Abstract: A container (10) suitable for medical uses comprising a first planar member (18), a second planar member (22), a first seam (24) and a second seam (26). The first planar member (18) is of a multi-layered polymeric material and further comprises a first substrate (38) and a first layer (46). The first layer (46) is disposed on a portion of the first substrate (38) to separately define a first overlap area (58) and an adjacent first peripheral flange (62). The second planar member (22) is of a multi-layered polymeric material. The first seam (24) attaches a portion of the first overlap area (58) to the second planar member (22). The second seam (26) is spaced from the first seam (24) and attaches a portion of the first peripheral flange (62) to the second planar member (22).

Abstract: A wc-disposable ostomy bag has walls made of three layers. The central layer is of an alkali-soluble/water-resistant material such as carboxylated acrylic polymer and is about 100.mu. thick. The inner layer, presented to the contents of the bag, is of a water-resistant, ordor-proof material such as polyvinylidene chloride and is between about 2 and 3.mu. thick. The outer layer is a non-woven material such as formed by cellulose fibres in a binder of aqueous polyacrylate, which is broken up when wetted by an alkaline liquid.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a reusable surgical device for retrieving a mass during laparoscopic surgery are shown and described. The surgical device has a wand, a rod attached to the wand near the front by a disengaging connector and extending generally parallel to the wand, and a pouch or bag attached to the wand and rod. A portion of the rod is flexible for bowing out from the wand when the rod is pushed forward. The flexible portion straightens to come close to the wand when the rod is pulled backward. A bag suitable for sterilizing may be attached to the rod and wand for receiving a mass during surgery. When the rod bows out, the bag is opened. When the rod straightens, the bag is closed to form a seal. Methods of using the surgical device include attaching a bag, engaging the disengaging connector, and inserting the device through a laparoscopic sleeve for enclosure, manipulation, and retrieval of the mass.

Abstract: A colostomy container that is worn by individuals who are in need of a means of passing feces and urine. The container isolates flatus from fecal matter and is capable of containing both excrement elements in separate chambers. Particularly, the stool is collected in a bottom chamber that is disposable, and a spring actuated ball check prohibits reverse flow of fecal matter back into the stoma. The flatus is collected in a top chamber where it is deodorized with a graphite filter and vented. The center of the container is insulated with foam to reduce noise resulting from waste products exiting the stoma and entering the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bag for the cryopreservation of blood cells, comprising a joining piece and a shrink tube to connect the bag with a non-PVC tubing. The tubing is resistant to the liquid nitrogen temperature and can be used for RF sealing and sterile docking both before and after cryopreservation.

Abstract: An empty medical bag which is heat sterilized and made of a matrix-phase polymer system. After heat sterilization at 121.degree. C., the inside surfaces do not adhere to each other.

Abstract: A passive reservoir for medicament in the form of a plastics bag 1, has a hanging eyelet 2 at its upper end and a lower outlet nozzle 3. The plastics bag 1 has bottom corners 4,5, the left-hand right-angled corner 5 of which encapsulates a data carrier means 6 which carries data relating to a medicament contained or to be contained within the bag 1. The data carrier means is in the form of an electrically and/or magnetically operable device which can emit the data it is carrying in response to activation by a suitable field applied by an external reading device, which can cooperate with a delivery device to control the delivery to a patient of medicament when contained in the bag 1.

Abstract: The invention provides a biodegradable, flushable ostomy bag liner including: inner walls (3, 4) formed from polyvinylacetate/polyvinylalcohol film of a grade which disintegrates within 60 seconds in water at 50.degree. C., but retains its structural integrity in water at 25.degree. C. for at least two days; outer walls (1, 2) formed from a non-woven fabric which disintegrates in water at 25.degree. C.; structure defining an opening (8) in the inner and outer walls for receiving bodily waste from the stoma of a patient; and adhesive flange (7) for securing the ostomy bag liner to the body wall of a patient, the adhesive flange (7) being secured to at least an inner wall (1) of the liner and surrounding the said opening (8); wherein the inner and outer walls (1, 2, 3, 4) are unconnected and form an non-laminar arrangement over the greater part of their area, but are connected together around their peripheral margins (5) and in the region of the adhesive flange (7).

Abstract: A method and blood bag, whereby a substantial volume of concentrated whole blood can be quickly and easily recovered from the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit of a patient immediately following cardiac or thoracic vascular surgery. This is achieved in an operating room, by transferring most of the blood in the CPB circuit into a sterile bag located in the surgical field, removing the bag with blood from the surgical field, and outside the surgical field, but preferably in the operating room, hemo-concentrating the blood in the bag, while the bag is fluidly connected to the bypass system hardware. A novel blood bag (or hemo-bag) system is especially adapted for use with the method of the present invention. The new hemo-bag system comprises a closed, sterile bag of substantially transparent, bio-compatible material, defining upper and lower ends. An infusion port is located at the upper end of the bag. An outlet port, an inlet port, and an IV line are situated at the lower end of the bag.

Abstract: A system and a method for administering a solution (12) from a container (10) to a patient (35) are provided. The container (10) is divided into a solution side (16) and a drain side (18) separated by a tear line (20). The solution side (16) and the drain side (18) are in fluid communication with one another and with a port (28) that connects to the patient (35). The container (10) is separable at the tear line (20) such that contents of a peritoneum cavity of the patient (35) may be drained into the drain side (18) of the container (10). Then, the solution (12) from the solution side (16) of the container (10) may be drained from the container (10) into the patient (35).

Abstract: A system and a method for administering a solution (12) from a container (10) to a patient (35) are provided. The container (10) is divided into a solution side (16) and a drain side (18) separated by a tear line (20). The solution side (16) and the drain side (18) are in fluid communication with one another and with a port (28) that connects to the patient (35). The container (10) is separable at the tear line (20) such that contents of a peritoneum cavity of the patient (35) may be drained into the drain side (18) of the container (10). Then, the solution (12) from the solution side (16) of the container (10) may be drained from the container (10) into the patient (35).

Abstract: A container for blood having a generally rigid support which, in combination with a filter element such as a screen, defines a blood inlet chamber of substantially constant size and geometric shape. An expandable reservoir portion is associated with the support and, preferably, has a bellows-like configuration.

Abstract: A laparoscopy bag of a flexible material with traction strings of drawstrings is provided at its opening or mouth, in particular for use in a trocar, and in which the bag consists of a working section to which a hose-shaped part or extension is attached or which is provided with a hose-shaped extension.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing and using a dialysis collection bag for peritoneal dialysis treatment, and the dialysis collection bag itself. A collection bag is fabricated with a sterilization tablet therein, having a soluble coating over a sterilization agent. When the collection bag is filled with used dialysis solution at the completion of the dialysis therapy, the soluble coating dissolves over a known period of time such as about 30 minutes. The delayed dissolution allows time to take a specimen sample of the unadulterated used dialysis solution. When the dissolution of the coating is completed, the tablet releases the sterilization agent to sterilize the used dialysis solution, so that pathogens are destroyed to prevent the transmission of disease in the event the collection bag is disposed of improperly.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch is disclosed in which a flexible, shape-recoverable plastic dome is secured internally to a wall of the pouch over a vent opening. A peripheral portion of the dome spaced from the apex is provided with at least one slit therethrough traversing a radially and axially extending plane of the dome. The slit is curved or arched towards the apex and defines outer and inner lips that normally have their opposing edges in juxtaposition to restrain the escape of gases from the pouch but permit such escape in quantity when the apical portion of the dome is depressed (by axially squeezing the dome). The lips advantageously have beveled opposing surfaces with the surface of the outer lip generally facing towards the vent opening and that of the inner lip generally facing away from the vent opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a drainage bag for receiving bodily waste, the drainage bag comprises a water-impermeable inner bag (1) enclosed therein; means (6, 7) defining an orifice to enable bodily waste to be received by the inner bag (1); the outer (2) and inner (1) bags being detachably secured together in the region of the orifice (6, 7). A first opening (15) is provided in a wall (4a) of the water-impermeable inner bag, said first opening (15) being covered by a portion (16) of gas-permeable hydrophobic foam material; and a second opening (18) is provided in a wall of the water-impermeable outer bag (2), the second opening (15) being covered by a flatus filter (19); the disposition of the first (15) and second (18) openings being such as to allow flatus gases within the inner bag (1) to pass out through the first opening (15) and thence through the second opening (18) to atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and device for sampling biological fluids during collection without opening the functionally closed collection system, thereby compromising the sterility of the collected fluid. A sample bag connected to a fluid line or collection reservoir is filled coincident with fluid collection, then hermetically sealed and physically separated from the collection system using a radio frequency tubing sealer. A vacuum tube collection device is attached to the sample bag to minimize exposure to the fluid during sample handling and processing.

Abstract: A specimen removal pouch and applicator includes a pouch fabricated from a flexible membrane, a drawstring thread forming a running noose disposed circumferentially round the end of the pouch, an endoscopic tubular portion, and a pusher rod having an aperture for permitting the passage therethrough of a single thread. When the drawstring thread is pulled, the knot is stopped at the aperture and the noose is closed, thereby closing the mouth of the pouch. The pouch is detached from the apparatus.

Abstract: A holder for a urinary drainage bag for securing the bag to a patient's leg. The weight of the urinary drainage bag is supported by a waistband which encircles the patient's waist. The urinary drainage bag is affixed to a partial pantleg which is suspended from the waistband. The partial pantleg is split and adjustably encircles the patient's thigh. The partial pantleg is comprised of a twilled fabric and prevents a typically plastic or vinyl urinary drainage bag from making contact with the patient's thigh. The urinary drainage bag is affixed to the partial pantleg by means of a plurality of buttons provided on the partial pantleg. The buttons are arranged so that as the urinary drainage bag expands the buttonholes formed integrally with the urinary drainage bag will slide with respect to the buttons and not pull or tug on the partial pantleg. The partial pantleg need not be tightly secured to the wearer's thigh in order to be effective.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a so-called "natural dripping" type plastic container by which medicinal fluids are administered by deformation of the flat shaped body. During natural dripping the accumulation capability for the contained fluids is large and the deformation based on back pressure avoids the occurrence of dead space. In the plastic blow container for medicinal fluids of this invention, in the cross-sectional shape of a flat shaped body the long axis width is more than 2.0 times the short axis width, at the upper end of the body a suspending mechanism is formed, and at the outer of the lower end of the body an opening means is formed, the bottom cross-section of the body on the short axis side the shape of parallel faces is formed as a wedge, while the parallel faces on the long axis side are formed with a tapered funnel shape toward the opening means.

Abstract: A footstand for stabilizing or securing a body of a medical device against overturn. The body may especially be a chest drainage unit designed and configured to receive and collect fluids from a medical patient. The invention comprises a two leg component rotatable footstand which incorporates a gear driving mechanism which operates between the legs to simplify the action of pulling out the respective legs of the footstand. The gear driving mechanism allows the medical technician to activate the footstand by simply pulling out either the front or back leg to its stabilizing position, the other leg will automatically be rotated into its stabilizing position. A detent is provided which will provide a secure "click" sound so that a medical technician will know the legs have been pulled out away from the CDU a sufficient distance to provide the proper stabilization for the CDU.

Abstract: A combination of a liquid-containing bag and a tube 28 is disclosed. The bag may be a urine drainage bag and is made up of a pair of superposed sheets 20, 22, joined by a weld 24 whose configuration is chosen to define in a single welding operation the outline of the bag and the tube integral therewith. A single weld seam 24 defines the bag volume. The tube and portion of the weld seam 24 run adjacent to one another and are separated by a row of perforations 30 or by a line of weakening. In such an arrangement, means are provided for precluding face-to-face contact of selected parts of the inner surfaces of said sheets. This may be done by effecting heat shrinkage of selected parts of one or both sheets. One or preferably both sheets is biaxially oriented.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for collecting, processing, and storing blood components, such as plasma. The method involves collecting the blood component in a flexible storage bag manufactured from ethylene vinyl acetate EVA, having a composition of between about 9% and about 18% vinyl acetate by weight of total EVA co-polymer. The EVA bag is sealed, and the sample is frozen in the bag at a temperature of at least as low as -30.degree. C. to form a substantially solid pellet contained in the storage bag. The bag then is fractured and the pellet is removed in its intact, frozen form. The co-polymer bag may have an inner surface with an etched or embossed pattern of sufficient dimensions to permit removal of the plasma in a frozen state from the storage bag.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible isolation bag having at least two layers which are bonded together at a plurality of connection sites distributed over a surface of the bag and a system for supplying a fluid between the two layers and opening the isolation bag. The two layers preferably include polyurethane film and the bag may further include a lubricous outer surface, such as a nylon mesh layer, bonded to the polyurethane film. A neck channel may be formed around the openable end of the isolation bag for supporting a drawstring which is movable through the neck channel to close the open end of the bag. The bag can be made by bonding the nylon mesh layer to two layers of polyurethane film using a radio frequency welder to form a plurality of weld sites distributed across the surface of the laminate. The drawstring is then introduced into the neck channel. The finished laminate with the drawstring is welded to form a bag assembly having an opening at one end.

Abstract: A fluid-carrying bag (10) or container is provided as well as a method for forming such a bag. The bag (10) has identifiers (28a, 28b) indicating a status of the contents of the bag (10). To this end, a first layer and a second layer of preferably flexible material are sealed to form an interior (14) capable of holding a fluid. A flap (18) is provided wherein at least one hole (28a) may be punched through the flap (18) which is capable of detection by a sensor to indicate treatment of fluid within the interior (14) of the bag (10). One or more polarizing pieces (116a,b) may be provided between the fused layers (102, 104) in the flap (112) at a location through which the at least one hole (116a,b) is punched indicative of treatment of the fluid in the interior (108) of the bag (110).

Abstract: A therapeutic container is provided for use in a closed therapy system. The therapeutic container is a flexible container that has suspending means, that is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment by an isolation zone, that has an outlet member provided with an openable communication passage which permits communication between the first and second compartments, and that optionally has a second openable communication passage at a location proximal to the end of the container on the side of the suspending means, whereby both the contents of the first and the second compartments can be discharged through the outlet member at a constant mixing ratio while mixing them together.

Abstract: An improved adaptor and protector for same which is removably sealing an opening of the adaptor located at an end of a tubular member. The adaptor has a longitudinal passageway for receiving a cannula. An upper end of the adaptor has an interior diameter defining a first end of the passageway for receiving the cannula. A lower end of the adaptor has an interior diameter defining a second end of the passageway adapted for receiving an injection site wherein the diameter of the first end is larger than the diameter at the second end. A middle portion intermediate the first end and the second end has a tapering interior diameter for directing the cannula to the injection site and further having an exterior surface with gripping surfaces. The tapering interior diameter of the middle portion of the adaptor includes guiding members to direct the cannula or other injection devices. The adaptor may also be provided with a protector removably sealing an opening located at an end of the adaptor.

Abstract: A method and device for sampling biological fluids during collection without opening the functionally closed collection system, thereby compromising the sterility of the collected fluid. A sample bag connected to a fluid line or collection reservoir is filled coincident with fluid collection, then hermetically sealed and physically separated from the collection system using a radio frequency tubing sealer. A vacuum tube collection device is attached to the sample bag to minimize exposure to the fluid during sample handling and processing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sterile docking two or more plastic bag units 110. The invention generally includes a sterilizable pouch 102 manufactured from an essentially vapor transmission resistant material. Contained within the pouch 102 is at least one plastic bag unit 110 and a predetermined amount of sterile tubing 108 connected thereto. The pouch 102 includes an aperture 104 in one wall or at one seam through which a tube fitting 106 protrudes. The tube fitting 106 has an internal diameter sufficient to permit passage therethrough of the tubing 108 contained within the pouch 102 and connected to the bag unit 110 contained therein. The protruding tubing 108 then may be used for docking with other bag units 110.

Abstract: A surgical drainage bag formed of an elongate flexible transparent body having a first end spaced from a second end, and a front wall spaced from a rear wall, with the front wall including an opening directed therethrough adjacent the first end, and the opening having a surrounding adhesive layer, with a removable flexible layer positioned upon the adhesive layer permitting exposure of the adhesive layer for adherence onto a patient. A unitary sponge member having a slot directed therethrough is directed through a side wall of the bag structure permitting a drainage tube to be secured within the slot upon separation of the sponge member when directing the drainage tube therethrough. A drain tube positioned at a second end of the bag permits ease of drainage of fluid within the bag.

Abstract: A system for fastening a body fluid container to a human leg. The device is a band of appropriate shape and length which encircles the human leg. Each end of the band has fasteners, possibly hook and loop fasteners, which coact with each other so that when the ends are fastened, the invention is frictionally supported on the user's thigh. The body fluid container is then attached to the band by the user, by means of fasteners which are also possibly hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: An improved device and process of assuring separation of an anticoagulant type fluid from a saline type fluid each of which is utilized in the process and operation of a plasmapheresis apparatus or the process of collecting donor blood, is disclosed. The improvement includes a cross-spike prevention receptacle which is dimensioned, and installed positionally in reference to a plasmapheresis or blood donor apparatus, to receive an anticoagulant fluid container to which a proper respective supply communication line will connect, and to exclude and not receive a saline fluid container or container holding a similiar type of fluid, whose fluid line will not reach and connect to the installed cross-spike prevention receptacle.

Abstract: A flexible isolator bag used to isolate a controlled therapeutic gas atmosphere about a human limb for the management and treatment of wounds and lesions, or an amputation, has a discharge port and a flexible manifold section providing an intake manifold which has an infeed port and inlet openings to the interior of the bag. A self-sealing zipper extends along part of the length of the bag. The bag is secured to the patient by adhesive tape applied to the rim of the open end of the bag. This rim is shaped to prevent a tourniquet effect.

Abstract: The invention features a fluid drainage element which includes a housing having integral front and side walls and a back wall adapted to fit in fluid communication with a urine collection bag, the walls defining a chamber in the housing. The housing also contains a tubular section integral with the front wall, the tubular section including an inner wall defining a lumen which is in fluid communication with the chamber. The inner wall includes one or more ribs arranged circumferentially and shaped so as to maximize the cross-sectional area of the inner wall, act as an integral tubing stop, and additionally to promote capillary flow of fluid through the tubular section and into the chamber.

Abstract: A multicompartment system for accumulating a human fluid specimen for analysis having a plastic container for holding the specimen with the container having a port opening for receipt of the specimen, means for mechanically sealing the container including a sealable cap, a heat seal, or a plug, with the specimen therein wherein the seal is effected after receipt of the specimen and can include formation of more than one sealed compartment for subsequent separation and analysis and at least one of the sealed compartments having a rigid or semi rigid element therein protruding from a hole in the compartment to dispense the specimen contained therein therefrom, and said system container also having identification elements capable of inscription thereon.

Abstract: A waterproof non-spill bag particularly for male incontinents, includes a valve which comprises a gusset (2) sealed to the side edges of the bag. In the base of the gusset small holes (7) allow liquid from the gusset to pass into the body of the bag (21) but effectively prevent it escaping if the bag is inverted. A narrow web (8) coated with self-adhesive (9) and protected by a release coated web (10), is sealed to both side edges of the bag. When the web (8) is released along a line of perforations (13), it can be wrapped around the top of the bag folded to the penis, to close it and hold it to the penis. Holes (16) surrounded by seals (17) provide for suspension and support.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a blood bag system for blood products comprising a bag (3) and at least one tubing (11) connected thereto, the system being made of at least partly transparent plastics material, wherein photoactive substances (31) may be enclosed in a closed-off section (A) of the tubing (11) of the ready-for-use system, which may be handled individually as an independent unit. Every blood bag system of this kind is adapted to be combined with another blood bag system, which may comprise one or several bags (3, 5, 7, 9) and may likewise be handled as an independent unit, by interconnecting both systems.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed package is provided for the administration of a solution or other liquid to a patient. The package includes a blow molded container, cap, and releasable cover. The cap accommodates piercing of the cap and container with a draining spike. The cap has one or more self-closing seals or liners and can be disposed on the container so as to permit penetration of the cap and container by a piercing spike without contacting the parting line of the molded container. The cap includes a special structure for guiding the spike at the initiation of the piercing process, and the cap has an improved structure for sealingly engaging the spike upon insertion. As the container is drained, one of the container walls collapses toward the other to facilitate the draining process and provide a convenient shape for subsequent handling and storage.

Abstract: A collection bag hanger is disclosed for attaching fluid collection bags, such as a urinary drainage bags, to beds having bedrails of different widths. The collection bag hanger comprises a central body portion having parallel side edges, an attachment strap for releasably supporting the fluid collection bag, and a pair of opposed hook arms of generally inverted U-shaped configuration, each hook arm having a first depending leg portion hingedly connected to one of the side edges of the central body portion. A rigid strap member is provided for securing the hook arms in any of a plurality of symmetrical angular positions for receiving and securely engaging bedrails of different widths.

Abstract: A specimen-receiving receptacle apparatus for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures can be remotely opened and closed from a proximal end of the apparatus, outside of the patient. The apparatus includes a belt having substantial longitudinal rigidity so that the belt can be forced longitudinally into the surgical site to open the specimen-retrieval receptacle from a remote end of the apparatus. The belt can be longitudinally pulled out of the surgical site to close the specimen-retrieval receptacle from outside of the patient. The belt is relatively flexible or easily deformable along an open end of the receptacle without deforming substantially out of the plane of the open receptacle end. This is achieved by aligning the belt with respect to the open end such that a large dimension of the belt is aligned transverse to the plane of the open receptacle end. In a preferred embodiment, the belt is extruded from nylon and has an elliptical cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A medical device for enclosing an internal body organ or tissue during surgery, especially endoscopic surgery. The device has a strand with loop and free end portions, the free end portion enclosed within a cannula. The loop has a cinch. The device has a surgical pouch with an opening or mouth. The pouch is mounted to the loop portion at the open end of the pouch. An optional frangible end of the cannula allows for pulling the free end portion proximally to reduce the diameter of the noose portion so as to close the open end of the surgical pouch. The surgical pouch has a shape memory effect metal insert so that the pouch automatically unfurls or unwinds in a patient's body cavity. The device may also have a shape memory effect metal loop which also automatically opens the mouth of the pouch in the patient's body.

Abstract: A medical device such as a retractor or isolation bag including an inflatable member which expands from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration when pressurized gas or liquid is supplied thereto. The member can include a plurality of fluid channels, ribs and pre-shaped wire members. The device is inserted into a body cavity through a tube. The device can also be actuated by a honeycomb reinforcing structure with or without the use of pressurized fluid. The device can be manufactured by forming one or more air conduits in a member of expandable material or by enclosing a honeycomb reinforcing structure in a polymer material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for performing protected pulse irrigation. An impervious collapsible enclosure is provided to encompass that portion of the body upon which the area to undergo pulse irrigation is located. The enclosure provides the person performing pulse irrigation with the freedom of movement and visibility necessary to adequately irrigate the area of interest, while preventing contact with contaminated irrigation fluid and other biological materials.

Abstract: A system for fastening a body fluid container to a human leg. The device is a band of appropriate shape and length which encircles the human leg. Each end of the band has fasteners, possibly hook and loop fasteners, which coact with each other so that when the ends are fastened, the invention is frictionally supported on the user's thigh. The body fluid container is then attached to the band by the user, by means of fasteners which are also possibly hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A composite fabric and its method of disposal after use. Garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles are provided as the composite of a reusable first component and a woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol polymer as a second component. The second component is water soluble in temperatures above approximately 140.degree. F. After use, the composite is subjected to water of sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol component but not the reusable first component.

Abstract: Laparoscopy organ retrieval apparatus and procedures are presented for minimum invasion surgery inclusive of laparoscopic nephrectomy, cholecystectomy and other organ dissection, morsellation removal from the abdomen through a keyhole incision. The apparatus and procedures permit the safe and total removal of an organ from a body cavity in a morsellated condition through the combination utilization of an entrapment envelope sheath. The entrapment envelope having an apparatus for opening and closing, the apparatus controlled from an exterior position of the body cavity wherein the entrapment envelope after entry of the sheath is extruded from the sheath which has been inserted through a laparoscopic port in place in a keyhole surgical opening. The entrapment envelope is constructed of flexible, relatively low bulk fluid impermeable materials having sufficient strength to contain morsellator entry, organ fragmentation and removal.

Abstract: The drainage bag carrier comprises a long, flattened envelope made of breathable fabric suspended from an elastic, releasable waistband. The envelope is attached to the waistband by hook and loop fasteners to allow adjustment of the length of the envelope hanging from the waistband. The drainage bag is inserted into the envelope through a slot in the outer side of the envelope, which faces outwardly from the wearer's leg. Fastening means are provided to support the drainage bag within the envelope--either medical rivets for disposable-type bags or hook and loop straps for reusable-type bags with side loops. On the inner side of the envelope, which is worn immediately adjacent to the wearer's leg, a support sleeve is placed around the leg to hold the envelope against the leg. The location of the support sleeve with respect to the drainage bag is adjustable along the length of the envelope. The envelope has pleats between the outer side and the inner side to permit expansion of the bag within the envelope.

Abstract: A surgical sponge carrier and counter formed from a pliable film. The carrier and counter includes a glove-like portion with a tubular sleeve extending therefrom. A closure is located in the sleeve, the closure comprising a drawtape disposed in a guide and secured at one location to the sleeve. A notch is located in the guide generally opposite the location at which the drawtape is secured to the sleeve, the drawtape extending into the notch and forming a loop which may be engaged for both removal of the sponge carrier and counter by turning it inside out about the glove-like portion, and also drawing the now-inside out carrier and counter closed about its contents.

Abstract: A medical device for enclosing an internal bodily organ or tissue during surgery comprising a filamentary strand with noose and free end portions, the free end portion enclosed within a cannula; a surgical bag with an opening, the bag attached to the noose portion at the open end of the bag; and a means for pulling the free end portion proximally to reduce the diameter of the noose portion so as to close the open end of the surgical bag.

Abstract: A medical device for enclosing an internal bodily organ or tissue during surgery comprising a filamentary strand with noose and free end portions, the free end portion enclosed within a cannula; a surgical bag with an opening, the bag attached to the noose portion at the open end of the bag; and a means for pulling the free end portion proximally to reduce the diameter of the noose portion so as to close the open end of the surgical bag.