Abstract: A shoulder support device includes a flexible elastic continuous ring band and a slide adjustably movable on the band that divides the band into a pair of loops defining arm receiving apertures that are cupped over the curved deltoid region of each shoulder of a wearer to pull the shoulders back and downward under tension to achieve a correct posture position. The slide is moveable to adjust tension distributed to the wearer's shoulders. When the slide is positioned midway between the shoulder blades at the back of the wearer, it provides equal distributed tension on both shoulders. Moving the slide more to the left or more to the right allows the wearer to selectively adjust which shoulder receives more tension.

Abstract: A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes an anchoring element having scar tissue located in an inframandibular region, and a tongue implant having at least one arm extending therefrom, whereby the tongue implant is implantable in a tongue with the at least one arm being connectable with the anchoring element for coupling the tongue implant with the anchoring element. In one embodiment, the anchoring element includes a first implant part such as a flexible layer implantable in the inframandibular region and the scar tissue is formed on, in, and/or around the first implant part. The tongue implant is coupled with the anchoring element and/or the scar tissue through the at least one arm. The length of the at least one arm may be adjusted for shifting the tongue anteriorly.

Abstract: Method and devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include one or more individual fluid filled pods which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid pad localized along a central portion. Both the one or more pods and inner fluid pad are then enclosed entirely by another layer of fluid within an outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the fluid layers may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers and may restrict or limit the expansion or movement of the fluid pods and/or fluid pads.

Abstract: Condoms having an elastomeric layer and coating containing an anhydrous warming lubricant and at least one or more ingredients dispersed therein, the coating being disposed on one or both surfaces are provided. The ingredients disposed on the elastomeric layer can be solid particles or encapsulated ingredients that are insoluble in the anhydrous warming lubricant and soluble in water. Methods of producing and using these condoms are also provided.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods develop static and/or kinetic and/or pressure forces to fixate or brace tissue in targeted pharyngeal structures and individual anatomic components within the pharyngeal conduit.

Abstract: A draping system provides a continuous sterile field between a patient incision area and one or more medical practitioners. The draping system has a quick release system incorporated into the drape that enables a medical practitioner to separate from the continuous sterile field without disrupting the sterile field around the practitioner or the patient. The draping system may include an abbreviated practitioner gown, a drain and an integral patient incision area or a flap for extending the continuous sterile field around to one or more additional operating room tables. A modular drape and gown system extends the sterile field beyond the operating table allowing practitioners to couple to the extended field. A tent provides an enclosed sterile field useful in mobile or other non operating room surgical environments. Integral lighting and information displays facilitate field surgical procedures.

Abstract: A method of performing at least one surgical procedure is disclosed. The method includes: preparing a patient for a first surgical procedure; making a first incision through the skin of the patient in accordance with the first surgical procedure; exposing a target area for the first surgical procedure through the first incision; performing a step of the first surgical procedure on the target area for the first surgical procedure; placing a protective pad with a fluid pocket between a vulnerable anatomical part and the target area for the first surgical procedure; and closing the first incision in accordance with the first surgical procedure with the protective pad between the vulnerable anatomical part and the target area. A protective system for facilitating revision surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for prevention of snoring in the form of a neck collar (1) with a middle section (2) for placement under the chin of a user, side sections (3, 4) connecting to said middle section and end parts (5, 6), optionally connectable to each other, consisting of a core of foam plastic contained in a covering. The foam plastic is a soft foam plastic, an opening (7) is formed in said middle section (2) and resilient means (14; 15; 27; 28) for adjustment of the height of the opening (7) and thereby the height of the middle section (2) are arranged in said opening (7).

Abstract: An ankle brace is configured with a lateral anterior talofibular (ATF) strap and an inversion control strap affixed to a non-rigid brace body coupled to a semi-rigid orthotic arch support. The brace may be quickly donned and doffed by a wearer, and provides prophylactic or post-injury support to the ATF ligament without unduly restricting the wearer's motion. As a result, the wearer may participate in physical activity without significant impairment in range of motion.

Abstract: A hip orthosis, provided with a trunk engaging part and an upper leg engaging part which are intercoupled by coupling means, wherein the coupling comprise at least one resilient element for operatively preventing an adducting movement of an upper leg engaged by the upper leg engaging part by means of spring force.

Abstract: A low density fabric substrate for a medical bandaging product. The substrate has a plurality of longitudinally-extending voids formed in the fabric for permitting water penetration through the fabric thickness from one of the major faces to the other major faces. A reactive system is impregnated into or coated onto the substrate and remains stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardens upon exposure to sufficient moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. A soft, flexible protective material covers at least one of the major faces of the substrate along its length to provide a cushioning barrier between the substrate and the skin of a patient when the material is in use.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal is disclosed. An exemplary device comprises a permeable structure having a plurality of depressions formed in a surface thereof. In use, the surface having the depressions is disposed adjacent a surface of the wound. A method of manufacturing a therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal comprising the steps of providing a permeable substrate, and forming a plurality of depressions into a surface of the permeable substrate to provide the therapeutic device. A method of treating a wound comprises: providing a permeable structure comprising a plurality of randomly disposed fibers and having i) a plurality of wound surface contact elements disposed between end portions of the structure, and ii) a plurality of voids defined by the contact elements; and applying the permeable structure to at least one surface of the wound.

Abstract: A device for protecting an area of skin of a human body includes a plate. The plate includes a first face covered by an external layer and a second face opposite the external layer. The second face is configured to be applied onto an area of skin to be protected. The plate also includes a protective part made of a polymer gel and at least one adhesive part made of a polymer gel. The protective part is configured to ensure mechanical protection of the area to be protected and the adhesive part is configured to come into contact with the skin. The adhesive part has an adhesive power greater than an adhesive power of the protective layer to hold the plate on the area to be protected.

Abstract: The invention described is directed to an intracorporeal occluding device having elements with non-traumatic ends and devices, systems and methods for occluding the lumens of anatomical passageways and/or for delivering drugs or other substances to the bodies of human or animal subjects.

Abstract: A device and method for treating an ingrown nail condition is provided. The method prevents a phenol solution that is applied during a P & A procedure from coming into contact with the surrounding skin and nail bed. The device is essentially a plastic tube which comes in different lengths and widths and has a specially shaped aperture located at one end. A stick-shaped cotton applicator is inserted through the tube so as to ensure direct application of the phenol solution onto only the nail matrix. As a result, the phenol solution is prevented from coming into contact with the skin and nail bed, thereby reducing post-operative healing time, post-operative infection and post-operative pain.

Abstract: A TemporoMandibular Joint (TMJ) balancing appliance and a method for using the same are provided, in which a first base portion accommodates incisor teeth, a second base portion is extended from a left side of the first base portion and accommodates left molar teeth, and a third base portion is extended from a right side of the first base portion and accommodates right molar teeth. The first base portion includes an upper part for accommodating upper incisor teeth and a lower part for accommodating lower incisor teeth and has a center for accommodating the upper and lower incisor teeth higher than the left and right sides.

Abstract: A joint drive type link mechanism provided with a link including a joint portion at an intermediary thereof, and a driving source for the joint portion, wherein a link member configuring the link is mounted with the driving source and electric components used for the control of the driving source, in which the link is prevented from being heated by the heat of the electric components is provided. The link member includes an interior space in which the electric components are arranged and has the driving source is arranged thereon with an air inlet connecting to the interior space and an exhaust outlet for exhausting the air passing through the interior space. Further, the interior space is provided with fans as well as a heat sink for cooling the air after air-cooling the electric components.

Abstract: A spacing member can be positioned between teeth of the athlete to obtain a desired position between the upper and lower jaw. At least one bite registration can be recorded while the lower jaw is in the desired position. The desired position can range from the physiological resting position, to a performance position, in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly in relation to the physiological resting position. The mouthpiece can be formed to include a pair of bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws generally according to the desired position, and a connecting portion can connect the bite portions within the mouth. The connecting portion may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.

Abstract: This invention relates to condoms, prophylactics and contraceptive devices made of silicone rubber having a body comprising a plurality of sections that are capable of folding telescopically, such that each section folds into an adjoining section.