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: 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: 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 dual drug containing adhesive transdermal drug delivery system comprising: a support layer, a first drug containing adhesive layer and a second drug containing adhesive layer each of said layers having a proximal and distal surface wherein each layer is positioned adjacent to the other with each layer having its distal surface laminated to said support layer, and a peelable backing layer positioned over and laminated to the proximal surface of said first and second adhesive layers is disclosed.

Abstract: A control system for use with a vacuum bandage over a wound includes a vacuum pump, a waste canister operably coupled to the pump, and a fluid source. The canister is coupled to the bandage such that, when a vacuum is applied to the canister, the vacuum is applied to the bandage. The fluid source is coupled to the bandage to selectively introduce fluid into the wound.

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: An irrigation dressing is provided for protecting and enclosing a wound on an individual that allows for frequent irrigation of the wound with irrigation solution and frequent drying of the wound, while also providing for selected drainage of the irrigation solution. The wound shield includes a hollow inflatable tubular dam with a central opening adapted to surround the wound of the individual. A semi-hard resilient clear plastic window is attached to the dam, such that the central opening is completely enclosed on a front surface of the dam. The wound shield includes an inner peripheral ridge and an outer peripheral ridge extending beyond a bottom or back body-engaging surface of the dam which facilitates drawing a vacuum. The wound shield includes a plurality of connectors attached to a front planar face surface of the clear plastic window. At least one connector is pivotable about an axis parallel to the front planar surface of the window.

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 bandage for use with a vacuum source includes a wound dressing member to be placed in contact with a wound surface and a suction port associated with the wound dressing member. The member is configured with spacers contacting the wound surface to define suction space between the member and the wound surface. The member also includes holes in communication with the suction space. Passageways of the bandage are provided between the suction port and the holes.

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 bandage for use with a vacuum source includes a wound dressing member to be placed in contact with a wound surface and a suction port associated with the wound dressing member. The member is configured with spacers contacting the wound surface to define suction space between the member and the wound surface. The member also includes holes in communication with the suction space. Passageways of the bandage are provided between the suction port and the holes.

Abstract: A medical dressing assembly and associated method of using the same, comprising: isolating an affected area of a patient from an external environment, wherein placement of the isolation defines a volume surrounding at least a portion of the affected area of the patient; for controllably inputting matter into the volume; and for controllably exhausting matter from the volume.

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

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

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is disclosed to provide vacuum therapy to a wound associated with a patient. The wound treatment apparatus comprises a control unit comprising an alarm and a display displaying an alarm log providing information associated with each activation of the alarm. The display also displays information to instruct a user how to operate the wound treatment apparatus. A method of calibrating the control unit is disclosed.

Abstract: A control system (2) for use with a vacuum bandage (14) over a wound (300) includes a vacuum pump (110), a waste canister (26) operably coupled to the pump (110), and a fluid source (24). The canister (26) is coupled to the bandage (14) such that, when a vacuum is applied to the canister (26), the vacuum is applied to the bandage (14). The fluid source (22) is coupled to the bandage (14) to selectively introduce fluid into the wound (300).

Abstract: A method of treating infected tissue with topical nitric oxide exposure includes the steps of providing a source of nitric oxide containing gas and delivering the nitric oxide containing gas to a skin surface containing infected tissue so as to bathe the infected tissue with nitric oxide.

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 system and a method topically applies nitric oxide to an infected area of tissue to treat a wound or lesion to prevent infection, reduce pathogen levels in the infected area and promote healing. The basic system includes a source of nitric oxide gas and a flushing envelope. The flushing envelope is applied to an animal to cover a wound and receives nitric oxide from the source via a flow control valve. One form of the system includes a vacuum unit fluidically connected to the flushing envelope, and one embodiment includes a gas absorber unit. The flushing envelope is adapted to surround the area of the infected tissue and form a substantially air-tight seal with the tissue surface when the flushing envelope is in place on the animal. The flow control valve controls the amount and concentration of nitric oxide gas that is delivered to the flushing envelope.

Abstract: A device for the topical delivery of nitric oxide gas to an infected area of skin includes a source of nitric oxide gas, a bathing unit, a flow control valve, and a vacuum unit. The bathing unit is adapted to surround the area of the infected skin and form a substantially air-tight seal with the skin surface. The bathing unit is also in fluidic communication with the source of nitric oxide. The flow control valve is positioned downstream of the source of nitric oxide and upstream of the bathing unit. The flow control valve controls the amount of nitric oxide gas that is delivered to the bathing unit. The vacuum unit is positioned downstream of the bathing unit and is used to withdraw gas from the bathing unit. Application of nitric oxide gas to the infected area of skin reduces pathogen levels in the infected area and promotes the healing process.

Abstract: A device for the topical delivery of nitric oxide gas to an infected area of skin includes a source of nitric oxide gas, a bathing unit, a flow control valve, and a vacuum unit. The bathing unit is adapted to surround the area of the infected skin and form a substantially air-tight seal with the skin surface. The bathing unit is also in fluidic communication with the source of nitric oxide. The flow control valve is position downstream of the source of nitric oxide and upstream of the bathing unit. The flow control valve controls the amount of nitric oxide gas that is delivered to the bathing unit. The vacuum unit is positioned downstream of the bathing unit and is used to withdraw gas from the bathing unit. Application of nitric oxide gas to the infected area of skin reduces pathogen levels in the infected area and promotes the healing process.

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: 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: A bandage for use with a vacuum source includes a member to be placed in contact with a wound surface and a suction port associated with the member. The member is configured with passageways and/or spacers.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical composition comprising (S)-N-ethyl-3-[1-dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methyl-phenyl-carbamate in free base or acid addition salt form and an anti-oxidant. Said pharmaceutical compositions may be delivered to a patient using a transdermal delivery device.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical composition comprising (S)-N-ethyl-3-[1-dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methyl-phenyl-carbamate in free base or acid addition salt form and an antioxidant. Said pharmaceutical compositions may be delivered to a patient using a transdermal delivery device.

Abstract: A sustained/immediate acting ketoprofen patch. A moisture permeable backing, a moisture non-permeable primer, a moisture high-permeable drug layer containing ketoprofen and a skin adhesion layer controlling release of a drug solution are piled up. An ethyl acetate soluble acrylic/rubber adhesive is coated onto a silicon coated paper, dried and transfer coated onto the backing to form the primer. The drug layer is formed by coating a drug solution onto a silicon coated paper, drying and transfer coating onto the primer. The skin adhesion layer is formed by coating a mixture of a solution prepared by dissolving an emulsifier in ethyl acetate and acrylic adhesive, drying and transfer coating onto the drug layer. The ketoprofen patch has a drug release controlling function and a good adhesion strength. The drug transferring effect through the skin is good.

Abstract: An apparatus 101 for applying treatment gas to a wound, burn, infection or otherwise damaged skin area comprises an inflatable dome 103 attached to the surrounding skin portion 105 by a seal gasket 107. An age-degradable adhesive 215 seals and attaches the seal gasket to the surrounding skin portion. A re-sealable adhesive 213 releasable attaches the dome to the seal gasket. A treatment gas hose 109 and nozzle 111 provide treatment gas to the interior portion 107 enclosed by the inflatable dome. Stimulator electrodes 117, attached to the apparatus provide electrical stimulation to skin portions 105A surrounding the wound area, which together with the treatment gas, promote healing of the wound. The re-sealable adhesive allows quick and easy removal and reapplication of the inflatable dome without removal of the seal gasket.

Abstract: An improved process for manufacturing transdermal drug delivery devices and devices made therefrom. The invention provides a heat equilibration process for the manufacture of drug delivery devices which eliminates the need to preload the body contacting layer with a drug. The method has particular application in the manufacture of transdermal drug delivery devices including a drug reservoir comprising drug in excess of saturation.

Abstract: A patient interface system includes a fluid transfer subsystem comprising a primary fluid transfer element fluidically communicating with the wound and a secondary fluid transfer element/manifold in contact therewith. A drape subsystem covers the fluid transfer elements and includes a film material membrane. A fluid conveying subsystem includes a vacuum source connected to the secondary fluid transfer element/manifold by a suction tube for creating a negative, sub-atmospheric pressure within the interface system for extracting fluids collected in the interface system. A fluid supply is provided for supplying various types of fluids to the interface system.

Abstract: An improved process for manufacturing transdermal drug delivery devices and devices made therefrom. The invention provides a heat equilibration process for the manufacture of drug delivery devices which eliminates the need to preload the body contacting layer with a drug. The method has particular application in the manufacture of transdermal drug delivery devices including a drug reservoir comprising drug in excess of saturation.

Abstract: An interface is formed by incorporating (1) a mixture comprising a water-soluble protein and a drug into a matrix, or preferably (2) a mixture comprising a water-soluble protein and a drug to a porous matrix coated with a cationic surfactant or other ionic surfactant. The coating amount of the ionic surfactant is about 0.1 to 50 .mu.g, and the content of the water-soluble protein is about 0.1 to 1,500 .mu.g, each per 1 cm.sup.2 of the matrix. The water-soluble protein includes an albumin and the drug includes a physiologically active peptide or protein, for example. The use of the stabilized interface inhibits decrease of the drug retaining amount, and insures an effective transdermal drug delivery with a high repeatability and accuracy.

Abstract: A topical hyperbaric device comprising a gas treatment zone having a maximum pressure release valve that can be set at a desired treatment pressure and that is not connected to the gas supply, and a gas pressure zone adjacent to the treatment zone that applies pressure to the treatment zone to maintain the pressure in the treatment zone.

Abstract: A multifunctional device for use in an endoscopically performed operative procedure of the type where a narrow portal is established through the skin to provide access to an operative site and the multifunctional device is introduced to the operative site through the narrow portal. The multifunctional device is formed of an absorbent material, preferably expandable, having a substantially rigid dry state prior to introduction to the operative site and a soft, flexible wet state after absorbing fluids. The absorbent material can be formed with a spine therein of either a continuous or a discontinuous, segmented construction, and the spine can be branched and tubular or solid.

Abstract: An anal patch for controlling fecal incontinence comprising a polymeric body member adapted to be fitted into the natal cleft about the anal opening and secured to the natal cleft with a releasable adhesive material.

Abstract: A sticking material for hemostasis has a flexible strip-shaped base member having a high recovery property, a main surface, and side edges extending in a first longitudinal direction. An adhesive layer is disposed on the main surface of the base member. A pad is disposed on the adhesive layer and extends in a second longitudinal direction substantially transverse to the first longitudinal direction such that a space is defined between the pad and each of the side edges of the base member. The pad is of a size sufficient to exert pressure at a puncture area including punctures of both a blood vessel and a skin surface. The pad has a slight elasticity and a hardness capable of securely exerting pressure on the punctures by a shrinking action of the base member when the base member is adhered to the skin surface while being stretched to secure the pad over the punctures.

Abstract: A topical hyperbaric therapy device is provided for treating skin disorders and for administering pressurized therapeutic gas (e.g., hyperbaric oxygen) to an afflicted region of a patient's skin. In particular, the topical hyperbaric therapy device of the present invention comprises an inflatable and generally toroidal-shaped tube having a top portion, a bottom portion, and an open interior portion. In addition, a pliable pad member is sealably joined to the bottom portion of the tube. In use, the pliable pad member and the open interior portion of the tube define an enclosed chamber when the tube is inflated and top portion of the tube is sealably constrained against the patient's skin. The topical hyperbaric therapy device also includes an inlet port for supplying pressurized therapeutic gas to the enclosed chamber, and an outlet port for venting pressurized therapeutic gas from the enclosed chamber once the pressure therein becomes greater than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method of treating a wound with therapeutic gas to expedite healing, and a topical hyperbaric device to carry out the method having a maximum pressure release valve that can be set a desired maximum treatment pressure and that is not connected to the gas supply.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foil of chitosan for wound sealing. According to the invention this foil contains glycerin as an elasticity enhancing additives and has a perforated surface promoting gas exchange.

Abstract: A radiology kit for use with a catheter includes a first connection member 20 for attachment to the skin of the patient around the stomal orifice and a second connection member 30 (a cap) constructed for releasable attachment to a first connection means, i.e. a rib 23, on the first connection member. The cap has an end wall 33 with a hole 39 therein through which a catheter 40 can be threaded. A third connection member 50 of the kit is attached to a drainage sleeve 52 and constructed for releasable attachment to a second connection means, i.e. a rib 25 on the first connection member 20.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biological bandage, comprising an envelope enclosing cells which secrete biologically active cellular products such as growth factors, which promote the healing of wounds. The envelope is further comprised of a permeable bottom membrane through which the cellular product diffuses, and a top membrane. Preferably the bandage has a separator interposed between the two membranes. This invention also relates to a method for treating wounds. The bandage provides a continuous, uniform source of fresh cellular product.

Abstract: A medicinal substance for topical application is disclosed. The substance comprises a water-soluble glass containing silver or a silver compound. Typically, the glass comprises phosphorus pentoxide and contains silver oxide. The substance may be used for the treatment of wounds, catheter and tubing entry points, stoma sites and body passage entrances where bacterial growth and migration are rife. The glass may be in the form of a powder, granules, woven into a dressing form, a sinter shaped in a particular way or used as filler in polymers for surface release.

Abstract: A surgical closure which can be repeatedly opened and closed, especially one for an abdominal incision, consisting of flexible fabric or plate-like securing means which can be firmly secured to the bodily tissue close to the incision but can be released therefrom and with a closure bringing together its end regions above the incision which can be opened and closed at any time, is to be improved in such a way that a completely pressure-tight closure is obtained but which may be opened as often as desired. This is achieved in that it is fitted with a securing component (15) surrounding the incision on all sides which has an opening (4) that can be placed above the incision and consists of a tube (5) of flexible material extending upward from and surrounding the opening (4) and the tube (5) itself acts as the closure or is fitted with such.

Abstract: Gene transfer of genetic material with viral vectors or plasmid, in combination with a wound treatment chamber, into keratinocytes, especially those including a high percentage of epidermal stem cells, has been demonstrated to be particularly effective as a means of implanting genetically engineered cells and obtaining long term survival. By employing the wound chamber system, direct in vivo gene transfer can also be done to exposed cells in an open wound. Skin stem cells which are located in the hair follicles are used to greatly enhance long term survival. The use of the wound chamber system for gene transfer also allows non-invasive assessment of the success of transfer by assaying for the presence of the expressed protein in wound fluid, in contrast to the prior art use of invasive techniques, such as biopsies, in order to achieve the same assessment of early expression.

Abstract: A therapeutic method for treating hypothermia and hyperthermia conditions in human patients by applying a continuous flow of temperature-controlled warmed water over a substantial area of the body of the patient to effect sensible heat transfer between the body and the water. Apparatus is provided for warming, delivering, and distributing the water flow over at least fifty percent of the patient's body and for collecting spent water into a receptacle. A network of water-permeable tubes delivers a flow of warmed water to an absorbent web draped over the body of the patient, thereby to distribute the water flow over a large area and in close proximity to and wetting the surface of the patient's body, thereby to effect sensible heat transfer over a large area. Evaporative heat loss may be minimized by reducing air convection adjacent the water flow.

Abstract: An irrigation dressing for deep wounds comprises an adhesive, substantially liquid- and air-impermeable plate (1) having at least one perforation (6, 7) for supplying and sucking off liquid, and for pressure equalization. The perforation is provided with a conduit (10) for supplying and sucking off liquid. The conduit is introduced into the wound cavity, and irrigation liquid is supplied and sucked off through it. After completed irrigation, the perforation/perforations in the plate is/are closed in order to seal the dressing.A bag (18) can be connected to the dressing for filling up and actively affecting the wound cavity.

Abstract: A transdermal therapeutic system in polymer matrix for the administration of bronchodilator drugs is described, in which the matrix comprises a mixture of medium and high molecular weight polyisobutylene in a ratio comprised between 1 and 2.3.

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

Abstract: A fastening system includes a membrane assembly which can comprise a pair of body panels secured together at a seam. The membrane panels can comprise a semi-permeable material. A sheath assembly has a tubular configuration with proximate and distal ends and a sheath passage extending therebetween. The sheath assembly can be fastened to the membrane assembly by adhesively securing the sheath assembly adjacent to its proximate end between the membrane panels at the membrane assembly seam. A sheath-to-tube fastener is provided for fastening the sheath assembly to a tube. A fastening method includes the steps of fastening two panels of a membrane assembly together at a seam, fastening a sheath assembly to the membrane assembly between the panels at the seam, and fastening a tube to the sheath. In one embodiment of the present invention a surgical sponge is fastened to the membranes in fluidic connection with the sheath, which is fastened to a suction tube for drawing blood from a surgical site.