical dressing package (10), a method of applying the dressing (10) to a patient, and a method of configuring and packaging a sterile, medical dressing (10). The package (10) includes a dressing sheet (12) and a pair of cover sheets (14). Release portions (38) of the cover sheets (14) overlie, and are adhered to, lateral portions (36) of an adhesive face (16) of the dressing sheet (12). Tab portions (40) of the cover sheets (14) are folded back upon their respective release portions (38). The tab portions (40) extend away from a central portion (34) of the dressing sheet (12). The central portion (34) of the dressing sheet (12) is folded back upon, and adhered to, a tab portion (40) of one of the cover sheets (14).

Abstract: An adjustable protective device for positioning on a human body, expanding the abdominal region so as to space a garment supporting the belt and/or a belt integrally formed with a garment from the abdominal area in the general area of the groin. The device is of a size spacing its cushioned ends substantially on either side of the groin area and is positioned between the human body and/or a garment such as an underear brief and a belt with respect to the abdominal area including the groin so as to permit the wearer to sit down with the belt in spaced relation to the body and allow the abdomen to move outwardly and prevent pressure on the abdomen and more particularly on the bladder and/or any healing surgical incision in that area such as a prostate, a bladder or urethra duct operation would cause.

Abstract: A protective cell for use in conducting dermal studies on mammals. The protective cell comprises a shell-like section terminating in a leading edge and a rim section integral to the leading edge of the shell-like section and contoured to form a surface for contacting the animal so that the area of skin to be used for the dermatological study is protected. The cavity of the shell-like section is of a shape and volume sufficient to substantially eliminate contact of the interior surface of the shell-like section with the mammal. A method for conduting dermal studies is also provided.

Abstract: A flexible burn dressing product contains a hydrogel material in a gel-like phase. The burn dressing product is comprised of several layers including a burn dressing and a release layer. The burn dressing is comprised of a bacterial barrier layer coated with a bonding layer, a reticulated layer impregnated with a hydrogel material, and a hydrogel material layer. A dimensionally stable backing member may also be adhesively attached to the bacterial barrier layer to help the burn dressing maintain its shape until it is applied to a patient. When the burn dressing product is to be applied to a burn site, the release layer is removed to expose the hydrogel material layer. The remaining layers of the burn dressing product are then applied to the burn site, with the hydrogel material layer directly contacting the burn. Once these layers are in place, the dimensionally stable backing member is removed.