Abstract: The inventions provided herein relate to tissue markers and uses thereof, e.g., to mark a target tissue site (e.g., a biopsy site in a breast tissue) or to produce a cell scaffold. The tissue markers described herein are designed to be resistant to fast migration (e.g., immediate migration after implantation through a needle track) and slow migration (e.g., over an extended period of time) upon implantation at a target tissue site (e.g., a biopsy site in a breast tissue), without using an adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the tissue markers described herein can be readily detectable by at least one imaging modality, e.g., but not limited to magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray imaging, ultrasound imaging, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An improved surgical sponge having a contrast agent, such as bismuth beads, secured to the sponge material in a unique pattern of a type not found in nature or in human anatomy. The unique pattern is preferably spaced dots or circles having various sizes and spacing, potentially arranged in a matrix of rows and columns. The desired unique pattern is arranged such that the dots or other non-natural shapes are large enough to remain visible, while small enough to avoid adversely affecting the pliability and absorption of the sponge.

Abstract: System, methods and apparatus related to surgical articles used during surgery. The system, methods and apparatus may include features such as an element/substrate added to surgical articles which enables the recognition by human visualization of the surgical articles when left inside patient bodies when viewed with medical imaging technologies. The element/substrate may include a plurality of three dimensional objects. Alternatively, the element/substrate may comprise a ribbon of radiopaque material having cut-puts or other radiolucent regions which provide image artifacts observable under fluoroscopic imaging.

Abstract: A system and related methods include a durable component, an indicator component including an indicator zone comprising at least one colorimetric analyte sensing element, at least one moisture sensor, and a fluid collection reservoir. The durable component contains at least one spectrophotometer, a computing system, and means for electronic communication between the computing system and at least one external device. The indicator component includes at least one colorimetric analyte sensing element and a fluid transport layer in fluid communication with the indicator zone, and it is arranged and configured for attachment to the durable component. In addition, the moisture sensor is arranged and configured to communicate the presence of moisture to initiate a predetermined delay in measuring the concentration of at least one analyte. The fluid collection reservoir is releasable from at least one of the indicator components and the durable component at a predetermined breaking point for clinical analysis.

Abstract: A non-woven fiber article for use in a food, medical, or pharmaceutical production environment including a melt-spun polymer fiber is provided having a cross-section and a length and a detectable particulate present in an amount of 20 to 80 weight percent loadings of metal or 10 to 80 weight percent loadings of radiopaque particles to render the polymer fiber detectable by magnetic or X-ray detection, alone or in combination with a secondary functional particulate distributed with the polymer fiber to render the polymer fiber chemically responsive to a chemical reactant, change in pH or temperature. The detectable particulate and the secondary functional particulate are each independently present in a core, a sheath, or both portions of polymer matrix. A process of detecting a fabric made from such a fiber. The fabric article passes through detector. A signal is collected from the detector indicative of the presence of the fabric article.

Abstract: A suture anchor that is configured to pull repair sutures into a pre-formed hole in bone or boney tissue, having a fibrous construct having a first side and a second side; and a first filament body passing through the fibrous construct, the first filament body forming a first pair of loops that interleave with one another on one of the first side or the second side of the fibrous construct.

Abstract: A surgical sponge is provided, having a radiofrequency (RF) tag positioned interior thereto. The RF tag has a base layer with at least one tab projecting from an outer perimeter of thereof. The RF tag has a first protective layer with at least one tab projecting from the outer perimeter of the RF tag and generally aligned with the at least one tab of the base layer and an RF identifier laminated between the base layer and the first protective layer. The RF identifier has an antenna, and an electrically responsive member. The antenna can be a metal foil loop antenna etched on to the base layer. The RF identifier can include additional metal foil provided on the base layer when the metal foil loop antenna is etched on to the base layer, the additional metal foil configured to enhance x-ray opacity of the sponge.

Abstract: A method integrates an electrical circuit into a device. The device has an integration surface consisting of a first material. The method includes processing the integration surface in order to form connection elements in order to increase an adhesion of a second material to the integration surface. The second material differs from the first material. The method also includes arranging the electrical circuit adjacent to the processed integration surface. The method furthermore includes applying a volume of the second material at least over the integration surface in order to enclose the electrical circuit in a fluid-tight manner.

Abstract: A method for filling multiple colors of liquid color cosmetic materials, comprises the steps of: separating a sponge, into a plurality of sponge pieces by dividing the sponge; forming a coating film on the outer lateral side, or on the outer lateral side and on the lower surface of each of a plurality of the sponge pieces; impregnating different liquid color cosmetic materials into each of the sponge pieces having a coating film formed thereon; and fitting the angles of each of the sponge pieces, and coupling the sponge pieces. Liquid cosmetic materials having different colors are not mixed in one container without comprising a separate partition film, and a boundary line is clearly distinguished.

Abstract: System, methods and apparatus related to surgical articles used during surgery. The system, methods and apparatus may include features such as an element/substrate added to surgical articles which enables the recognition by human visualization of the surgical articles when left inside patient bodies when viewed with medical imaging technologies. The element/substrate may include a plurality of three dimensional objects. Alternatively, the element/substrate may comprise a ribbon of radiopaque material having cut-puts or other radiolucent regions which provide image artifacts observable under fluoroscopic imaging.

Abstract: A wound closure device using magnets to draw skin together. When two skin adhering magnets are placed on opposite sides of a wound in a polar opposite configuration, the magnets attract each other, thus drawing the skin underneath the magnets together and reapproximating wound edges. The device includes hollow tubular enclosures that enclose powdered magnetic material and permits two magnets to maintain a linear or non-linear shape along linear or non-linear edges of a wound.

Abstract: An absorbent hygiene article for placement in underwear is provided, including a liquid permeable topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet is of a translucent material and is provided with a colored pattern defining at least one background region and at least one colored region having a first inherent color. The topsheet-facing side of the backsheet has a second color; and a background region located in an inner area has a higher L*-value than a background region located in the edge area.

Abstract: A surgical sponge is provided, having a radiofrequency (RF) tag positioned interior thereto. The RF tag has a base layer with at least one tab projecting from an outer perimeter of thereof. The RF tag has a first protective layer with at least one tab projecting from the outer perimeter of the RF tag and generally aligned with the at least one tab of the base layer and an RF identifier laminated between the base layer and the first protective layer. The RF identifier has an antenna, and an electrically responsive member. The antenna can be a metal foil loop antenna etched on to the base layer. The RF identifier can include additional metal foil provided on the base layer when the metal foil loop antenna is etched on to the base layer, the additional metal foil configured to enhance x-ray opacity of the sponge.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding the migration of cancer and other cells includes a reservoir device, a cover, a tube, a nanofiber structure, and a lock device. The reservoir device defines a reservoir having an open top. The cover is configured for removable installation over the open top of the reservoir. The tube has a proximal end portion reaching into the reservoir. The nanofiber structure communicates an inlet port in the tube with the reservoir. The lock device interlocks the tube with the reservoir device, and also interlocks the nanofiber structure with the reservoir device.

Abstract: A non-woven gauze product and a method and system for manufacturing same. The spunlace device includes a second spunlace machine having a shaping layer on the surface, the shaping layer is provided with pointed projections having tapered tops disposed in a matrix arrangement, each pointed projection has a bottom of rectangular cross-section, the bottom size of each pointed projection is larger than the bottom distance between two adjacent pointed projections. A non-woven cloth having rectangular holes in an array layout is formed by water jetting the fiber-web at the second spunlace machine. The rectangular holes in an array layout are presented in a flat structure having warp and weft, and the dimension of each rectangular hole is larger than the line width of warp and weft. The features of such non-woven cloth are similar to those of gauze, so the non-woven cloth can be a substitute for the current gauze.

Abstract: A kit and/or method for use during surgery is configured to decrease the risk of accidental retention of foreign objects, such as surgical items or medical devices, used in surgery inside of a patient after the surgery is completed. Specifically, illustrative kits may include, but not be limited to, a combination of one or more foreign objects, an anchoring member attached to a point outside of the patient or surgical field, and at least one or more connection members connecting the foreign objects to the anchoring member. Illustrative methods may include, but not be limited to, anchoring one or more foreign object by one or more connection members, wherein a first end of each connection member is attached to the foreign object, and a second end of each connection member is attached to a junction member; attaching the junction member to an anchoring member; and attaching the anchoring member to a structure that is outside the patient or surgical field.

Abstract: A surgical implant (100) comprises a mesh-like, flexible basic structure (104) having a center area and an outer periphery (120), wherein the outer periphery (120) has a polygonal shape with N corners (122), N being at least 3. The implant (100) may comprise at least two pockets (124), each pocket (124) extending from a peripheral line which connects two corners (122) of the outer periphery (120) of the basic structure (104) towards the center area of the basic structure (104). The center area of the basic structure (104) can be marked by a center marking (130), wherein directional indicators (132) point from the center marking (130) to at least two corners (122) of the outer periphery (120) of the basic structure (104).

Abstract: Foam wound inserts with high-density and low-density regions, methods for making wound inserts, wound-treatment methods, and wound-treatment systems.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a surgical instrument comprising a combination femoral nerve localizer and needle placement guide instrument. The instrument may be used with a neuromonitoring system to localize and monitor the femoral nerve during a spinal procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radio frequency identification capsule for marking an object. The capsule is characterized in that it comprises: a metal base to be attached to the object; a receiving element for holding a radio tag, the receiving element being secured to the base and overmolded on the base in order to form a durably tight joint with the base; and means for holding the radio tag at a determined distance from the base. The invention allows an automatic inventory of a plurality of marked objects randomly arranged in a highly metal medium and in the presence of Faraday cages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple layer material that includes a film layer, a moisture-reacting composition layer and an adhesive layer. The film layer has at least one printed surface. The moisture-reacting composition layer is adjacent the printed surface of the film layer. A portion of the moisture-reacting composition layer forms a framing device. The adhesive layer is adjacent the portion of the moisture-reacting composition layer forming the framing device. The multiple layer material of the invention may be used to form a component of an absorbent article having active graphics that change in appearance in response to moisture.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a chassis including a bodyside liner, an outer cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and an absorbent structure positioned adjacent the interior surface of the outer cover, the chassis including an insult zone and a crotch region positioned in between a front region and a back region, the front region and the back region defining a waist region therebetween. The absorbent article also includes a sensor element disposed in or on the chassis, the sensor element extending from a proximal end in the waist region to at least the insult zone and in fluid communication with the insult zone, the sensor element including a multi-layer wicking material.

Abstract: A surgical sponge comprises a sheet of absorbent material having at least one elongated radiopaque element heat sealed thereto. The sponge is folded and sewn in particular ways to assure that the radiopaque length of material remains firmly secured to the sponge with enhanced visibility under fluoroscopic imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary napkin for wearing adjacent the pudendal region, the sanitary napkin having a skin care composition applied thereon, wherein the sanitary napkin has a caliper less than about 5.0 mm. The skin care composition can have from about 0.001% to about 0.1% by weight of hexamidine, from about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of zinc oxide, from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of niacinamide, and a carrier.

Abstract: A stretch laminate having a first substrate is adhesively attached to an elastic film. The adhesive is applied in a continuous manner to the substrate in a first tack down region which is disposed proximate to an end of the stretch laminate. The adhesive is applied as a plurality of adhesive stripes in an activation region which is interior of the first tack down region. The adhesive stripes have a width and a distance between adjacent adhesive stripes. The ratio of stripe width to distance between the adhesive stripes is in the range of less than about 1 or greater than about 0.33.

Abstract: Absorbent articles incorporating sensory element members are disclosed. The absorbent articles may be disposable pant like garments designed to assist urinary toilet training such as of young children. Upon urination by the wearer, the article produces a feedback response which is transmitted to the wearer by the sensory element member. Wetness based, temperature based and other feedback responses are disclosed. The feedback response should be immediate and unmistakable to the wearer and also be temporary and harmless.

Abstract: A method is described for producing printed patches to provide a plurality of color markings and high-contrast markings as aligned arrangements of fiducial points. The printed color markings facilitate optical image processing and the printed high-contrast markings facilitate high-contrast image processing. These fiducial points enable a visible area of interest to be located by a person and associated with relevant high-contrast imaging data. This method includes providing a patch; printing at least one arrangement of color markings on the patch; and printing at least one arrangement of high-contrast markings on the patch. According to further features of certain embodiments the markings are aligned, can designate the same point, or can be disjointed.

Abstract: An aid is usable with a wearer's garment, the aid including a structural layer having a skin-facing side, wherein the structural layer is adapted to be positioned within the garment such that the skin-facing side is in at least partial skin contact with the wearer; and a thermal grill disposed on the structural layer. Also, an absorbent article delivers discomfort without causing physiological damage, the article including a bodyside liner; a plurality of warm portions disposed on the bodyside liner; and a plurality of cool portions disposed on the bodyside liner, wherein the warm portions and cool portions are disposed in an alternating pattern.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure an absorbent article capable of indicating the presence or absence of urine as well as impending leakage of urine is disclosed. The absorbent article includes a substantially liquid impermeable layer, a liquid permeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the substantially liquid impermeable layer and the liquid permeable layer. A plurality of sensors are integrated into the article across the width of the article and positioned such that the sensors are in fluid communication with urine when provided by a wearer of the article. At least one of the sensors comprises a pH indicator. At least one of the sensors is capable of indicating the presence or absence of urine and at least one of the sensors is capable of indicating impending leakage of urine from the article.

Abstract: A signaling device is provided for sensing and indicating the presence of a body exudate in an absorbent article, the device including a housing and a detection circuit disposed within the housing, the detection circuit including an induction coil and a marginal oscillator. A body exudate collection and detection system is also provided including an absorbent article and a signaling device adapted to be used in conjunction with the absorbent article, the signaling device including a housing and a detection circuit disposed within the housing, the detection circuit including an induction coil and a marginal oscillator. The signaling device can also include an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the housing to the absorbent article. The detection circuit can also include an electrical common and a conductor in electrical communication with the electrical common and with the body exudate.

Abstract: A trocar cleaning device includes a connecting rod having a first end and a second end. A first sponge is coupled to the first end of the connecting rod, and a second sponge is coupled to the second end of the connecting rod. An X-ray detectable element is coupled to at least one of the connecting rod, the first sponge, and the second sponge.

Abstract: A medical sponge and method of constructing and using thereof is provided. The medical sponge includes a first layer constructed from a biocompatible absorption material. A second layer is positioned abutting the first layer, the second layer constructed from a non-toxic, biocompatible deflection material. A bonding element is connected to the first layer and the second layer, wherein the bonding element adheres the first layer and the second layer together.

Abstract: A tampon assembly used for penetration injuries to provide hemostasis and simultaneous broad spectrum antibiotic/anesthetic application. The tampon includes a helically-wound absorbent member impregnated with coagulant, covered with biodegradable or plastic accordion-pleated sheath including a bioluminescent tape outer marker. The device would also contain a measured dose of antibiotic/anesthetic suspension sealed within the confines of the outer sheath. The outer sheath would preferably have a perforated petal-shaped tip to enable wound insertion followed by through passage of the contained wound packing and treatment liquids/emulsions, etc. A radio opaque cotton withdrawal string would attach to the absorbent member at the end facing the wound opening. An insertion stick/plunger is used for tampon deposition within the wound. Manual pressure on the plunger would cause seal rupture and expulsion of the wound packing and treatment through the ruptured tip of the sheath.

Abstract: A substrate is filled with a reagent that presents a stable free radical character, and that is capable of producing a visible reaction in the presence of at least one free radical scavenger analyte of the skin.

Abstract: A wetness indicator composition contains (a) 0.1% to 5% by weight of a pH indicator that is substantially colorless at pH 7 and develops a color in an acidic environment, (b) 20% to 90% by weight of a surfactant, (c) 5% to 55% by weight of a polyalkylene glycol, (d) 0% to 70% by weight of a polymer having a carboxyl group, and (e) 0.1% to 5% by weight of an acidic substance other than components (b) and (d). In an absorbent article including a topsheet 2, a backsheet 3, and an absorbent member 4 interposed between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3 and having applied thereon a hot-melt composition that changes color on contact with a body fluid, the wetness indicator composition is used as the hot melt composition.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an external sensor attached to an undergarment worn by a patient that detects voiding information. The sensor stores the voiding information in a voiding log and transmits the voiding log to an external device. The external device includes a user interface that displays the voiding log to the patient for review. The patient may correct any incorrect voiding information that was logged in error or due to a non-voiding event. A user, such as a clinician or the patient, may use the voiding information to diagnose a condition of the patient. In addition, the voiding information of the voiding log may be used by the user to adjust a stimulation therapy or the external device to automatically adjust stimulation therapy. The undergarment may be disposable or washable after patient use.

Abstract: An absorbent article for preventing leakage is presented and includes an absorbent assembly having an absorbent assembly perimeter and a leakage warning element disposed adjacent a portion of the perimeter, wherein the leakage warning element is adapted to provide a physical sensation indicating a fullness level of the absorbent assembly, and wherein the physical sensation includes an electrical impulse. Also presented is an absorbent article for providing a wearer with a warning of potential leakage, the article including an absorbent assembly and a leakage warning element disposed adjacent the absorbent assembly, wherein the leakage warning element is adapted to impart a physical sensation to the wearer, and wherein the physical sensation includes an electrical impulse.

Abstract: A disposable article to be fitted to a wearer comprising a biosensor including at least one bio-recognition element. The biosensor is adapted to detect a target biological analyte in bodily waste or on the wearer's skin.

Abstract: A radiopaque marker configured for being securing to a tubular member adapted for introduction into a patient and having relief sections to provide localized accommodation of diametrical-circumferential dimensional reduction.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a backsheet having a longitudinal axis, a topsheet attached to the backsheet and having a body-facing surface, and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. The article may also include barrier leg cuffs. The article further includes a sensation aspect, which sensation aspect may be provided between the core and the topsheet. The sensation aspect may be, for example, a temperature sensation aspect. A visible indicator may be associated with the sensation aspect.

Abstract: A Feminine Hygiene Pad Comprising having a wide forward portion which is at least one and half times the length of a narrow rear, tail-like portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles including one or more discrete components. Representative discrete components include the nonwoven layer of the outer cover, the absorbent core, the bodyside liner, fasteners, ears and attachment panels. The discrete components include a material having a Surface Topographic Variance value of 30 micrometers or greater. The material includes a printed block having a Printed Block Sensor Value that is about three times greater than a Sensor Value for the area of the material outside of the printed block.

Abstract: A wetness event counter, which can be utilized in a disposable absorbent article, has at least one indicating member. The indicating member can provide a first indication to a caregiver for a first wetness event and a second indication, which is different from the first indication, to a caregiver upon a second wetness event.

Abstract: A wetness event counter, which can be utilized in a disposable absorbent article, has at least one indicating member. The indicating member can provide a first indication to a caregiver for a first wetness event and a second indication, which is different from the first indication, to a caregiver upon a second wetness event.

Abstract: A method for detecting and conveying an alarm signal, when an absorbent article is unfastened or, completely removed from the body of the wearer. The method is intended to be used in parallel with a method for detecting wetness in the absorbent article and further relates to an integrated detection-and-alarm method for detecting unfastening and/or wetness in an absorbent article. A system for detecting and conveying an alarm signal when an absorbent article is unfastened or removed from the body of the wearer and/or when the article is wet. The system includes (a) and absorbent article having at least one absorbent layer, the object to be displaced, such as a fastening system, one or more sensoring devices, one or more transmitting devices, and (b) a remote receiver. Furthermore, the system relates to the use of the system in the care of children and adults suffering from incontinence and/or psychological illnesses.

Abstract: A system for monitoring ingestion of medicine (21) comprises forming a digestible radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (10). The RFID tag is attached to the medicine. The RFID tag and medicine are ingested. A signal from the RFID tag is monitored.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a process for controlling the quality of manufactured absorbent articles, the process including incorporating into an absorbent article at least a portion of a wetness sensing system that is configured to detect the presence of a substance, the wetness sensing system comprising at least one metallic conductive element; and passing the absorbent article in proximity to a foreign material sensor employing x-ray technology, the foreign material sensor adapted to detect the presence of foreign material to confirm whether foreign material has been incorporated into the article.

Abstract: An absorbent product has a fluid permeable top sheet, a fluid impermeable backing sheet, and an absorbent core having an upper side, a bottom side, two longitudinally running sides and two laterally running sides. The product further has two longitudinally running barrier flaps at the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core. The top sheet covers the upper side of the absorbent core. The top sheet, with the upper side of the absorbent core, also covers the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core and part of the bottom side of the absorbent core, the top sheet extending between at least a portion of the bottom side of the absorbent core and the backing sheet. The top sheet is connected to the backing sheet at the bottom side of the absorbent core. The barrier flaps are connected to the backing sheet at the longitudinally running sides of the absorbent core.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an external sensor attached to an undergarment worn by a patient that detects voiding information. The sensor stores the voiding information in a voiding log and transmits the voiding log to an external device. The external device includes a user interface that displays the voiding log to the patient for review. The patient may correct any incorrect voiding information that was logged in error or due to a non-voiding event. A user, such as a clinician or the patient, may use the voiding information to diagnose a condition of the patient. In addition, the voiding information of the voiding log may be used by the user to adjust a stimulation therapy or the external device to automatically adjust stimulation therapy. The undergarment may be disposable or washable after patient use.

Abstract: A wetness monitoring system is provided for an absorbent article, the wetness monitoring system including a signaling device including a counter to count the number of discrete insults, a timer to monitor the elapsed time that the article has been worn, and an alarm to indicate that the number of discrete insults has reached an insult limit or that the elapsed time has reached an elapsed time limit, whichever occurs first. The signaling device can be adapted to indicate one of first, second, and third conditions, the first condition being that the number of discrete insults has reached an insult limit, the second condition being that the elapsed time has reached an elapsed time limit, and the third condition being the first to occur of either of the first and second conditions, and wherein the condition to be indicated is selected by the wearer or by a caregiver.