David Michael Healy

Bio: David Michael Healy is an academic researcher from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. The author has contributed to research in topics: Glass fiber & Zinc. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 13 publications receiving 283 citations.

Antimicrobial composition composed of controlled release glasses

Abstract: There is provided an antimicrobial composition for combatting infections. The material is a controlled release glass having two or more agents selected from the group consisting of metals, selenium and boron. Preferably the agents are selected from the group consisting of copper, silver, magnesium, zinc, cerium, manganese bismuth, selenium and boron. The combinations of copper and silver and of copper and zinc are particularly preferred and exhibit synergistic activity. The antimicrobial composition is effective against infections due to Proteus spp.

Self-adhesive laminate

Abstract: A self-adhesive laminate which can be used as a wound dressing (D) in which a thin transparent film (10) has a layer (12) of skin adhesive on one side, shielded before use by a cover sheet (14). During application to a patient, the film (10) is held stable and made easily handled by having a backing sheet (16) with a lower tack than the film-to-skin adhesive (12). The cover sheet (14) and the backing sheet (16) are linked by a hinge strip (18) adhered over one edge of the dressing (D). To apply the dressing (D), the cover sheet (14) is peeled off and left hanging by the hinge (18) while the film (10) is adhered to the patient. Then the cover sheet (14) is pulled to remove the backing sheet (16) to which the cover sheet (14) is attached by the hinge (18). The invention provides easily applicable contamination-free delicate sterile dressing films for wounds.

Implantation composition comprising glass particles

Abstract: A composition suitable for implantation in soft tissue (for example at or around a body orifice) in order to augment the volume of soft tissue is produced. The particles, which are desirably irregularly shaped, are formed from a biodegradable phosphate glass, and may have an average particle diameter of 50 μm to 2000 μm, preferably 50 μm to 300 μm. The particles are used with a carrier medium for injection into soft tissue such as the bladder submucosa. This procedure can be applied to treat conditions such as vesicoureteric reflux. Additionally the procedure could be used cosmetically.

The dissolution of silver–sodium–calcium–phosphate glasses for the control of urinary tract infections

Abstract: Cast tubes of silver–sodium–calcium–phosphate controlled release glasses have been developed for the delivery of a constant concentration of silver ion in aqueous flow systems. In the solid glasses calcium ions are preferentially located at the ends of polyphosphate chains and randomly at middle-group sites. The polyphosphate anions that persist after dissolution have been analyzed by two-dimensional NMR methods; a range of linear ions can be detected but the predominant species is cyclo -hexaphosphate. With water as flow medium the concentration of silver in the effluent depends on the glass composition. When the flow medium is simulated urine, which contains, among other constituents, chloride, urea and creatinine, the concentration of silver is controlled by the equilibrium between solid silver chloride and the bis(creatinine)silver cation.

Bone repair composite material

Abstract: There is provided an admixture comprising morsellised bone particles and particles of water-soluble biodegradable glass. The particle size distribution and diameter range is pre-selected to produce an aggregate. Addition of the glass enables an admixture having aggregate characteristics and thus increased shear strength to be produced whilst simultaneously enabling bone regeneration to occur within the treated defect. The admixture is therefore useful in the repair of bone defects, especially primary joint arthroplasties, such as hip replacement operations.

Implant for orthopedic applications

Abstract: An implant for orthopedic applications includes a quantity of flexible, elongated elements at least some of which possess connective tissue-healing activity, the elongated elements being arranged in substantially common alignment along their longitudinal axis.

Vacuum assisted wound dressing

Abstract: Apparatus for the application of topical negative pressure therapy to a wound site is described, the apparatus comprising: a wound contacting element for retaining wound exudate fluid therein; a wound covering element that provides a substantially airtight seal over the wound contacting element and wound site; a vacuum connection tube connecting a wound cavity to a vacuum source; and a vacuum source connected to a distal end of the vacuum connection tube.

Tissue-derived mesh for orthopedic regeneration

Abstract: An implant including a substantially cohesive aggregate comprising bone-derived particles. Cohesiveness is maintained by a member of mechanical interlocking, engagement of adjacent bone-derived particles with one another through engagement with a binding agent, thermal bonding, chemical bonding, or a matrix material in which the bone-derived particles are retained. The aggregate is shaped as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional body.

Porous medical device and method for its manufacture

Abstract: Porous bioabsorbable, bioactive and load-bearing composite medical device structure includes a plurality of regular textile planar layers (1a, lb...) formed of continuous bioabsorbable polymer matrix and bioceramic fibers acting as reinforcements, both included in continuous fibrous elements (3) forming the textile layers. The layers are placed on top of each other to form a structure having two dimensions (x, y) at right angles to each other according to the two dimensions of the textile layer and a third dimension (z) perpendicular to them and resulting from the piling of the layers. A plurality of passages extend through the layers as a result of the openings (2) defined by portions of the continuous fibrous elements (3) extending substantially in the direction of the plane. The continuous fibrous elements (3) comprise both bioactive ceramic reinforcing fibers which form a reinforcing structure and a bioabsorbable polymer matrix material which forms a matrix which binds the layers together and also binds the portions of continuous fibers defining the openings together, thereby forming the passages and stiffening the structure. This bioactive and bioabsorbable composite structure is suitable to be used as a basic structure in medical devices, especially in osteochondral applications where the load-bearing properties of implant are required.

Apparatus for aspirating, irrigating and cleansing wounds

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. microfiltration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.