Abstract: A hand-held instrument coagulates suture knots for enhanced security, preferably applying heat to thermoplastic materials. The instrument includes a proximal end adapted for gripping by a user, and a distal tip with a heating element activated by a user control. A knot-retaining feature is provided which allows the tool to function as a knot slider or pusher prior to sealing. The retaining feature may be a fork-shaped element, or may including a surface in communication with a tube, channel or groove, tube, enabling one or more strands of suture material to be dressed away from the tip when heated. The electrical conductors used to activate the heating element at the tip of the tool may be bipolar or unipolar, in which case the body of the patient is utilized as the return electrical path through a grounding pad. The tool may be entirely self-contained and battery operated, and the distal portion of the tool may be provided as a removable insert to existing Bovie instruments.

Abstract: An entirely self-contained, patient-worn apparatus for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, and other conditions includes an inflatable/deflatable bladder disposed against an extremity such as the upper calf, foot, or hand of a patient, or within a cast. An inelastic member is preferably used to fully enclose the bladder and body part, such that compressive forces are directed substantially entirely against the body part of the patient when the bladder expands, thereby conserving the power and reducing the volume of pneumatic compression required to operate the device. Given this conservation of energy, the invention may be battery operated from a source immediately proximate to the bladder arrangement, enabling the entire device to be self-contained and, in fact, worn by the patient. The reduced volume also allows the use of miniaturized components including the compressor motor and compressor.

Abstract: An entirely self-contained, patient-worn apparatus for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, and other conditions includes an inflatable/deflatable bladder disposed against an extremity such as the upper calf, foot, or hand of a patient, or within a cast. An inelastic member is preferably used to fully enclose the bladder and body part, such that compressive forces are directed substantially entirely against the body part of the patient when the bladder expands, thereby conserving the power and reducing the volume of pneumatic compression required to operate the device. Given this conservation of energy, the invention may be battery operated from a source immediately proximate to the bladder arrangement, enabling the entire device to be self-contained and, in fact, worn by the patient. The reduced volume also allows the use of miniaturized components including the compressor motor and compressor.