Abstract: A thin, flexible member is provided for use in a vacuum bandage connected to a vacuum source. The member is provided for use with a wound having a wound surface. The member includes a wound contacting surface adapted to be in contact with and generally conform to the wound surface. The member further includes a plurality of discrete holes formed in the wound contacting surface, a port configured to communicate with the vacuum source, and communicating means from the holes to the port. The member is formed from a generally non-porous material.

Abstract: A method for sucking a body through a sucking device, in which the sucking device includes a vacuum generator, a reservoir, a shield having at least one opening, a first tube and a second tube. The first tube communicates the shield with the vacuum generator and the second tube communicates the shield with the reservoir. The method comprising steps of: covering the shield on an area of the body; generating a negative pressure in the shield by the vacuum generator so as to gradually bulge the body area; and filling a filling medium into the shield from the reservoir for decreasing the negative pressure so as to restore the body area.

Abstract: A portable closed wound drainage system that uses a pouch shaped dressing which is inserted into a wound. At least a portion of the outer surface of the pouch is porous to allow exudates to enter. Exudates are removed from the pouch by flexible tubing which is secured inside the pouch at one end, and secured at the other end to a portable drain/suction unit. The pouch contains porous material, and may optionally contain beads and fillers which are antibacterial in nature. The tubing can have a single or multi-lumen structure with perforations in the side walls of the end of the tube that is inserted in the pouch to allow body fluids to enter laterally. The portable drain/suction unit is preferably a portable battery powered device. The pouch and the tube are sealed by a flexible sealing material which is applied to the outer surface of the skin around the periphery of the pouch and the tubing as it exits the pouch.

Abstract: An improved smoke evacuation system and method for removing gaseous byproducts of surgical procedures and noxious vapors from chemicals is provided. The smoke and vapor evacuation system includes a vacuum head positionable at a surgical site or incorporated into a workstation. The vacuum head includes a plenum, and a plenum support for preventing the plenum from collapsing when a vacuum or low pressure is established therein, and is adapted to facilitate the use of the system in a variety of surgical or commercial procedures at a variety of surgical sites or commercial workstations.

Abstract: An improved smoke evacuation system and method for removing gaseous byproducts of surgical procedures and noxious vapors from chemicals is provided. The smoke and vapor evacuation system includes a vacuum head positionable at a surgical site or incorporated into a workstation. The vacuum head includes a plenum, and a plenum support for preventing the plenum from collapsing when a vacuum or low pressure is established therein, and is adapted to facilitate the use of the system in a variety of surgical or commercial procedures at a variety of surgical sites or commercial workstations.

Abstract: An expansible medical suction canister has an expansible chamber and a support. The chamber is expandable to an open position and compressible to a closed position. The chamber also has opposing first and second ends. The first and the second ends are spaced relatively farther apart in the open position than in the closed position. The support is connected between the opposing ends and moves with the opposing ends between the open and closed positions. The support also has a locked condition in the open position. The support may have a first element and a second element. The first and the second elements preferably move between open and closed positions with the opposing chamber ends. In one aspect, the first element may have a stop surface and the second element may include a leg with an end that abuts the stop surface in the open position, whereby compression of the canister to the closed position is resisted.

Abstract: A microsurgical irrigation device, comprising a first tube for supplying liquid from a liquid source, the first tube having a first end in communication with the liquid source, and further having a second end; an elastomeric bulb connected to the second end of the first tube, wherein the bulb is in communication with the first tube; a second tube for dispensing liquid expelled from the elastomeric bulb, the second tube having a first end connected to the bulb and further having a second end, wherein the second tube is in communication with the bulb; an inlet, one-way, valve preventing liquid from returning from the bulb into the first tube when the bulb is actuated, and allowing liquid to flow from the first tube into the bulb when the bulb is released; and an outlet, one-way, valve preventing liquid from exiting the bulb until a predetermined amount of pressure is provided by bulb actuation.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for reducing interstitial fluid pressure in tissue, particularly in tumors. The apparatus includes an aspiration probe with at least one slit along its body to provide fluid communication between the aspiration probe and the tissue. Suction in the chamber of the aspiration probe generated by a suction source reduces the interstitial fluid pressure. Compared to prior art devices, the geometry of the slit of the aspiration probe is less likely to become blocked. The present invention also includes a cleaning obturator to unclog the slit and a blocking obturator to prevent accumulation of tissue in the aspiration probe chamber when suction is off. The blocking obturator can be made of a number of biocompatible materials, including a material impregnated with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: A device for suctioning material from skin pores, the device having a tip member, an elongated grip body having at least a transparent section, and a filter cartridge having at least a transparent section, with a filter disposed within the filter cartridge which allows passage of air but blocks passage of material, such that material extracted from the skin pores is observable as it passes through the grip body and is visible on the surface of the filter.

Abstract: A personal care apparatus (1) is provided with a suction nozzle configuration (4) which has two different suction nozzles (15, 22) with two different suction sections (27, 26), wherein the suction nozzles (15, 22) are held adjustably in relation to each other along a path of motion (16) which is preferably perpendicularly to their suction sections (27, 26), so that by means of an adjustment of this type in each case one of the suction nozzles (15, 22) may be adjusted with its suction section (27, 26) into an operating position permitting suctorial interaction with an area of the skin.

Abstract: A device for reconditioning an internal body organ having or risking a functional failure or impairment associated with a fluid collection therein comprises a tube having a proximal end adapted for connection to a vacuum source, and a distal end portion having a plurality of openings. A chamber surrounds the distal end portion of the tube and the openings therein. A flexible material occupies said chamber and forms fluid connections between a selected part of an external surface of the chamber and the openings of the distal end portion of the tube. The selected part of the external surface of the chamber is adapted for contacting an external or internal surface portion of the internal body organ. Thereby, interstitial fluid of the internal body organ adjoining said selected part of the external surface of the chamber is sucked off from the internal body organ.

Abstract: A blood removal device utilizing a wicking element. The wicking element includes a surface exposed to blood and a zone within which is spaced from the exposed surface. An antithrombotic material is applied and held to the surface of the wicking element. A suction force is applied to the zone of the wicking element spaced from the surface exposed to the blood.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient with a wound comprises a bandage, a receptacle, and a vacuum source. The bandage comprises a cover to seal about the wound and to define a space above the wound in which a vacuum is to be formed. The bandage further comprises a port providing communication with the space. The receptacle is connected to the port to receive exudate from the wound and is provided to be placed below the wound. The vacuum source is spaced apart from the receptacle, is connected to the receptacle, and is effective to provide a vacuum in the receptacle and in the space.

Abstract: A protective and pressure normalizing device including a support member having an exterior wall and an interior wall which define a first chamber and a second chamber, and a pressure adjustment device sealed within at least a portion of the second chamber, the pressure adjustment device defining a third chamber and a medium transfer passageway interconnecting the first chamber and third chamber.

Abstract: A dermabrasion hand tool for abrasively removing a skin surface by means of an abrasive stream projected onto the skin surface to be removed. The hand tool includes an elongated manipulative body having a longitudinal axis and first and second opposite ends. The hand tool also includes an operative head through which the abrasive stream is projected onto the skin surface to be removed and through which the removed skin surface and used abrasive stream are evacuated, the operative head being removably mounted onto the first end of the manipulative body. The hand tool further includes a supply channel for supplying,the abrasive stream to the operative head from a supply stream source, and an evacuating channel for evacuating the removed skin surface and used abrasive stream from the operative head to an evacuating means, both of said channels extending within and along the manipulative body and each having first and second extremities located respectively at the first and second ends of the manipulative body.

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 device for removing air and all airborne contaminants from a laser surgery site, such as an eye surface undergoing laser surgery. Laser surgery creates a plume of smoke, vapor and other contaminants that are adverse to the health of the surgeon and other operating room staff. The device includes a tubular chamber having an upstanding wall which is sized to fit over and around tissue at the surgery site. A first annular channel in the wall is exposed along a lower end of the chamber and is connected to a first tube for extracting air. This will hold the chamber in place by the vacuum between tissue and channel. A second annular channel in the wall is connected to a second tube for extracting air to a full vacuum from the second channel. Small holes or slits communicate between the chamber interior and the second channel so that air is pulled from the chamber through the holes and out the second tube. A raised edge is provided along part of the chamber upper edge.

Abstract: A housing is secured to an area of skin to allow suction to be applied to a local area of skin through an aperture. After formation of a suction blister, a blade is actuated to sever a suction cup thereby detaching the means for creating suction at the aperture and at the same time removing the roof of the suction blister to expose an area of dermis from which the skin's epidermis has been removed.

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

Abstract: A device for suctioning material from skin pores, the device having a tip member, an elongated grip body having at least a transparent section, and a filter cartridge having at least a transparent section, with a filter disposed within the filter cartridge which allows passage of air but blocks passage of material, such that material extracted from the skin pores is observable as it passes through the grip body and is visible on the surface of the filter.

Abstract: A liquid reception device as a component, for example, of a personal care product such as a disposable diaper, an incontinent garment, or for other applications such as, for example, an industrial soaker pad or the like. The device includes liquid activated means to move a liquid insult from a target zone to a peripheral zone. The liquid activated transport means operated mechanically by suction created by compression or vacuum or by physical movement of a liquid container from the target zone to the peripheral zone. The disclosed device provides increased use of available liquid handling capacity.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing bodily fluid from a person comprising a suction module having a hole extending from its top surface to its bottom surface. A removeable lid covers the hole at the top surface. The bottom surface of the module adheres to the skin of the individual. A bore extends from the outer surface of the module into the hole, and a pumping mechanism attaches to the bore to creating a vacuum within said hole by drawing air out of said module. As a vacuum is created, skin is drawn into the hole to form a blister containing bodily fluids within the hole. The blister having bodily fluid therein is ruptured, and its fluid content is collected.

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: A process and apparatus for one-step preparation of fibrinogen adhesive by polyethylene glycol-mediated precipitation from plasma are disclosed. The methods and apparatus of the invention permit preparation of autologous fibrinogen adhesive composition from the patient during surgery, and can be applied generally to provide such compositions. Also disclosed are an apparatus and method for application of sealant comprising this fibrinogen adhesive composition.

Abstract: A system for atraumatic removal of skin surface layers in a treatment to induce neocollagenesis in the dermis to reduce wrinkles and alter the architecture of the dermal layers. A preferred embodiment of the inventive system comprises (i) a hand-held instrument with a resilient floating skin interface that carries microscopic diamond fragments for abrading the skin surface in a controlled manner, (ii) a fluid source for supplying sterile fluids to the skin interface for cleaning skin debris from the skin interface; and (iii) a negative pressure source for pulling fluid to the skin interface and thereafter aspirating fluid and skin debris from a treatment site. The skin interface is formed of a resilient floating member (e.g., silicone) that allows the working surface to flex and atraumatically engage the topography of the skin surface as it is translated across a treatment site. The system allows substantially deep surface layer removal without significant pain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drainage system to be used with an open wound, which system consists of a block of a porous, moisture-absorbing material, which is connected to a tube or hose, which is in turn connected to a suction unit, which porous material is covered with a foil, wherein an element consisting of a plate-shaped member is provided on the porous, moisture-absorbing material, said plate-shaped member being provided on the upper side with a partially open thickening for placing or inserting the tube or hose, which thickening is provided on the underside with one or more openings, which open into and cooperate with openings in the plate-shaped member. The invention furthermore relates to said element and to a method of using the drainage system.

Abstract: A breast pump fitted with an element to be applied on a woman's breast, including an outflow duct and a pumping device branching off from the outflow duct through a first bypass. Another bypass leads to a milk collector through a check valve, which is fitted with a valve body with at least one outlet for the milk pumped on the front face and a valve reed of flexible material, intended to seal the outlet during suction, and which is connected to the valve body through a connecting device having on the edge of its front face a hinge for a valve reed freely extending from the hinge over at least part of the front face. In an another embodiment, the bypass in which the valve is located may be oriented downwards relative to the outflow duct, and the bypass in which the pumping device is located, or at least some segments of it, may be oriented upwards. To control the suction effect on the breast, an infiltrated air inlet can be provided in one of the ducts an/or bypasses or in a pipe connected thereto.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus (1) for use in a suction blister technique of sampling fluid from the human or animal body. The apparatus (1) comprises a cup (2) defining a chamber and having a rim portion (3) defining an aperture (5) communicating with the chamber. An annular flange (6) extends outwardly from the rim portion (3) whereby in use the flange (6) is sealingly attached to the body such that an area of skin closes the aperture (5). A ducted portion (11) is connected to the cup (2) and defines duct (12) which communicates with the chamber. The cup (2) further comprises a roof (4) which merges with the rim portion (3) and is formed of a resiliently deformable material having a shape memory which urges the roof (4) into an expanded configuration in which the roof (4) is held clear of the aperture (5). The roof is however deformable to a collapsed configuration in which it is proximal to the aperture (5).

Abstract: A splash-shield and related fluid delivery device is intended for medical irrigation or lavage of compromised areas of skin. The device includes a passage for fluid to exit into a bell. The passage exits into the bell closer to one edge of the bell, but is angled toward the other end of the bell, where there are bights defining drainage openings. The angled passage imparts a directional component to the fluid stream which, along with any available gravity drainage, encourages the irrigant to flow over the compromised area and out of the bell. The splash-shield is egg-shaped to cover a larger compromised area and to further enhance the distribution of irrigant. The rim of the bell is shaped to discourage unintended splashing of spent irrigant onto the administering personnel or the patient, while nonetheless allowing for efficient irrigation.

Abstract: An instrument and technique for the removal of dermal layers in a controlled manner utilizing (i) a high-pressure gas delivery source, (ii) a source for delivery of a cooling fluid and a crystalline abrasive; and (iii) an aspiration source. The systems together cooperate to jet high-velocity gases and cooling fluids, together with abrasives crystals, against a patient's epidermis to abrade away surface layers in a skin resurfacing treatment. The method of the invention provides a periodic removal of superficial skin layers which enhances the synthesis of dermal collagen aggregates by inducing the body's natural wound healing response. The method of the invention creates more normal dermal architectures in skin with limited depths of skin removal by the series of superficial treatments that may be comparable to the extent of collagen synthesis caused by a deeper skin removal treatments such as CO.sub.2 laser skin removal.

Abstract: A smoke extraction device for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The smoke extraction device includes an elongated body portion defining a first lumen having first and second ends. The first end of the first lumen is adapted to be connected to a source of vacuum. A channel portion defining a second lumen is connected to the body portion. The channel portion defines a second lumen and includes an inlet opening which communicates with the first and second lumens. An attachment member is operatively secured to the elongated body portion. The attachment member is configured and dimensioned to releasably secure the smoke extraction device to a surgical instrument having a distally extending tool member. The attachment member is positioned on the elongated body such that when the smoke extractor device is releasably secured to a surgical instrument, the inlet opening of the channel portion is positioned below the tool member.

Abstract: A portable wound treatment apparatus, for stimulating the healing of superficial wounds, comprises a housing containing a suction pump and a canister for containing fluids drawn from the wound. The housing is supported on a harness or belt worn by the patient. The canister is connected to a porous wound dressing at the wound site via a plurality of tubes, a multi-lumen tube or a combination thereof. A rechargeable battery pack may be incorporated within the housing or provided externally thereto. In the case of an external battery pack, the pack may be shaped to balance the housing on the harness or belt. In operation, pressure transducers are provided to monitor and, if desired, report pressures at the wound site or internal to the canister. Monitored pressures may also be utilized to determine the filled state of the canister and, thereafter, either report this state to the operator or automatically discontinue suction from the wound, or both.

Abstract: A device for disposing excrement comprising: a diaper cup 1 for enveloping a lumbar/gluteal region of a human body; and a device body C connected to the diaper cup 1 for supplying washing water to the inside of the diaper cup and for sucking excrements and sewage from the inside of the diaper cup 1. The device body C includes: a suction motor 21 for establishing a vacuum to suck the excrements and the sewage; a water supply pump 5 for supplying the washing water; and a sequencer 12 for controlling the suction motor 21 and the water supply pump 5. The sequencer 12 includes intermittent drive means S4 to S8 or S24 to S29 for controlling the drive of the water supply pump 5 by setting time parameters according to the sense signals of the feces sensor 109 and the urine sensor 114.

Abstract: The adherent coating of the invention comprises a stabilizing polymer together with an active agent (a hydrophilic polymer and/or a bioactive agent) in a layer bonded to the surface of a medical device. This invention encompasses the coating liquids used for coating medical devices, methods of coating the devices, and the coated devices. The stabilizing polymer is selected to entrap the active agent in a coating that has a high degree of flexibility and has improved bonding to a wide variety of substrates. Preferred stabilizing polymers are cross-linkable acrylic and methacrylic polymers, ethylene acrylic acid copolymers, styrene acrylic copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers and copolymers, vinyl acetal polymers and copolymers, epoxy, melamine, other amino resins, phenolic polymers, copolymers thereof, and combinations.

Abstract: A fluid guide device that can evenly and effectively distribute the potential from a fluid transport source over an area substantially larger than the opening of a source conduit. The fluid guide device includes a first major surface having a structured surface that includes a plurality of flow channels disposed thereon. The flow channels extend from a first point to a second point along the structured surface and have a minimum aspect ratio of about 10:1 and a hydraulic radius no greater than about 300 micrometers (.mu.m). The fluid guide device also includes an active fluid transport source provided external to the structured polymeric surface to provide a potential over the flow channels to promote movement of matter through the flow channels from a first potential to a second potential. The fluid transport source is connected with a plurality of the flow channels of the structured surface by way of a manifold.

Abstract: A skin blister method and apparatus are disclosed to evaluate and quantify epidermal nerves by separating an epidermis sample. The method is useful for a variety of purposes including diagnosis of neuropathy or nerve injury from any cause; measurement of the time course and character of nerve regeneration with and without modifying influences; and measurement of the response of normal, abnormal or regenerating nerves to exposure to various types of chemical or physical modalities. The principle step in the process of the invention is the creation of a skin blister, preferably by means of negative pressure. The blister consists of the epidermis, its nerves and fluid. The epidermis is subsequently studied by one or more of a variety of processes. The apparatus of the invention comprises a capsule with a chamber which is connected to a gage, pump and connecting valves.

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

Abstract: A device for taking up a fluid present on a flexible surface includes a support member and a fluid-passage member; the support member includes an opening portion having an end surface defining an abutment surface adapted to be held in abutment with the flexible surface; the fluid-passage member includes an aperture and is disposed within the opening portion of the support member; the fluid-passage member has an opening end defining an inlet, and is constructed to permit the fluid to flow thereinto by capillarity; the opening end having an end face is disposed inside with respect to the abutment surface of the support member and is positioned such that, when the abutment surface of the support member is brought into abutment with the flexible surface, only the fluid present thereon is brought into contact with the end face.

Abstract: A system for non-invasively withdrawing and monitoring bodily fluids from the skin of a user is provided. The system apparatus includes a portable hand-held housing (16) having an internal chamber (9). Fluid displacement mechanism (1) is removably coupled to the housing (16) for directing the fluid from the skin into the internal chamber (9). The fluid displacement mechanism (1) has a first end (20) adapted to be located on an outer surface of the skin and an opposing second end (21) located internal the housing (16). Vacuum pump (10) in the housing (16) non-invasively extracts the fluid from the skin and draws the extracted fluid into the internal chamber (9) through the fluid displacement mechanism (1). A monitoring mechanism within the internal chamber (9) monitors the fluid drawn into the chamber (9).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting matter from skin pores. The system utilizes a nozzle including relatively movable inner and outer nozzle portions. Vacuum is applied to the nozzle and the inner nozzle is applied to the skin surrounding a pore after the skin has been drawn into the outer nozzle portion by vacuum.

Abstract: A wound irrigation device designed for use with a standard syringe and suction trap comprises a shield (10) which incorporates an irrigation tube (12) and nozzle (14) to deliver fluid at high pressure to a wound. The shield protects the operator from splashback, and includes a suction tube (16) to scavenge effluent, thus preventing spillage back into the wound or onto the patient and environs. A portable lavage/suction unit (28) may be used with the irrigation shield to provide fluid under pressure for irrigation, or to provide anesthetic under higher pressure for wound infiltration.

Abstract: A surgical laser smoke plume evacuator includes an evacuator body which is formed to a shape which is suitable for placement in normal use position substantially entirely around and adjacent to a tissue site upon which laser surgery is to be performed. The evacuator body has structure for removing smoke therethrough, and a smoke exit portion in communication with and extending from the evacuator body. The smoke exit portion is connectable to vacuum source, to thereby apply a vacuum to the evacuator body and cause smoke which is created at a surgical site during surgery to be removed from the surgical site through the evacuator body and the smoke exit portion.

Abstract: A device for evacuating plume products. A gas is forced through at least one compressed gas jet nozzle which directs a compressed gas flow toward an evacuation orifice. A vacuum system provides a vacuum at said evacuation orifice sufficient to provide a vacuum mass flow rate substantially greater than said compressed gas mass flow rate so that the plume products are entrained in gas exiting said gas jet nozzles and evacuated along with the gas through the evacuation orifice. In one embodiment, compressed gas may be cooled to produce aerosol particles to further improve collection efficiency and produce beneficial therapeutic effects. The device is especially useful in laser surgery to evacuate ablation products in plumes created by pulse lasers.

Abstract: A flexible, sterile, trimable device which gently and continuously removes unwanted fluid from an operating field during surgery by wicking the fluid into a mat having a high wicking property. A flexible suction tube having one end embedded in the mat removes fluid from the mat, thereby preventing the mat from becoming saturated. One embodiment of the invention is as a surgical swabber where one end of a length of semi-rigid tube is embedded in the mat and the other end is connected to a flexible suction tube. Another embodiment of the invention is as a platform for microsurgery where a membrane having a plurality of holes is applied to one side of the mat. The membrane supports the tissue being worked on and is preferably a contrasting color. Fluid passing into the holes is wicked into the mat where it is subsequently removed by the suction tube. The platform can be oriented in any position and does not slip on the tissue on which it is placed.

Abstract: A liquid removal system having an interface device and a vacuum source are described. The interface device has a porous membrane with an entrance zone on one side. The vacuum source maintains a vacuum on the side of the membrane opposite the entrance zone when the membrane is wetted. Liquid which contacts the wetted porous membrane is removed from the interface device by the vacuum source.

Abstract: The invention is devices and techniques which use a negative (suction) pressure or vacuum, applied through a surgical instrument, to fix the position of a portion of the surface of a beating heart so that a surgical procedure can be more easily performed. The devices apply a negative pressure at several points on the outer surface of the heart such that a portion of the heart is fixed in place by the suction imposed through the surgical instrument. Because the instrument fixes the position of the tissue, and because the instruments remain at a constant distance from the particular portion of the heart where the surgery is being performed, the device may also serve as a support or platform so that other surgical instruments or devices can be advantageously used at the site.

Abstract: A can sucker mechanism includes a can body, a connecting hose and a sucking pump. The can body is fitted with a connecting tube, and in the connecting tube is a check valve. The connecting hose is connected to the connecting tube on the can body, and the sucking pump is connected to the other end of the connecting hose. The sucking pump is used to withdraw air from inside the can body, to produce a negative-pressure status. The can body also is fitted with a vibrator to produce a vibrating and massaging function on the can body, to enhance the curative effects of traditional Chinese can sucking therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a massage appliance comprising a generally bell-shaped hollow body having a bottom opening defined by a peripheral edge. The hollow body has an internal partition extending substantially to the level of a plane containing said peripheral edge so as to define two mutually isolated compartments both connected to a pump member which serves to generate different desired degrees of suction in each of the compartments. A wave effect is thus obtained by means of the two areas of suction, thus reproducing the palpating-and-rolling action that has hitherto been performed manually in kinesitherapy.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for one-step preparation of fibrinogen adhesive by polyethylene glycol-mediated precipitation from plasma are disclosed. The methods and apparatus of the invention permit preparation of autologous fibrinogen adhesive composition from the patient during surgery, and can be applied generally to provide such compositions. Also disclosed are an apparatus and method for application of sealant comprising this fibrinogen adhesive composition.