A binder layer for a laminated wound dressing is brought into contact with a sheet coated with a pattern-coated adhesive sheet. As the binder layer is in contact with the pattern-coated adhesive sheet, a series of closed-loop cuts are made in the binder layer. The closed-loop cuts are made in such a way that the material enclosed by each closed loop is substantially physically separated from the remainder of the binder layer. Then the binder layer is moved away from the pattern-coated adhesive sheet, so that the binder layer and the pattern-coated adhesive sheet are no longer in contact. When the binder layer and the pattern-coated adhesive sheet are moved apart, the material enclosed in the closed-loop cuts—i.e., the cut waste fragments—are retained on the pattern-coated adhesive sheet, ensuring that the binder layer includes a series of cleared perforations.

The present invention relates to wound dressings. In particular, the invention relates to antimicrobial wound dressings, methods of making the same and uses of the same. The wound dressing of the present invention comprises a wound contact layer and an absorption layer, wherein the wound contact layer comprises at least one antimicrobial agent and wherein the wound contact layer is compressed and/or wherein the wound contact layer has a density of greater than 0.06 g/cm.sup.3. The wound dressing of the present invention provides an absorbent, conformable and anti-microbial medical device that may be used in a variety of medical situations, including post and/or pre-operative.

A wound monitoring and/or therapy system can include a substantially stretchable substrate supporting a plurality of electronic components, including sensors, and a plurality of electronic connections that connect at least some of the electronic components. The electronic components can also include a circuit board supporting at least one controller configured to control at least some of the sensors, the circuit board configured to operate without failure when the substrate is flexed as a result of strain. A calibration track can be positioned on the substrate and connected to a monitoring circuit configured to measure a change in resistance of the calibration track indicative of resistance change of at least some of the plurality of electronic connections. The system can include a controller with a circuit board supporting a plurality of electrical components and an antenna configured to communicate with the substrate, the antenna at least partially enclosing the circuit board.

A device for translaminating tension-sensitive films from a first liner to a second liner, wherein the device has a first transport device, a second transport device, and a laminating device. The first transport device is configured to transport a first laminated strip to a film delaminating station. The second transport device is configured to transport a second strip-shaped liner to the laminating device, which is designed to laminate the tension-sensitive film onto the second liner in order to form a second laminated strip. The first transport device and the laminating device are arranged relative to each other such that the tension-sensitive film is pulled off at the film delaminating station in the direction opposite the running direction of the first laminated strip at said station.

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a rolled compressed collagen carrier and a process for un-rolling said rolled compressed collagen carrier. Said rolled compressed collagen carrier is ready for use in minimally invasive surgery. The invention also relates to a rolled compressed collagen carrier for use in the prevention or treatment of injury associated with performing minimally invasive surgery.

A mechanism and a method for slitting silicone membranes using automated slitting blades is presented. The pattern of slits in the membrane can be adjusted by using a cutting cylinder comprised of a plurality of circular cutting gears assembled in parallel.

The cutting cylinder is of indefinite length, but in the preferred embodiment is approximately 15″ long and 3″ in diameter. The silicone membrane can range in thickness from 0.005″ to 0.01″ inch.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for increasing liquid absorption are described. Some embodiments may include a dressing having an absorbent layer containing super-absorbent material as well as ionic-exchange media (IEM). In some embodiments, the absorbent layer may include absorbent fibers. The absorbent fibers may each include a super-absorbent core surrounded by a water-permeable layer onto which ionic-exchange media (IEM) may be grafted. As liquid comes into contact with the IEM, its ionic nature may be reduced, therefore protecting the absorbent qualities of the super-absorbent material.

Disclosure herein are protective bandage and methods of use and manufacture thereof. The protective bandages can include first and second flexible films and a shear-reducing element. The first flexible film may form a contact layer having a first side opposite a second side. The second flexible film may form a dome attached to and extending over a portion of the first side of the contact layer. The dome may have a height at least partially defined by a side wall and a top portion of the second flexible film. The contact layer may extend beneath the dome and the top portion being freely movable along the first side of the contact layer through a distance related to the height. The shear-reducing element is located inside the hollow dome.

Devices and methods for encapsulating a portion of a wound dressing with a coating are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method can comprise positioning a substantially flexible wound contact layer of the wound dressing on a perforated plate. The wound contact layer can include a first side supporting a plurality of electronic components protruding from a surface of the first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second side can be substantially smooth. The method can further comprise applying a vacuum to the wound contact layer through perforations in the perforated plate to hold the wound contact layer against the perforated plate and coating the wound contact layer with a coating.