Abstract: A therapeutic compression garment made of flexible, foldable, light weight Velcro-type loop fabric having a central region for wrapping partially around a body part and a plurality of bands integrally connected to the central region and extending outwardly in opposite directions from both sides of the central region to cross each other and encompass the body part.

Abstract: A lotion applicator which provides total, even coverage of the back of the user and does not require manual dexterity or stretching, consisting of a door mount, rotor, rotor guide, and one or more pads. The door mount is attached to a vertical surface, preferably a door, but the device can also be mounted to a wall. The user stands with her back against the device and, raising her arms to about shoulder level, grabs a handle attached to the rotor guide and pushes up, thus lifting the rotor guide. The rotor travels with the guide, whereupon one or more pads, which are impregnated with lotion and attached to the rotor in an off-center position, spin along the back of the user, spreading lotion.

Abstract: Tourniquet padding and methods of its use with a tourniquet are provided. The tourniquet padding comprises a cover sheet with at least one surface having anti-slip properties, and can be made with and without a compressible padding material disposed on the cover sheet. The tourniquet padding has a length sufficient to be wrapped around a limb of a person, and a width wider than the tourniquet. The cover sheet can be gathered along the proximal edge to accommodate a range of circumferences of extremities, and include an elastic member for wrapping around the extremity. The surface of the cover sheet to be placed in contact with the skin can include one or more adhesive elements to provide an interrupted adhesive surface. The adhesive elements can comprise an adhesive material that is adherable to skin, or a frictionally adhesive material having anti-slip properties to maintain the padding device in place on the skin during use.

Abstract: The apparatus includes at least two skin-contacting elements, the elements having narrow end faces and a mounting assembly for holding the elements closely adjacent to each other. A driving assembly reciprocally moves one element relative to the adjacent element(s) at a frequency that produces an action on the pores of the skin to loosen sebaceous plugs present in the pores, by permitting their ready removal from the skin.

Abstract: Atomizers for administering liquids to the cornea or conjunctiva of the eye, special eye adapters for atomizers and the use of atomizers for ophthalmological administration. The atomizers are free from propellant gas and have an energy reservoir for supplying the energy needed for the atomization process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound device and method for treating wounds. The ultrasound wound care device comprises a generator, an ultrasound transducer, an ultrasound horn, and a cavitation chamber. The device may further comprise a fluid, non-atomized, coupling medium. Ultrasound entering the cavitation chamber induces cavitations within the coupling medium, providing therapeutic benefits to the wound being treated. The ultrasound entering the cavitation chamber is also transmitted through the coupling medium to the wound, providing direct therapeutic benefits to the wound.

Abstract: A skin treatment article comprising a first side, a second side and edges provides customizable tactile stimulation. The first side comprises a plurality of lines extending between the edges having a thickness of about 0.1-2 mm and a spacing of about 1-20 mm.

Abstract: A splash shield system for use in combination with various irrigation sources, particularly wide mouth irrigation squeeze bottles.

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: The container for medical ophthalmic preparations has an exit opening which is formed in an arcuate indentation of the container wall that passes at both sides into a respective arcuate bulge. The container is placed with said wave-like container wall on the area of the eyebrow and cheekbones, the indentation making sure that there is no contact with the surface of the eye. A protective cap for a conventional container for medical ophthalmic preparations has a corresponding wave-like contour. Said contour ensures a safety distance from the eye, which excludes any injuries. The container and the protective cap can be handled easily in the case of a self-administration of the eye drops—even by persons with motoric disorders.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and a method promoting the convenient use of hand sterilizing fluids and gels applied to reduce the hand-borne transmission of pathogens. While clean, disinfected hands are widely recognized as a principle means for controlling the spread of infections, disease, and similar health problems to both self and others, the prompt and repeated application of such materials as soap and water or waterless alcohol gels is necessary for maintaining a sanitary hand condition. This is particularly true for nurses, health care providers, veterinarians, elementary teachers, food handlers and others where rapid and continuous movement between patients, clients and tasks provides optimum conditions for cross-contamination. This invention of a convenient, wrist-mounted dispenser of hand sterilizing fluids in a blister package format advances the use of such materials to effectively control the spread of hand-borne pathogens.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for stimulating healing of wounds, particularly burns, to the hands or feet. The apparatus comprises an envelope for receiving the affected part of the body. The envelope (12) comprises an air-tight cover which contains a porous pad (22, 24, 26) for covering the wound. Means are provided for connecting the interior of the envelope to a source of suction.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus for treatment of surface wounds with a bandage system configured to control the environment adjacent the wound. The apparatus includes a bandage configured to cover a wound and provide a seal about the perimeter of the wound and cavity over the wound. A fluid supply conduit and a fluid drainage conduit are each in communication with the cavity. A nebulizer is coupled to the supply conduit to supply medicinal fluid to the wound. A waste receptacle is coupled to the drainage conduit to remove the fluid away from the wound.

Abstract: Skin antiseptic composition dispensers and methods of use are disclosed. The skin antiseptic composition dispenser may include a container with one or more walls that are substantially impermeable to ethylene oxide gas during normal ethylene oxide sterilization processes. In some embodiments, the container may include flexible walls free of metallic foil barrier layers. The containers may also include one or more vents in addition to one or more openings used to dispense the skin antiseptic composition within the container. The dispenser may include an applicator with a hydrophilic foam.

Abstract: An iontophoretic apparatus comprising a housing member, a current distribution member, a medicament containment member and at least one of a lateral and medial straddling member. The straddling member are configured to correspond to the surrounding soft tissue.

Abstract: Test methods for assessing irritation of portions of skin and/or assessing inhibition and/or reduction of such irritation are provided.

Abstract: A micro-abrasion device includes a base station, a handpiece configured to spray a powder onto skin, a flexible supply pipe configured to supply powder from the base station to the handpiece, a flexible return pipe configured to return powder from the handpiece to the base station, a first reservoir containing a powder to be supplied to the handpiece via the flexible supply pipe and a first reservoir endpiece initially closed by a puncturable seal, and a second reservoir configured to collect powder returning via the flexible return pipe. The first reservoir and the second reservoir are assembled together and mounted onto the base station during use. Once mounted, the seal is punctured. Preferably the first and second reservoirs are configured so that they cannot be interchangeably mounted on the base station. This prevents reuse of the collected used powder in the second reservoir.

Abstract: A multiple-pouch package includes a first pouch wherein is fixed a support impregnated with a substance to be applied on the skin and at least a pouch containing a protection for the skin zone treated with the applied substance. The protection can consist of an adhesive plaster, a bandage, a compress or a dressing. Rupture-proof devices are provided to prevent the two walls of a common pouch to be entirely separated when it is opened. Opening facilitators are provided to facilitate the opening of the different pouches. The multiple-pouch package can be produced by fixing the different single pouches one to the other or by folding on itself one strip to form the various pouches.

Abstract: Medical pressure-sensitive adhesive sheets having a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on at least one side of a support so as to have an appropriate tack strength and acceptable processability. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is formed with a pressure-sensitive adhesive composed mainly of an acrylic polymer and a compatible component that is compatible with the acrylic polymer. The support layer contains a compatible component that is compatible with the acrylic polymer. The amount of the compatible component contained in the support layer is 70% or less of the amount of the compatible component contained in the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and the support layer has an elongation of 200% or more without containing any compatible component.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pad for treating eye conditions comprising a multipart container having an impermeable outer membrane sized to fit generally within the peri-orbital region and sufficiently flexible to mold to the eye; a first chemical in a first storage area in the multipart container; a second chemical in a second storage area in the multipart container, the first and second chemicals selected to have an exothermic reaction when mixed for producing a temperature suitable for treating eye conditions, the exothermic reaction providing the suitable temperature for a period of time suitable for treating eye conditions; and an inner membrane for initially separating the first and second chemicals, the inner membrane being renderable permeable, without causing the impermeable outer membrane to become permeable, to permit mixing the first and second chemicals to cause the exothermic reaction.

Abstract: A body fluid is collected for testing for an analyte contained within the body fluid. The fluid is collected in an apparatus including a reservoir for receiving and collecting a flow of body fluid from a discharge end of a conduit. A capillary test space is in fluid flow communication with the reservoir. The capillary test space is positioned to be in contact with the fluid in the reservoir after the fluid has accumulated to a predetermined transfer volume of fluid. The capillary test space is sized to wick the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid contacts the capillary test space.

Abstract: Test methods for assessing irritation of portions of skin and/or assessing inhibition and/or reduction of such irritation are provided.

Abstract: Topical exposure of nitric oxide gas to wounds such as chronic non-healing wounds may be beneficial in promoting healing and preparing the wound bed for further treatment and recovery. Nitric oxide gas may be used to reduce the microbial infection, manage exudates secretion by reducing inflammation, upregulate expression of endogenous collagenase to locally debride the wound, and regulate the formation of collagen. High concentration of nitric oxide ranging from 160–400 ppm may be used without inducing toxicity in the healthy cells around a wound site. Exposure to the high concentration for a first treatment period reduces the microbial burden and inflammation, and increases collagenase expression to debride necrotic tissue at the wound site. After a first treatment period, a second treatment period at a lower concentration of nitric oxide, preferably ranging from 5–20 ppm may be used to restore the balance of nitric oxide and induce collagen expression aiding in the wound closure.

Abstract: A cleaning swab is for wet or dry use. The swab includes an elongated handle defining a longitudinal axis. The handle has a cleaning head end and a grasping end. The swab includes a multi layer cleaning head having a core, a mid-layer and an outer layer. The core and the mid-layer are absorbent. The outer layer is formed from a cleaning textile. The outer layer is sealed to itself and to the handle to isolate the core and mid-layer.

Abstract: An ophthalmic drug delivery device having a first end and a second end, an injection port, a reservoir, and a sleeve is disclosed. The injection port is for sealingly engaging a needle of a syringe, which is for providing a fluid comprising a pharmaceutically active agent. The reservoir is disposed within the device, is fluidly coupled to the injection port, and has an opening for communicating the fluid to an outer surface of a sclera of an eye. The sleeve is for engaging the device proximate overlapping portions of the first end and the second end for forming a generally ring-shaped three-dimensional geometry upon implantation of the device on the outer surface of the sclera. The device is useful for the treatment of a disease of the posterior segment of the eye.

Abstract: A kit for cleaning pierced body parts includes a floss formed to be flexible and including a plurality of perforations spaced along a length thereof for assisting a user to separate the floss at the perforations. The kit further includes an applicator formed to be substantially tubular and having open, opposed end portions for passing the floss therethrough. The kit further includes a sterilizing substance coated on the inner surface of the applicator and transferable onto the floss as same passes through the applicator so that a pierced body part may be cleaned as the floss is passed therethrough. The sterilizing substance preferably includes peroxide, antibiotic ointment and/or alcohol. A dispenser for housing the floss and having an aperture formed therein, allows the floss to be selectively removed therefrom.

Abstract: A manual and automatic fluid control system and method for use in open and laparoscopic laser surgery and electrosurgery is disclosed. The system includes a manual mode along with several automatic modes which can effectuate both suction and irrigation, either individually or simultaneously. In the various automatic modes, the suction and/or irrigation is automatically activated during activation of a medical apparatus for laser surgery or electrosurgery without requiring separate activation from the surgeon or operating room staff. Several safety features for monitoring the fluid control system are also incorporated within the system such as fluid sensors for detecting the absence of irrigation fluid, pressure sensors and vacuum systems for monitoring fluid pressure, fluid sensors for monitoring fluid volume, and warning signals for detecting empty containers.

Abstract: For application of active substances to a wound surface a porous padding (12) is provided upon the wound (10), which is sealingly covered over with a foil (14). A fluid active substance is introduced into the padding (12) via a supply line (22) and is then suctioned out of the padding (12) via a removal line (26). Closure mechanisms (32, 34) control the introduction of the active substance and the suctioning off of the active substance in the manner, that the active substance after being introduced remains for a predetermined dwell time in the padding (12), before it is suctioned off. After the suctioning off the vacuum in the padding (12) is maintained for a certain time period, before renewed introduction of the active substance. The opening of the closure mechanisms (32, 34) are temporally controlled to occur slowly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro-abrasion device comprising: a first reservoir intended to contain a powder to be sprayed onto a surface that is to be treated, a second reservoir intended to collect the used powder, a handpiece designed to be applied against the surface that is to be treated. This device comprises a removable cartridge (5) that can be fitted onto the device and removed independently of the handpiece and comprising the first and the second reservoirs.

Abstract: The invention is a hygienic cover for ones finger to prevent spreading microorganisms. The invention has an inner flexible microorganism impervious layer. Additionally, the invention would have an outer absorbent layer such as a cotton weave to absorb liquids and bond to mucus. Furthermore, the outer layer can contain and or the entire apparatus can be covered in antiseptic chemicals and or saline solutions to insure the outer layer is free of any microorganisms. Additionally, the invention would have one or more tabs that can be grasped by ones other hand to aid in the application and removal of the invention.

Abstract: Apparatus for skin treatment using abrasion lotion with particulate includes an appliance and an applicator. The appliance includes a motor for actuating the applicator by rotating or oscillating. The applicator includes a surface made from a substantially unresilient or inabsorbent material for impressing and urging the particulate upon the skin. In operation, the abrasion lotion is applied either on the surface of the applicator or directly to the skin, the surface placed against skin, and the motor activated. When in motion, the surface impresses particulate of the lotion upon the skin and urges the impressed particulate across the skin abrading and exfoliating it. The surface may include a field and a plurality of bosses disposed on it with channels between adjacent bosses, or a relief field. When the applicator is in motion, the bosses urge and push the abrasion lotion, and the relief field vectors particulate upon the skin.

Abstract: In a system for coating human skin, a coating composition, such as a cosmetic or medical formulation, is uniformly coated over the entire body or selected parts of the body of the person being coated. The system includes atomization of the coating composition, containment of the atomized spray, and residual recovery which together yield a novel method for applying coating compositions.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a stream of steam for direction against an area of skin of a person includes a water vessel for retaining a quantity of water, the vessel having an upright tubular vessel side wall and a vessel bottom wall and a vessel mounting structure, and a water heating mechanism mounted outside and in thermal proximity to the vessel including a heating element and a power source connection structure for generating heat for transfer into the water vessel to heat the quantity of water sufficiently to progressively transform the quantity of water into a stream of steam; a steam guidance framework including a vessel cover structure having a structure upper surface and a structure lower surface, a vessel engaging structure for suspending the vessel from the vessel cover structure, the vessel cover structure having a steam port over the water vessel for passing a stream of steam from the water vessel; a steam delivery tube including a steam delivery tube receiving end and a steam delivery tube disc

Abstract: A booth for the collection of tanning fluid overspray comprising a booth and a collection system. The booth is sized and shaped to enclose a person having a first side wall and a second side wall, the booth having an open portion sized and shaped for ingress and egress by a person. A plurality of vent apertures are spaced within the first side wall and the second side wall to provide effective collection of airborne particles within the booth. A plurality of venting conduit lines having a plurality of venting connections connected to the vent apertures is connected to a common collection line. A suction means connected to the common collection line provides suction within the venting conduit lines, the suction drawing airborne particles within the booth through the vent apertures, venting connections and the venting conduit lines. The suction means draws the airborne particles within the venting conduit lines into a collection means.

Abstract: Hand-held dispensing devices for dispensing and applying a substance to the skin of a host are described. The devices include a hollow body, a capsule mounted within the hollow body for containing the substance, a nozzle mounted within the hollow body communicating with the substance in the capsule, an actuator to cause metered quantities of the substance to be dispensed from the capsule through the nozzle, a shroud defining an exit space for receiving the substance emerging from the nozzle, and a cap detachably mounted on the shroud to selectively open and close the nozzle and thereby control escape of the substance from the capsule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, panty-liners, nursing pads, baby diapers and the like. The absorbent articles include an agent able to convey a perception to the wearer, without the need to create the external condition perceived by the wearer. Such absorbent articles are able to improve comfort, by, for example, conveying to the wearer thereof a long lasting freshness sensation upon prolonged wearing time of such articles.

Abstract: A growth factor delivery system for use in connection with microdermabrasion includes a source of growth factors. The growth material may be dry and thus mixed in with the abrasion media. The dry growth material would therefore be applied to the target skin area simultaneously with the abrasion media by a single handpiece. The growth material may comprise a fluid to be delivered by a separate handpiece. The fluid source may be within the handpiece or external thereto. The fluid source may be contained in a removable cartridge adapted to fit within the handpiece. Thus, a method and system is provided for using disposable cartridges of growth fluids.

Abstract: An automatic sunscreen application vending apparatus which accepts payment from a user, stores a plurality of grades of sunscreen lotion, allows the user to select a grade of suntan lotion such as by SPF factor, and sprays the user with the selected grade of stored sunscreen lotion after acceptance of payment.

Abstract: There is provided a fluid-advancing fiber capable of being sewn, woven or knitted, using conventional methods, into a conductive mesh for use with various wearable fabrics for making direct contact with the skin. The fluid-advancing fiber has an inner portion and an outer portion, one or more conductive elements adjacent the outer portion, wherein the one or more conductive elements are adapted to constrict when heated by electric current and relax when cooled. The fluid-advancing fiber facilitates comfortable fluid communication between different wearable fabrics and the skin.

Abstract: A highly specific and easily purified form of hyaluronidase is described for use in ophthalmic treatments. The enzyme, from Streptomyces hyalurolyticus is specific for hyaluronidase and carries out an elimination reaction that results in the production of double bonds at the nonreducing end of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronidase from Streptomyces hyalurolyticus has a higher activity than comparable enzymes from other species. The enzyme is now capable of being purified in what is essentially a protease-free form making it applicable to medical treatments. The use of this source of hyaluronidase in ophthalmic treatments is now made possible by its high activity, specificity for hyaluronidase and purity.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for making a silver-containing antimicrobial hydrophilic material. More particularly, the present invention comprises methods and compositions for stabilized silver antimicrobial devices comprising a matrix comprising a polymer network and a non-gellable polysaccharide, and an active agent. The matrix may be formed into any desired shape for its desired uses.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to triggerable, water-dispersible cationic polymers. The present invention is also directed to a method of making triggerable, water-dispersible cationic polymers and their applicability as binder compositions. The present invention is further directed to fiber-containing fabrics and webs comprising triggerable, water-dispersible binder compositions and their applicability in water-dispersible personal care products, such as wet wipes.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting production of ammonia from urine held adjacent a user's skin by an article. The method includes applying a composition including a Yucca sp. extract to an area of the wearer's skin. A wipe for wiping surfaces including a flexible sheet and a composition held by the sheet including a Yucca sp. extract.

Abstract: A macula cover having a flexible sheet member and including an contact surface, an outer surface, a perimeter, and an annular stiffener. The sheet member is sized to cover the fovea and the parafoveal area of the macula during retinal surgery.

Abstract: A device for treating glaucoma in an eye is described. The device includes a body defining a lumen and having first and second ends and external and lumenal surfaces, wherein the body has a length sufficient to provide fluid communication between the anterior chamber and tear film of the eye through the lumen when the device is implanted in the sclera. The device further includes a filter membrane capable of providing outflow resistance to aqueous humor flowing through the lumen. The device further includes a debris filter positioned either at the first end or between the first end and the filter providing outflow resistance. Methods of treating glaucoma wherein the device is implanted in the sclera of an afflicted eye are also described.

Abstract: A bandage for protecting the skin of an infant's stomach surrounding an umbilical cord stump from the irritating effects of medicinal solutions. The bandage is substantially flat and has an absorbent upper surface, a substantially nonabsorbent lower surface, and a circular central cutout wherefrom the umbilical cord stump may be extended. The bandage has a flap closure portion comprising a bottom flap and an overlapping top flap. The top flap has adhesive on its lower surface whereby the top flap maybe attached to the bottom flap. In use, the bandage is placed on the infant's stomach with the umbilical cord stump extending therefrom. Then, the lower surface of the top flap is attached to the underlying bottom flap. With the protective bandage in place, a variety of solutions may be applied to the umbilical cord stump without irritating the sensitive skin of the infant's stomach.

Abstract: A housing is secured to an area of skin to allow suction to be applied to a local area of skin through an aperture. After formation of a suction blister, a blade is actuated to sever a suction cup thereby detaching the means for creating suction at the aperture and at the same time removing the roof of the suction blister to expose an area of dermis from which the skin's epidermis has been removed. A rotatable portion of the apparatus is then moved into a position in which a port communicates with a compartment within the rotatable portion. The compartment may contain a reservoir of fluid substance to be transdermally absorbed or may contain means for taking a sample of exudate produced at the exposed dermis. A modified apparatus has means for applying suction to the exposed dermis to enhance the rate at which exudate is formed and for handling a sample of exudate for analysis. Transdermal delivery and sampling are thereby achieved non-invasively and without the impediment of the skin's epidermis.

Abstract: A system and method for controllably applying the fluids to a body surface or cavity is disclosed. These fluids can include tissue adhesives, hemostats, sealants, anti-adhesives, or any other fluid capable of being applied to a body surface or cavity. In one embodiment, the system and method is used to apply components of a tissue adhesive with the aid of pressurized gas. This system comprises a tube having a proximal end and a distal end, at least one component lumen and a gas lumen which open at the distal end of the tube, a component source connected to the component lumen, a source of pressurized gas connected to the gas lumen, a sensor capable of delivering a sensor signal, a switch connected to the source of pressurized gas, and a control system programmed to switch off the pressurized gas supply when the sensor signal corresponds to a predetermined limit value.

Abstract: A canister rack system for a microdermabrasion machine has a base with bores. The base has conduits for crystal passage through the canister rack. The canisters are mountable upon the canister rack and include supply and storage canisters. The supply canister has a feeding conduit for the exit of crystal from the supply canister and the storage canister has a return conduit and a filtered conduit. The canister rack bores are formed at the base so that the conduits from the storage canister and supply canister meet with their respective conduits to form an airtight seal. A Horizontal locking pin protrudes from each canister and locks into a pair of horizontal slots formed in the canister rack. A vertical locking pin protrudes from the base of the canister rack and locks into a slot formed in each canister. A latch attaches each canister to the canister rack.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying one or more gases, such as oxygen, to a target area, comprising a top layer and a bottom layer sealed around the perimeter of the layers to form a reservoir between the layers, wherein the top layer is not gas-permeable and the bottom layer is highly gas-permeable, said reservoir containing one or more gases. The present invention also describes methods of using such an apparatus to supply oxygen to a wound for improved wound healing.