Thomas Gilchrist

Bio: Thomas Gilchrist is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Zinc & Glass fiber. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 8 publications receiving 204 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.

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.

Surgical material comprising water glass fibres

Abstract: There is provided a surgical material formed using water soluble glass fibres, optionally together with a binding material such as polycaprolactone. One or more layers of non-woven glass fibre material may be present. The material, which is usually in sheet form, can be folded around a defective area of tissue to promote healing, or may be used to prevent adhesion formation following surgery. A method of forming the surgical material is also described.

Anti-microbial glass composition

Abstract: There is described a water-soluble glass composition able to release molybdenum ions in an aqueous environment. In combination with an anti-microbial agent, the glass of the invention provides improved anti¬ microbial activity. Suitable anti-microbial agents include metal ions such as silver, copper, zinc, magnesium, tin or gallium or any combination thereof. Optionally, the metal ions are present as part of the water-soluble glass.

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.

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.

Reduced pressure treatment system

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided for treating tissue damage, which comprises a fluid impermeable wound cover sealed over a site for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the site. The apparatus also can include a cover with protrusions on its surface for purposes of monitoring pressure at the site. One or more sensors can be positioned under the cover to provide feedback to a suction pump controller. The apparatus can have a miniature and portable vacuum source connected to the wound cover.

Self contained wound dressing with micropump

Abstract: A composite wound dressing apparatus promotes healing of a wound via the use of a micropump system housed within or above a wound dressing member. The micropump system includes a miniature pump that applies a subatmospheric pressure to the wound to effectively draw wound fluid or exudate away from the wound bed without the need for a cumbersome external vacuum source. Hence, the wound dressing and micropump system is portable which allows the patient mobility that is unavailable when an external vacuum source is used. The patient does not need to be constrained for any period of time while exudate is being removed from the wound.

Adhesive containing wound closure device and method

Abstract: An article, such as a tissue bonding article, includes a flexible material, a polymerization initiator or rate modifier disposed in or on the flexible material, and a polymerizable adhesive composition permeated throughout at least a portion of the flexible material, where the polymerization initiator or rate modifier is a polymerization initiator or rate modifier for the polymerizable adhesive composition.