Abstract: In a hearing protection earplug made of foamed material, provision is made in order to attain a defined attenuation and avoid annoyances caused by self-generated sounds, that the surface of the hearing protection earplug has hollows in the area of the inner end face. The hearing protection earplug includes a main body having a central center longitudinal axis and in the direction of this central center longitudinal axis an axially inner end face and an axially outer end face. In the area of the inner end face, surface area enlarging inner hollows are provided, one of which, in the form of an inner central longitudinal hollow, extends inward longitudinally relative to the center longitudinal axis, starting from the inner end face. Also provided is an outer central longitudinal hollow that extends inward longitudinally relative to the center longitudinal axis, starting from the outer end face.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a product and method to restrain movement, and more particularly to a product and method to releasably restrain the movement of a part of the human body, such as an arm or a leg. In one embodiment of the invention, a first piece is releasably positioned at a part of the body the movement of which is desired to be restrained and a second piece is positioned at the desired location of restraint. The first piece and the second piece are adapted to be releasably connected to each other, such as by magnetic forces, the attractive magnetic forces of two or more magnets, or by mechanical forces such as by a snap, button, buckle, pin, hook and loop fastener or other device.

Abstract: A traction device comprises a frame, a first bladder portion, a second bladder portion, a strap, and a pump. The first bladder expands in an outward direction a distance greater than in a transverse direction. The second bladder expands in an angular direction. The second bladder is positioned generally below and to the side of the first bladder. The frame is secured to the user's head. Upon expanding in the outward direction, the first bladder bears against the back of the user's neck and forces the cervical spine to curve forwardly. Upon expanding in the transverse direction, the first bladder applies an angular traction to the cervical spine. Upon expanding in the angular direction, the second bladder bears angularly against the back of the user's upper thoracic region and forces the thoracic spine to decompress and reduces hyper-kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine.

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 system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body includes an adjustment element configured to allow in-situ adjustment of the implant body between first and second tensioning forces applied to the site. Methods of using such systems are also provided.

Abstract: The medical protective cover includes a semi-ovoid shell configured to cover a wound or intravenous site. The shell is attached to a patient's limb or extremity by a pair of adhesive tabs extending from longitudinal ends of the shell and a plurality of adjustable straps extending laterally from the shell. A plurality of ventilation holes longitudinally extend along lateral edges of the shell to allow passage of air for keeping the covered area dry. Each longitudinal end of the shell includes a pair of tubing ports to facilitate mounting and passage of IV infusion tubing to an IV catheter or cannula. The top of the shell also includes a selectively opened slot that permits passage of a needle for the administration or withdrawal of fluids through an access port of the catheter.

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: Methods and devices of sterilization by which the ovarian pathway is occluded by a plug, wherein placement of the plug may be visually confirmed. Other methods and devices are also described.

Abstract: A hinge brace for supporting and restricting the range of motion of a patient's joint and methods of using the brace. The hinge brace includes a hinge with a first setting arm and second setting arm, corresponding, respectively, to a maximum angle of extension and maximum angle of flexion of the joint. The hinge can be adjusted using a single hand or finger. The hinge can be fitted to a variety of patients by using a telescopic extension mechanism.

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: Described herein are systems and apparatuses for enhanced comfort through contact pressure reduction. In particular, the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein prevent or otherwise mitigate pressure by actively orienting a patient over an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface on which the patient rests. A pressure-mitigating contact portion of the contact surface includes a plurality of independently pressurized chambers configured in a specific geometric pattern that is designed to mitigate contact pressure between a support surface (e.g., bed or chair) and a specific anatomic region of a patient's body when the specific anatomic region of the patient's body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern.

Abstract: A system for providing a force to a desired area on a curved body part of a person includes a dressing assembly shaped and configured to be placed on the desired area of the person, a releaseable circumferential member surrounding the curved body part that holds the dressing assembly against the desired area, a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal over the dressing assembly and the person's skin, and a reduced-pressure subsystem for providing a reduced pressure to the dressing assembly. When reduced pressure is supplied, the system generates the force against the desired area on the curved body part.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for protecting a wound and managing exudate released from the wound comprising a dressing having a support cushion for surrounding the wound and periwound region; a wicking strip for application in the periwound region between the support cushion and the wound; and a reservoir for application over the wicking strip, the wicking strip configured to transfer exudate from the wound to the reservoir, where the exudate is sequestered. Various alternative embodiments are described in which the wicking strip may be custom-fit to approximate an irregular wound margin, to apply a preferred pressure gradient to the periwound regions, to periodically apply fluids to the wound bed or to apply negative pressure wound therapy. Methods of applying the dressing also are provided.

Abstract: A method of treating prolapse of a vagina includes securing a base of a support to tissue by inserting an anchor into the tissue, the anchor coupled to the support via an interconnecting member, securing a leg of the support that extends from the base of the support to a cuff of the vagina, and adjusting elevation of the cuff of the vagina relative to a patient's sacrum by sliding the interconnecting member relative to the anchor.

Abstract: A hyperbaric dressing has a fluid impermeable sheet and a fluid permeable layer with a sheet of porous material positioned between these two layers with passageways to permit fluid to flow out of the dressing.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of an anti-fatigue device includes a framework worn adjacent a body of a user; and interaction of a cable and the framework provides an anti-gravity support of the body that reduces user fatigue from an activity the user performs. In another exemplary embodiment, the anti-fatigue device includes a head support halo coupled to the framework, the head support halo provides an anti-gravity support of the head that reduces user fatigue while the user performs the activity. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the anti-fatigue device includes a leg support that substantially secures the framework adjacent the body while the user stands to perform the activity. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the anti-fatigue device includes a seat plate worn adjacent a buttock of the user substantially secures the framework adjacent the body while the user sits on the buttock to perform the activity.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system configured to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures. In one variation, this robotic surgical system includes an instrument driver configured to steer an elongate instrument of an instrument assembly in one or more degrees of motion. A drape is disposed between the instrument driver and the instrument assembly. A drive interface apparatus is operatively coupled to the drape. The drape and drive interface apparatus may form a fluid barrier between the instrument driver and the instrument assembly. Drive interface apparatus may be disposed on a top surface of the instrument driver and on a bottom surface of the instrument assembly. The drive interface apparatus may transmit torque from the instrument driver to the instrument assembly. The input torque drives a pulley in the instrument assembly that operates one or more control wires to steer an elongate instrument of the instrument assembly for performing minimally invasive surgical procedures.

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.