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US 6,711,879 B2Granted
Method for producing surgical sponge device and product thereof
AssigneeUltracell Medical Technologies of Connecticut, Inc.
InventorsWayne Korteweg, George P. Korteweg
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A surgical spear includes a cut sponge element that has been processed to render it at least substantially free from particulates and other debris; an eye spear comprised of an essentially particulate-free sponge element is uniquely suited for LASIK surgery. In most instances the surgical spear will be enclosed in a packaging component, which may or may not be fabricated from a water-permeable material and may or may not be left unsealed in the packaging step.
Claims15
A method for the production of surgical sponge devices, comprising the steps:
- providing a dry surgical grade sponge member fabricated from a material that exhibits dimensional stability in a compressed, dry state, and being in a compressed, flat condition;
- attaching a multiplicity of handles to said sponge member in said compressed, flat condition;
- cutting said sponge member, with said handles attached, in at least a primary cutting operation, to produce a multiplicity of sponge devices, each said device including a sponge element defined by at least one exposed cut surface resulting from cutting of said sponge member;
- wetting said sponge devices to place said sponge elements in an expanded state;
- and
- washing said sponge devices to produce a substantially particulate-free sponge product on each said device, said washing step being carried out by subjecting said sponge devices in said expanded state to multiple washing/rinsing cycles effected in an automatic washing machine with the washing liquid being recirculated through a fine filter during said washing step.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.