Abstract: An abdominal defect cover device for protecting undeveloped and defective regions of the abdomen of a newborn, in particular. The abdominal defect cover device includes a domed-shaped cover member having an opening being centrally-disposed therethrough; an also includes a valve assembly being securely disposed in the opening for allowing introduction of a saline solution upon a user's abdomen; and further includes a seal being attached to the dome-shaped cover member for sealing the dome-shaped cover member upon the user's abdomen; and also includes a fastening assembly for fastening and holding the dome-shaped cover member upon the user's abdomen.

Abstract: A hydrogel wound dressing which is highly absorptive, contours to a wound site, and maintains the wound in a moist state to promote healing thereof. The hydrogel wound dressing may also contain additives to prevent bacterial and fungal infections and to control wound odor.

Abstract: An article containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition provides a skin benefit and/or reduces the adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer, thereby improving the case of BM clean up. The lotion composition applied to the article in a nonuniform manner, preferably such there are regions on the article's topsheet that are not coated with lotion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles comprising skin health and odor control additives for the treatment and prevention of skin irritation. The skin health treatment additive comprises an oil soluble wax that forms a tight lattice to protect the skin, and vitamins, lipids and triglycerides to protect and replenish the skin. Such disposable absorbent articles of the present invention are especially advantageous for the treatment and skin breakdown leading to partial full thickness wounds or pressure ulcers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the transcutaneous monitoring of blood gases generally comprises a blood gas data acquisition device, a vacuum source and a blood gas transducer unit. The blood gas transducer unit is adapted for application to a patient's skin and administration of a local vacuum at the area of patient application. It further comprises an electrochemical blood gas transducer, well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, which is disposed entirely within the local vacuum at the area of patient application. The vacuum source is placed in fluid communication with the blood gas transducer unit, through a hydrophobic membrane filter for safety purposes, in order to induce a condition of hyperperfusion in the locality of the electrochemical blood gas transducer. Under the control of a microcontroller, or equivalent means, the blood gas acquisition device is then utilized to capture a measure of skin surface oxygen or carbon dioxide pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying information and a method of using said apparatus during a medical emergency. The apparatus consists of a perforated adhesive tape with a front side and a back side. The back side includes an adhesive applied thereto to enable the tape to be affixed to a secondary surface. The front side includes borders on each side thereof. The borders are comprised of a reflective material. A middle section between the two borders includes a material with a surface adapted to receive indicia from a writing utensil. Adjacent segments of the tape are separated by perforations. During use, a writing utensil may be used to apply indicia to the middle section of a segment of the tape. The segment may be removed from an adjacent segment along the perforations, and the tape may be applied to a secondary surface.

Abstract: A multi-layered polyurethane foam dressing with cooling properties for use in body cavities, on damaged tissues, particularly burns, or for cosmetic use. The dressing includes: 1) an optional outer layer of either a hydrogel formulated from a polyurethane or an adhesive elastomeric material; 2) a hydrophilic polyurethane foam layer; 3) a non-adherent surface-contacting cooling layer of a polyurethane hydrogel; and, 4) an optional protective cover-sheet. An interposed liquid transfer control may be used at a layer interface. The dressing can be in various shapes and sizes (e.g., cylindrical, oval, etc. or flat sheets). A secondary wrapping dressing may be applied to secure the dressing. The contact surface may be channeled to enhance fluid distribution.

Abstract: An oxygen bandage system which includes a bandage with first and second sterile pads attached to a covering with an adhesive backing secured thereto is disclosed. Pressure sensitive capsules containing hydrogen peroxide are embedded within the first pad. Covering the first pad is the second pad which has a bottom, wound contacting side and a top side which contacts the first pad. Secured to the top side of the second pad is a film containing potassium manganate. A release liner covers the pads and adhesive backing. In order to use the bandage, the release liner is removed. The bottom side of the second pad is placed over the wound and the adhesive backing is secured to the person's skin surrounding the wound. The hydrogen peroxide is released from the capsule by applying pressure thereto. The first pad contacts the film, thereby activating the film and releasing oxygen to the wound.

Abstract: A method of reducing scar formation at a wound site includes contacting the wound site with an effective scar reducing amount of a cross-linked polysaccharide having a positive charge and thereby reducing scar formation as the wound site heals. Such polysaccharide include bioabsorbable cross-linked dextrans or alginates. The positive charge may be provided by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) moieties. The cross-linked polysaccharide can be applied to the wound site as a powder or bead. The cross-linked polysaccharide may also be contained in a composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Biocompatable surgical devices are provided with an effective scar reducing amount of a cross-linked polysaccharide having a positive charge which reduce scar formation at healing wound sites. A method of reducing TGF-&bgr; activity is also provided.

Abstract: Antimicrobial sheets for environmental and human protection. Preferably the sheets are formed into rings about three inches in diameter, three quarters of an inch wide and one eighth of an inch thick to be continuously worn on a person's wrist.

Abstract: This invention relates to a delivery system which comprises a topical skin care agent, a top layer and a bottom layer where at least one of said top layer and said bottom layer comprises an apertured film having protuberances therein, where said top layer and said bottom layer are attached to each other leaving a pouch between said top layer and said bottom layer, where said protuberances of said apertured film face said pouch, and where said pouch contains said topical skin care agent.

Abstract: Controlled-release dosage forms containing an opioid agonist; an opioid antagonist; and a controlled release material release during a dosing interval an analgesic or sub-analgesic amount of the opioid agonist along with an amount of the opioid antagonist effective to attenuate a side effect of the opioid agonist. The dosage form provides analgesia for at least about 8 hours when administered to human patients. In other embodiments, the dose of antagonist released during the dosing interval enhances the analgesic potency of the opioid agonist.

Abstract: This present invention concerns a cover layer that is impermeable to the active substances and/or a removable protective layer of a transdermal therapeutic system, comprising a thermoplastic film which either directly contains the absorbing agents and channel-forming agents or is coated with a polymer support (thermoplast) containing these substances. The polymer support can either be applied over the entire surface of the film or in patterns, directly during production. The thermoplastic film that is used and the polymer support can be made from either the same or different materials.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus having a housing that contains a vacuum pump and a chamber for holding a disposable wound fluid collection canister. The canister resides within the chamber and connects at an outlet with the vacuum pump at an inlet with a porous wound pad. The pad is placed over or within a wound and adhesively secured thereto. When the vacuum pump activates, it evacuates air from the canister resulting in wound fluids flowing from the wound into the canister. Due to the negative effect that a vacuum can impose on tissue when granulation tissue is pulled into the pad, the pad contains multiple pore sizes to prevent granulation tissue from migrating into the pad. The pad has an outer surface adjacent the wound with pore sizes of a diameter of approximately 100 microns or less to prevent tissue from growing into the pad and is treated for biocompatibility.

Abstract: The invention preferably is a wound dressing system having a dressing and an irrigation system in communication with the dressing. The dressing preferably includes a first layer for contacting the wound/injury site of a patient and a second layer that has a backing layer. The backing layer preferably prevents seepage from the wound and/or moisture within the dressing from soiling the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A carrier delivered dressing which has a conformable backing with a pressure sensitive adhesive coated on a bottom face and a low adhesion coating on a top face. The backing is supported during shipping and handling by a liner attached to the adhesive and a removable heat sealed carrier attached to the top face of the backing. The method according to the present invention discloses the steps of forming and optionally removing windows in a carrier material and nonpermanently heat sealing the carrier to the backing to form the dressings of the present invention.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus having a housing that contains a vacuum pump and a chamber for holding a disposable wound fluid collection canister. The canister resides within the chamber and connects at an outlet with the vacuum pump at an inlet with a porous wound pad. The pad is placed over or within a wound and adhesively secured thereto. When the vacuum pump activates, it evacuates air from the canister resulting in wound fluids flowing from the wound into the canister. Due to the negative effect that a vacuum can impose on tissue when granulation tissue is pulled into the pad, the pad contains multiple pore sizes to prevent granulation tissue from migrating into the pad. The pad has an outer surface adjacent the wound with pore sizes of a diameter of approximately 100 microns or less to prevent tissue from growing into the pad and is treated for biocompatibility.

Abstract: A steam-generating unit that is applied to the skin or the mucous membranes has a steam-generating part that employs chemical energy, and the surface applied to the skin or mucous membranes is made from a moisture-permeable sheet. The temperature of the steam generated by the steam-generating part and released from the surface of the steam-generating unit is kept to 50° C. or lower. Steam that is as safe as that from a steam towel can be easily and continuously supplied to the skin and mucous membranes by this steam-generating unit.

Abstract: Pad for the treatment of inflammatory afflictions, which comprises an absorbing matrix, a medicament that is a hypertonic substance such as inorganic salt solutions, and a functional backing for directing and limiting the activity of the medicament to the desired body surface. The pad may further comprise binding means for maintaining it in place and in engagement with the desired body surface. The absorbing matrix and the functional backing may be structurally connected or separate. The absorbing matrix may be made of cotton, lignin cellulose or synthetic absorbing materials.

Abstract: A first aid adhesive plaster comprising a pad on an upper surface of which an ointment is laid, an adhesive sheet of rectangular and an ointment protect cover formed to be a blister having a dome section by making its central portion project upwardly to form a gentle arc. The pad is covered with the blister by applying the ointment protect cover onto the adhesive sheet separably while leaving a gap between the ointment on the pad and an undersurface of the blister.

Abstract: A wound treatment device which fits over standard bandages and covers both the wound area itself and major portions of the surrounding area of healthy skin of an extremity such as a leg, arm, or foot. The wound treatment device maintains the wound near normal body temperature (37° C.) by conserving and redistributing the body's own heat energy using a high efficiency thermal insulator to minimize heat loss from the wound and surrounding skin area and a high efficiency thermal conductor for distributing heat from the surrounding skin to the wound area. The wound treatment device avoids potential problems associated with external heat sources and provides for an ideal physiological environment for wound healing. The wound treatment device can be worn by the patient for extended periods of time during their regular daily routine without constant medical supervision. The wound treatment device can also store extra thermal energy generated by physical activity such as walking, cleaning, or bicycling.

Abstract: A medicated multi-layered polyurethane foam dressing and drug delivery device with cooling properties, used in body cavities and on damaged tissues, particularly bums. The dressing may have at least one therapeutic agent dispersed into the polyurethane layers; an optional outer layer of either a hydrogel formulated from a polyurethane or an adhesive elastomeric material; an optional drug-free fluid-retaining layer and/or a drug-reservoir layer, each comprised of hydrophilic polyurethane foam; a non-adherent, drug-loaded surface-contacting layer of a polyurethane hydrogel; and an optional cover sheet, for surface dressings. An interposed liquid transfer control may be used at a layer interface. The conformable dressing shapes include cylindrical, oval, flatsheets in pre-determined sizes; and may be secured with a secondary dressing. The contact surface may be channeled to enhance fluid distribution.

Abstract: A hydrocolloid bandage for the wound care designed for improved pliability and decreased peripheral edge lift. In particular, the invention is concerned with a hydrocolloid bandage which is absorbent, non-damaging to the skin and comfortable to the user preferably having at least a hydrocolloid region covered by film and adhesive layers which contact the user's skin at the periphery of the bandage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an iontophoresis device, which can ensure the long-term stability of a drug and makes the operations for assemblage upon application easy as well as a method of assembling the device. A backing layer (4) is provided with a drug-dissolving portion (11) on a donor electrode-printed portion (6) thereof and a drug support (14) removably contacts with the drug-dissolving portion. A liner (12) is disposed on the backing layer on the skin (40) side and this is peeled off upon practical use. An opening (15) is formed on the liner (12) and an opening (5) is formed on an electrode portion (Ib). When assembling the device, these openings coincide with each other to thus easily and precisely dispose the drug support (14) on the drug-dissolving portion (11).

Abstract: A tissue treatment device suitable for use on an extremity or a portion of an extremity, such as a hand or foot, includes a cover formed as a bag, sac, or pouch, and a flexible, absorbent support member. Defined sections of the support member may be removed from the support member to form an opening therein. The support member is for being positioned within the cover to support a portion of the cover off of, and out of contact with, tissue to be treated. The cover has an open end with attachment means disposed thereon for attachment to the extremity or extremity portion that is received in the cover. The support member may be impregnated with a medicament. The removable sections allow formation of an opening that may be customized or adapted to the area of tissue that is to receive treatment. This permits the tissue treatment device to be adapted for use with treatment areas that vary in size, shape, contour, and composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for promoting wound healing and reducing scar formation. In particular, the present invention provides cyanoacrylate polymer sealants formulated to contain biologically active elemental silver and/or insulin. The invention also provides methods and compositions for delivering silver and/or insulin in combination with cyanoacrylate sealants. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions suitable for treatment of wounds in diabetics, normal patients and surgical patients.

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

Abstract: A kit including a patch laden with topical anti-fungal medication and a set depth nail notcher for cutting a notch of predetermined depth in a nail plate comprising a handle having a smooth flat surface, a longitudinal cutting edge protruding from the smooth flat surface to a height equal to the predetermined depth of the notch. A method for treating nail, especially toenail, fungus comprising cutting a notch to a predetermined depth in a nail or a toe of finger infected with fungus and applying a topical anti-fungal medication to the toe or finger from a patch through the notch.

Abstract: An absorbent dressing comprising a hydrophilic gel absorbent layer having a patterned surface on at least one major surface thereof is provided. The patterned surface allows greater surface area for absorption of wound exudate when oriented toward the wound surface, while reducing the absorbent surface area in direct or indirect contact with the wound.

Abstract: The invention provides wound dressings, in particular wound dressings of low- or non-exuding wounds a bleeding wounds. The wound dressings are of the island type, having as adhesive-coated backing sheet (6) and an absorbent island (9) supported on the backing sheet. The island (9) comprises a layer (2) of liquid absorbent material enclosed in an envelope of textured perforated thermoplastic film. The film (3) at one side of the island (9) presents a ribbed or embossed perforated surface having low adherency to the wound. The film island an the rear surface of the envelope is perforated and smoothed to provide good attachment to the backing sheet (6) and controlled water vapor transmission rate. The invention also provides a method of manufacture of the wound dressings according to the invention, according to which the absorbent layer (2) is wrapped in a textured perforated thermoplastic film, and the film on the rear face of the envelope is then preferably smoothed by blowing hot air onto it.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for increasing tissue oxygen levels by administration of superoxygenated compositions of tissue surfaces. The methods are applicable to treatment of a wide variety of conditions including burns, bedsores, ulcers, necrosis and anaerobic infections.

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

Abstract: Bioactive agents are cutaneously delivered by a jet dispenser using inkjet technology, such as that used in printing. The dispenser propels precise volumes of bioactive agent toward the skin, where they exert a local or topical effect, or move through the skin for transdermal systemic delivery. Drugs are either delivered directly to the skin, or are introduced into a transdermal patch, which may receive repeated dosages. A controller in the dispenser may control delivery of multiple different drugs, timing of drug administration, or change drug regimens in response to a changing medical condition of a patient, such as those monitored by a sensor in communication with the controller, for example to prevent an overdose. The dispenser may act as an electromechanical patch, capable of long term administration of drugs to the skin, to achieve local or systemic pharmaceutical effects. Administration methods are also provided, along with replacement kits.

Abstract: A superior skin barrier enhancing body facing material, such as a body side liner on an absorbent article, can be made by applying, on the outer surface of the body facing material, a lipid-enriched hydrophobic composition comprising a natural fat or oil, a sterol or sterol derivative, an emulsifying surfactant, a humectant, an emollient, a wax, and a viscosity enhancer, and thereafter resolidifying the composition to form a distribution of solid composition on the outer surface of the body facing material.

Abstract: A disposable product used to stabilize rolling veins and bring small veins into position to facilitate needle insertion. Needle insertion is used for transfusions, to draw blood samples, and for variety of other medical necessities. Many patients have either/or both small veins or veins that roll under the skin. Either of these characteristics has the tendency to complicate the process of sticking the needle in. As a result of these characteristics in concert with the mental and physical discomfort described by several recipients of multiple needle stabs, and fact that these characteristics complicate the speed of providing IV emergency care in a moving ambulance, the invention was developed. Invention is a sterile wrapped flexible plastic performed pad with an elongated hole in the middle, and coated on the bottom with bandage type adhesive.

Abstract: A sheet pack includes a moisture-permeable support and a film-forming cosmetic material at least partially supported by the moisture-permeable support. The moisture-permeable support has a yield point in its elongation-stress curve, the stress fi at the yield point is at least about 2 N/50 mm, and the elongation at yield point Si (%) divided by the elongation at break Sb (%) is no more than about 0.8.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and absorbent articles including compositions for protecting and enhancing the barrier function of the skin. The compositions can be applied to the bodyfacing surfaces of absorbent articles so that the compositions come into contact with the skin. The compositions of the invention have improved stability on the bodyfacing surfaces after processing. The compositions of the invention provide several benefits including prevention and alleviation of skin irritations associated with the use of absorbent articles. The compositions can include natural fats, natural oils, sterols or sterol derivatives, emollients, solidifying agents and viscosity enhancers.

Abstract: An improved adhesion-preventative physical barrier, wound dressing and drug delivery system comprising an oxidized cellulose film made up of multiple layers of a cellulose fabric or like material and a cellulose film. A method for forming an improved oxidized cellulose film and for using the same to prevent the formation of postsurgical adhesions and/or to dress a wound and/or to deliver one or more drugs.

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/m2 (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: The present invention provides an absorbent article, selected from the group consisting of a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, and an interlabial menstruation protection device, wherein the article is suitable for administrating a pharmaceutical substance. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical substance is suitable for treating, mitigating and/or preventing the premenstrual syndrome. The article comprises an absorbent body and has a generally elongated shape. The article has a first surface which is intended to face the wearer, and it has a second surface which is intended to face away from the wearer. The first surface, which is intended to face the wearer, is at least partially covered with a transdermal therapeutic system containing a compound suitable for treating and/or preventing the pre-menstrual syndrome, whereby said compound is transdermally administrated to the wearer when said article is worn.

Abstract: Plasters containing active substance, comprising a backing material and, applied thereon, a hot-melt self-adhesive composition, characterized in that the hot-melt self-adhesive composition comprises at least one hyper-aemic active substance.

Abstract: Swabs with adsorbed olive oil are manufactured in sealed containers or flexible packages. The swab can be either swabs on the end of sticks or plain flat absorbent gauze. The use of these olive oil swabs includes heating the sealed container or package in water, opening that container or package, removing the swab, and applying the olive oil to the afflicted area.

Abstract: A superior skin barrier enhancing body facing material on an absorbent article, can be made applying, on the outer surface of the body facing material, a melted lipid-enriched hydrophilic composition comprising a hydrophilic solvent, a high molecular weight polyethylene glycol, a fatty alcohol (C14-C30 or greater), humectant, an oil-in-water emulsifying surfactant having an HLB range greater than 7, a sterol or sterol derivative, and a natural fat or oil, and thereafter resolidifying the composition to form a distribution of solid compositon on the outer surface of the body facing material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wound splashguard which includes a wound cover for blocking fluid splatter, and an adjustable fluid source mount for allowing movement of a fluid source from a first position to at least a second position to re-direct a fluid spray relative to the wound while the splash guard is maintained in a substantially stationary position. The invention is further directed to a method of using the adjustable mount which allows the practitioner to move the fluid source so that the fluid spray can irrigate a larger portion of a wound without having to move the splashguard thereby increasing irrigation efficiency and reducing the risks of needle stick injury.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of treating a wound, involving applying to the wound a room temperature vulcanizing silicone composition comprising a crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a catalyst; permitting the room temperature vulcanizing silicon composition to cure thereby forming a membrane having a thickness from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm; and removing the membrane from the wound after at least about 1 day.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to tail-mounted devices and methods for securing an object in an animal's, preferably a cow's, vagina, the device typically comprising a first and second tail anchor or ring, and a tether attached to the first tail anchor. The invention is most suited for and capable of attachment to a housing or object that is inserted into the cow's vagina. The purpose of the disclosed devices and methods is to hold an object resident in the vagina for an extended periods of time, including periods of 14 days or longer.

Abstract: A wound dressing and method for treating a wound with a wound dressing are provided. In particular, the wound dressing contains a fibrous component, typically made from silk fibers or wool fibers for attracting and capturing proteases from a wound site that may interfere with the healing of the wound, and a growth factor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to treatment assemblies and, more specifically, to a treatment assembly having two pockets, one containing a fluid, such as a treatment, and an absorbent material, and the other containing an absorbent material. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a treatment assembly, including a first layer and a second layer joined to the first layer to define a first pocket and a second pocket substantially sealed from one another. The assembly further includes a first absorbent material and a fluid in the first pocket and a second absorbent material in the second pocket. The assembly may be used in a method of treatment by removing the first absorbent material from the first pocket and applying the fluid to a treatment area with the first absorbent material. The method may further include removing the second absorbent material from the second pocket and drying the treatment area with the second absorbent material.

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

Abstract: A multilayer composite material and method for evaporative cooling of a person employs an evaporative cooling liquid that changes phase from a liquid to a gaseous state to absorb thermal energy. The evaporative cooling liquid is absorbed into a superabsorbent material enclosed within the multilayer composite material. The multilayer composite material has a high percentage of the evaporative cooling liquid in the matrix. The cooling effect can be sustained for an extended period of time because of the high percentage of phase change liquid that can be absorbed into the superabsorbent. Such a composite can be used for cooling febrile patients by evaporative cooling as the evaporative cooling liquid in the matrix changes from a liquid to a gaseous state to absorb thermal energy. The composite can be made with a perforated barrier material around the outside to regulate the evaporation rate of the phase change liquid.