Abstract: A mouldable mass of a hypoallergenic, substantially non-memory putty-like adhesive for use in connection with an ostomy appliance, said mass comprising: a) 1 to 20% by weight of a block copolymer having a major content of di-block copolymer, b) to 5 to 60% by weight of a tackifying liquid constituent, and c) 1 to 10% by weight of a waxy constituent has superior quality with respect to cohesion, gives the mass resistance against erosion and at the same time enables the removal of the mass as an integrated unit without leaving residues at the skin.

Abstract: The e.v. pouch is a latex bag with a structured and contoured adhesive opening designed to fit securely around the outer skin of the rectum. This allows defecation to occur into the pouch. Its main use is for the bowel incontinent patient. It provides a convenient yet sanitary means of disposing of feces with very little exposure of it to the skin. It should dramatically decrease the number of bedsores and skin irritation in the incontinent patient.

Abstract: An upright female urine collector having a horizontally accordion pleated rectangular shaped urine collection receptacle with a tube outlet, the tube housing a manually operated two way valve disposed to direct urine flow either to a sample reservoir containing a chemical reagent test strip or to a urine sample collector. The two way valve can be spring activated or can be hand turned for instant urine flow redirection. In an alternate embodiment, an upright female urine collector has a urine collection receptacle modified to retain the chemical reagent test strip in a trench with exit means for quick test results observation.

Abstract: The urine collecting assembly is provided having a urine receptacle and a urine collector. In the provided assembly, the urine receptacle has a male organ enclosing case with an outer vertical flange, an inner vertical flange and an outer horizontal flange. The urine receptacle also has a catheter connected to the case of the receptacle with its inner horizontal flange, this inner horizontal flange being mounted on the outer horizontal flange means of the case. The urine collector of the present invention has a collecting compartment and is connected to the catheter of the receptacle with a connecting tube. The outer vertical flange of the case of the receptacle is supporting the male organ of the patient so that the inner vertical flange of the case and the inner horizontal flange of the catheter are preventing the flow-back of the urine, thereby keeping the pubic area of the patient free of moisture.

Abstract: A hand-held disposable portable urinal device particularly well-suited for female use. The easy-to-use device has a leak and splash resistant soft upper seal attached to a retractable funnel, which easily folds back into a sealable bag. The funnel has a neck portion which allows the user to comfortably hold the urinal close to the ureter during use. The disposable urinal bag is odor- and vapor-sealable, and has a hydrophobic polymer containing inner bag for absorbing the urine. In addition, the disposable urinal has a deodorizer activated by the urine upon contact. The disposable urinal is easily transported in a folded state, and preferably comes three in a box. After use, the disposable urinal may be sealed and thrown away.

Abstract: A disposable urine management device including a bag having an aperture which is surrounded by an adhesively-faced flange for releasable attachment to the uro-genital area of the wearer. An absorbent material is contained within the bag.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a void space for receiving bodily exudates comprises an elongate slit opening in communication with the void space. The elongate slit opening includes elasticated region disposed along longitudinal side edges of the slit opening which maintain longitudinal and lateral alignment and Z-direction proximity with a point of discharge on a wearer during use. The elasticated regions contain stored elastic energy producing tensile forces which are distributed laterally away from the slit opening enabling the edges to deflect and allow bodily exudates to pass through the slit opening to the void space.

Abstract: A device for disposing excrement is provided which prevents irritation of the skin of a sick person or the like wearing a diaper cup. The device for disposing excrement has a diaper cup main body 2 enclosing a pelvic region of a human body, a discharge port 2d to discharge the excrement excreted in the diaper cup main body 2, an anus wash nozzle to eject liquid for washing away the excrement, sensors 13, 14 to detect the excrement excreted in the diaper cup main body 2, and a changeable diaper 3 removably provided on the diaper cup main body 2. A buffer member 25 is interposed between the diaper cup main body 2 and the changeable diaper 3.

Abstract: A collapsible container for receiving waste body fluids comprising a flexible pouch, a rigid collar, and a collapsible reservoir integral with the rigid collar. The flexible pouch has a funnel-shaped mouth area for conforming to the face of the user. A stopper is sized to seal the funnel-shaped mouth area. The rigid collar comprises a first end adjacent the mouth area and a second end adjacent the collapsible reservoir. The second end forms a circumferential flange to flare the reservoir. The collapsible reservoir includes a top and a bottom, the top adjacent the circumferential flange of the collar. The bottom has an annular rim that can engage with the stopper so that the stopper forms a base for the container. A cage is within the flexible pouch, the cage comprising a neck area that is aligned within the rigid collar. A floater or stop cock within the cage rises as body fluid fills the cage to seal the neck area.

Abstract: The suspended urinary external drainage system includes a liquid barrier with a periphery attached to a collector, with a tubular cross section, that encircles the barrier. A plurality of capillary tubes pass through a wall of the collector. Each of the plurality of capillary tubes has a capillary inlet adjacent to the liquid barrier and a capillary discharge inside the collector. A soft lining covers the capillary tubes. Discharge tubes connected to the collector carry urine to a holding bag.

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 faecal management device having a flange or abutting the perianal region of a wearer. The flange has an aperture therethrough. The aperture has a contour defined by two mutually perpendicularly oriented ellipses.

Abstract: A faecal management device. The device has a bag. The bag has an aperture defining a plane and allowing the entry of faecal material. The bag is constructed of two pieces of material joined at a seam, which may lie in a plane parallel that of the aperture. This two-piece construction advantageously allows for a bag geometry which is not long or narrow, thus providing increased comfort for the active wearer.

Abstract: A discharge disposing apparatus is provided with a diaper cup body 2 enveloping the waist and hips of a human body, a cleaning water feeding hose connected to the diaper cup body 2 for feeding water into the inside of the diaper cup body, and a filth sucking hose connected to the diaper cup body 2 for sucking the cleaning water and the filth from within the inside of the diaper cup body. The diaper cup body 2 is composed of a base body 2x provided with the cleaning water feeding hose 2p and the filth sucking hose 2n, a caterpillar-like joint 2a rotatably coupled with the base body 2x, and a front cover 2b rotatably coupled with the caterpillar-like joint 2a. The caterpillar-like joint 2a is connected with a plurality of joint pieces 2a1, 2a2, 2a3, 2a4, and 2a5. The diaper of the present invention provides a discharge disposing apparatus in which the exchange operation is made easily without any leakage of water, and the diaper cup body 2 is adjustable to fit human bodies of different sizes.

Abstract: One or more particulate active agents are fused to the surface of a substrate web by mixing the particulate agents with a particulate binder having a particle size not exceeding an average diameter of approximately 40 microns and coating the composite mixture onto the surface of the substrate. Thereafter; the coated substrate is heated to a temperature equal to or greater than the Vicat softening temperature of the binder and compressed within the nip of a pair of pressure rolls to achieve fusion. If desired, a top layer may be placed upon the coated composite prior to the compression step. Also disclosed are various products manufactured by the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for managing uncontrolled urine release in females. The device is flexible and is worn externally on the vaginal area. This external device may further be attached to a urine collector, such as a bladder bag, and may be worn by a female person while standing, walking, sitting, or laying down. This external urine drainage device is comfortable and easy to use, avoids soiling of the laundry when worn correctly, runs a low risk of causing urinary infections or skin irritations, and is easily washable and re-usable.

Abstract: A device for collecting body waste. The device has a bag with an aperture to allow entry of body waste. A flange permits the device to be attached to the body of a wearer. Upstanding from the flange is a projection for sealing against the body of the wearer. The projection is resiliently deformable to promote comfort and better sealing.

Abstract: A personal urine collecting apparatus having a bidet system, includes a urine collector for collecting urine from a person, a urine repository for storing urine collected from the urine collector through a urine release guide line, a cleansing water tank arranged on one side of the urine repository for storing cleansing water, a heater connected to the cleansing water tank so as to receive a predetermined amount of the cleansing water and heat the cleansing water, a bidet system installed on in a body of the urine collector for injecting the cleansing water from the heater, a driving means connected to the urine release guide line and cleansing water guide line for actuating the urine collector and the bidet system, a controller for controlling the driving means, a sensing means for sensing a condition of the urine collector and a condition of at least one of the urine repository, cleansing water tank and the heater, and a case for housing and mounting the urine collector, the urine repository, cleansing wate

Abstract: The female urine collection device includes a formable ring and a collection receptacle. In one embodiment, the receptacle is an external catheter with a flexible neck that passes through and folds back over the ring. In another embodiment, the ring and collection receptacle are integrally formed. In all embodiments, the ring may be placed against the tissue around the urethral meatus to form a seal with the neck, permitting voiding into and through the collection receptacle. The ring may be manually held in place against the tissue around the urethral meatus to form a good seal. A protruding tip or probe may be included and inserted slightly into the vaginal opening or entrance to assure proper placement of the ring. In such embodiments, the ring may be integrally formed with the probe. An adjustable, inflatable pessary anchor may also be provided to help secure the collection receptacle adjacent the genital tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for patient care and cleaning. Included are semi-disposable pants, a mattress, a care materials inflow preparation unit, a waste fluid container, a control unit, and a remote control device. The body area to be washed is covered with pants, providing a soft container having fittings connecting it to a wash liquid supply and effluent disposal hoses. The pants provide hollow spaces that contain absorbent material in the region that may otherwise be smeared with excrement on the path to the outflow port. The waist and femoral regions of the pants are provided with sealing rings for sealing of the space inside the pants during waste handling cycles of the patient care, and unsealing when this cycle is completed. The pants are provided with vibrators for creating a scrubbing action during the washing cycle. Air supply into the pants during washing is added to enhance scrubbing.

Abstract: A collecting bag comprising a bag member formed by two film blanks with joined edges, an inlet opening being provided in one of the film blanks surrounded by connecting elements for connection of the bag to a body orifice. The bag is emptied through a narrowed, elongated discharge portion ending in a discharge opening. A closure device provided at the discharge portion for bringing the bag from an open to a closed position of use includes a first closure means at the proximal or distal end of the discharge portion and a second closure means. The closure device is arranged for opening and closing of the bag in two distinct stages by successive operation of the first and second closure means.

Abstract: An incontinence device integrates a fillable bag which, when filled with a gas or liquid, assumes a manually graspable form suitable for use as an applicator. The fillable bag may be adjacent the waste-receiving bag, within the waste-receiving bag, or closure means may be provided enabling the waste-receiving bag itself to function temporarily as the fillable bag. In all embodiments, should the end of the waste-receiving bag include a thermally activated adhesive to improve the integrity of contact to a recipient, the fillable bag may be filled with warm water or other liquid to provide the additional function of causing or at least enhancing the activation of the adhesive. As a further alternative, chemicals may be provided to initiate one or more reactions to generate heat to activate the adhesive and/or to produce a gas to fill the form.

Abstract: A urine management system for human females comprising a novel collection device, a novel conveyance tube, and a novel storage container is described. The collection device is worn by the user in direct contact with the skin surfaces surrounding the urethral opening being held in place by an undergarment. The collector comprises a thin layer of pliable and water-permeable material through which leaked or voided urine passes and that is underlain by a layer of water-wicking material which may also contain one or more open channels for directing and conveying the flow of urine to a fitting connection with the conveyance tube. The conveyance tube, a novel thin-wall, flat tube, contains a spacer throughout its length to prevent the tube lumen from being completely closed and sealed off by kinks or twists in the tube. The tube can conform to the body shape of the wearer, expands as flow rate increases, and shrinks and flattens as flow drops off.

Abstract: A feminine care device for collecting urine including a reservoir defining a recess for receiving urine. The reservoir has a rim and flange configured for periurethral sealing and adhesion to the labia minora, respectively. A tab depends from the reservoir for engagement and adhesion to the anterior vaginal wall. A drain for selectively draining urine from the reservoir is provided.

Abstract: The portable elimination device is a portable container for receiving human waste products, in particular, urine and fecal matter. In a first embodiment for micturition by males, the device is a cylinder having an outside layer made from a pliable, liquid impermeable plastic and an inside layer made from a soft, absorbent material. The device includes a pair of foldable flaps at the open mouth of the cylinder and a bead and groove seal to close the mouth of the cylinder for disposal after use. In a second embodiment for micturition by females, the device is generally rectangular with rounded corners having an outside layer made from a pliable, liquid impermeable plastic and an inside layer made from a soft, absorbent material. A flap is attached to one end of the outside layer and flexible shroud is attached to an opposing end of the outside layer, so that, after use, the flap is used to fold the device in half and the shroud is pulled over the doubled up layers for disposal.

Abstract: A urinary collection device for human females has a collecting basin with an oval inlet and a skirt around the outside of the oval inlet. A projection is provided from a short side of the oval inlet for insertion into the entrance to the vaginal opening to position the inlet about the urethral opening. A back of the collecting basin has a portion for receiving pressure to urge the inlet into a liquid tight seal against the user. The outlet of the collecting basin has a portion for connecting to a collecting tube which leads to a collecting reservoir. Some embodiments include a bellows between an outlet of the collecting basin and the portion for connection to the collecting tube. The bellows flexes to permit changes in angular orientation between the collecting basin and the collecting tube. An embodiment of the bellows may flex into a conical void within the back of the collecting basin to draw urine into the collection device upon unflexing, or expanding, of the bellows.

Abstract: A personal care article for preventing exudates from contacting the body of a user comprises a substrate including an extensible bodyside liner layer, and an aperture support structure limiting extensibility of the bodyside liner layer along the length of the aperture support structure. One support band of an aperture support structure runs through the gluteal fold between the buttocks of a user. The aperture support structure positions an aperture in the bodyside liner layer in the gluteal fold of a user, in alignment with the anus, so that fecal material enters a containment receptacle upon leaving the anus. In another embodiment, the personal care article can include a comfort stretch layer comprising an elastomeric, hot melt, pressure-sensitive adhesive located between a bodyside liner layer and an outer layer.

Abstract: The ear lavage and medical examination table includes an upper plate and a lower plate connected thereto at the rear ends of the two plates. The upper plate has a front head support portion with an ear lavage drain hole extending down therethrough. Preferably, the upper plate is curved or dished to comfortably support the torso of a patient. The lower plate is preferably horizontal while the upper plate rises thereabove at an angle from the rear end to the front end of the table. In one embodiment the two plates are integral and the angle is fixed. In another embodiment the two plates are interconnected so that the angle and distance therebetween can be adjusted. The table also includes a water catch tray supported on the upper surface of the lower plate directly below the upper plate hole and removeable therefrom for emptying. The tray bears a light and a mirror. The mirror can be secured to a flexible base support slideably disposed in an elongated slot in the tray for accurate positioning of the mirror.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compact, fully portable processing system for collection, sterilization, deodorization and eventual disposal of urine. The system is comprised of several detachable components which include male and female urine receptacles, an electric motor and fan assembly or any other suction source for providing the forced air flow required for urine entrainment; and a liquid collection bottle or reservoir. Optional but desirable features may include a gas/liquid separation or demisting element and a deodorizing filter. The system is self contained and readily disassembled for easy cleaning. It is readily adapted for home, hospital, and automobile usage. This invention has utility wherever rest room facilities are not conveniently available or where individuals are bedridden or immobilized.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance comprises two pouches, one being located within and extractable from the other. The inner pouch has a stoma-receiving orifice in its bodyside wall and an annular adhesive flange externally secured to that bodyside wall about the orifice. The outer pouch has a substantially larger opening in its bodyside wall and a second annular adhesive flange is secured to that wall and surrounds the first adhesive flange of the inner pouch. The two flanges are spaced from each other and the only connection between the two pouches occurs along their uppermost margins. The inner pouch is provided with a tear line along its upper margin, and the outer pouch has an access flap in its obverse wall which may be torn downwardly for gaining access to and removing the inner pouch from the outer pouch.

Abstract: A rubberized sealing ring has a flat smooth broad bottom sealing surface for sealing with and spreading the pressure over an area of the rectal mucosal tissue. A peaked top surface has a wide inwardly sloping face for funneling the fecal matter into a tapering funnel-shaped neck. The sealing ring compresses together in a linear shape for anal insertion and expands resiliently into a sealing ring inside the patient past the interior anal sphincter. An external receptacle connects to the neck for collecting excretions. The receptacle may be formed integrally with the neck and sealing ring or may be detachable. A gas release valve is built into the top of the receptacle. An enema tube may be inserted in the neck. A spring may be built into the center of the sealing ring. A coil spring, flat spring, or combination spring may be used.

Abstract: The invention provides a drainage bag for receiving bodily waste, the drainage bag comprises a water-impermeable inner bag (1) enclosed therein; means (6, 7) defining an orifice to enable bodily waste to be received by the inner bag (1); the outer (2) and inner (1) bags being detachably secured together in the region of the orifice (6, 7). A first opening (15) is provided in a wall (4a) of the water-impermeable inner bag, said first opening (15) being covered by a portion (16) of gas-permeable hydrophobic foam material; and a second opening (18) is provided in a wall of the water-impermeable outer bag (2), the second opening (15) being covered by a flatus filter (19); the disposition of the first (15) and second (18) openings being such as to allow flatus gases within the inner bag (1) to pass out through the first opening (15) and thence through the second opening (18) to atmosphere.

Abstract: An evacuation unit and method for using the unit for controlling the release from a body cavity of aerosolized blood and other body fluids or other contaminants contained in the gas present in the body cavity during an endoscopic surgical procedure is disclosed. The unit includes a port in fluid communication with the body cavity through which the contaminated gas passes to an evacuation connector having a first end in fluid communication with the port and a second end and an aerosol trap in fluid communication with the second end of the evacuation connector such that the aerosol-containing gas is able to flow from the connector through the aerosol trap whereby the aerosolized fluids or other contaminants in the gas are prevented from entering the atmosphere of the operating room. The connector preferably has a flow control valve between the ends.

Abstract: A device for disposing excrement, comprising a diaper cup (1) having a main body (101) for encompassing a human body's hip and buttocks, a washing water sending hose (105) connected to the main body (101) for passing washing water to an interior of the diaper cup (1), and a human waste sucking hose (104) connected to the main body (101) for sucking washing water and waste from the interior of the diaper cup (1). A front cover (103) is mounted to the main body (101) of the diaper cup (1) through bellows joints (102) so that the front cover (103) can be freely bent. A sensor coupler (107) is electrically connected to a bowel movement perceiving sensor (109) mounted to the main body (101) of the diaper cup (1). The washing water sending hose (105), human waste sucking hose (104), and sensor coupler (107) are bundled together into a single hose unit (123) to facilitate attachment and removal of the hoses and sensor coupler from the main body (101) of the diaper cup (1).

Abstract: A receptacle for controlling and containing irrigation fluids administered to clean and irrigate a wound on a patient's body. The receptacle comprises a thin flexible film selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride, and having an adhesive portion for sealing to the patient. The receptacle is in the form of a bag member and is utilized for retaining fluids along with a spraying or irrigation member, thereby enabling the wound irrigation procedure to be carried out in a closed system, and wherein upon completion of the procedure, the receptacle may be completely sealed and disposed of in an appropriate manner so as to avoid cross-contamination from a patient being treated to another person such as a health care professional or another patient.

Abstract: The fecal collector that includes a bag of elastomeric heat-sealable film having an opening for receiving fecal discharge and a thin attachment patch having a central opening in register with the opening of the bag. The patch includes a skin barrier layer of rubbery pressure-sensitive adhesive having hydrocolloid particles dispersed therein and having a backing layer secured to one side of the skin barrier layer. The backing layer is formed of stretchable and contractable heat-sealable material and is joined to the bag along a narrow annular heat seal line immediately surrounding the openings of the bag and patch. Because of the elastic properties of the materials, the openings may readily expand and contract to accommodate anatomical changes commonly occuring during defecation, thereby preventing disruption of the adhesive attachment between the patch and the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a drainage bag (e.g. an ostomy bag or the like) for receiving bodily waste, the drainage bag comprising a water-impermeable outer bag; a water-impermeable inner bag enclosed therein; and an orifice to enable bodily waste to be received by the inner bag; the outer and inner bags being detachably secured together in the region of the orifice. The outer and inner bags are preferably detachably secured together by means of frangible or peelable connection or linkage therebetween.

Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for evacuation of exudate from wounds. The apparatuses include a suctioning means having an inlet port and an outlet port, and a wound cover in fluid communication with the suctioning means via the inlet port. The wound cover is adapted to fit in fluid communication with a wound dressing for application to a wound site. The suctioning means is operative to remove exudate from a wound dressing in association with the wound cover and covering a wound site.

Abstract: A medical dressing for treating open chest injuries, or other injuries that compromise or could possibly compromise the pleural space of the chest cavity. Specifically, a medical dressing used by first responders to treat an open pneumothorax, treat and/or prevent a tension pneumothorax from developing, remove the accumulated blood of a hemothorax or re-inflating a collapsed lung without invasive procedures and in some instances act as a conduit for treating a tension pneumothorax or a collapsed lung with invasive procedures.

Abstract: An ostomy bag cleaning device (10) for introducing water into an ostomy bag (12) in order to loosen and evacuate waste contained therein and retain evacuated waste material until sanitarily disposal thereof. The cleaning device (10) includes a pump reservoir (14) for storing clean water to be used as a cleaning medium for an ostomy bag (12). A pump (16) includes a pump impeller (26) positioned within the pump reservoir (14) such that the water may be withdrawn therefrom. Water is withdrawn from the pump reservoir (14) through a flexible hose (38). A waste receptacle (18) is provided for receiving and storing the waste and wasted water from the ostomy bag (12) until sanitary disposal thereof. A carrying case (42) is provided for storing the pump reservoir (14), the pump (16), the waste receptacle (18), and any associated equipment. A rigid support structure (44) is provided for receiving both the pump reservoir (14) and the waste receptacle (18) such that the position of each is maintained.

Abstract: An incontinence device comprising a generally tubular soft latex shape (20) open at both ends. The upper end (24) is smoothly curved and tapered inward (28) to the opening (26) with the latex of minimal thickness and coated on the outside adjacent the opening (26) with a suitable adhesive for contact with the skin about the anal opening. The lower end (22) is partially folded and clipped to permit the device to be affixed with an applicator (30) specifically shaped (32) for the purpose and inserted within the device. The shape and material of the device permits the device to fully stretch and shrink with the anal opening while remaining adhesively affixed to the skin. An extended polyvinyl chloride/urethane mixture of similar elasticity, flexibility and elongation may be substituted for the latex. Because of the very thin wall thickness, the device may be formed as a fiat hollow body (120) which expands in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid-impermeable protective shield for covering the proximal end of an indwelling, percutaneous catheter and the puncture site through which the catheter extends. A medical grade adhesive is used to attach the protective shield to the skin that surrounds the puncture site. The protective shield allows the patient to swim or bathe without undue risk of infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical drain fabric and surgical drain device and surgical sponge for providing a channel of exit or discharge from a wound or wound cavity and, more specifically, a woven surgical drain fabric, woven surgical drains, and woven surgical sponges having finished longitudinal edges useful for drawing wound drainage out of a patient's body. Preferably, the surgical drain fabric, surgical drains, and surgical sponges are woven with conductive yarns and nonconductive yarns so as to provide enhanced drainage characteristics. The fabric, drains, and sponges prepared in accordance with the invention minimize the danger of sluffing and linting and other disadvantages associated with previous surgical drain and sponge materials. A non-stick coating is applied to the external surface of the drain to reduce tissue adhesion to the drain.

Abstract: An incontinence device and applicator therefor. The incontinence device comprises a generally tubular, soft latex bag which tapers to an opening at an upper end thereof. An area adjacent said opening is adapted to be adhesively attached to the tissue overlying the anal sphincter of a patient. The applicator is adapted to fit within the incontinence device. It includes an elongated handle and a head attached thereto, the head being configured to fit against the anal area of the user and bring the attachment of the device to bear against the anal tissue for adhesive attachment thereto. The head includes an oval, ring-shaped bearing surface and means for adjusting the size of the bearing surface so that the device may be used on patients displaying a wide range of anatomical variation. A method of making the incontinence device by vacuum molding is also disclosed.

Abstract: An applicator for an external male urinary catheter is described for applying and securing a catheter to a user. The applicator has a solid cylinder preferably with slits surrounded by a flexible skirt on which the catheter is installed, and the cylinder causes the skirt to invert to apply the catheter to the user.

Abstract: A disposable surgical apparatus for removing potentially harmful materials including fluids, vapors and airborne particles, especially AIDS virus, from an operating zone, during an operation comprising a vacuum generating system that draws the potentially harmful material through a suction manifold mounted on a surface in the proximity of a wound or incision. The suction manifold is incorporated in an elongate strip having an adhesive surface that is adhered to the patient in the vicinity of an incision or the like and that includes a plurality of apertures therealong in flow communication with the vacuum generating system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to treat head injury. The apparatus includes a cephalic expansion reservoir to allow a swollen brain to expand without increasing intracranial pressure. The apparatus has a port for fluid exchange and for the attachment of monitors of physical, chemical and electrical activity. The method includes attaching the apparatus to the skin with biological adhesives, removing the bone for replacement after treatment, treating the injured patent with appropriate therapy including filling the expansion reservoir with an appropriate fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical drain fabric and surgical drain device and surgical sponge for providing a channel of exit or discharge from a wound or wound cavity and, more specifically, a woven surgical drain fabric, woven surgical drains, and woven surgical sponges having finished longitudinal edges useful for drawing wound drainage out of a patient's body. Preferably, the surgical drain fabric, surgical drains, and surgical sponges are woven with conductive yarns and nonconductive yarns so as to provide enhanced drainage characteristics. The fabric, drains, and sponges prepared in accordance with the invention minimize the danger of sluffing and linting and other disadvantages associated with previous surgical drain and sponge materials.

Abstract: An irrigation solution collection device is provided including an outer sheath formed of substantially water impervious material and an inner collecting and draining section formed of capillary matting material. The device includes proximal and distal ends with the collecting and draining section of capillary matting material being exposed at the proximal end for collecting irrigation solution from a selected site. This irrigation solution is then drawn through the sheath to the distal end for delivery to a collection receptacle. Preferably, the proximal end of the device is substantially U-shaped so as to surround the site from which irrigation solution is to be collected. Additionally, the flow rate of the capillary matting material through the sheath is increased by forming the collecting and draining section from a plurality of strips of capillary matting material that flare outwardly from substantially adjacent the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined with the topsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a periphery extending outwardly from and along the side and end edges of the absorbent core. The periphery has a body-contacting surface and a surface opposed to the body-contacting surface. The body-contacting surface of the periphery includes a continuous layer of adhesive for securing the absorbent article directly to a wearer's skin.