Abstract:
The present disclosure provides a tissue retractor. The retractor includes first and a second tissue-support assemblies that are moveably coupled together. Each of the first and second tissue-support assemblies includes a flexible sheet extending between two horizontal members, each sheet comprising a face configured to contact tissue. The tissue support assemblies are configured such that, in use, the first and second sheets exert substantially all of the force against the tissue that is to be retracted.
Abstract:
A system for assessing efficacy of a sterilization process is disclosed. The system includes a biological indicator, a receptacle configured to receive the biological indicator, an actuator mechanism, and a sensing system operatively coupled to the actuator mechanism. A method of using the system for assessing efficacy of a sterilization process is also disclosed.
Abstract:
At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a temperature regulating surgical barrier device comprising a surgical drape and an attachment device. The surgical drape includes a plurality of drape sections. At least one of the drape sections includes an air impermeable drape sheet and an air permeable base sheet attached to the drape sheet to form an inflatable portion. The attachment device is configured to attach at least a portion of the surgical drape to a patient.
Abstract:
A system and methods for sterilizing and drying contaminated articles, particularly medical articles, and more particularly the hollow internal areas of medical instruments or lumens of medical endoscopes. The system includes a plasma generator having an electrode, a shield, and a dielectric gap between the electrode and the shield. A source of electrical power connected to the plasma generator applies an electrode energy density between the electrode and the shield. A source of a sterilizing gas precursor provides a flow of the sterilizing gas precursor through the plasma generator to generate a plasma, thereby forming a sterilizing gas including acidic and/or oxidizing species. The contaminated article is exposed to the sterilizing gas for a time sufficient to achieve a desired degree of sterilization. A turbulent flow of a drying gas is used to dry the contaminated article alternately with the exposure of the contaminated article to the sterilizing gas.
Abstract:
Surgical incise drapes including incision edge protectors are described. Methods of protecting the exposed edges of a surgical incision are also discussed.
Abstract:
Shapeable articles with structured elements and kits including one or more of the shapeable articles. The shapeable articles described herein have a variety of uses including use as surgical retractors for moving and/or restraining tissue and/or organs to improve access to a surgical site. The shapeable articles described herein can be shaped or manipulated into three-dimensional shapes without the use of tools and hold those shapes after removal of the force required to achieve the shape.
Abstract:
An article, comprising: an enclosure comprising: a first film layer; a second film layer, wherein the first film layer and the second film layer are sealed together to form at least one interior region for enclosing a liquid; and an adhesive layer disposed on an exterior surface of the first film layer; wherein the at least one interior region is liquid-filled. A method, comprising: providing an enclosure comprising: a first film layer; a second film layer; at least one interior region; and a composite layer comprising the first film layer and an adhesive layer disposed on an exterior surface of the first film layer; wherein: the composite layer is liquid-impervious and flexible; the first film layer and the second film layer are sealed together to form the at least one interior region; the interior region has a sealed outer periphery; and the interior region is liquid-filled; positioning the article over an intended site of operation, with the adhesive layer facing towards the intended site of operation; penetrating each of the first film layer, the at least one interior region, and the composite layer with a surgical device; and penetrating the intended site of operation with the surgical device.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides a tissue retractor. The retractor includes first and a second tissue-support assemblies that are moveably coupled together. Each of the first and second tissue-support assemblies includes a flexible sheet extending between two horizontal members, each sheet comprising a face configured to contact tissue. The tissue support assemblies are configured such that, in use, the first and second sheets exert substantially all of the force against the tissue that is to be retracted.
Abstract:
Surgical incise drapes including incision edge protectors are described. Methods of protecting the exposed edges of a surgical incision are also discussed.
Abstract:
An article, comprising: an enclosure comprising: a first film layer; a second film layer, wherein the first film layer and the second film layer are sealed together to form at least one interior region for enclosing a liquid; and an adhesive layer disposed on an exterior surface of the first film layer; wherein the at least one interior region is liquid-filled. A method, comprising: providing an enclosure comprising: a first film layer; a second film layer; at least one interior region; and a composite layer comprising the first film layer and an adhesive layer disposed on an exterior surface of the first film layer; wherein: the composite layer is liquid-impervious and flexible; the first film layer and the second film layer are sealed together to form the at least one interior region; the interior region has a sealed outer periphery; and the interior region is liquid-filled; positioning the article over an intended site of operation, with the adhesive layer facing towards the intended site of operation; penetrating each of the first film layer, the at least one interior region, and the composite layer with a surgical device; and penetrating the intended site of operation with the surgical device.