Abstract: A device (1) includes a first web of soft material (5), a projecting structure integral with the web and including multiple discrete projecting elements. The projecting elements include pieces of foam (3) spaced apart form one another and integral with the first web (5). The pieces of foam are compressed between the first web (5) and a second web (7) of soft material, the two webs mutually adhering between the projecting elements. The device is useful for treating various types of edemas and excessive tissue infiltration, as well as for repairing sports injury.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an extremity during tissue irrigation and debridement and containing and capturing fluid and tissue debris resulting therefrom includes an extremity-supporting base and barrier shroud. The apparatus can be used to control drainage of fluid and tissue debris during irrigation and debridement. The apparatus supports and encloses a patient extremity, such as an arm or a leg. The base has a length, proximal end (i.e., nearest the patient's body), and distal end (i.e., farthest from the patient's body). The base may comprise an open-cell foam that is non-collapsible to provide a support surface with a fixed length. The shroud has a top portion, bottom portion, and shroud drainage opening. The shroud can be selectively moveable between a first position in which the support surface is unobstructed to facilitate placement of an extremity thereon and a second position in the shroud at least partially encloses the extremity.

Abstract: A medical drape has a tool-less removal feature and includes a drape material, a drape cut, an adhesive tape strip, and a scoreline. The drape material has a top side, a back side, and at least one exterior edge. The drape cut has a starting point at the exterior edge and extends completely through the thickness of the drape material. The adhesive tape strip is positioned along the length of the drape cut to overlap at least a portion of the drape material on both sides of the drape cut to initially secure the two adjoining cut edges to each other. The scoreline extends along the length of the adhesive tape strip and only partially through the thickness of the adhesive tape strip to permit easy tearing of the adhesive tape strip for separation of the two adjoining cut edges.

Abstract: A valved nasal cannula adapted to provide a positive pressure in the airway using the breathing of the intended user as a source of positive pressure without the need for an external source of energy and/or compressed air. The cannula is designed so as to be relatively easily insertable and retractable into and from the nasal vestibule portion of the nose of the intended user without requiring manual dexterity.

Abstract: The disclosed garment includes a bra. The bra includes an anterior portion and a posterior portion, and the bra is fabricated from an elastomeric material. The garment also includes a spine band attached to the posterior portion of the bra and fabricated from an elastomeric material. The spine band extends longitudinally across the posterior portion of the bra from a neck region of the bra toward a waist portion of the bra. In use, the spine band is positioned over a spine of a wearer and stimulates cutaneous nerve receptors in a portion of a wearer's skin underneath the spine band.

Abstract: A drape is disclosed for use during a surgical procedure in a sterile work area. The drape may include a cloth configured to at least partially cover a patient during a surgical procedure. The cloth may have a patient-side and a physician-side. The drape may also include a pocket attached to the cloth. The pocket may have at least one wall that is at least partially transparent, and an opening that is accessible via only the patient-side of the cloth.

Abstract: A brace comprises a belt and removably attachable vertical strut(s). Each vertical strut can comprise one or more of a strut(s), thoracic pad(s), hip pad(s), lumbar support pad(s), chest support pad(s), de-rotation pad(s), or any other component suitable to assist or restrict movement of a wearer's body, reduce or apply a force to a wearer's body, correct the shape of a wearer's body, reduce pain, or provide support to a wearer's body. It is contemplated that each component can be removable or adjustable from a vertical strut or belt.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus, to be used during a medical procedure to support a patient's arm, which generally includes an armboard and an optional wrist support device attached to a patient that may be removably connected to the armboard, and a general method of use.

Abstract: A device and a method for creating and/or maintaining an obstruction free upper airway. The device is configured to fit under the chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device is capable of exerting negative pressure on the surface of a subject's neck, displacing the soft tissue forward and enlarging the airway.

Abstract: A method for external ear canal pressure regulation to alleviate one or more symptoms associated with a disorder or treat one or more disorders, the method including providing a fluid transfer device which generates a fluid flow of a fluid through an earplug, the earplug having an earplug external surface configured to sealably engage an external ear canal wall as a barrier between an external ear canal pressure and an ambient pressure; sealably engaging the earplug of the fluid transfer device with the external ear canal wall as the barrier between the external ear canal pressure and the ambient pressure; and operating the fluid transfer device to generate the fluid flow of the fluid through the earplug to achieve an external ear canal pressure differential between the external ear canal pressure and the ambient pressure effective to alleviate a disorder symptom or treat a disorder.

Abstract: A device to increase a person's awareness of his or her breathing rhythm is disclosed. The device includes a clip, an air deflection plate, and a hinge connecting the air deflection plate to the clip. The air deflection plate may rotate about the hinge, relative to the clip. The air deflection plate may at least partially occlude a user's nostril when the clip is attached to the user's nose.

Abstract: A device (1) includes a first web of soft material (5), a projecting structure integral with the web and including multiple discrete projecting elements. The projecting elements include pieces of foam (3) spaced apart form one another and integral with the first web (5). The pieces of foam are compressed between the first web (5) and a second web (7) of soft material, the two webs mutually adhering between the projecting elements. The device is useful for treating various types of edemas and excessive tissue infiltration, as well as for repairing sports injury.

Abstract: A water-resistant orthopedic undercast sleeve that includes a tubular sheet material formed of extruded filaments having water-resistant properties and a thickness sufficient to provide both cushioning and moisture transport in a single layer between a cast and a limb onto which the sleeve is applied. The water resistant properties are achieved by at least one process, including a water-resistant filler, finish or coating applied to the filaments during extrusion, applying a water resistant finish to the finish during extrusion, applying a water resistant finish to the filaments during a subsequent spinning process, or coating the filaments with a water-resistant finish in a separate process. Moisture egress channels are formed in the sheet material for transporting moisture away from the limb, longitudinally along the length of the sleeve, and out of the space between the sleeve and cast.

Abstract: An adjustable brace includes a first portion for supporting one surface of a patient and a plurality of adjustable portions that allow the internal cross section of the brace to be adjusted. When a limb is injured, a patient may have a swollen limb and the adjustable brace can be set to a large cross section. As the limb heals, the swelling decreases and the limb cross section also decreases due to atrophy. The adjustable couplings are adjusted to reduce the cross section to properly fit the limb of the patient and provide proper protection and support during the healing process.

Abstract: A face mask with full-face, wrap-around protection is disclosed. The face mask has a filter mask portion with an attached face shield portion and is adapted to be compatible with loupes and a loupe light. Specifically, the central portion of the face shield includes a horizontally centered cut out that extends downwardly from a top edge. The cut out is sized and positioned to allow a loupe light to pass through. The central portion of the face shield is hingedly connected to a pair of side portions. The side portions may include openings that allow straps from the filter mask to pass through and secure the side portions against the head.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has an elongate, tubular body defining a patella opening located generally at a center portion of the tubular body. A patella buttress including a buttress pocket is located on the tubular body and about the patella opening. The buttress pocket has various stretchability characteristics relative to the tubular body. A buttress element is associated with the buttress pocket.

Abstract: Methods and devices to prevent and/or treat breathing disorders (e.g., upper airway disorders) in mammals related to impaired airflow are described. Methods and devices apply force to soft tissue that avoids obstruction of airflow in the mammel's airway. Breathing disorders that are avoided by the methods and/or devices include apnea.

Abstract: An oral appliance provides electrical stimulation to a patient's tongue in a manner that prevents collapse of the tongue and/or soft palate during sleep. More specifically, the appliance may induce a reversible current or currents in a lateral direction across the tongue in a manner that shortens the patient's Palatoglossus muscle, which in turn pulls the patient's soft palate downward towards a base of the tongue, and/or decreases a volume of the tongue.

Abstract: An oral appliance is disclosed that provides electrical stimulation to a patient's tongue in a manner that prevents collapse of the tongue and/or soft palate during sleep. More specifically, the appliance may induce a reversible current or currents in a lateral direction across the tongue in a manner that shortens the patient's Palatoglossus muscle, which in turn pulls the patient's soft palate downward towards a base of the tongue and/or decreases a volume of the tongue.

Abstract: An intrauterine contraceptive device may include a frame made completely or partially of a first metal having a first galvanic potential and at least one metallic member coupled with the frame that is made of a second metal having a second galvanic potential different from the first galvanic potential. In some embodiments, the first galvanic potential may be more anodic than the second galvanic potential. In alternative embodiments, the first galvanic potential may be more cathodic than the second galvanic potential. In one embodiment, the first metal is Nitinol, and the second metal is copper. In some embodiments, the first and second galvanic potentials may be configured to achieve, at least approximately, a desired copper ion elution rate for the intrauterine device.