Abstract: A compression device (10) comprising an inflatable bladder (12), an optional controller (14), a source of fluidic pressure (16), and a cuff (18) at least partially housing the inflatable bladder and capable of being attached to a body part (20) of a living being. The controller is in fluid communication with the source of fluidic pressure and the inflatable bladder. The controller is capable of maintaining the fluid pressure that the source of fluidic pressure supplies to the inflatable bladder at a constant fluid pressure, even if the body part to which the device is attached decreases in volume. The source of fluidic pressure can be container of compressed fluid, like carbon dioxide. The source of fluidic pressure and the controller can be removably attachable to the cuff. A method of using the device to maintain constant pressure to decrease the volume of a limb or to lessen lymphedema.

Abstract: A body limb measurement device (10) comprising a track (12), a cart (14), and a laser source (16) fixedly attached to the cart. The cart is capable of linearly moving along the track. The device can further include a vertical support (18) having a pivot (20), and the track can comprise a pivot receiver (22), wherein the pivot receiver (22) is rotatably attached to the pivot (20). The track (12) can include units of length measurement (24) embedded therein. The cart (14) can include a reference point (26) to correspond to the units of length measurement, to track the cart's position on the track (12). A method of measuring a body part (28) comprising the steps of moving the cart (14) along the track (12) to measure the distance between a first edge (32) and a second edge (34) of the body part (28).

Abstract: An anti-infective stethoscope is described that comprises a tube member; a head member operably connected to the tube member; and first and second earpieces operably connected to the tube member, wherein the tube member and head member include an antimicrobial barrier mechanism. The earpieces may also include an antimicrobial barrier mechanism. According to one embodiment, the antimicrobial barrier mechanism may be provided in the form of a cover comprising an antimicrobial substance wherein the cover operably covers the tube member and head member of the stethoscope. In a preferred form, the antimicrobial barrier mechanism is an antimicrobial substance applied to the tube member, head member, and optionally the earpieces.

Abstract: An anti-infective stethoscope is described that comprises a tube member; a head member operably connected to the tube member; and first and second earpieces operably connected to the tube member, wherein the tube member and head member include an antimicrobial barrier mechanism. The earpieces may also include an antimicrobial barrier mechanism. According to one embodiment, the antimicrobial barrier mechanism may be provided in the form of a cover comprising an antimicrobial substance wherein the cover operably covers the tube member and head member of the stethoscope. In a preferred form, the antimicrobial barrier mechanism is an antimicrobial substance applied to the tube member, head member, and optionally the earpieces.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for collecting medical waste fluids. The apparatus includes: a medical waste collection container for collecting medical waste fluids; first and second electrically conductive sensing elements disposed inside the container so as to be exposed to fluid collected in the container, where the first and second sensing elements are located inside the container at a position corresponding to a full fluid level at which point the container is full of fluid; and an electronic circuit coupled to the sensing elements for generating a full alarm signal when the electronic circuit determines that current can flow between the first and second sensing elements as a result of fluid in the container reaching the full fluid level and thereby completing a current path between the first and second sensing elements.

Abstract: A system is provided for the treatment of wounds by applying a negative pressure to a wound. The system comprises an electronically controlled suction regulator that comprises: a vacuum regulator, a coupler for coupling the vacuum regulator to an external vacuum source, a valve connected to the vacuum regulator for supplying a negative pressure to the wound, and a control circuit for generating control signals for controlling the valve so that negative pressure may be continuously or intermittently supplied to the wound. The system further comprises a wound dressing provided at the wound site and coupled to the electrically operated valve. The wound dressing comprises a wound dressing pad for placing over the wound, and a wound drape provided over the wound dressing pad and the wound site for sealing the wound site for application of the negative pressure.