Patent ID: 9504611
Filing Date: 2016-11-29
CPC Classification: A61B,A61F

Claim Text:
1. A method of protecting sensitive tissue from damage during a surgical procedure using at least one medical tool having a rotatable bit capable of removing tissue, comprising: selecting a multilayer sponge from an assortment of multilayer sponges, each multilayer sponge having (i) a tissue-compatible layer with a tissue contact surface capable of being placed against the sensitive tissue, and (ii) a low-friction layer having a lower coefficient of friction than that of the tissue-compatible layer, being affixed to the tissue-compatible layer, and having an outward-facing surface including biocompatible material not easily worn away by brief contact with the rotatable bit during the surgical procedure, wherein each sponge is semi-rigid such that the sponge transitions from stiffness to flexibility at a transition radius of curvature, and the assortment includes at least two sponges having transition radii that differ from each other; and placing the tissue contact surface of the tissue-compatible layer of the selected multilayer sponge against the sensitive tissue such that the outward-facing surface of the low-friction layer is positioned between the sensitive tissue and the rotatable bit to protect the sensitive tissue from damage and prevent the sponge from being drawn around the bit when it rotates, wherein the tissue contact surface of the tissue-compatible layer has a visibly perceptible texture and includes fibrous material.