Abstract: A releasably adhesive laminate (1) comprises a structural layer (2) carrying on at least part of one side thereof a hydrophobic gel (4) and on at least part of the other side thereof a pressure-sensitive adhesive (3). The structural layer (2) is preferably a film of synthetic plastics material, eg polyurethane. The pressure-sensitive adhesive (3) is preferably an acrylic adhesive, and the hydrophobic gel (4) is preferably a silicone gel. The laminate (1) may be used as a skin contact component of a wound dressing or in numerous other applications.

Abstract: Some arrangements disclosed herein relate to devices and methods for treating a wound, comprising applying negative pressure to the wound through a cover applied over a wound, monitoring the internal pressure in the wound, and controlling the closure of the wound by controlling the amount that a wound packing material positioned under the cover collapses within the wound based on the monitored internal pressure. The wound packing material collapse can be controlled to ensure that the monitored internal pressure does not exceed a threshold value. Additionally, some embodiments or arrangements disclosed herein relate to a visualization element to visualize a location of a wound surface. The visualization element can comprise a radiopaque member that is configured to be positioned on or adjacent to a surface of an open wound.

Abstract: A device for detecting moisture for an arrangement for monitoring an access to a patient for a system by which, via a flexible line, a liquid is fed to a patient and/or a liquid is fed out from the patient, and in particular for monitoring the vascular access in extra-corporeal blood treatment and particularly for monitoring a central venous catheter for acute dialysis includes at least a portion which can be deformed into a sleeve and placed around the circumference of the flexible line or of a connecting system. The portion in sleeve form has fastening means for fixing it in place in the position in which it surrounds the flexible line or the connecting system. The portion in sleeve form allows the device to be fastened quickly and securely to a flexible line or a connecting system.

Abstract: A test chamber for epicutaneous patch test units is provided. The test chamber is formed of a multilayer material including at least one absorbent layer and at least one barrier layer. The test chamber is adapted to contain a liquid or petrolatum-based allergen. The absorbent layer absorbs the liquid or petrolatum-based allergen, while the barrier layer prevents the allergen from migrating out of the test chamber.

Abstract: A method of detecting detachment of an ostomy device from a patient includes providing, in the ostomy device, a first electrode separated from the patient by an adhesive that attaches the ostomy device to the patient, where a first capacitor is formed between the first electrode and the patient. The method includes applying a signal to an electrical circuit that includes the first capacitor, and detecting changes in a capacitance value of the first capacitor based on frequency responses of the electrical circuit to the signal. The method additionally includes activating an alarm based upon detecting the changes in the capacitance value of the first capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a colloid composition for forming a foam sheet including: polylactic acid resin particles having an average diameter of 1 ?m to 100 ?m obtained by pulverizing fibrous particles of a polylactic acid resin.

Abstract: A transdermal delivery system for systemic delivery of donepezil is described, where the system comprises an adhesive matrix drug reservoir layer comprised of a copolymer of acrylic acid/vinyl acetate, triethyl citrate, and donepezil base generated in situ by reaction of donepezil HCl and an alkaline salt. The system is provided for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and achieves transdermal delivery of the therapeutic agent at steady state that is bioequivalent to administration of the therapeutic agent orally.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a reduced-pressure abdominal treatment system for treating an open abdominal cavity of a patient is provided. A reduced-pressure abdominal treatment system has an open-cavity treatment device for providing reduced-pressure treatment to a patient's abdominal cavity; a deep-tissue closure device for applying a closing force on a deep-tissue wound on a patient's fascia; a surface-wound closure subsystem for providing a closing force on a surface wound on the patient's epidermis. The method of manufacturing may also include the step of providing a reduced-pressure supply subsystem.

Abstract: Provided are a hydrogel-encapsulated cell patterning and transferring method comprising: preparing a substrate having a hydrogel-encapsulated cell patterning comprising a first cell and an alginate hydrogel; preparing an agarose hydrogel substrate comprising agarose hydrogel and any one of a second cell and a physiological active substance; and disposing the substrate having the hydrogel-encapsulated cell patterning on the agarose hydrogel substrate and transferring the cell patterning and a biosensor comprising: a first substrate having a hydrogel-encapsulated cell patterning comprising a first cell and an alginate hydrogel; and an agarose hydrogel second substrate comprising agarose hydrogel and any one of a second cell and a physiological active substance.

Abstract: Disclosed are medical devices, e.g., surgical sutures, surgical staples, surgical pads, surgical meshes, surgical scaffolds etc., and methods of use at a wound in a patient to facilitate the rapid healing of the tissue at the situs of the wound with minimal fibrous tissue formation. The devices are arranged to be brought into engagement with tissue adjacent the wound to close the wound and include a core formed of a piezo-electric material and an outer layer covering the core. The outer layer is platelet derived growth factors. The methods of use of the devices also include applying a local molecular energy production agent to the wound and irradiating the wound with a pulsed infra-red laser beam.

Abstract: A multilayered wound dressing which is two-dimensional and has a peripheral edge is provided that includes at least one hydrophobic antimicrobial layer, at least one absorbent layer which includes a water-containing hydrogel, and a covering layer. Starting from the edge of the wound dressing, at least one incision is formed, which partially separates the wound dressing.

Abstract: The present invention is silver (I) periodate compounds and their use in preventing or reducing microbial contamination. The invention includes coatings and articles of manufacture having a surface containing an anti-microbial silver (I) compound. Methods of treatment are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adhesive tape (1) made of silicone is intended for medical applications. The tape (1) has a sheet material (12) based on nonwoven fibers, coated on an internal face (12a) intended to be in contact with the skin, with a barrier membrane (14) which adheres to the sheet material, based on crosslinked silicone polymer, and with a layer (16) of atraumatic and biocompatible silicone adhesive gel, and on an external face (12b), with a layer (18) of a nonstick and waterproof polymer based on a fluorosilicone or fluorocarbon polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds with means for stressing the wound bed and optionally tissue surrounding the wound, in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a devise for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The means for stressing the wound bed and optionally tissue surrounding the wound promotes wound healing. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: A wound dressing apparatus includes a wound dressing member dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed. The wound dressing member including an internal vacuum reservoir and has a port in communication with the vacuum reservoir for applying subatmospheric pressure to the vacuum reservoir to facilitate removal of fluid from the wound bed. The wound dressing member includes a visual pressure indicator associated therewith for indicating a level of pressure within the vacuum reservoir. The visual pressure indicator includes color indicia having a plurality of colors corresponding to a condition of the pressure within the vacuum reservoir. The wound dressing member includes a lower absorbent member positionable adjacent the wound bed and an upper member which at least partially defines the vacuum reservoir. At least one of the top member and the lower absorbent member has the visual pressure indicator mounted thereto.

Abstract: An abdominal wound dressing and methods of use are described that enable the application of negative pressure to the wound site in a healing manner while also limiting the formation of adhesions that would prevent the removal of the dressing. The dressing includes a layer of porous foam material enclosed by sheets of elastomeric material punctuated by a number of appropriately placed holes. Multiple layers of porous foam may also be used. A suction tube connector is provided on an upper surface of a layer of foam for connection to a negative pressure source. At least one layer of foam is enclosed in elastomeric material and is placed in direct contact with the tissue within the open wound. Fluids are drawn by negative pressure through the holes positioned in the elastomeric envelope and through the foam.

Abstract: Methods of sterilizing articles such as wound dressings, include the steps of providing an article that includes a polymer layer, applying an aqueous solution to the polymer layer and applying electron beam radiation to the article. The polymer layer includes a hydrophobic organic matrix that includes an elastomeric polymer and hydrophilic polymeric microparticles dispersed within the elastomeric polymer. Applying the aqueous solution to the polymer layer at least partially swells the hydrophilic microparticles of the polymer layer. In some articles the polymer layer includes an elastomeric polymer, hydrophilic polymeric microparticles dispersed within the elastomeric polymer, and hydrophilic polymer particles with greater than 10 micrometers average particle size dispersed within the hydrophobic organic matrix. These articles may be sterilized by applying either electron beam or gamma radiation.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to dextran fibers which are preferably electrospun and devices formed from such fibers. In particular, such devices may include substances of interest (such as therapeutic substances) associated with the electrospun fibers. Upon exposure to a liquid the electrospun fibers dissolve immediately and the substances of interest are released into the liquid. Exemplary devices include bandages formed from electrospun dextran fibers and associated agents that promote hemostasis, such as thrombin and fibrinogen.

Abstract: A gap-patterned wound dressing, including a patterned foam structure having a gap patterned side and a non-gap patterned side, wherein the gap patterned side includes a pattern of foam gaps disposed between foam areas dosed with honey, where the pattern of foam gaps is formed by the honey dosed areas; and wherein a wound in contact with the gap patterned side discharges an exudate which substantially collects in the individual ones of the foam gaps causing honey in the individual ones of the honey dosed areas to be substantially dispersed throughout a wound treatment zone.

Abstract: A wound dressing having anti-microbial activity comprises a first fiber capable of bonding with silver (1) cations. The wound dressing comprises a blend of the first fiber to which silver (1) cations are bonded and a second fiber which is substantially free from silver. The wound dressing comprises from 0.01 to 5.0 percent by weight of silver (1) cations, based on the weight of fiber.

Abstract: A wound dressing product comprising: a substrate layer having an upper surface and a lower surface; a tacky silicone coating composition present on said upper surface and on said lower surface; and upper and lower release sheets covering said substrate and said tacky silicone coating composition on said upper and lower surfaces, respectively, and adhered to said surfaces by said tacky silicone coating composition, wherein said upper surface is less tacky than said lower surface whereby said upper release sheet can be removed from said upper surface more readily than said lower release sheet can be removed from said lower surface. The same silicone composition is used to form both the upper and the lower surface. Also provided are methods for making such dressings.

Abstract: Disclosed are an artificial dura mater and manufacturing method thereof. The artificial dura mater includes electrospun layers prepared by electrostatic spinning, at least one of which is a hydrophobic electrospun layer. Further, above the hydrophobic electrospun layer, there can be at least one hydrophilic electrospun layer. A transition layer can be further included between the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic electrospun layers. Additionally, cytokines and/or medicines can be affixed to either or both of the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic electrospun layers, by way of bio-printing. The disclosed artificial dura mater shows good biocompatibility, enhances dural tissue regeneration, achieves excellent repairing effects, prevents adhesion, allows complete absorption, has good mechanical properties, ensures low infection rates, and can be loaded with therapeutic agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. microfiltration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: A post surgical recovery bra may include at least one shoulder strap with an adjustable mechanism, a bra body, a compression band, a padded band and an adjustment band. The bra body may have a top portion, a first side, a second side, a thorax portion, a rear portion and may include a front closure component. The shoulder strap may attach to the top portion of the bra body. The compression band may be attached to the bra body and extend around the wearer across the chest, and may include a second front closure component. The padded band may cover the thorax portion of the bra body, or be within a pocket within the thorax portion of the bra body. The adjustment band may be positioned over the padded band.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure system for treating a tissue site on a patient includes a distribution manifold that adheres to a tissue site to allow retention without external support. The distribution manifold includes a porous member and a tissue-fixation element. The tissue-fixation element maintains the porous member substantially adjacent to the tissue site while a sealing member is applied. In one instance, the tissue-fixation element is a soluble adhesive that partially covers either the tissue-facing side of the porous member or a tissue-facing side of a fluid-permeable substrate layer that is on the tissue-facing side of the porous member. Other systems, distributions manifolds, and methods are presented.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes an access port and a seal anchor. The access port includes a proximal ring, an intermediate ring, a distal ring, and a sleeve defining a passage therethrough. In particular, the proximal, intermediate and distal rings are concentrically arranged with the passage of the sleeve, and the sleeve extends between the proximal and distal rings. The seal anchor is adapted to be at least partially disposed in the access port, and defines a lumen therethrough. At least one of the proximal, intermediate, and distal rings is configured and dimensioned to engage the seal anchor in a sealing relation therewith.

Abstract: A wound dressing having anti-microbial activity comprises a first fiber capable of bonding with silver (1) cations. The wound dressing comprises a blend of the first fiber to which silver (1) cations are bonded and a second fiber which is substantially free from silver. The wound dressing comprises from 0.01 to 5.0 percent by weight of silver (1) cations, based on the weight of fiber.

Abstract: A film structure having a polymer film and an application system enabling the film structure to be handled in a simple manner. The application system is arranged on a first side of the polymer film and has at least one supporting film to which at least one gripping strip is applied. The polymer film also has at least one first region without a supporting film.

Abstract: A wound treatment device comprises a wound surface contacting plug and a cover for covering the wound surface and the plug, wherein said plug consists of a flat textile isolating material comprising at least one first surface layer, one second surface layer and one intermediate space arranged between said surface layers. At least the first surface layer is provided with a biocompatible surface and a structure which enables a liquid to pass and prevents a wound tissue from growing in said structure. The intermediate space is provided with isolating threads elastically holding the first surface layer and the second surface layer at a certain distance from each other.

Abstract: A wound dressing is made of multiple layers and includes a collection chamber that is in fluid communication with a drainage channel. When applied over a wound, the wound dressing provides protection for the wound while allowing air and fluids to evacuate from the wound through the collection chamber and out through the drainage channel. The wound dressing can include a valve that restricts air and fluids from entering the wound, which is beneficial for treating pneumothorax.

Abstract: A device for the dressing of wounds and insertion sites of percutaneous and drug delivery devices provides 360 degree or complete circumferential protection of a wound or insertion site of a percutaneous or drug delivery device. In particular, the device is an integrated dressing for catheters comprising a pad and an adhesive dressing.

Abstract: A casualty and triage information collection form and record sheet of flexible plastic film including a writing surface and backed by a layer of an adhesive by which the record sheet can be attached to a patient's clothing or skin. The flexible plastic film is strong enough and elastic enough to serve as a wound dressing. The adhesive is protected before use by a release liner sheet.

Abstract: A connector for holding wound closure straps in tension to close a wound. The connector may be a quick-release connector. It may include a tension indicator. The connector may have a magnetic coupling, elastic portion, or arcuate flexure joining the strap-engaging ends of the connector.

Abstract: Various systems, methods and materials are disclosed that enable efficient delivery of an agent into an adhesively adhered article, in which the agent elicits a desired outcome, on demand. This strategy, though general in scope, is also more specifically described with regard to enabling painless or atraumatic removal of products adhering to mammalian tissues such as skin and hair by suitably exploiting the ingress of an appropriate agent or like fluid. Other techniques and articles that aid in the handling or removal of such adhesive products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various systems, methods and materials are disclosed that enable efficient delivery of an agent into an adhesively adhered article, in which the agent elicits a desired outcome, on demand. This strategy, though general in scope, is also more specifically described with regard to enabling painless or atraumatic removal of products adhering to mammalian tissues such as skin and hair by suitably exploiting the ingress of an appropriate agent or like fluid. Other techniques and articles that aid in the handling or removal of such adhesive products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating a wound using targeted delivery of magnetically-tagged active agents in combination with negative pressure wound therapy are presented. In particular, a magnetically-active wound insert may be used to attract magnetically-tagged stem cells to a wound site to treat the wound.

Abstract: An engineered designed article providing multi-directional support. Portions of three or more overlapping, circular-like bodies are integrated on a flexible planar membrane into products, such as bandages, headgear, tool handles, lumbar pillows, backpacks, cervical supports, and back supports, to offer a multi-directional, (360° quadrant) support or pressure-concentrating area, to enhance specific support at the medial, lateral, inferior and/or superior part of a body part. The article can be made of material that is waterproof, acts as a shock absorber, and provides multi-directional support. Medicaments can be infused into the pressure-concentrating area of the support or into the membrane itself. An aperture for accepting IV needles is also provided.

Abstract: A wound closure system having first, second and third adhesive pads with a pair of strap members fixedly secured to the first and third adhesive pads. The pair of strap members are slidably received within the second adhesive pad. When the third adhesive pad is displaced, the first and second adhesive pads are displaced toward each other to close the wound.

Abstract: Method and devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include one or more individual fluid filled pods which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid pad localized along a central portion. Both the one or more pods and inner fluid pad are then enclosed entirely by another layer of fluid within an outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the fluid layers may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers and may restrict or limit the expansion or movement of the fluid pods and/or fluid pads.

Abstract: A bandage can be used to secure a needle to an access site so as to prevent unintended movement or withdrawal of the needle from the access site during administration of a treatment to a patient. After treatment, the needle can be removed by manipulating a portion of the bandage. Another portion of the bandage can be maintained in position over the access site during needle removal and can be used to promote clotting of the site after needle removal. The bandage may include a clotting agent, a hemostasis pad, and/or a clot-promoting structure. Additionally or alternatively, finger pressure can be applied to the access site through the bandage. For example, the bandage may include a viewing window without any adhesive to allow visual monitoring of the access site during treatment. Finger pressure may be applied to the viewing window and thereby to the access site during and after needle removal to encourage hemostasis.

Abstract: A heating article is provided including a heating element including a first layer of nonwoven fibers mixed with conductive fibers, wherein the layer is divided to include a conductive region and a nonconductive region, wherein the conductive region extends in a co-extensive and co-planar pattern in a majority of the layer, and wherein the conductive region has first and second ends, and a power source removably coupled to the first and second ends. The first layer can include nonwoven fibers mixed with non-metallic conductive fibers. The heating article can also include a second layer superposed with the first layer, wherein the second layer is substantially free of non-metallic conductive fibers.

Abstract: A hemostatic device for promoting the clotting of blood includes a gauze substrate, a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate, and also a polyol such as glycerol or the like disposed on the gauze substrate to bind the clay material. When the device is used to treat a bleeding wound, at least a portion of the clay material comes into contact with blood emanating from the wound to cause the clotting. A bandage that can be applied to a bleeding wound to promote the clotting of blood includes a flexible substrate and a gauze substrate mounted thereon. The gauze substrate includes a clay material and a polyol. A hemostatic sponge also includes a gauze substrate and a dispersion of hemostatic material and a polyol on a first surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A system for delivering a medical dressing onto an appendage, such as a finger or penis, of a patient includes a medical dressing defined by a flexible tubular sleeve that is configured to elastically expand radially, and a delivery device including a pair of pivotable spreader arms attached to a handle portion. The spreader arms of the delivery device are configured for insertion within the sleeve to enable radial expansion from a first diameter to a larger second diameter and positioning of the medical dressing onto the desired anatomical area.

Abstract: Embodiments herein comprise a hemostatic composition comprising a plurality of liquid expandable articles capable of expanding upon contact with a liquid. A suitable composition comprises a plurality of liquid-expandable articles that may be mechanically uncoupled from one another and therefore may be capable of moving independently from one another. The plurality of liquid-expandable articles may comprise a compressed material capable of a high-degree of expansion upon liquid contact.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure treatment system for treating a wound on a patient includes a composite manifold that may help prevent or minimize injury to a wound edge of the wound being treated with reduced pressure. The composite manifold includes a perimeter manifold member and an inboard manifold member. The perimeter manifold member is designed to not collapse substantially under reduced pressure in a therapy range. The perimeter manifold member may be more rigid with respect to compressibility than the inboard manifold member. A sealing member is used to form a fluid seal over the wound, and a reduced-pressure subsystem provides reduced pressure to the composite manifold. Other systems, methods, and dressings are presented.

Abstract: Devices for administration of one or more active agents to the skin or mucosa of a host are formed in the nature of a double-disk patch. One outer layer functions as the primary adhesive layer for adhering the patch to the host. The other inner layer contains at least one active agent to be administered to the host. The inner layer is bonded to the outer layer through an opening provided in an interposed active agent impermeable release layer. The release layer separates a circumferential portion of the active agent containing inner layer from the outer adhesive layer to inhibit migration of the active agent therebetween.

Abstract: A device for preventing development of infections includes a surgical drape in which a window, through which an incision may be made, is formed. The window defines borders having an inner face; a first layer of a material, covering the inner face of the borders, the first layer being configured to absorb incision secretions; and a second layer, covering the inner face of the borders, the second layer being impregnated with an antiseptic haemostatic ingredient, the second layer partially covering the first layer, the first layer being wider than the second layer. The second layer is arranged to come into contact with incision margins and cover a top part and a bottom part of an incision during installation of a spacer.

Abstract: A device for promoting the clotting of blood comprises a clay material in particle form and a receptacle for containing the clay material. At least a portion of the receptacle is defined by a mesh. Another device comprises a gauze substrate and a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate. Another device is a bandage comprising a substrate, a mesh mounted on the substrate, and particles of a clay material retained in the mesh. A hemostatic sponge comprises a substrate, a hemostatic material disposed on a first surface of the substrate, and a release agent disposed on a second surface of the substrate. The release agent is disposed on the wound-contacting surface of the substrate. When treating a bleeding wound, application of the hemostatic sponge causes at least a portion of the hemostatic material to come into contact with blood through the release agent and through the substrate.

Abstract: Wound dressings and wound inserts comprising substantially dry reactive agents, methods of forming wound inserts comprising dry reactive agents, and wound-treatment methods.

Abstract: In one aspect, a wound treatment system includes an inner layer comprising a foam material impregnated with a zinc oxide containing composition with or without calamine and/or ichthammol and in the presence or absence of antimicrobial agent (inorganic and/or organic). An optional outer layer comprises a short/long stretch compression bandage. In another aspect, a method of manufacturing the foam article impregnated with the zinc oxide containing composition is disclosed. In yet another aspect, a method of applying the wound treatment system to a patient's leg is disclosed. In still another aspect, a kit is provided including a foam layer impregnated with a zinc oxide containing composition; optionally, an elastic bandage component (e.g., long or short stretch elastic bandage); and, optionally, an outer stocking or sleeve, wherein the bandage system components are packaged together.