Abstract Natural or synthetic rubber surgical elements such as tubing, catheters, drains and gloves are ''''lubricated'''' so as to prevent sticking during storage, and permit easier emplacement, such as putting on the gloves by a surgeon or nurse, by applying to the surface of the rubber element finely divided polyglycolic acid powder. The polyglycolic acid powder is readily absorbed by living tissue without deleterious tissue reaction, thus minimizing tissue reaction from the transfer of the powder from the element such as a glove to internal sites in a subject. The rubber surgical elements are conveniently stored in a strippable package. Polyglycolic acid aids in reducing infection and promotes healing, when in contact with tissue.
The method of claim 1 in which the powdered polymer is substantially all smaller than 100 mesh.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2 in which substantially all polymer powder particles are smaller than 200 mesh.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 in which the polymer is homopolymeric glycolic acid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 4 in which substantially all polymer powder particles are smaller than 200 mesh.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 4 in which the rubber surgical element is a surgical glove, and the powdered polymer has a particle size range of about 10 to about 20 microns.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 in which the biodegradable polymer of glycolic acid has a small quantity of lactic acid copolymerized therewith.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 7 in which the powdered polymer is substantially all smaller than 100 mesh.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 8 in which the powdered polymer is substantially all smaller than 100 mesh.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of minimizing tissue reaction in a surgical procedure which comprises contacting living tissue where deleterious microorganisms may be present with an acidifying quantity of a finely divided polymer containing hydrolytically degradable glycolic acid ester linkages, whereby wound healing is accelerated by the slight acidification and microorganism inhibition resulting from the presence of the hydrolytically available glycolic acid.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 11 in which the finely divided polymer is homopolymeric polyglycolic acid smaller than 200 mesh size.