Abstract: A dilator formed with a truss with a pair of spaced-apart end surfaces that provides a restoring force therebetween if forced toward one another, this restoring force provided by a resilient band extending between the opposite ends of the truss with a plurality of notches at each end thereof. The notches exceed at least a third of the thickness of the band. A second and similar band may also be provided in the truss.

Abstract: A surgical device constructed of a polyvinyl acetal sponge body constructed with an average pore diameter ranging from about 0.02 to about 1.2 mm and opposite sides laminated with a surface film layer of about 0.0015 inches thick. The laminate surface film layer is perforated with a plurality of holes allowing access to the body of the surgical device having a diameter ranging from about 0.1 to about 0.7 mm allowing absorbtion of fluid through the laminate layer into the sponge body of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic membranes which are selectively permeable to water or water vapor and which can be simply produced by the lamination of a thermoplastic sheet onto an absorbent material at or around the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic.

Abstract: A bandage for removably retaining a replaceable dressing against a patient's skin includes a tape having an adhesive inner surface with pressure-sensitive adhesive thereon and a nonadhesive outer surface, a base portion on the tape for adhesive securement to a patient's skin, a tab formed integrally with the base portion by a folded-over portion of the tape, a first opening in the base portion for placement over a wound on the patient's skin for receiving the dressing, a second opening in the tab exposing an adhesive portion of the inner surface of the tape for receiving and adhesively holding a pad which overlies the first opening when the tab is in a closed position, and cooperating hook and pile fabric on the tab and the base portion containing the first opening for selectively securing the tab to the base portion.

Abstract: A wound dressing capable of being inserted into a deep wound found on a patient is provided. The wound dressing contains a hydrogel material capable of absorbing wound exudate emitted by a deep wound and is substantially in the form of a cylinder. A support layer is mounted within the cylinder for purposes of providing support for the hydrogel material in the wound dressing. The invention also provides a syringe for inserting and removing the wound dressing from the deep wound for which it is applicable.

Abstract: A flexible external fixation dressing product contains a clear hydrogel material in a gel-like phase. The fixation dressing product is comprised of several layers including a thin-film top layer, optional backing layer, optional support layer, hydrogel layer, and optional release liner, and is adapted for use around the retaining pins of an external fixation device. The thin-film top layer may define a center portion and a perimeter portion. The backing layer, support layer and hydrogel material are positioned in the center portion of the thin-film top layer. The porous backing layer is formed of a porous material having sufficient porosity that the backing layer can be secured to the hydrogel material without the use of an adhesive. During manufacture, the dressing product is assembled and a substantially centered opening and a slit are cut. The opening and slit extend through all layers of the dressing and may also extend through the release liner, if included.

Abstract: A wound closure device employs a porous bonding member which receives a flowable adhesive capable of providing long term wound support. The bonding member is positioned by a carrier member that is used to achieve initial apposition of the wound and which may later be removed. An intermediate barrier may be provided between the bonding pad and the wound site. Alternatively, a rigid applicator may be utilized for positioning the bonding pad at the wound site. The closure device can include a supply of flowable adhesive for adhering the bonding member to the skin of the patient. Suitable flowable adhesives are cyanoacrylates. A form of packaging supports the wound closure member for preapplication of the adhesive and can serve as a part of a sterile barrier package. In one embodiment, strips are placed on opposite margins of a wound which have porous portions.

Abstract: An occlusive dressing consisting essentially of a soft, pliant, fluid absorbent and swellable adhesive barrier layer, a thin elastomeric backing layer along one side of the barrier layer, and a removable release sheet covering the opposite skin-contacting surface of the barrier layer. The release sheet is divided into at least two separable sections, adjacent sections being disposed along opposite sides of a predetermined line of separation. Each line of separation is defined by a series of alternating slits and connecting segments with the opposing edges of the slits normally held in contiguous relation by the connecting segments at the ends of the slits. At least one of the sections has a visible locator stripe extending along the line of separation for indicating the location of that line as a user prepares to separate the sections and peel them away from the barrier layer for purposes of applying the dressing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wound dressing in the form of a gauze or similar absorbent material having dehydrated hydrogel material impregnated therein for absorbing wound exudate. The dehydrated hydrogel material is formed from an aqueous mixture comprising: (a) from about 0% to about 90% by weight polyhydric alcohol; (b) from about 6% to about 60% by weight aliphatic diisocyanate terminated prepolymer; (c) from about 4% to about 40% by weight polyethylene oxide based polyamine; (d) 0% to about 2% by weight sodium chloride; and (e) the balance water. The present wound dressing is capable of absorbing large amounts of wound exudate without inhibiting the healing of the wound to which it is contacted since it does not adhere to such a wound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wound dressing in the form of a gauze or similar absorbent material having dehydrated hydrogel material impregnated therein for absorbing wound exudate. The dehydrated hydrogel material is formed from an aqueous mixture comprising: (a) from about 0% to about 90% by weight polyhydric alcohol; (b) from about 6% to about 60% by weight aliphatic diisocyanate terminated prepolymer; (c) from about 4% to about 40% by weight polyethylene oxide based polyamine; (d) 0% to about 2% by weight sodium chloride; and (e) the balance water. The present wound dressing is capable of absorbing large amounts of wound exudate without inhibiting the healing of the wound to which it is contacted since it does not adhere or stick to the wound.

Abstract: A flexible, transparent wound dressing product contains a clear hydrogel material in a gel-like phase. The wound dressing product is comprised of several layers including a wound dressing, removable tab and release liner. The removable tab provides a grippable surface to allow for the removal of the release liner from the wound dressing and to facilitate handling of the wound dressing during application to the wound site. The tab may be comprised of a flat, double-coated paper or other suitable material, or a flexible, V-shaped member, and is removable by peeling after the wound dressing is applied. The wound dressing comprises a transparent thin-film layer, a first adhesive layer, backing layer, second adhesive layer, support layer and a hydrogel material. The transparent layer has a center portion and a perimeter portion. The backing layer, support layer and hydrogel material, which together form a reinforced hydrogel patch, are positioned in the center portion of the transparent layer.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage, wound dressing, suture-like mechanism, or surgical drape for use over a wound is made from a laminate structure of flexible rubber, a hydrophilic hydrogel polymer bonded to one side of the flexible rubber, and an adhesive bonded to the hydrophilic hydrogel polymer along at least a first section of the adhesive bandage, wound dressing, suture-like mechanism, or surgical drape. The adhesive is preferably a hydrogel adhesive with a cellulosic, polyurethane or polyacrylate base, while the flexible rubber is preferably rubber which is pretreated with hydrogel polymer prior to curing. A medicament such as CPC or BAK can be bonded to the hydrophilic hydrogel polymer along the non-adhesive portion of the adhesive bandage, wound dressing or surgical drape to provide slow release medication, and if desired, removable plastic may be provided to cover the adhesive portions. The bandage, wound dressing, suture-like mechanism, or surgical drape may take various shapes, sizes, and arrangements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a primary pack for surface-stabilized bandaging materials having a carrier layer and a skin-side contact surface having pressure sensitive adhesive areas and which prior to the use of the bandaging material is protected by a removable covering layer, and an at least one-layer supporting film detachably applied to the skin-remote surface of the carrier layer and which can be removed from the applied bandaging material, the supporting film forming part of the pack protecting the bandaging material.

Abstract: A conformable wound dressing is produced which comprises a polymeric foam absorbent layer, a continuous or discontinuous adhesive layer covering the body facing surface of the absorbent layer except for a wound contacting area which is free of adhesive and a layer of a liquid impervious moisture vapor permeable material disposed over substantially all or the entire surface of the absorbent layer opposite the body facing surface. The wound dressing may have a discontinuous intermediate layer coextensive with the absorbent layer disposed between the absorbent layer and the adhesive layer. Preferably, more than 50% of the absorbent layer is free of adhesive or when the adhesive is placed on the intermediate layer, more than 50% of the absorbent layer and the intermediate layer are free of adhesive.

Abstract: Wound-covering materials comprising two layers, a first support layer which is to be in contact with a wound and a second moisture permeation-controlling layer which may optionally contain an antimicrobial agent are taught. The support layer is formed from a biocompatible highly aqueous gel-forming substance, e.g., carboxymethylcelluloses, alginates, hyaluronates, poly(meth)acrylates, chitosan derivatives and chitin derivatives, and at least a portion of the support layer which is to be in contact with a wound is coated with a water-repellant substance, e.g., silicones, polyurethanes, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers and polytetrafluoroethylenes. The moisture permeation controlling layer may, e.g., be formed from steam permeable resin films made of silicone or polyurethane elastomers. The resultant wound-covering materials inhibit infection and pain, maintain adequate water retention, and do not produce bioincompatibility responses when applied to the site of wounds.

Abstract: Various embodiments of pressure bandages use a balloon for applying pressure to a wound through a pad. A cover that is attached to the body by any of several different means holds the balloon against the body, and it contains an open space, or window, providing access to the wound area for wound inspection, pad replacement, observation of bleeding, etc. The window can be closed by a door.

Abstract: A bandage assembly for concealing a skin wound, blemish or other dermatologic condition comprising: a segment of adhesive tape that is sized and shaped to overlie the site of the wound, blemish or condition and which has a top surface and a periphery; and a layer of make-up that matches the color of the skin and covers the top surface and periphery of the tape and the area of skin immediately surrounding the segment and is smoothed or feathered at its edge to blend with the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for dispensing dentifrice for example, the mitt being formed from a folded and heat sealed strip packaged in a protective heat sealed pouch.

Abstract: An occlusive, pressure-reducing wound dressing with a multi-layer laminate construction providing one easy-to-apply dressing. The occlusive pressure-reducing dressing includes an occlusive, wound-contacting layer made of a biologically compatible polymer. A pressure-reducing layer is joined at a bottom surface to the occlusive layer. The pressure-reducing layer is comprised of a soft, air-containing material such as a foam or an air-entrapping film which has a top surface shaped to provide a progressive rate of resistance to compressive force applied to the pressure-reducing layer and which allows the pressure-reducing layer to conform to curved body surfaces. The occlusive portion of the dressing therefore provides a moist environment and a barrier against infection while the pressure-reducing portion or component minimizes interaction between the wound and any supporing surface in contact therewith.

Abstract: A bandage which retains bodily fluids at least until such fluids reach the top of the dressing that may be placed in the bandage and which permits removal or replacement of the dressing without detaching the bandage from the patient. The bandage has a holder with a base portion which is adhesively attached to the skin of the patient and which contains an aperture to accommodate a wound. Connected to the base portion is at least one flap which folds over the dressing that may be inserted into the holder and which has a releasable fastener to close the holder, to maintain the dressing in a desired position, and to enable the bandage to be opened for inspection of the wound or replacement of the dressing. Fluid retention is accomplished by having the distal (with respect to the patient) edge of no flap closer to the patient's body than is the distal side of the dressing.

Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery system is disclosed. The system comprises a laminate composite of a patch/skin permeable membrane; a transfer gel layer disposed on said permeable membrane; a permeable membrane disposed on said transfer gel layer; a plurality of sectional drug reservoirs for receiving medicament disposed on the transfer gel layer; and activation means for releasing medicament from said drug reservoirs for contact with skin of a patient. The medicament in contained in the reservoirs at varying amounts and/or concentrations, providing for selectable dosage, for sequential delivery, for sequential activation, for variable unit dose drug delivery in transdermal application.

Abstract: A medical bandage that permits the support to be easily peeled off from the substrate without the substrate stuck to the wound skin being pulled up. It is composed of a substrate 1, a support 5 consisting of butted two pieces of plastics film having at least one extension part 5a extending beyond the end 1a of the substrate 1, and a releasable strip 8 of plastics adhesive tape stuck to the butting part 6, said adhesive tape having non-adhesive side parts.

Abstract: A plaster agent comprising a water impermeable or water semipermeable film (layer a), one tackifier layer (layer b) laminated on one surface of said layer a, and another tackifier layer (layer d) laminated on said layer b through an intermediary knitted fabric having a weight per unit area of 10 to 100 g/m.sup.2 (layer c) comprising hollow fibers having pores extending therethrough in the outer peripheral direction and containing substantially no medicine internally thereof, and at least one of said layer b and said layer d containing a vaporizable or non-vaporizable medicine.

Abstract: An absorbent device which comprises an absorbent layer having an apertured contoured polymer film attached to a surface, wherein this surface is provided with a plurality of depressions which communicate directly with the apertures in the film. The device may be produced by separating the polymer film and a carrier material which have been formed into a laminate having impressed therein raised areas defining, for example, the strands of net and depressed areas such that upon separation the depressed areas of the film remain attached together with associated portions of the attached absorbent, to the carrier, leaving the raised areas attached to the remainder of the absorbent.

Abstract: A medical glove or dressing for covering a wound, lesion, burn or similar injury to the hand is disclosed. The glove comprises a back portion, a palm portion and thumb and finger portions with adjustable opening and closure means for easy insertion of the hand and adjustable fitting of the glove without further trauma to the hand. The glove further comprises a material having at least three layers comprising: (a) a first inside layer which comprises a porous polyethylene film which enables moisture to be wicked away from the hand; (b) a second middle layer comprising an absorbent material for absorbing the moisture from the first layer; and (c) a third outer layer comprising a flexible, water-proof breathable material.

Abstract: Described is a moisture-vapor-permeable and oxygen-permeable adhesive dressing for use in supplying a topical medicament to human skin in a controlled release manner, which dressing is unaffected by and impermeable to water in the liquid phase, which dressing when in use on human skin consists essentially of:(i) a polymeric backing material lamina having two surfaces, a first substantially planar surface and a second substantially planar surface;(ii) adhering to said first planar surface of said backing material a medication reservoir lamina having two surfaces, a first substantially planar surface and a second substantially planar surface, consisting essentially of an intimate mixture of:(a) a polyvinyl chloride polymer;(b) a polymeric plasticizer intimately admixed with said polyvinyl chloride and compatible with said polyvinyl chloride; and(c) a topical medicament compatible with said polyvinyl chloride and said plasticizer;said first substantially planar surface of said medication reservoir lamina adherin

Abstract: A tape for attaching bandages, with non-adhesive tabs at each end for easy manipulation and removal while wearing gloves is disclosed. Also disclosed are tapes with target markings for location of a puncture wound, tapes with pressure disks or plates attached, and methods of making and using the tapes.

Abstract: A vented wound dressing is disclosed comprising a thin conformable sheet material at least a portion of the surface area of which is intended for placement as a dressing over a wound, which portion carries a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating on one surface thereof for adhering the dressing to skin, the coating being applied to provide repeating areas of the sheet material containing no adhesive, at least a portion of the repeating areas of no adhesive having slits extending through the thickness thereof to permit transfer of wound fluids through the sheet material unimpeded by presence of adhesive material which can clog the slits and thereby inhibit fluid transfer therethrough.

Abstract: A multi-layer moisture management elastic fabric including a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns and defining a first fabric face for residing in skin contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin. A moisture dispersal fabric layer is constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defines a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer. Elastic yarns are integrated with the yarns of the moisture transport fabric layer and the yarns of the moisture dispersal fabric layer to form a single, integrated fabric which is highly elastic. The fabric is useful as waistband material and as athletic headbands, wristbands and as medical bandages and braces.

Abstract: A pressure dressing for use in the treatment of an auricular hematoma or other ear injury is formed from a thin strip of ductile metal having first and second spaced end portions which are joined by a central connector portion. A pair of foam sponge pads are adhesively affixed to an inner surface of the first and second end portions. In use, the connector portion is reversely bendable to position the pressure pads in closely spaced, substantially adjacent relation on opposing sides of the ear. The pads engage with opposing sides of the ear and exert pressure thereon so that blood does not reaccumulate in the injured area. The dressing may further include one or more tongue or arm portions which extend outwardly from the end portions and are bendable over and around the cartilaginous rim portions of the ear to maintain the dressing in position during periods of physical activity.

Abstract: An elongate bandage that is predominantly stretchable in the longitudinal direction enables readily applied development of an elastic surgical limb sleeve that can be rendered locally inextensible. The bandage features multiple longitudinally spaced rows of transverse slits which are in staggered offsetting interlace, from one to the next-adjacent row, such that when a circumferential wrap of the bandage completes a sleeve, the multiple slits are arrayed parallel to the axis of the limb. The limb sleeve gently conforms to the shape of an affected or injured joint or other body part, and the gentle conformance is operative to convert slits into ventilation openings. One or more strips of relatively inelastic hook material applied to the outer surface of a developed sleeve not only complete the sleeve but, when desired by the surgeon, can exert localized pressure to the injured area either directly or indirectly as in the treatment of swelling or in the control of bleeding.

Abstract: A surgical dressing 10 for surgical closing a wound includes a pair of locating members 12, 14, the locating members 12, 14, in use, being placed on opposed sides of the wound. A manipulating means 22 interconnects the locating members 12, 14, the manipulating means 22 and the locating members 12, 14 being a one piece article and the manipulating means 22 being operable to draw the locating members 12, 14 towards each other to close the wound.

Abstract: A valved bandage and method for covering an open wound in the chest cavity. The bandage includes a flexible sheet having a hole formed therein. A normally closed one way valve section extends outward from the outside of the sheet and in communication with the hole. The bandage is secured over the chest wound, so that the valve is in alignment with the chest wound opening to close the chest wound. The bandage enables fluids from inside the chest cavity to flow into the valve, to open the valve and be released to the outside. The valve automatically closes after the flow of fluids into the valve substantially ceases, to prevent back flow of air from the outside to the inside of the chest cavity. The one way valve section of the bandage may be formed into an angled configuration, so that the position of the outlet of the angled valve section may be varied to provide optimum drainage of fluids.

Abstract: A wound closure device employs a porous bonding member which receives a flowable adhesive capable of providing long term wound support. The bonding member is positioned by a carrier member that is used to achieve initial apposition of the wound and which may later be removed. An intermediate barrier may be provided between the bonding pad and the wound site. Alternatively, a rigid applicator may be utilized for positioning the bonding pad at the wound site. The closure device can include a supply of flowable adhesive for adhering the bonding member to the skin of the patient. Suitable flowable adhesives are cyanoacrylates. A form of packaging supports the wound closure member for preapplication of the adhesive and can serve as a part of a sterile barrier package.

Abstract: Improved transdermal drug delivery systems are provided which contain an occlusive, elastomeric backing layer which is preferably liquid-resistant. The systems contain as a backing layer a single homogeneous sheet of an elastomeric material having a moisture vapor transmission rate ("MVTR") in the range of about 0.1 to 20 g/m.sup.2 /hr and a Young's modulus in the range of about 10.sup.4 to 10.sup.9 dynes/cm.sup.2. Methods for making and using transdermal drug delivery devices containing such backing layers are provided as well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vented dressing comprising a thin conformable vapor-permeable, liquid-impermeable sheet material having a generally centrally disposed wound-covering portion for placement directly over the wound and a peripheral portion defining the central portion and which is intended to be secured to the whole skin surrounding the wound, the sheet material having a coating of a pressure-sensitive adhesive extending substantially entirely over one surface thereof for adhering the dressing to the body, the adhesive coating being applied so as to provide repeating areas containing no adhesive, areas of the wound-covering portion of the sheet material where there is no adhesive having slits extending through the thickness thereof to permit venting of wound fluids therethrough, the areas of no adhesive in peripheral portion being free of any slits whereby passage of wound fluids therethrough is precluded, the peripheral areas of the sheet material having no adhesive however permitting vapor transmission therethr

Abstract: An application aid for one or several articles, such as therapeutic systems, plasters, labels, or the like, adhering to and positioned in a mechanically releasable manner on a carrier or covering layer, respectively, which extends in sheet-like form and particularly is flexible, in the form of cuts or predetermined breaking lines formed within the carrier or covering layer is characterized in that each article (2) is assigned a portion (4, 4a) of the carrier or cover layer (1), which portion laterally projects said article and is removable from the rest of the carrier or cover layer (1) by means of non-linear cuts or predetermined breaking lines, whereby the cuts or predetermined breaking lines connect two points at the edge of the carrier or cover layer and at least partially run below the contact surface of the articles, at least one of these points lies on that portion of the carrier or covering layer projecting the articles at the side, and the imaginary straight connecting line between these two points,

Abstract: A device for repairing a tympanic membrane comprises a patch provided on one side with an adhesive layer, and an elongate tubular applicator member having a proximal end and a distal end. The patch is removably attached via suction to the distal end of the tubular applicator member so that the adhesive layer faces away from the elongate applicator member. The proximal end of the tubular applicator member is temporarily closed or sealed to maintain the suction force, thereby holding the tympanic patch to the distal end of the applicator tube while the tube is being inserted through the auditory canal. Upon a pressing of the patch against the ear drum so that the patch covers the perforation, the proximal end of the tube is released to pressurize the tube channel with ambient air. This pressurization releases the patch and allows it to adhere to the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: A nonwoven elastomeric web is provided. The web comprises thermoplastic elastomeric melt-blown small diameter fibers having a diameter of less than about 50 microns, the small diameter fibers being randomly arrayed and bonded at points of contact such that the tensile strength of the web in the direction of web formation is no greater than about 2.5 times the tensile strength of the web in a direction perpendicular to the direction of web formation and the web recovers at least about 85% in the machine direction after being stretched 50%. The web is particularly useful as wound dressing or bandaging materials.

Abstract: A disposable hand held laminated pad suitable for the application or removal of liquids and other materials while shielding the hand of the user from the materials includes a base pad having a lower wiping surface and an upper attachment surface, a thin impervious shield portion coextensive with and attached to the upper attachment surface, and a thin handle secured at a lower edge to the impervious shield and extending upwardly therefrom for grasping between fingers of a hand for enabling use thereof without contacting the fingers with the material being applied or wiped. The impervious shield helps prevent contact between a user of the pad and a person on which the pad is being used.

Abstract: A plaster comprising the film layer which is composed of a film having 0.5 to 4.9 .mu.m thickness, 8 to 85 g/mm strengths, respectively in the two directions intersecting substantially at right angle, 30 to 150% elongations, respectively in the two directions intersecting at right angle, and 1.0 to 5.0 ratio between the two direction elongations (wherein the smaller elongation is used as the denominator, when the ratios of the elongations in the 2 directions are different) and an adhesive layer (a) which contains a transdermally absorbable drug and is laminated on one surface of said film layer in 2 to 60 .mu.m thickness enables transdermal absorption of a clinically effective amount of a drug with skin rashes reduced. Additionally, a backing sheet may be preferably provided, for example, the plaster made of said film layer (3) and said adhesive layer (a) (4) is press-bonded via an adhesive layer (b) (2) to a backing sheet (1) and a release film (5) to give a plaster of improved handleability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound dresssing comprising (1) a lower layer of a hydrogel of a polymer cross-linked under the influence of electron beam (E.B.) radiation, to which optionally one or more medicinal and/or antibacterial agents and/or one or more auxiliary substances have been added, and (2) a polymeric top layer, in which the top layer consists at least substantially of an elastomer selected from the group consisting of a silicone rubber, a polyetherpolyurethane copolymer, a polyester-polyurethane copolymer, a polyether-polyester copolymer and an optionally modified block copolymer based on suitable vinyl monomers, and that a fibrous layer is provided between the lower layer and the top layer for bonding the two layers together.The invention further relates to a method of preparing said wound dressing.

Abstract: A tape for attaching bandages, with non-adhesive tabs at each end for easy manipulation and removal while wearing gloves, are disclosed. Also disclosed are a temporary bandage with non-adhesive ends; a roll formation of such tapes, each tape section separated from the others by a perforated section, such that it may be easily removed from the roll; and methods of forming the tapes and bandages.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an incise system for surgical drapes and the resultant surgical drape. The incise system is a two layer structure including a first layer of incise with an adhesive bottom surface for adhering the layer to a surgical drape and/or the skin of a patient. The first layer of incise further defines a fenestrated area removably attached to the remainder of the first layer by a line of perforations. The second layer of incise is generally coextensive with and releasably attachable to the first layer of incise so as to cover the fenestrated area of the river layer.To use the incise system of the present invention the two layer structure is applied to the patient's skin such that the fenestrated area of the first layer of incise directly overlies the intended incision area. An incision can then be made directly through the two layers of incise. Once the procedure is completed, the top (second) layer of incise is peeled from the bottom (first) layer.

Abstract: A medical dressing comprising an embossed, thin polymeric film coated on one side with a medical grade, pressure-sensitive adhesive. The embossed film has a low coefficient of friction, preferably less than about 0.6, on the outer adhesive free surface which makes the film particularly resistant to unintentional removal by rubbing forces. The film is intended primarily for use as a blister dressing, but may also be provided with an absorbent pad for use as a wound dressing.

Abstract: A generally "L"-shaped bandage for use in retaining a dressing on a human penis and a method for using the bandage are disclosed. The bandage comprises a generally "L"-shaped cover member having an adhesive undersurface, wherein the longer leg of the "L" is comprised of a single strip of the cover member and the shorter leg of the "L" is comprised of three adjacent short strips of the cover member. In use, the three short strips which define the shorter leg of the "L" are adhered to the base of the penis and to the patient's skin adjacent the base of the penis, whereas the strip which defines the longer leg of the "L" is wrapped circumferentially around the shaft of the penis and around the dressing positioned on the penis.

Abstract: A protective bandage for covering a wound or other sensitive body area. A fluid-filled bubble means is positioned centrally of the bandage and is adapted to overlie the sensitive body area to protect it against impacts, to reduce the pain of impacts, and to promote healing.

Abstract: A unitary splinting and casting device pre-formed in layers with a patient contact layer, padding layer, cast layer and fabric layers and a method of making the device. The device is unitary, in the sense that it is pre-formed and packaged so that no additional materials or components are needed to use it.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wound dressing consisting of a primary dressing for placement on the skin to cover a wound and an overlying secondary dressing containing an absorbent pad for receiving and retaining wound fluids diffusing thereto from the underlying wound and primary dressing, the secondary dressing being releasably secured to the primary dressing around their common periphery by a pressure-sensitive adhesive, at least the peripheral outer surface of the primary dressing having a release coating whereby to facilitate removal and replacement of the secondary dressing without disturbing the primary dressing or the healing wound therebeneath.

Abstract: A system for delivering both adhesive strips and transparent dressings to a patient. The adhesive strip or strips are provided with tab means for enhanced handleability and easy removal of the adhesive strip, and are releasably adhered directly to either the release liner or carrier layer of the transparent dressing. Preferably, the tab means is an integral part of one of the layers provided for delivery of the thin film dressing. Specifically, either the release liner or the carrier layer is provided as separately removable portions, and the adhesive strip is attached to the release liner or the carrier layer across the adjoining edge of these portions to allow removal of one portion from the balance of the composite at a time. When one portion is so removed, the adhesive strip is also removed and remains attached to that removed portion. The adhesive strip may then be easily handled for delivery to the desired site on the patient.