Abstract: A wound dressing includes a chamber (12) defining a treatment space (14) and at least one opening (20) communicating with the treatment space. In one embodiment, a plurality of channels are defined on an inner wall of the chamber. In another embodiment, a tube (31) extends through the chamber and into the treatment space and defines a plurality of openings (35) in a portion of the tube extending into the treatment space. In yet another embodiment, a tube extends through the chamber and into the treatment space and comprises a plurality of branches (37) extending to different regions of the treatment space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ozone treatment apparatus using ozone gas, in which the ozone gas is directly injected to a lesion of the human body by utilizing the sterilizing power caused by oxidation of ozone gas, so that the lesion can be sterilized and stanched to relieve the pain in the lesion, thereby maximizing therapeutic effect by the ozone irrespective of the shape of bodily regions having the lesion and the kind of lesion, and so that the treatment using ozone gas can be readily conducted, thereby improving convenience in use as well as significantly reducing the cost and time spent for the treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel polynucleotide vectors and their use in the production of biological material in host cells, and also in medical therapy or polynucleotide vaccination. The novel vectors of the present invention comprise a promoter normally associated with the US3 gene of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV).

Abstract: Hydrostatic pressure of aqueous solutions—supplied from reservoir under rate control through tube to port of airtightly applied open pore dressing pad—is eliminated by levelling reservoir placed on rest with pad. Dressing pad may overlie a tissue culturing scaffold. A drip chamber with angulated channel permits drops to fall freely and be counted. Injection port elastic membrane prevents air inlet to pad while suction is applied at port, permitting fluid given under rate control through membrane to distribute evenly in pad. A drainage port flange, wholly covered by an open grid, is described. Acute wound bleeding is detected by computer-controlled serial weighing of a movement-stabilized drainage fluid canister with warning of abnormal flow rate increase.

Abstract: A hemorrhoid pad includes a folded laminated body having a folded end and two opposite folded halves diverging from the folded end. Each of the folded halves of the folded laminated body has inner and outer surfaces. The inner surfaces of the folded halves have a release agent coated thereon and face toward each other.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to apparatus for transcutaneous photodynamic therapy (“PDT”) of a target tissue or compositions in a mammalian subject, which includes a light source that is external to the subject and is selected from among one or a plurality of laser diodes; light emitting diodes; electroluminescent light source; incandescent light sources; cold cathode fluorescent light sources; organic polymer light sources; or inorganic light sources, where the light source is adapted to direct the light in a direction lengthwise and parallel to a vessel wall comprising the lesion.

Abstract: A vacuum bandage is provided for use with a wound having a wound surface. The bandage is connectable to a vacuum source and includes a wound dressing member having a wound contacting surface, a top surface, and a port configured for communication with the vacuum source. The wound dressing member further includes holes in the wound contacting surface configured for communication with the wound surface of the wound and a passageway between the port and each hole. The vacuum bandage further includes a pack adjacent to the top surface of the member. The pack may include an aperture positioned about the port.

Abstract: A drug sheet includes a base fabric carrying a therapeutic agent containing an electrolytic drug component and applied to or impregnated into a skin-abutting surface of the base fabric. Small needle members carrying small needle-shaped protrusions are scattered on the skin-abutting surface so that the needle-shaped protrusions protrude from the skin-abutting surface. The needle members include a first group of needle members made of aluminum and provided on a first area of the skin-abutting surface, and a second group of needle members made of silver and provided on a second area of the skin-abutting surface. Due to a difference in standard electrode potential between the first and second groups of needle members, electric current flows between the first and second groups of needle members through skin when the needle-shaped protrusions are stuck in the skin. This improves the absorption rate of the drug component.

Abstract: Methods and devices for transmitting micromechanical forces locally to induce surface convolutions into tissues on the millimeter to micron scale for promoting wound healing are presented. These convolutions induce a moderate stretching of individual cells, stimulating cellular proliferation and elaboration of natural growth factors without increasing the size of the wound. Micromechanical forces can be applied directly to tissue, through biomolecules or the extracellular matrix. This invention can be used with biosensors, biodegradable materials and drug delivery systems. This invention will also be useful in pre-conditioned tissue-engineering constructs in vitro. Application of this invention will shorten healing times for wounds and reduce the need for invasive surgery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hemostatic compositions comprising a mesocellular oxide foam and, optionally, a biologically active agent such as a procoagulant, as well as devices and methods of use to promote blood clotting.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum tube attachment device for vacuum assisted wound dressings. The device is in the form of a patch that can be attached to the primary wound cover. The patch forms a substantially air-tight seal to the primary wound cover, and a vacuum tube is fixed to the patch such that the patch can be oriented on the wound cover to locate the tube near an opening in the cover to allow vacuum pressure to be communicated to the wound. The patch has an adhesive area around its perimeter for attaching the patch in a substantially air-tight seal to the wound cover at any convenient location on the cover. Several embodiments of the patch are described.

Abstract: A dressing (2) and an apparatus (1) comprising the dressing, for cleansing the wounds (5) in which an irrigant fluid from a reservoir (12) connected to a conformable would dressing and would exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (18) (which may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow Path (6, 7, 9, 10) which passes through the dressing with a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound, to provide a desired balance of fluid at a controlled nominal flow rate that removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting would healing over the would bed.

Abstract: A method of activating an electronic self adhesive bandage whereby the electronic circuitry in the bandage is activated when the bandage is peeled away from its backing.

Abstract: A skin-contacting adhesive composition is described which has improved initial tack, long-term adhesion, water uptake and translucency characteristics and may be prepared by melt extrusion. Uses of these compositions are also described, for example, their use in wound dressings, adhesive cushions, and transdermal drug delivery devices.

Abstract: The assay plate includes a substrate having an substrate surface and at least one raised pad extending from the substrate surface. The raised pad includes a substantially planar sample receiving surface configured for holding a sample thereon for in situ experimentation. The sample receiving surface preferably has at least one sharp edge at the junction between a sidewall coupling the sample receiving surface to the substrate surface. The sample receiving surface is preferably a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon shape that is sized to hold a predetermined volume of the sample. A method of using the above described assay plate is also provided. Once a raised pad extending from a substrate is formed, a sample is deposited on the raised pad. Experiments are subsequently performed using the sample on the raised pad.

Abstract: Methods and devices transmit micromechanical forces locally on the millimeter to micron scale for promoting wound healing. Micromechanical forces can selectively be applied directly to tissue, in some embodiments, by using microchambers fluidically connected to microchannels. Each chamber, or in some cases, group of chambers, may be associated with a valve to control vacuum pressure, positive pressure, liquid delivery, and/or liquid removal from each chamber or group of chambers. Application of embodiments of the invention may shorten wound-healing time, reduce costs of therapy, enable restoration of functional tissue, and reduce the need for more invasive therapies, including surgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound dressing, a wound contact layer and a medicinal composition comprising a hydrophilic base in which hydrocolloids are dispersed, wherein the hydrophilic base comprises at least one emulsifier and the use of said composition for treating wounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound dressing, a wound contact layer and a medicinal composition comprising a hydrophilic base in which hydrocolloids are dispersed, wherein the hydrophilic base comprises at least one emulsifier and the use of said composition is for the treatment of wounds

Abstract: A treatment brassiere includes a breasts-supporting garment and a treatment layer. The breast-supporting garment includes at least a breast support having an inner surface and a securing device for securing the breast support on a user that the inner surface of the breast support is contacting with the breast surface of the user. The treatment layer, which is made of a non-absorptive material with respect to a breast treatment, is fittingly provided on the inner surface of the breast support, wherein the treatment layer form as a treatment barrier between the breast surface of the user and the inner surface of the breasts-supporting garment for substantially keeping the breast treatment on the breast surface.

Abstract: A disposable wound-healing device is disclosed that incorporates a housing having a fluid-impermeable material having a cavity and a perimeter that can be sealed in an air-tight manner over a wound region of a patient. The device is capable of producing a negative pressure over the wound region by either removing oxygen from within the cavity, or absorbing fluid into the cavity and then removing the fluid from the cavity. The oxygen may be removed via chemical absorption, by an electrochemical cell or by a chemical reaction that cannibalizes oxygen from the cavity. The fluid may be removed through the use of osmotic or electro-osmotic cells, or through a one-way valve. The negative partial pressure over the wound region promotes healing.

Abstract: A wound spacer device comprising multiple beads connected by non-absorbable suture material is disclosed. The device can be applied, for example, by a first responder to an injured individual, or can be applied by a trauma treatment facility, such as a Level 2 medical unit. In typical embodiments the device allows for site-specific controlled elution of an antimicrobial agent, such as Tobramycin, including defined elution over a period of time, such as 48 or 72 hours.

Abstract: Treating of localized bacterial infection, comprising locally applying Taurolidine to the infection. A device for insertion into the body, the device comprising Taurolidine to render the device infection resistant. A medication for treating bacterial infections, comprising Taurolidine carried by one of: gels, liquid, thixotropic gels, colloidal mixtures, dispensal suspensions, injectable polymers, or a microparticle. A method for treating blood, comprising: removing blood from the body; treating the blood with Taurolidine; and returning the treated blood.

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

Abstract: A wound dressing defining skin facing areas having different degrees of skin adherence. The dressing comprises a backing layer defining a center portion and a border portion surrounding the center portion. A carrier layer is secured to the border portion of the backing layer within the border portion and includes a first skin adherent facing layer. An absorbent core is connected to a surface of the backing layer within the center portion and a second skin adherent facing layer is disposed along a surface of the absorbent core. The first facing layer has greater skin adhesive properties than the second facing layer.

Abstract: A skin care delivery device is disclosed. The skin care delivery device includes a substrate containing a skin care composition. The skin care composition can comprise, for instance, any suitable lotion or other similar material. In accordance with the present disclosure, a backing is releasably engaged to one surface of the substrate. The backing facilitates folding and unfolding of the delivery device. Once applied to a user's skin, the backing can be peeled away and discarded.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a specialized method of treating a severe diabetic ulcer that penetrates the subcutaneous fat layer of a patient. The method comprises the steps of: administering a treatment session to a diabetic patient having a severe diabetic ulcer, the treatment session comprising at least three pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) applications, PEMF applications 1, 2, and 3, and at least two intermittent compression therapy (ICT) applications. The PEMF application and ICT therapy settings address specific factors that are necessary to induce healing of the diabetic ulcer and prevent amputation. In a preferred embodiment, the treatment session further comprises the step of applying a dressing having a silver and/or honey anti-infection composition thereon to the ulcer area to impede microbial growth in the ulcer area. In another embodiment, the method includes the step of applying ultrasound to the ulcer area for a time sufficient to inhibit microbial growth.

Abstract: The invention provides a wound dressing comprising a therapeutic agent and a matrix comprising polymers joined by cross-linkages which cross-linkages comprise oligopeptidic sequences which are cleavable by a kallikrein associated with wound fluid such that the rate of release of the therapeutic agent increases in the presence of elevated kallikrein levels.

Abstract: A system for testing a negative pressure wound dressing, includes a simulated wound having a housing and a wound cavity within the housing, and having a shape and dimension representative of an actual wound type, a wound dressing positionable at least over the simulated wound, a negative pressure source in fluid communication with the wound cavity, at least one sensor adapted to record at least one parameter within the simulated wound, an air leak model including a valve in fluid communication with the wound cavity whereby opening of the valve simulates an air leak within the wound cavity, a fluid source in fluid communication with the wound cavity for delivering fluid to the wound cavity to simulate presence of exudates and a computer coupled to the at least one sensor for recording and analyzing data recorded by the at least one sensor to thereby providing an indication of functioning of the system.

Abstract: A protector effectively suppresses infections. The protector protects a tube entry part, where a tube passes through the skin of a living body, from infections, and includes a sticking part that is stuck onto the skin of the living body in a periphery of the tube entry part, and a covering that covers the tube entry part, forms an internal space that surrounds the tube entry part, and has a passage through which the tube passes. The covering is provided with an opening that can be freely opened and closed with a cap or the like.

Abstract: An adhesively attachable bandage for an open wound. A one-way valve permits air or other fluids to move through the bandage in one direction, as to escape from a body cavity, but prevents fluids from moving in the other direction, as in entering the wound. A selectively sealable port can be opened to give access directly to the wound. The bandage may be transparent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dressing or bandage comprising a dispersion of at least one transition metal in an imogolite or allophane matrix. In particular, it is intended for the manufacture of transparent dressings.

Abstract: A dressing for promoting healing and pain relief of the body of a living organism having a pathologic condition has at least one layer of conductive material having a resistance no greater than 1000 ?/cm2. When placed proximate a portion of the body of the living organism suffering from the pathologic condition, the dressing alters the electrodynamic processes occurring in conjunction with said pathologic condition to promote healing and pain relief in the living organism. When used as a wound dressing, the conductive material is placed in contact with tissue around the periphery of the wound and with the wound, lowering the electrical potential and resistance of the wound and increasing the wound current. In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive material is a multi-ply nylon fabric plated with silver by an autocatalytic electroless plating process and with the plies in electrical continuity. The dressing provides an antimicrobial and analgesic effect.

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: A transdermal delivery patch includes: a matrix; a volatile component; and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed in the matrix. Each of the microcapsules has an enclosing wall enclosing the volatile component therein. A method for preparing the transdermal delivery patch includes: mixing a first gel, a second gel with a charge opposite to that of the first gel, and a volatile component so as to form microcapsules enclosing the volatile component, each of the microcapsules having an enclosing wall that is composed of the first and second gels; dispersing the microcapsules in a matrix so as to form a medicinal dressing; and coating the medicinal dressing on a backing substrate.

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: A wound dressing including an absorbent core defining opposed proximal and distal surfaces. A perforated skin adherent facing layer is secured to a proximal surface of the absorbent core and a liquid impervious, vapor permeable backing layer is connected to a distal surface of the absorbent core. The backing layer defines at least one compliant element disassociated from the distal surface of the absorbent core and including at least one ridge extending outwardly relative to the distal surface of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus (10) for the controlled acceleration, and/or retardation of the body's inflammatory response generally comprises a foam pad (11) for insertion substantially into a wound site, a heating, a cooling pad (13) for application over the wound site (12), a wound drape (14) or sealing enclosure of the foam pad (11), the heating, and cooling pad (13) at wound site (12). The foam pad (11) is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of the controlled acceleration or retardation of the body's inflammatory response. The heating, and cooling provision controls the local metabolic function as part of the inflammatory response.

Abstract: The specification discloses an alginate foam composition dressing which may be prepared with or without a backing. The foam dressing exhibits unique capability in including soluble or insoluble medicaments as part of the alginate foam composition, attributes not inherent in alginate dressings prepared by spinning. The dressings so prepared also eliminate the need for adhesives and secondary dressings for retaining an alginate dressing on a wound site.

Abstract: A wound therapy and tissue management system utilizes fluid differentiation. Fluid is differentiated by establishing a gradient within the system. A gradient can be established with matter or energy. Patient interfaces for establishing, maintaining and varying one or more gradients include transfer elements with first and second zones having different flow coefficients. The transfer elements exchange fluid with a patient, generally through a wound site, and with external components of the system. Osmotic solution gradients are controlled by a methodology involving the present invention for extracting solutions, which can include toxins, from patients and for introducing fluids and sumping air to wound sites.

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: An absorbent article includes an outer cover member, a liner, and an absorbent body structure disposed between the cover member and the liner. A first matrix of discrete deposits of a skin wellness lotion formulation are applied relative to the body facing surface of the liner so as to contact the wearer's skin. The lotion formulation deposits have a phase-change temperature less than body temperature. A second matrix of discrete deposits of a phase-change liquid are applied to the body facing surface of the liner interspaced with the lotion deposits. These phase-change liquid deposits have a phase-change temperature greater than body temperature. The phase-change lotion deposits have a height above the body facing surface greater than the height of the phase-change liquid deposits.

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.

Abstract: A delivery system for the delivery of flowable medicinal, therapeutic or medicine materials has a strip with flowable material contained and restrained therein. A removable seal is provided, so that when the removable seal is removed, the flowable material will flow from a storage area onto a site selected for treatment. The removable seal may be provided with additional features such as absorbent coatings, or additional disinfectants coatings useful in preparing the wound surface to receive the flowable wound treatment material. A preferred composition is a system, article and method for the enhancement of clotting in wounds with extravascular blood flow, especially where the surface of the tissue has been broken.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of honey in medical dressings. Preferred embodiments modify honey with a viscosity increasing agent, resulting in a range of possible compositions including ointments and salves, self-adhesive gels such as for use on mouth ulcers and pustules, and pliable or flexible sheets which can be used as a wound covering. Preferred viscosity increasing agents include both particulate and continuous gels, respective examples of each including agars and alginates. Selected honeys preferably, but not necessarily, exhibit antibacterial properties other than what is merely conferred by osmolarity and sugar concentration effects.

Abstract: A patch has a backing which has been subjected to an ultraviolet-screening processing, the backing usually being of one layer. The ultraviolet-screening processing usually uses an organic ultraviolet absorbent and/or an inorganic ultraviolet-screening agent. The patch can contain in its base a medicine of poor photo-stability and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic.

Abstract: To provide a bandage pad for chemical peels that is designed to be stuck on the skin so that the condition of the skin is visually checked while the bandage pad is staying on the skin. A bandage pad for chemical peels comprises a transparent silicone film backing and a chemical peeling agent spread over the entire surface of one side of the film backing. Grooves are formed in the surface of the film backing in both vertical and horizontal directions to define a matrix of small divisions. The divisions are easily separable from each other. When undesirable reactions are observed on the skin, only the division corresponding to the affected site of the skin can be removed immediately.

Abstract: A multi-layer wound dressing comprising at least two absorbent layers, and materials for forming absorbent layers are provided. The absorbent layers have different absorbencies, with the layer closest to the wound having a lower absorbency than the layer furthest from the wound. The wound dressing typically contains additional non-absorbing layers, such as a backing film and wound-facing film. The dressing provides absorbency of wound exudates while preventing the absorbent material from entering the wound. In specific implementations the dressing is substantially transparent prior to application to a wound, as well as after application to the wound when body fluids have been absorbed.

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: 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.