Abstract: An adherent article, such as a bandage or adhesive tape, having a nonwoven substrate that contains water soluble fibers is provided. The water soluble fibers of the nonwoven substrate can include polyvinyl alcohol fibers that only dissolve at temperatures greater than 37° C. and/or polyvinyl alcohol fibers that can dissolve at temperatures less than about 37° C. The adherent article also includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to the nonwoven substrate that facilitates adherence of the substrate to human skin. The pressure-sensitive adhesive can be water soluble or generally insoluble, but dispersible in water.

Abstract: A bandage for autolytic debridement includes a fluid-impermeable enclosure having a sidewall forming a margin defining an opening, and a skin-facing surface that surrounds the opening. An attachment means is disposed on the skin-facing to attach the enclosure to the skin, with the margin extending outside of and surrounding at least the bed of a wound. When the enclosure is attached to the skin it creates a closed, fluid-impermeable chamber over a wound, substantially without contacting the wound. The bandage includes a fluid absorbent material disposed in the fluid-impermeable enclosure at or near the continuous margin, and out of the opening. The fluid absorbent material is thus positioned to receive and retain exudated fluid that originates in the wound, thereby by promoting autolytic debridement. The closed, fluid-impermeable chamber maintains a near-100% humid atmosphere about the wound, thereby promoting healing of the wound.

Abstract: A method for using a dressing mechanism having a first section, a second section, and a third section, the first section being coupled to the second section and the second section being coupled to the third section, the first and third section comprising an elastic material.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage comprising a backing material, an adhesive and a wound-contacting pad which has improved comfort and improved resistance to unraveling when the body part to which it is adhered is flexed. Improved comfort and resistance to unraveling are obtained by tapering the bandage from the center region thereof to each of its opposed ends.

Abstract: Water-permeable, pressure-sensitive adhesives and adhesive constructions are characterized by a MVTR of at least 1,900 g/m2/day and low adhesive edge lift, even after 25 kGy gamma irradiation. The copolymers are formed from a plurality of acrylic monomers, preferably butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, and optionally N-vinyl pyrrolidone.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device suitable for use on an extremity, such as a hand or foot, includes a wound cover formed as a bag, sac, or pouch, and a support member disposable within the wound cover to support a portion of the wound cover off of, and out of contact with, a wound. The wound cover has an open end with attachment means disposed thereon for attachment to a limb whose extremity is received in the wound cover.

Abstract: A multi layered wound dressing comprising: (a) an adsorbent layer having high absorbency but low lateral wicking rate, and (b) a transmission layer having a high moisture vapor transmission rate overlying the side of said absorbent layer furthest from the wound.

Abstract: An adherent article, such as a bandage or adhesive tape, having a nonwoven substrate that contains water soluble fibers is provided. The water soluble fibers of the nonwoven substrate can include polyvinyl alcohol fibers that only dissolve at temperatures greater than 37° C. and/or polyvinyl alcohol fibers that can dissolve at temperatures less than about 37° C. The adherent article also includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to the nonwoven substrate that facilitates adherence of the substrate to human skin. The pressure-sensitive adhesive can be water soluble or generally insoluble, but dispersible in water.

Abstract: Carboxymethylated cellulosic articles having degree of substitution in the range from 0.12 to 0.35 and in which the carboxymethyl groups are believed to be predominantly within the amorphous regions to the exclusion of the crystalline regions have usefully non-adherent properties as wound dressings. Such wound dressings may be made by carboxymethylating a cellulose fabric so that its absorbency is little greater after carboxymethylation than beforehand and the degree of substitution is as stated above. Carboxymethylation can be carried out by contacting cellulose II fibers or other articles with a solution containing sodium hydroxide, sodium chloroacetate, water and ethanol. The solution may contain from 4 to 8 percent by weight sodium hydroxide and from 50 to 60 percent by weight water (including water in the fibre) or the weight ratio of sodium hydroxide to water (including water in the article) may be from 0.095 to 0.

Abstract: A wound dressing garment includes an outer structure layer formed of a pliable material and an interior lining formed of a self-adhesive gel material which serves as a dressing for directly contacting wounds such as burns on a patient. The structure layer provides the overall shape of the garment as well as a framework for supporting the gel layer. The structure layer has at least two edge portions that are securable (i.e., either permanently secured or detachably securable) to each other to provide a partial enclosure suitable for enveloping a portion of the body. The structure layer can include one or more layers of material and can be made of one or more of a variety of materials, such as fabric or elastomeric materials. The self-adhesive, sheet-like gel layer serves as an interior lining of the garment, such that gel layer presents an interior surface for directly contacting the skin of the patient.

Abstract: Orthopedic bandage comprising a flexible backing material and an adhesive composition, characterized in that the adhesive composition has a thermoplastic behavior, is at least tacky above an activation temperature, forms at least partially crystalline structures below the activation temperature, and at a temperature below 40° C. has a shear modulus of more than 100,000 Pa.

Abstract: Biocompatible adhesive protective dressings, and methods of manufacturing and using the same, having properties suitable for use on moist tissues such as gingiva. The dressing may include a flexible sheet, e.g. a metal foil, with an irradiated gamma radiation sensitive adhesive on one surface. The properties of gamma sensitive adhesives are modified by exposure to gamma radiation so as to increase their adhesiveness and volume. The dressing may be applied to human or animal tissue to protect the tissue from the environment, and retain autogenous and other substances at the application site. The dressing may be used at surgical sites or wounds.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage having a backing material; an adhesive applied to at least one second major surface of the backing material; and a wound contacting pad secured to the backing by a portion of said adhesive. The bandage has a tapered portion and a non-tapered portion. The length of the tapered portion of the bandage ranges from about 30% to about 70% of the total length of the bandage.

Abstract: The present invention providesa device and method for safely applying cyanoacrylate or other adhesives to skin lacerations.

Abstract: Biocompatible adhesive protective dressings, and methods of manufacturing and using the same, having properties suitable for use on moist tissues such as gingiva. The dressing may include a flexible sheet, e.g. a metal foil, with an irradiated gamma radiation sensitive adhesive on one surface. The properties of gamma sensitive adhesives are modified by exposure to gamma radiation so as to increase their adhesiveness and volume. The dressing may be applied to human or animal tissue to protect the tissue from the environment, and retain autogenous and other substances at the application site. The dressing may be used at surgical sites or wounds.

Abstract: A modular bandage for treating wounds located on highly contoured, non-planar regions of a person includes a standoff for placement near the wound, and a sheet of material for forming a sealed environment over the wound in conjunction with the standoff. The modular bandage may further include a heater to thermally regulate the sealed environment formed by the standoff and the sheet of material. A sheet of material for such a bandage may include various uniform or compound structures.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for skin adhesion in which an adhesive force of the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the backing film does not lower greatly even with the lapse of long term and the initial adhesive force is substantially maintained, and a first-aid adhesive plaster using the same are disclosed. The pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for skin adhesion comprises a backing film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for skin adhesion formed on one side of the backing film, wherein the backing film comprises about 40 to about 70 parts by weight of a polyester plasticizer having a number average molecular weight of about 1,500 to about 3,000, an appropriate amount of a stabilizer comprising at least one metallic soap selected from the group consisting of fatty acid calcium, fatty acid zinc and fatty acid barium, and about 0.1 to about 1.0 part by weight of hydrotalcite per 100 parts by weight of a vinyl chloride polymer.

Abstract: A shrink-wrap bandage is disclosed, along with methods of applying same. The bandage comprises a shrink film cut and/or shaped to a desired dimension and having material properties which allow the shrink film to undergo a controlled degree of shrinkage upon application of a heat source or other suitable source. The sheet may include a variety of conventional features, such as an absorbent pad, adhesive to facilitate contact with the skin, or apertures to allow air to access the covered wound.

Abstract: A bandage is adapted to receive a printed graphic image which is printed by a personal home printer. The predetermined graphic image may be chosen from a graphics library loaded onto a personal computer, a graphic image designed by an operator or a graphic image downloaded from the internet. The bandage includes a first layer treated with a coating on one planar side, the coating bonding with the printed graphic image in a waterproof manner. The bandage further includes a second pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on another planar side of the first layer, and a third liner layer which overlays the second adhesive layer. The third liner layer is selectively removable from the second adhesive layer to expose the second adhesive layer.

Abstract: Self-adhesive shaped body which is adapted to the anatomy, has a proprioceptive effect and is intended for medical purposes, having a bond strength of from 1 N/cm to 25 N/cm, an extensibility of more than 10%, a thickness of more than 0.5 mm and a resilience of more than 50% for a tensile stress of 5 N/cm2.

Abstract: Visi-Band is a new concept for treating cuts, scrapes, wounds, small surgical incisions and other relatively small damaged areas on the human body. The concept of use and the design of the bandage are completely opposite from present day practice. Whereas, today, bandages are removed on a regular basis, perhaps daily or more frequently, with Visi-Band, the bandage stays in place until the wound, etc. has healed. This is accomplished by using a plastic cover with an opening lid applied to the area with self-adhesive and merely opening the cover as needed to treat the wound inside. Just a few of the many advantages, include protection of the wound from any further damage from such problems as banging into it; the ability to provide much more healing air to the area; the ability to apply pressure to the wound; the ease with which daily medication may be accomplished. The surrounding area is not subject to the problems of removing adhesive tape every time the wound is dressed.

Abstract: Adhesive bandage, comprising an adhesive tape (10, 60) having an external surface and an internal surface, the latter presenting two adhesive end portions (13a) to be seated on and attached to the user's skin, and a median portion (13b) that will be seated on the skin area to be treated, said median portion (13b) carrying a plurality of homogeneously distributed microcapsules (30), which will contact the skin area to be treated, and which are formed in a pharmaceutically acceptable material, said microcapsules (30) being ruptured by external pressure or by dissolution in liquids exuded from the skin, and each microcapsule (30) containing at least one active agent presenting at least one of the anesthetic, antiseptic, hemostatic, healing, and antibiotic functions.

Abstract: A unique fabric with non-adherent characteristics making it suitable for use as a wound dressing, and particularly as a dressing for burns, is disclosed The fabric comprises cellulose acetate fibers and a siloxane finishing on the fibers. In a preferred embodiment, the dressing comprises cellulose acetate fibers, cellulose acetate fiber having an anti-biologic incorporated into the fiber resin, and a siloxane finishing on the fibers. The fabric of the invention was found to be less adherent to burns than dressings made from cotton or having a nylon net about an absorbent pad.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesive articles and methods, particularly stretch removable adhesive articles that are preferably for use in adhering to skin or like delicate surfaces. Preferably, stretch removability of the article occurs as a result of the selection of a stretch removable pressure sensitive adhesive. In one embodiment of the articles and methods, the adhesive and backing delaminate upon removal. In another embodiment of the articles and methods, the backing includes a predefined tab located in a central location of the backing.

Abstract: Film-based bandage material, the film consisting of polyurethane, being treated so as to be self-adhesive on one side and having at least one non-adhesive grip tab formed onto it, so that following application the bandage material can be detached from the substrate by pulling on the grip tab in the direction of the bond plane.

Abstract: Biocompatible adhesive protective dressings, and methods of manufacturing and using the same, having properties suitable for use on moist tissues such as gingiva. The dressing may include a flexible sheet, e.g. a metal foil, with an irradiated gamma radiation sensitive adhesive on one surface. The properties of gamma sensitive adhesives are modified by exposure to gamma radiation so as to increase their adhesiveness and volume. The dressing may be applied to human or animal tissue to protect the tissue from the environment, and retain autogenous and other substances at the application site. The dressing may be used at surgical sites or wounds.

Abstract: A method for forming an incision or wound dressing. First, second, and third layers 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive 18, 20, and 22 are applied to a wound or incision site 14, with each layer covering the site 14 and extending to at least about five millimeters from each side of the site 14. After the first, second, and third layers 18, 20, and 22 are allowed to polymerize, a fourth layer 24 of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive is applied, the fourth layer 24 substantially covering at least one millimeter of the extending edge of the first, second, and third layers 18, 20, and 22. In the case of a high-tension wound or a wound near a joint, the fourth layer 24 extends at least about ten millimeters from each side of the site 14, and a fifth layer 26 of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive is applied.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesive articles and methods, particularly stretch removable adhesive articles that are preferably for use in adhering to skin or like delicate surfaces. The articles include tapered terminal portions to control release characteristics. Preferably, stretch removability of the article occurs as a result of the selection of a stretch removable pressure sensitive adhesive. In some embodiments of the articles and methods, the adhesive and backing delaminate upon removal. In other embodiments of the articles and methods, the backing includes a predefined tab located in a central location of the backing.

Abstract: A dressing especially for covering wounds or preventing or treating blisters, comprising a water vapor pervious carrier film uniformly covered with an adhesive layer, wherein there is centrally disposed on the adhesive layer a water vapor pervious polyurethane matrix which is beveled from an especially central point to the edge of the adhesive layer, although the periphery of the adhesive layer is at least partially not covered by the polyurethane matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes by which a polymeric hydrogel can be securely adhered to a substrate to form a hydrogel laminate with greatly improved delamination resistance. The laminate is formed by casting onto a polymeric adhesive-coated substrate an aqueous solution of hydrophilic polymer, then exposing this composite to ionizing radiation which cross-links the hydrophilic polymer to form a hydrogel and also induces copolymerization of the hydrophilic polymer and the adhesive polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-occlusive adhesive skin patch. The patch includes a woven or nonwoven porous backing having a front side and a back side. The patch also includes a therapeutic formulation located on the front side of the backing. The backing includes a flexible sheet of water insoluble porous material. The therapeutic formulation includes a medicament useful for relieving topical discomfort and a pressure sensitive adhesive. The therapeutic formulation optionally includes a solvent that can effectively dissolve the medicament. The present invention also provides a method for alleviating topical discomfort. The method includes applying an adhesive skin patch of the present invention to skin inflicted with a topical disorder.

Abstract: The present invention is for a kit containing components for making decorated adhesive bandages. The kit comprises: a) at least one adhesive bandage comprising a backing, an adhesive layer on one side thereof and an absorbent pad affixed to the adhesive; and b) at least one decorative element selected from adhesive stickers and adhesive tattoos. The decorative element comprises a substrate, a decorative pattern thereon and an adhesive layer. The decorative element is designed to be securely fixed to the upper surface of the bandage. The decorative element is separate from and unsecured to the bandage in the kit. The decorative elements are preferably stickers. By carefully selecting and matching the materials in the bandages and the decorative elements, decorative bandages that are flexible, conformable, and contain a decoration that is resistant to delamination under wet and dry conditions may be custom-made by the consumer at point-of-use.

Abstract: A patch of low friction materials, such as a film of polytetrafluoroethylene is sized to provide an area of low friction support for a portion of a human body relative to an object such as a shoe or prosthetic socket. The patch can be lined with foam, or preferably, a stretch fabric so that it will fit around irregular contours of the shoe, or socket, or the skin itself. The patches reduce shear trauma in critical load areas. After identifying regions of high loads, the method comprises applying the patches as needed to avoid sores, calluses, blisters and abrasions.

Abstract: A film dressing for wounds and/or catheter sites and a method for applying such a dressing and a process for making the same are provided. Preferably, the film dressing has a substantially clear top layer. The top layer may be a moisture vapor semi-permeable film. The moisture vapor semi-permeable film may be coated with an adhesive and may cover a window cut out of a semi-permeable tape border having an adhesive layer and a hydrocolloid silver adhesive. The dressing may further have liners for use in the application of the dressing to a patient.

Abstract: A calendered hydrocolloid dressing for the wound care and a one step method of manufacturing the hydrocolloidal dressing are described. In particular, the invention is concerned with a hydrocolloid dressing which is absorbent, non-damaging to the skin and comfortable to the user preferably having at least a thermoplastic elastomer backing and water absorbent polymeric adhesive layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bandage for closing a wound or incision, and methods for the use of same. The bandage comprises a first flat flexible component having adhesive on a lower surface and one or more first elongated connectors extending in an offset manner from one edge thereof in a first direction. The bandage further comprises a second flat flexible component having adhesive on a lower surface and one or more second elongated connectors extending in an offset manner from one edge thereof in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction. Pulling elements are joined to the first and second elongated connectors. Means are provided for attaching the first elongated connectors to the second flat flexible component and the second elongated connectors to the first flat flexible component.

Abstract: A bandage for autolytic debridement includes a fluid-impermeable enclosure having a sidewall forming a margin defining an opening, and a skin-facing surface that surrounds the opening. An attachment means is disposed on the skin-facing to attach the enclosure to the skin, with the margin extending outside of and surrounding at least the bed of a wound. When the enclosure is attached to the skin it creates a closed, fluid-impermeable chamber over a wound, substantially without contacting the wound. The bandage includes a fluid absorbent material disposed in the fluid-impermeable enclosure at or near the continuous margin, and out of the opening. The fluid absorbent material is thus positioned to receive and retain exudated fluid that originates in the wound, thereby by promoting autolytic debridement. The closed, fluid-impermeable chamber maintains a near-100% humid atmosphere about the wound, thereby promoting healing of the wound.

Abstract: A non-contact controllable heater wound covering and method having a peripheral sealing ring covered by a layer to which is attached a heater and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive so that the heater is held proximate the wound area in a non-contact position. The layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume proximate the wound. The wound covering includes a programmable active heater control and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is an electrical resistive filament in variable geometric shapes providing versatility in application of heat to different types of wounds and wound area geometries. Another form of active heat is the transfer of a heated gas to the wound covering.

Abstract: A blood circulation-promoting powdery material, a blood circulation-promoting attachment sheet and a blood circulation-promoting attachment sheet set for promoting blood circulation is provided. The powdery material comprises a distillate recovered from the distillation of pyroligneous acid as the principal component. The blood circulation-promoting attachment sheet includes the powdery material placed in a bag-shape sheet with air permeability; and the blood circulation-promoting attachment sheet set includes a bag-shape sheet containing the powdery material with an adhesive material and air permeability provided on one face of the attachment sheet.

Abstract: A wound dressing for facilitating the healing of a wound. The wound dressing includes a support strip of material having a body-attaching side; and also having adhesive disposed upon the body-attaching side; and also includes a pad member being securely attached upon the body-attaching side of the support strip of material; and further includes at least one wound-healing agent being disposed upon the pad member; and also includes protective strips of material being removably disposed over the body-attaching side including the pad member and the at least one wound-healing agent.

Abstract: A crosslinkable macromer system and related methods of preparing the system and using the system in the form of a crosslinked matrix between a tissue site and an implant article such as a tissue implant or on the porous surface of a prosthetic device. The macromer system includes two or more polymer-pendent polymerizable groups and one or more initiator groups (e.g., polymer-pendent initiator groups). The polymerizable groups and the initiator group(s), when polymer-pendent, can be pendent on the same or different polymeric backbones. The macromer system provides advantages over the use of polymerizable macromers and separate, low molecular weight initiators, including advantages with respect to such properties as nontoxicity, efficiency, and solubility. A macromer system of the invention can be used as an interface between the tissue site and implant article in a manner sufficient to permit tissue growth through the crosslinked matrix and between the tissue site and implant.

Abstract: A device for promoting the healing of a topical stress crack in a predetermined skin portion of the body. The device comprising a first means engageable with a skin portion of the body for drawing such stress crack together. A screen member disposed intermediate with the skin crack and first means for maintaining closure of such skin crack. A medical adhesive engageable with a screen member as a means for sealing the stress crack together.

Abstract: A non-contact controllable heater covering for treating tissue has a peripheral sealing ring covered by a layer to which is attached a heater and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive so that the heater is held proximate the tissue area in a non-contact position. The layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume proximate the tissue. The covering includes a programmable active heater control and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is an electrical resistive filament in variable geometric shapes providing versatility in application of heat to different types of tissue geometries. Another form of active heat is the transfer of a heated gas to the covering.

Abstract: An apparatus applies heat to tissue from a level that does not contact the tissue in order to elevate the temperature of the tissue being treated toward normothermia. The, apparatus has a ring that surrounds, but does not contact the tissue to be treated. This ring has a layer out of contact with the tissue to be treated at which a heater is located. The apparatus may be attached to the skin of a person so that the ring and the layer form a treatment volume which does not contact the tissue to be treated. The heater, supported at the layer, is held near the tissue to be treated, out of contact with the tissue. The heater may be an active heater, or an inactive, reflective heater. If active, the apparatus may include a programmable active heater controller. One form of an active heater is an electrical resistant filament which may have various geometric shapes in order to provide versatility in application of heat to the tissue to be treated.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a bandage 10 having a strip of durable material, such as duct tape 24, having pressure sensitive adhesive 30 applied to its underside further having a sterilized gauze pad 20 attached thereto. The bandage has a shorter 12 and a longer side 14 and a removable release liner 26 thereon along with possibly a removable sterile cover having a tear strip thereon for easy removal thereof.

Abstract: A compression dressing is disclosed. The compression dressing comprises a self-adhering elastic bandage strip designed for exerting a compressive force when wrapped around a body part sufficient to hold the compression dressing in place for a period of time to provide a therapeutic effect to a wound and an absorbent pad affixed to an inner side of a terminal portion or to a terminal end of the self-adhering elastic bandage strip.

Abstract: A low trauma pressure-sensitive adhesive coated substrate comprising a sheet material, tape or laminate structure designed to adhere to skin or like surfaces. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of this adhesive coated substrate is a fibrous adhesive layer generally having a basis weight of from 5 to 200 g/m2 applied to a conformable backing or substrate. The fibrous adhesive layer has a textured outer face and persistent porosity between discrete adhesive fibers. Generally, the fibrous adhesive layer has a MVTR (measured by ASTM E 96-80 at 40° C.) of at least 1000 g/m2/day, preferably at least 6000 g/m2/day.

Abstract: A multi layered wound dressing which comprises an adhesive layer, an absorbent layer overlying said adhesive layer on the surface furthest from the wound, and a moisture transmitting cover layer overlying the absorbent layer, the dressing having a total thickness of less than 1.5 mm.

Abstract: A patch of low friction materials, such as a film of polytetrafluoroethylene is sized to provide an area of low friction support for a portion of a human body relative to an object such as a shoe or prosthetic socket. The patch can be lined with foam, or preferably, a stretch fabric so that it will fit around irregular contours of the shoe, or socket, or the skin itself. The patches reduce shear trauma in critical load areas. After identifying regions of high loads, the method comprises applying the patches as needed to avoid sores, calluses, blisters and abrasions.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage includes a carrier strip having at least one adhesive portion and a dressing element disposed adjacent to the adhesive portion(s) along the entire length of the carrier strip. The width of the carrier strip is greater than the width of the dressing element.