Abstract: An attachment patch for fastening medical accessories, such as cannulae, to the human skin, includes a carrier material provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and a protective layer covering the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and being provided with a lift-up type flap for fastening this cannula. The flap is divided into two fastening strips by a center cut, which preferably extends beyond the length of the flap.

Abstract: A device for use in securing an intravenous tube to a catheter comprises a tape strip and a releasable cover strip. The tape strip has, along one side, a central region provided with a layer of adhesive and two end regions on opposite sides of the central region, the end regions being adhesive free. The cover strip is attached to the layer of adhesive for temporarily protecting the layer of adhesive and preventing premature sticking thereof to a surface. In securing an intravenous tube to a catheter, the intravenous tube is first connected to the catheter to form a junction therebetween, and the tape strip is wrapped around both the intravenous tube and the catheter at the junction so that the tape strip is bonded to both the intravenous tube and the catheter via the layer of adhesive and so that the end regions of the tape strip are juxtaposed to one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for immobilizing a cannula or sheath which is inserted into a patient's body in a laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device comprises a cannula skirt through which the cannula passes. The skirt contains a leakage cavity therein which is configured to minimize the pull-off forces which would tend to cause a separation of the skirt from the skin to which it is adhered during the surgical procedure. In addition, the leakage cavity provides enhanced flexibility to the cannula skirt so that the cannula can be angled during the procedure without causing excessive stress on the adhesive. A ratchet ring clamp is also provided on the cannula skirt to constrict the cannula skirt and thereby immobilize the cannula after the cannula has been inserted through the skirt.

Abstract: There is disclosed a catheter device with easily deployed retainer useful in securing medical appliances such as catheters, sensors, tubing, or the like, to a human or other patient. The device includes a catheter, or the like, with a self-adhesive tape which is attached and extends perpendicularly thereto. The self-adhesive tape may be a strip of conventional surgical or first aid adhesive tape and has each of its ends rolled towards the catheter in a scroll-like fashion; the tape preferably is pre-attached to the catheter by adhesive, heat sealing, or the like, and may have a medicine saturated pad on the bottom side to help prevent infection at the wound area. The adaptation of the device with any intravenous catheter does not change standard use in any way in relation to preparation of the site, or actual insertion of the catheter. After the vein has been accessed, the tape is simply unrolled by the thumb and index finger with moderate pressure to secure the catheter to the patient's skin.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a patient to a breathing device such as a respirator, anesthesia machine or the like is disclosed, including a Y-piece including a patient attachment tube, and a pair of additional attachment tubes adapted for connection to an inhalation tube and an exhalation tube, respectively, and including a bacteria filter disposed within the apparatus and separating the patient attachment tube from the two additional attachment tubes so that gases passing between the patient attachment tube and these two attachment tubes along a predetermined flow path must pass through the bacteria filter. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a partition wall arranged for separating inhaled air and exhaled air during passage through the Y-piece.

Abstract: A device and composition securely affixes an invasive medical apparatus to an entrance site and controls infections associated with the infiltration of microbes along the external walls of such apparatus. Provided in sterile form, the device takes various shapes and sizes and is configured for use with various sizes and types of invasive medical apparatus. The device can incorporate a hydrocolloid composition which, by virtue of is adhesive properties, holds that device in place at a skin entrance site. Alternatively, fixation is effected by adhesive provided on mating surfaces of the device or by thin-film, adhesive leaves.

Abstract: An endo-tracheal tube support apparatus is disclosed which includes a predetermined length of tubing having an oblong cross section and an aperture formed at a point along the length of tubing; and strap means positionable about the face and back of head of the patient, a portion of which is threaded through the length of tubing, for securing the tubing in the vicinity of the patient's nose or mouth, wherein a portion of the strap means protrudes through the aperture to form a loop for capturing the endo-tracheal tube. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the aperture is positioned in a rounded edge of the tube in the form of a semicircular notch. The loop portion includes a section of double sided sticky tape with a pull tab. When the tab is pulled, the sticky surface of the tape is exposed and is used to prevent the endo-tracheal tube from slipping.

Abstract: A tube holder adapted to be applied to the body to correctly position a tube and comprising a flat base for application to the body, and on the base at the center thereof being a tube holder comprising a length of material riveted to the base and having a connection means on the end portions of the material to make a tie. The rivet may be one piece and permanent or in two pieces and snap fastened and unfastened.

Abstract: Frames for eyeglasses allow passage of oxygen through or along the temples of the eyeglasses to the nose piece of a patient needing glasses and an oxygen supply. A hollow shell frame in one embodiment is sealed and the oxygen passes inside the frame from a double or single attachment of a source tube to the ends of the temple ear pieces. Oxygen is supplied to the patient's nose piece from tubes opening below the frame which extend downward on each side of the nose rest and fasten to a standard insert nose piece or a nose shield through which the patient receives the oxygen. A second embodiment has a tube passed through the temple and inside the frame around the nose piece of the glasses for attachment to the patient's oxygen supply nose piece. A third embodiment has the frame of the glasses structured to support an external oxygen tube.

Abstract: A protective stabilizing sleeve for an intravenous needle inserted into a vein in a patient's arm for protecting the site of the needle and stabilizing the connecting tube includes an outer fabric layer arranged with an interior layer of porous gauze material with a non-stick surface. In one arrangement VELCRO strips are disposed at the proximal and distal ends of the sleeve for securement of the sleeve around the arm. In a related embodiment the VELCRO strips are disposed along a longitudinal seam joining the two seam edges together. In a still further and related embodiment, the sleeve design is reshaped into a partial glove so as to protect and stabilize the IV needle and tube when inserted into the hand.

Abstract: A premature baby elastic strip-like headband having expansion limiting structure with opposite ends of which one end has male hook-like multiple alternate attaching elements and of which a remaining opposite end has female loop-like attaching elements detachably securable to one-another at optionally alternate locations thereof, and having nasal cannulas oxygen tubes-securing structures positioned and mounted on the headband such that the nasal cannulas oxygen tubes are located on opposite side of a baby's head the headband is mounted thereof.

Abstract: A nasogastric tube anchor, and a method of its use employing a bridle which passes through the patient's nostrils and nasopharynx, the ends of the bridle being fastened to a nasogastric tube exterior to the patient's nose to anchor said tube against undesired movement relative to the patient's nostril. Installation tools and methods are provided for positioning said bridle within the patient's nose such that one end of the bridle extends from each nostril.

Abstract: An improved subcutaneous injection set is disclosed which has a soft cannula for subcataneous delivery of a selected medication to a patient. The cannula is supported by and protrudes outwardly from a cylindrical support hub of a housing adapted to receive the selected medication. A flanged base end of the cannula is disposed within the housing and is captured by a swaged lock rim to retain a sealing gasket under compression against an annular seat within the support hub, thereby preventing leakage of the medication through the hub and about the exterior of the cannula.

Abstract: A planar flexible body, which generally assumes the shape of the nose when disposed thereon is provided. The body is provided with a hub having a lengthwise slit so that the hub can be easily spread apart in a lengthwise direction to permit insertion, retention, and removal of the gastrointestinal tube in the hub.

Abstract: A catheter attachment device comprises a first pad of medical grade adhesive having one surface covered by a removable protective layer, a second surface covered by a plastics film, and, attached to the film, a second pad of medical grade adhesive. A surface of this second pad which faces away from the first pad is covered by a removable protective layer and has a plastics film on its other surface. The two plastics films are attached to each other over a central region substantially smaller in area than the areas of both the first and second pads.

Abstract: A respirator hose support pad for tracheostomy patients, and method of use thereof for providing strain relief, and for reducing respirator machine induced intermittent hose movement, vibration, and fluid passage from the respirator hose into the patient. The support pad has a hook and loop fastener structure on the central bottom surface for releasible attachment to a patient's garment in the upper central chest area. The terminal oppositely disposed ends of the pad each have an extending flange which serve as handles. The pad additionally has a detachable flexible belt on the top surface for adjustable loose securement of the respirator hose onto the top of the pad. When the belt is properly affixed over a respirator hose, the hose is loosely retained between the pad and belt, and may slide back and forth across the pad to prevent excessive pulling on the tracheostomy tube as the patient moves.

Abstract: An external anchoring system for securing medical tubing to a body includes a resilient receptor disposed upon the exterior of a tube to be anchored; means for attachment of the anchoring system to the body; means for linking connected to the means for attachment to the body; and a knoblet projecting from the means for linking. The resilient receptor provides a reversible interference fit for the knoblet. Preferably, the resilient receptor is one of a plurality of resilient receptors disposed longitudinally on the tubing. Also, a method for anchoring a non-inserted portion of a naso-gastric catheter to the nose of a patient is disclosed and includes the steps of providing a naso-gastric catheter having a resilient receptor; providing a link having a nose attachment on one end and a knoblet on the opposite end; attaching the link to the nose; and inserting the knoblet into the resilient receptor.

Abstract: A medical appliance securing device for laterally and longitudinally securing generally tubular members having various diameters to any desired location on the surface of a patient's skin or other support. The invention comprises an anchoring patch having one surface coated with adhesive for bonding the device to a patient's skin or some other support. A retaining tab is connected to the anchoring patch and contains an aperture such that the retaining tab may be wrapped around the circumference of the tubular member, inserted through the aperture, and firmly secured to the anchoring patch through the use of fastening means.

Abstract: An orotracheal tube pacifier is disclosed. The orotracheal tube pacifier includes an orotracheal tube, a pacifier portion for receiving the orotracheal tube, fastener means for holding securely the pacifier portion around the patient's head without the need for taping and the ultimate bruising, a face plate to which the fastener means and the pacifier portion are securely attached to, the face plate being relatively large as a safety precaution to hold the pacifier portion, a collet locking device fitting on the face plate and will not slipping or coming loose, and nipples affixed to the face plate and being designed to reduce the amount of palatal grooving.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for immobilizing a cannula or sheath which is inserted into a patient's body in a laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device comprises a cannula skirt through which the cannula passes. The skirt contains a leakage cavity therein which is configured to minimize the pull-off forces which would tend to cause a separation of the skirt from the skin to which it is adhered during the surgical procedure. In addition, the leakage cavity provides enhanced flexibility to the cannula skirt so that the cannula can be angled during the procedure without causing excessive stress on the adhesive.

Abstract: A cannula holder is provided to maintain a cannula in a fixed position on body tissue while also allowing the cannula to be reoriented with respect to an incision. The cannula holder comprises a pad having a large surface area with integral finger shaped projections extending from the pad. The fingers form a V shaped projection from the pad. There are concave regions formed on the outer circumference of the pad adjacent to the fingers for allowing the fingers to bend around the outer surface of a cannula. A means for securing the cannula holder to a patient's skin is provided by an adhesive layer that is attached to the pad. This adhesive layer is also on the fingers so that the fingers may be adhesively attached to the cannula. A removable paper layer is provided to cover the adhesive layer to prevent the adhesive layer from drying or accidently securing to objects.

Abstract: A device for securing a portion of a medical appliance in place on a patient for a medical procedure, the device including a first portion for adhesive securement to the skin of a patient and a second portion for holding engagement with a tube. The second portion is associated with the first portion to locate the tube at a predetermined position on the patient. The first portion has at least one non-adhesive surface so that the device can be manipulated without sticking to the fingers or gloves of one applying it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tube holder for securing a tube in fixed position relative to an object. The tube holder includes an annular collar having a central annular member, a pair of end pieces, and an inflation bladder. The inflation bladder is attached to the inner annular surface of the central annular member and secured thereto in air tight relationship by the end pieces. An inflation tube is passed through the central annular member so as to be in fluid flow relationship with the inflation bladder, with its opposite end being attached to a check valve. The tube holder is used by inserting a tube through the annular collar. When the inflation bladder is deflated, the tube will slide relative to the annular collar therefore allowing positioning thereof.

Abstract: A nasal tube holder which provides a comfortable and close fitting holder assembly capable of use for reasonably long periods of time, the holder having head attachment loops made of a flexible material adapted to conform to a patient's face, the loops having central tube holder clip elements at a forward position adapted to be worn in close proximity to the patient's nose and further tube clip elements carried by the flexible loops for movement therealong so that a nasal tube can be clipped through the central tube holder clip elements and thereafter through one of the side tube holder clip elements with the side tube holder clip elements being movable to enhance patient comfort.

Abstract: A vascular/venous access device is comprised of a needle cannula disposed within the central bore at the distal end of a catheter. The distal end of the needle cannula extends outwardly from the central bore at the distal end of the catheter and the proximal end of the needle exits the central bore of the catheter through an aperture or slit formed in the wall of the catheter. A gripping member selectively holds the needle cannula in place within the bore of the catheter during insertion of the needle cannula and catheter into a patient's vascular system. After entry into the vascular system, the needle cannula is withdrawn from the catheter side wall and any desired length of the catheter may then be advanced into the vascular system. The catheter includes a relatively rigid end portion disposed along a substantial length of the needle cannula to prevent buckling and axial compression of the catheter during the insertion process.

Abstract: A suture sleeve for securing the leads of a multiple lead implantable medical device includes lead gripping and anchoring portions. The sleeve has a pair of flexible side walls and longitudinally extending channels for receiving the leads. The side walls of at least the gripping portion have longitudinally extending, confronting, spaced apart edges and comprises two layers one of which is formed of a soft plastic such as silicone and the other of which is formed of a harder but flexible material such as polysulfone. Sutures placed and tied about the gripping portion compress the sleeve about the leads. Tightening of the sutures brings the confronting edges of the gripping portion of the sleeve into engagement thereby precluding further compression of the sleeve and preventing damage to the leads.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel device and novel methods for securing nasal tubing in medical patients. The invention provides, with minimal trauma, discomfort, and distraction to the patient, a means of securing in place nasal tubing inserted through the nasal passage. In addition, the disclosed invention provides a device which can be replaced without removal of a nasal tube already in place.

Abstract: A gas analyzer airway adapter that permits insertion of a suction tube into the patient without removal of the airway adapter from the patient. The adapter body has three ports. A patient port is formed in the main section of the adapter body and has a fitting that attaches to the endotracheal tube. A sample port is formed in a smaller diameter passage extending from the main body and attaches to the sample intake of a gas analyzer. The central axis of the smaller diameter passage is preferably parallel to the central axis of the main body of the adapter. Finally, a ventilator port is formed in a passage whose central axis extends at approximately a 31 degree angle from the central axis of the main body. A hub/filter assembly is disposed in the smaller diameter passage of the airway adapter, and a longitudinal filter extends into the main body of the adapter. A tube guide is disposed below the filter within the main body of the adapter.

Abstract: A guidance device for use in performing C.T. guided needle loaded catheter drainage and needle biopsy procedures includes a needle or catheter support to which the needle or catheter is releasably fastened. A pendulum pivotally depends from a pivot point on the catheter support under the force of gravity. A protractor is secured to either the catheter support or the depending pendulum to indicate the relative angular relationship between the catheter and the pendulum, and thereby indicate the angle formed between the catheter and either a horizontal or vertical axis. Having previously determined the angle at which the catheter is to be inserted into the patient's body, the user rotates the angular position of the catheter until the protractor reading matches the desired angle.

Abstract: A tube holder adapted to be applied to the body to correctly position a tube and comprising a flat base for application to the body, and on the base at the center thereof being a tube holder comprising a length of material riveted to the base and having connection means on the end portions of the material to make a tie. The rivet may be one piece and permanent or in two pieces and snap fastened and unfastened.

Abstract: A standard angioplasty Y-connector is secured to a support structure to enable a physician to manipulate the screw cap of the Y-connector and control the passage of the balloon catheter and guiding catheter with one hand. The securing means comprises a "L" shaped main body. First and second mounting members on the short end of the "L" secure the Y-connector position it above the main body. The main body is placed on the patient and the brackets elevate the screw cap above the patient and the physician operates the screw cap with his index finger and thumb. The remaining fingers are placed over the other edge of the Y-connector on the long arm to increase the stability of his grip upon the screw cap.

Abstract: Implant passageway for connection of body cavities or body vessels to a device, container or the like externally of the body. It comprises an element (11) which consists of a biocompatible material or has a biocompatible outside layer. This element forms a socket (13) with a through passage (14) and on the outside of the curved surface thereof inwardly of an end portion (15) having a smooth outside surface, forms radial flanges (16) mutually spaced axially and defining between radial surfaces thereof peripheral grooves for growth of surrounding tissue thereinto.

Abstract: A securing tape for securing to a patient's skin or to a support, a medical device such as tubing, a catheter, an intravenous needle, or the like, including an elongated tape having base portions and a central tab extending outwardly from a central portion thereof, pressure-sensitive tape on the base portions and on the tab, and hook and pile fastener portions on opposite sides of the exposed adhesive on the tab and on the base portion facing the exposed adhesive.

Abstract: A medical tube holder for attachment to a patient's nose septum for holding medical tubing inserted into the patient's nose. The tube holder includes opposite upstanding clamp arms defining an acute included angle therebetween for insertion into the nostril and thereby into clamp engagement on opposite sides of the patient's septum. One of the nasal clamp arms includes a tube holder section for substantially surrounding and maintaining medical tubing in position. A thumbscrew adjusts the distance between the upstanding clamp arms and therefore the clamping pressure on the septum. A rotating screw in another embodiment is fixed to one clamp arm and threadably mounted on another clamp arm to provide threadable adjustment. A locking pin and detent configuration in a further embodiment enables adjustment of the clamp arms between preset positions. An integral unit in a still further embodiment with two opposing upstanding clamp arms set at an optimum acute included angle therebetween.

Abstract: A dual-purpose catheter for performing suction or oxygen feed on a patient including two cylindrical bodies rotatably coupled together and held together by a spring which is biased to hold the bodies in a first position with respect to each other but permits rotation to a second position. One body includes first and second tubes which can be coupled to a source of suction or a source of oxygen, and the other body includes means for receiving said tubes in a tight fit and tube means for coupling either suction or oxygen to the patient, depending on the rotation state of the two bodies with respect to each other. The catheter bodies include solid tubes positioned to block the oxygen path to the patient when suction is operating and to block the suction path to the patient when oxygen is operating.

Abstract: An anchor pad which has straps associated therewith for securing the pad to the arm, leg or the like of a patient. Attached to the top face of the pad are two latch arrangements for adjustable holding the tubing and needle sections of an intravenous apparatus in place. In one version of the invention, the pad's under face has adhesive applied thereto.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube retaining apparatus includes a soft, flexible plate for engaging against the patient's upper lip, with a ring fastener for connecting the soft plate to the endotracheal tube. The ring fastener preferably can be engaged using one hand. For retaining the lip-engaging plate in a position to hold the tube properly against the patient's palate, a band of tape is provided to connect to the plate and to extend around the patient's head. The tape preferably has adhesive covering substantially all of one surface, but with the adhesive covered by a series of discrete release strips so that it can be exposed to adhere to the skin only in selected portions as appropriate. Adhesive contact with the hair is avoided. The band of tape is disposable and can be easily changed whenever necessary for comfort to the patient and proper positioning of the tube.

Abstract: A device for holding a heparin lock secured to a catheter that has been previously disposed through a body portion and into an artery of a patient. The device has a cover having a wall constructed of generally flexible material. The wall includes a face having a continuous periphery and an aperture off-set from the continuous periphery. The wall additionally has a generally oval-shaped body integrally secured to the face along a substantial portion of the continuous periphery. The face and the oval-shaped body may include flanges secured at a lowermost portion thereof. The inside surface of the wall may be coated with a composition of matter that maintains the transparency of a transparent wall. The wall may also include one or more openings that are covered with one or more air permeable sheet members which are impenetrable by a liquid but allow vapor and moisture to pass through from the insides of the oval-shaped body when in a covering relation to a catheter in a body portion of a patient.

Abstract: A device for releasably retaining a drainage tube in place at its site of exit from a patient's body. The device includes a resilient, adhesive pad for attachment to a patient's skin and a flexible plastic retainer secured to the upper surface of the pad, the retainer including a mounting plate having an enlarged recess extending inwardly from its periphery and a flexible strap formed integrally with the plate and extending outwardly through the recess and beyond the periphery of the plate. The strap is Y-shaped in configuration with its diverging arms secured to the plate at points disposed on opposite sides of an opening formed in an upstanding wall of the plate. The tongue portion of the Y-shaped strap may be reversely turned and inserted through that opening from the direction of the spaced arms. A latching member on the opposite side of the wall has depending teeth which are engagable with teeth on the reversely-turned strap to secure the strap about a drainage tube.

Abstract: Endotracheal tube clutch including a left half, a right half mounted about a living hinge, wings extending out from each half, a semi-circular large hole, small hole and bite block in each half, and a locking assembly for each half for engagement with respect to each other.

Abstract: A novel aspirating catheter tube inserter, and related methods, which provides for incremental, facile, safe, and efficient unidirectional delivery of an aspirating catheter to the lung of a patient. The disclosed inserter comprises a movable housing which is non-compressibly reciprocally moved relative to a stationary housing to urge the catheter tube to move incrementally into the patient. The inserter comprises resiliently compressible, seizing and releasing washers which accommodate distal displacement of the catheter tube into the patient when the movable housing is linearly moved toward the patient, but seizes and holds the catheter tube from movement when the movable housing is retracted. The catheter seizing and releasing washers also release the catheter from further progress into the lung, when there is an impeding force of a predetermined magnitude which is caused by tissue engagement, to prevent injury.

Abstract: A sterilizable, plastic medical container has a body section formed of thin, multi layer film. The film has a first layer formed of cross-linkable plastic free or essentially free of extractable plasticizers, such as poly(ethylene vinyl acetate), and a second layer formed of a substantially non-cross-linkable plastic having a higher melting temperature than the first layer, such as high density polyethylene. The first layer is inwardly oriented in contact with the contents of the container. A port formed of the same plastic can be heat sealed to the body section. The container is irradiated to effect cross-linking, filled with fluid, and the port sealed. The fluid filled container can then be heat or steam sterilized.

Abstract: A cervical speculum of the type having a first upper blade and a second lower blade, the blades movable in relation to one another via a rare hinge portion, and having the ability to be adjustable and used in conjunction with the gynecological procedure of, for example, surgery on the cervix. The improvement would include a pair of evacuator tubes which would be adaptable to the interior surfaces of the upper and lower blades respectively, each of the tubes having an adhesive material on that portion of the tube that would make adhesive contact with the surfaces of the upper and lower blades, with the tubes extending with their open ends at the ends of each of the blade portions, and extending rearwardly to the ends of the blades that are hingedly attached.

Abstract: A sealed swivel for a respiratory apparatus includes a first end configured for engagement with either an endotracheal tube or a face mask, a second end with a telescoping formation for insertion into a tubular respiratory connector, and a central portion with a sealing formation defining a swivel track and configured for creating a gas tight seal while permitting relatively free swivelling action.

Abstract: A tube support for facilitating bedside attachment of a life support tube or duct includes a base member configured to rest on a surface, a tube support member having a tube support shoulder at one end thereof and a pivotal attachment extending between the base member and the tube support member for pivotally connecting the base and tube support members.

Abstract: A surgically implanted gastrostomy tube through which the wearer receives part or all of his required nourishment is an unnatural, awkward, inconvenient and damage-vulnerable appendage added to the human body that is approximately 10" to 16" long and 1/4" in diameter, is made of surgical rubber tubing, and protrudes and dangles from the stomach area of the wearer. This invention, the gastrostomy tube protector and hider, is a belt or girdle worn by a person with a gastrostomy tube, that incorporates a pocket with a method of closure in which said gastrostomy tube can be stored and protected.

Abstract: Endotracheal tube tape, comprising pre-cut split ends, peel-away tabs, and a guide which are pre-assembled and ready for use. The endotracheal tube tape will secure and stabilize an endotracheal tube, which will ease the minds of many health care workers. The design allows the endotracheal tube tape to be applied rapidly without sacrificing its purpose, which will be valued in emergency situations.

Abstract: There is provided a fastening system for securing a pressure monitor device to a patient. The system comprises an adhesive sheet constructed and arranged to engage the base of the device, carry the device and at least one strap which folds over and releasably secures the device to the sheet and a releasable fastener which releasably secures the base of the device.The invention aligns and secures the device against movement in lateral, vertical and axial directions to maintain the device at the level of the patient's midaxillary line.

Abstract: An adhesive dressing comprises a backing layer having over one surface a pressure sensitive adhesive layer. A removable protector covers the adhesive layer and a handling means is present at one edge of the backing layer. The dressing has a fold in a direction substantially parallel to the handling means so that the backing layer is on the outside of the fold. The portion of the dressing beyond the fold is releasably attached to the portion of the dressing before the fold preferably by means of a double-sided tape. In use the protector may be peeled from the adhesive layer up to the fold when peeling will stop. The protector and handling means may be used to position the dressing on the skin. Application of a further force peels the protector from the rest of the adhesive surface. The dressings are for use as I.V. dressings.

Abstract: A medical instrument holder, also referred to as a packaging clip, for supporting disposable medical instruments for cardiology and cardiovascular procedures. The medical instrument holder is a one-piece polymer molded member, including a frictionally engaged tube, in the holder for supporting a guidewire. The holder also includes at least one slot for a medical instrument in the form of a partial circle to prevent axial movement, and preferably two slots for frictionally engaging a dilator and a hemostasis valve introducer, or a needle and a tear-away sheath/dilator assembly. The holder can also include at least one hole for receiving a medical instrument. The one-piece molded member, including the frictionally engaged guidewire tube, provides for disposable packaging in a Tyvek/Mylar pouch which lends itself conveniently to ETO sterilization. The holder, along with its instruments, is compact and minimal in length because the guidewire is looped about itself.