Abstract: A method of providing moisture therapy to a subject by applying a moist therapy compress against a treated body portion. The moist therapy compress includes a fluid-permeable shell, a flexible backing fastened to the shell to define an enclosure, and a hydrophilic zeolite fill granules loosely contained within the enclosure. The therapy compress is exposed to a source of moisture to cause absorption of water into the a hydrophilic zeolite, and the moisture is delivered from the hydrophilic zeolite through the fluid permeable shell to the treated body portion.

Abstract: A compression bandaging system includes inner and outer bandages. The inner bandage is an inner skin facing, elongated, elastic bandage and includes an elongated, elastic substrate and an elongated foam layer affixed to a face of the substrate. The outer bandage is an outer, elongated, self-adhering elastic bandage having a compressive force when extended. In use, the outer bandage overlies the inner bandage.

Abstract: A closing dressing bolster and assembly for use with a system for treating a linear wound on a patient includes a bolster body formed from a flexible closing bolster material having closing members that are operable to develop an inward closing force when the closing dressing bolster is placed under reduced pressure. In one aspect, when the closing dressing bolster is under reduced pressure, the system, dressing, or assembly develops an inward force realized at the linear wound and a compression force. A wicking-material holder and wicking material may be used as well. The member components may all be see-through to allow visual inspection of the wound without requiring removal of the dressing.

Abstract: Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress.

Abstract: A wound treatment device comprises a wound surface contacting plug (10) and a cover (24) for covering the wound surface (22) and the plug (10), wherein said plug (10) consists of a flat textile isolating material comprising at least one first surface layer (12), one second surface layer (14) and one intermediate space (18) arranged between said surface layers (12, 14). At least the first surface layer (12) 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 (18) is provided with isolating threads (16) elastically holding the first surface layer (12) and the second surface layer at a certain distance from each other.

Abstract: A device for evacuating blood from an extremity includes an elongate stretchable band having a plurality of images printed on a first side of the band. Individual images are arranged in rows and columns along a longitudinal extent of the band. Each image in a first row has a common longitudinal extent and height when the band is in a position of repose. Each image in a second row of images has a common longitudinal extent and height and has a reduced longitudinal extent relative to the images in the first row when the band is in the position of repose. First and second pressure readings are associated with each image in the first and second rows, respectively. The second pressure reading has a higher value than the first, indicating that the images in the second row will expand longitudinally when the second pressure is applied to an extremity.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving hemostasis in patients who have received skin-penetrating wounds to the body in regions such as the shoulder, pelvis, neck, or groin, where standard bandages are difficult to apply and where large blood vessels exist which can hemorrhage severely. Such haemostatic packing devices and methods are especially useful in the emergency, trauma surgery, or military setting. The devices utilize packing pillows that are held in place by rigid structures that can cause the packing pillows to be brought into the wounds and be held in place while the packing pillows are inflated to fill the wounds, prevent bleeding, and tamponade hemorrhaging large blood vessels exposed therein.

Abstract: A hemostatic device for promoting the dotting 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: An emergency head trauma bandage cap with a detachable strap system and method of use, which, when applied to the head, delivers minimal pressure to control bleeding, doesn't compromise cervical spine immobilization, allows for fast and effective application of cold packs to control intracranial/internal swelling or hot packs to prevent hypothermia in non-trauma situations, doesn't come apart during treatment and transport, and doesn't require a caregiver to re-wrap the dressing.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of polyacrylic acid is placed in a mold, frozen, and freeze-dried to form a sponge-like polyacrylic acid structure. The sponge-like polyacrylic acid structure is compressed by the application of heat and pressure to reduce the thickness and increase the density of the sponge-like polyacrylic acid structure to form a densified polyacrylic acid structure. The densified polyacrylic acid structure is preconditioned by heating to form a wound dressing. The wound dressing can be applied to control severe, life-threatening bleeding from a wound at a wound site of a person.

Abstract: A dressing for application to skin is provided. The dressing including: first and second portions; an adhesive applied on a surface of the first and second portions for adhering the first and second portions to the skin; an elastic member having one end connected to the first portion and another end connected to the second portion; and a locking member disposed between the first and second portions for restraining the elastic member into a first shape; wherein when the locking member is at least partially removed from between the first and second portions, the elastic member moves in a direction towards an unrestrained second shape.

Abstract: A pressure bandage includes a banding portion having opposite first and second sides. A chamber is formed in the first side of the banding portion. The second side of the banding portion includes a hole in communication with the chamber. A bladder is received in the chamber and receives a fluid. The bladder includes an infiltratable surface permeable to the fluid. The infiltratable surface of the bladder and the first side of the banding portion face the same direction. The fluid received in the bladder is permeable out of the bladder via the infiltratable surface. A control member is engaged with the hole of the banding portion and imparts a pressure to the bladder. The hole can be a screw hole, and the control member includes a knob threadedly engaged with the screw hole such that the knob is rotatable to adjust the pressure imparted to the bladder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compression system (1) for compression against a puncture site of a vessel in a patient, comprising: a compression element (4) adapted to apply a pressure against said puncture site; a tightening unit (5) adapted to extend around a part of or the whole of the patient's body to fixate and to tighten the compression element against said puncture site; wherein the compression element is provided with a placement mark (18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25) indicating where the compression element should be placed in relation to an entrance site through the skin of the patient made to reach said puncture site, in order to apply pressure against said puncture site.

Abstract: A compression kit including an inner layer, comprising a foam material, and an outer layer, comprising a separate elastic compression bandage is disclosed. An article comprising foam with two major surfaces, one of which has been coated with a hydrophilic agent to be applied against the skin is disclosed. A method of manufacturing the foam article with the skin-facing hydrophilic surface is disclosed. A method of applying the compression kit to a patient's leg or other body part is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for applying pressure to skin with a dressing. The method including: adhering at least a portion of the dressing to the skin; and subsequent to the adhering, changing the shape of the dressing by removing a restraint which restrains an elastic member associated with the dressing into a first shape. Where the removing of the restraint from restraining the elastic member moves the elastic member towards an unrestrained second shape to one or more of elongate or reduce a dimension of the dressing to apply a pressure to corresponding portions of the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastic adhesive unidirectional bandage and to a method for the production and the use thereof. The inventive bandage is embodied in the form of a segment, exhibits elastic and adhesive properties and is designed, in particular for supporting joints and preventing and maximally reducing injuries in certain body regions. The bandage segment is held in position during a long time by means of the adhesive properties thereof and supports natural movements by the elasticity thereof without constrictions and folds. Even, when the bandage is carried for a long time, it does not provoke a foreign body feeling. The bandage segment is easily applicable and optimally anatomically adaptable by the specific design of the elastic areas (for example, only the partial areas of the segment are elastic) and by corresponding shape thereof.

Abstract: A method for using a dressing mechanism on an epidermis. The dressing mechanism includes a first section, a second section, and a third section and the first section and the third section comprise an elastic material and include a first side having an adhesive located thereon. The second section is a laminated material.

Abstract: The methods, procedures, kits, and devices described herein assist with the healing process of tissue that was previously or simultaneously treated for a therapeutic or cosmetic effect. The methods, procedures, kits, and devices described herein can also provide temporary simulated results of a cosmetic procedure to allow for visual assessment to select the type of procedure or for treatment planning in advance of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for applying pressure to a wound, the apparatus comprising a main body portion having a top panel and two sides, the apparatus is adapted to be positioned on a dressing opposing a wound, such that the top panel is essentially parallel to a surface of a dressing. There is further provided a bandage comprising an elongated web, adapted to be folded upon itself, a dressing disposed on a wound surface of the web and a pressure enhancement member adapted to be directly or indirectly the dressing opposite the wound, wherein the pressure enhancement member comprises a main body portion having a top panel and two sides, the top panel is essentially parallel to the dressing.

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: An apparatus for promoting the clotting of blood and controlling bleeding comprises a receptacle for retaining molecular sieve material in particulate form therein. A pad for controlling bleeding comprises a mesh structure and a rigid or semi-rigid support attached to the mesh structure to facilitate the application of pressure to the pad and the wound. A bandage applicable to a bleeding wound comprises a mesh structure and a flexible substrate attached to the mesh structure, the substrate being a cloth or plastic member that may be adhesively attached to cover a wound. In any embodiment, at least a portion of the receptacle or mesh structure is defined by a mesh having openings therein, and at least a portion of the particulate molecular sieve material is in direct contact with blood.

Abstract: Methods of treating a wound, an ulcer and/or a burn responsive to inhibition of xanthine oxidoreductase to thereby reduce uric acid in an animal are provided wherein the methods include topical administration of a therapeutic agent effective for treatment of the wound, the ulcer and/or the burn wherein the therapeutic agent inhibits xanthine oxidoreductase to thereby reduce uric acid in the wound, ulcer and/or burn. Also provided are methods and kits for determining the severity of a wound, a burn and/or an ulcer including the step of detecting one or more of (i) a level of uric acid; (ii) a level of one or more uric acid precursors; and (iii) a presence, or absence of or level of xanthine oxidoreductase.

Abstract: A vibration dampening device is a patch with one or more step members that have distal ends extending from the patch. The patch is removably engaged or adhered to a wearer's skin. With the patch engaged, the distal ends of the step members have freedom of movement with respect to the patch. The patch optionally may further include one or more wing sections integrally formed therein that also have freedom of movement with respect to the portion of the patch engaged or adhered to skin. Step member and/or wing section movement counteracts longitudinal and/or radial vibrations traveling through soft tissue and musculature to dampen such vibrations.

Abstract: An apparatus for promoting the clotting of blood and controlling bleeding comprises a receptacle for retaining blood clotting material in particulate form therein. A pad for controlling bleeding comprises a mesh structure and a support attached to the mesh structure to facilitate the application of pressure to the pad and the wound. A bandage applicable to a bleeding wound comprises a mesh structure and a flexible substrate attached to the mesh structure, the substrate being a cloth or plastic member that may be adhesively attachable to cover a wound. In any embodiment, at least a portion of the receptacle or mesh structure is defined by a mesh having openings therein, and at least a portion of the particulate blood clotting material is in direct contact with blood. The mesh may include a zeolite powder impregnated or otherwise incorporated therein.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving hemostasis in traumatized patients. Such haemostatic packing devices and methods are especially useful in the emergency, trauma surgery or military setting. In such cases, the patient may have received trauma to abdominal viscera, the thoracic cavity or the periphery. The devices utilize fluid impermeable outer surfaces and distributed pressure to achieve tamponade and hemostasis, primarily by exertion of pressure. The devices are flexible, bendable, and conformable in their wet or dry state so that they exert distributed pressure on the wound. Peripheral haemostatic packing devices include optional adhesive structures to attach one packing device to another. The hemostatic packing devices may be placed and removed by open surgery or laparoscopic access without generating excessive re-bleeding. The devices can be inserted into a wound and filled with fluid, gel, or particulates through an axially elongate tube to generate pressure to tamponade the wound.

Abstract: A dressing for application over a blistered area on a surface of the skin of a patient. The dressing including: a volume forming portion positioned over the blistered area; an adhesive portion positioned proximate to the volume forming portion for fixing the volume forming portion to the skin; and a potential energy storage mechanism for storing potential energy that would tend to increase a volume adjacent to the blistered area formed by the volume forming portion to create a vacuum adjacent the blistered area.

Abstract: A dressing for covering a wound. The dressing including: a first component having a first shape; a second component releasably attached to a first surface of the first component to maintain the first component in a second shape different from the first shape; and an adhesive disposed on a surface of the first component different from the first surface for attaching the first component to the wound such that the second component can be released from the first component to allow the first component to take the first shape to apply a pressure to portions of the skin surrounding the wound to close the wound; wherein the second component is a mechanical device.

Abstract: A dressing for covering a wound in which the dressing includes: a first component having a first shape with a first dimension; a second component releasably attached to a first surface of the first component to maintain the first component in a second shape different from the first shape, the second shape having a second dimension longer than the first dimension; and an adhesive disposed on a surface of the first component different from the first surface for attaching the first component to the wound such that the second component can be released from the first component to allow the first component to take the first shape to apply a pressure to portions of the skin surrounding the wound to close the wound.

Abstract: A composite wound dressing apparatus promotes healing of a wound via the use of a micropump system housed within a wound dressing member. The micropump system includes a miniature pump that applies a subatmospheric pressure to the wound to effectively draw wound fluid or exudate away from the wound bed without the need for an external vacuum source. Hence, the wound dressing and micropump system is portable which allows the patient mobility that is unavailable when an external vacuum source is used. The patient does not need to be constrained for any period of time while exudate is being removed from 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 see-through dressing assembly is presented for use with a reduced-pressure system for treating a wound on a patient using reduced pressure that allows visual observation of the wound during treatment. The dressing assembly includes a bolster for providing a directed force when under reduced pressure, a sealing member for covering the bolster and providing a seal over the bolster and a patient's epidermis, and wherein the bolster and sealing member are formed from see-through materials sufficient to allow perception of color from a point external to the system. Other systems, dressings, and methods are presented.

Abstract: Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress.

Abstract: The multipurpose medical wrap serves as a dressing, covering, splint holder, and/or various other emergency medical uses. The wrap includes a central pad having two layers of material defining a plurality of internal s pockets therebetween for the insertion of various treatment packs and/or splints therein. The pad includes a relatively soft sheet to protect the area to which it is applied, and a relatively thin, non-insulating sheet that allows the pad to be reversed for use in applying hot and cold packs and the like. An end flap extends from each end of the central pad for additional protection and/or treatment. A plurality of laterally overlapping straps extends from each side of the central pad. Corresponding opposite straps are interwoven to secure the wrap to the body, some straps being used to form a sling and/or torso securing swath when the wrap is used as an arm treatment.

Abstract: Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress.

Abstract: Wound compression dressings of the invention comprise: an elastic layer comprising an extensible material having recovery of greater than 90% when tested according to ASTM D412 at elongations up to about 150%; an adhesive layer on at least a portion of a first side of the elastic layer; and a release layer on at least a portion of a second side of the elastic layer opposite from the first side thereof. According to a method of providing direct compression to a wound, a wound compression dressing of the invention is provided, and the wound compression dressing is wrapped around the wound to provide the direct compression to the wound.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of hemodialysis, including methods and kits that can be employed to improve hemodialysis therapy. The present invention encompasses methods and kits useful for reducing vascular access complications associated with hemodialysis therapy and prolonging the period of time for which a vascular access site can be used in a patient.

Abstract: Devices, kits and methods described herein may be for wound healing, including the treatment, amelioration, or prevention of scars and/or keloids by applying and/or maintaining a pre-determined strain in an elastic skin treatment device that is then affixed to the skin surface using skin adhesives to transfer a generally planar force from the bandage to the skin surface. Applicators are used to apply and/or maintain the strains, and some of the applicators are further configured to provide at least some mechanical advantage to the user when exerting loads onto the skin treatment device.

Abstract: There is provided herein a bandage folded upon itself to have a plurality of panels or rolled and a device having an elongated body portion and end elements at its two opposite ends sized and shaped to extend through several panels of the folded bandage, and retain the bandage in a folded configuration, while allowing a user to unfold the bandage without removing the device. The bandage may be unfolded, panel-by-panel, by pulling on an end panel of the bandage, causing it to be released from the device, and pulling on released panels or topmost retained panels to free the topmost retained panels, each in turn.

Abstract: Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress.

Abstract: A skin frame or other skin straining device strains skin on each side of a wound where a wound has been closed to off load stresses at the wound site. A dressing may be applied to the strained skin. The dressing may be integral with one or more elements of the skin straining device.

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: Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress.

Abstract: Devices, kits and methods described herein may be for wound healing, including the treatment, amelioration, or prevention of scars and/or keloids by applying and/or maintaining a pre-determined strain in an elastic skin treatment device that is then affixed to the skin surface using skin adhesives to transfer a generally planar force from the bandage to the skin surface. Applicators are used to apply and/or maintain the strains, and some of the applicators are further configured to provide at least some mechanical advantage to the user when exerting loads onto the skin treatment device.

Abstract: A dressing for applying compression to a wound in a patient includes a bladder having a non-deformable end wall and a deformable membrane. The dressing may include a flexible web having an adhesive layer on one side thereof for securing the dressing to the patient so as to hold the bladder against the patient's skin. Upon inflation, the deformable membrane projects towards the patient's skin and exerts pressure on the wound to reduce the flow of blood from the wound.

Abstract: A wound dressing having a suction member adaptable for connection to a source of vacuum pressure. The wound dressing preferably has a hydrophobic or biodegradable base layer and one or more absorptive layers for absorbing fluid from the wound. The absorptive layers are preferably quilted with patches containing desiccant, adsorbent, or absorbent material. Alternatively, the wound dressing may allow fluid to pass through the suction member. A semi-permeable cover is provided for allowing the wound to breathe while protecting the wound from undesirable substances such as bacteria, viruses, or fluids. The cover may have a bladder for distributing contact pressure away from the wound. Various sensors may be provided in the wound dressing for sensing various physiological parameters in the wound, such as oxygen saturation, blood pressure, respiratory rate, blood glucose, and serous fluid turbidity. Medicine may also be applied to the wound through the wound dressing.

Abstract: A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating all or a portion of a wound. The appliance generally comprises a flexible overlay that covers all or a portion of the wound for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the covered portion of the wound. The wound treatment appliance may also include a vacuum (including a suction bulb) system to supply reduced pressure to the wound in the area under the flexible overlay. In yet other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance may also include a suction drain, wound packing material to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of the wound tissue into the wound packing material, a collection chamber to collect and store exudate from the wound, or combinations thereof. Finally, methods are provided for using various embodiments of the wound treatment appliance.

Abstract: Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress.

Abstract: A compression bandage shaped as an elongate rectangle is made of a textile fabric on which a hook strip is fastened along a narrow side of a small portion of a lateral face, or hook side. The fabric contains elastic filaments running in a longitudinal direction and, in a transverse direction, includes virtually inelastic supporting filaments having a spring constant in the longitudinal direction that ranges from 0.3 to 3 Newtons/cm of longitudinal stretching and a per meter length and per decimeter width of the compression bandage. Small loops made of soft filaments are interwoven and distributed uniformly over the entire area of the lateral face, or fleece side, opposite the hook strip. These small loops are oriented approximately perpendicularly to the lateral face, in size and distance from one another, and are complementary to the hooks of the hook strip for forming a releasable hook-and-loop closure.

Abstract: A bandage system is provided that is capable of being held by an upstanding snap member attached to a wound site. The bandage system has a snap engaging member for coupling to the snap member. A cushion member is provided that has a wound engaging surface for overlaying the wound site. A pressure exerting base member is coupled to the base member for urging the cushion member into engagement with the wound site.

Abstract: A dressing for applying compression to a wound in a patient includes a bladder having a non-deformable end wall and a deformable membrane. The dressing may include a flexible web having an adhesive layer on one side thereof for securing the dressing to the patient so as to hold the bladder against the patient's skin. Upon inflation, the deformable membrane projects towards the patient's skin and exerts pressure on the wound to reduce the flow of blood from the wound.