Abstract: An apparatus includes a pressure housing configured to be coupled to a vacuum source and a diaphragm sealingly coupled to the pressure housing. The diaphragm is configured to move in response to the vacuum source. A magnet is coupled to the diaphragm. A magnetic switch is disposed opposite the magnet and is configured to be actuated by the magnet when the magnet is a predetermined distance from the magnetic switch. The magnetic switch is configured to selectively actuate the vacuum source.

Abstract: An adhesive flange attachment reinforcer for a suction port of tubing for a wound healing device includes a polymer film which has one side including an adhesive wherein the film includes a slit extending inwardly from an edge of the film and defines an opening to receive the flange of a suction port therethrough. The reinforcer includes at least one aspect of its peripheral configuration which is larger than the peripheral configuration of the suction port and interconnection thereof with a treatment site which includes use of a semi-permeable and flexible plastic sheet having an opening therein which is generally aligned with the suction port and to which the reinforcer adheres. A disposable therapeutic device includes employing the suction port which can include the reinforcer.

Abstract: An adhesive flange attachment reinforcer for a suction port of tubing for a wound healing device includes a polymer film which has one side including an adhesive wherein the film includes a slit extending inwardly from an edge of the film and defines an opening to receive the flange of a suction port therethrough. The reinforcer includes at least one aspect of its peripheral configuration which is larger than the peripheral configuration of the suction port and interconnection thereof with a treatment site which includes use of a semi-permeable and flexible plastic sheet having an opening therein which is generally aligned with the suction port and to which the reinforcer adheres. A disposable therapeutic device includes employing the suction port which can include the reinforcer.

Abstract: A disposable therapeutic device for the promotion of wound healing, providing fluid irrigation and vacuum drainage of a wound includes a housing containing a controller and fluid moving device in a waterproof manner, the fluid moving means capable of raising, compressing, or transferring fluid, the controller equipped to restrict fluid moving device in accordance with a predetermined treatment plan or duration, a chargeable power source removably connected to the housing, an optional therapeutic member of a compressible dressing or inflatable cuff to provide hemostasis, an identification member for regulating the operation of the device in accordance with a predetermined treatment plan, a disposable container, a pressure sensor and a control display panel.

Abstract: A method for providing negative pressure wound healing in a deep wound having a cavity includes the steps of (a) fashioning at least a first part of a therapeutic dressing to fit generally within the cavity, (b) operably associating a fluid moving means with the therapeutic dressing for enabling one of compressing the therapeutic dressing and transferring fluid across at least part of the therapeutic dressing, and (c) enabling the fluid moving means in a manner to deliver therapy to the patient. A therapeutic member for use in negative pressure wound healing includes a porous member formed and includes a hydrogel coating on a side thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a fluid permeable dressing and a cover membrane configured to extend over the fluid permeable dressing. A tube is coupled to the fluid permeable dressing and is configured to apply suction through the fluid permeable dressing. A fluid reservoir is coupled to the cover membrane, the fluid vessel including an inlet port configured to receive a fluid and an outlet port fluidically coupled to the fluid permeable dressing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing concurrent applications of intermittent pneumatic compression therapy and vacuum assisted closure therapy generally comprises a wound dressing for introduction of a negative pressure into a wound on a patient's foot and a foot wrap for application of positive, compressive forces to substantially all of the patient's foot. A suction pump, having an associated vacuum sensor and first feedback mechanism, supplies negative pressure to the wound dressing. A ventable source of pressurized gas, having an associated pressure transducer and second feedback mechanism, supplies positive force to the foot wrap. At least one control system is operably associated with the suction pump and ventable source of pressurized gas for controlling the negative and positive applications of pressure to the patient's foot. Controlled modes for operation include continuous or intermittent application of one or both therapies and simultaneous or cycled application of the therapies.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a fluid permeable dressing and a cover membrane configured to extend over the fluid permeable dressing. A tube is coupled to the fluid permeable dressing and is configured to apply suction through the fluid permeable dressing. A fluid reservoir is coupled to the cover membrane, the fluid vessel including an inlet port configured to receive a fluid and an outlet port fluidically coupled to the fluid permeable dressing.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cutting tool configured to cut a wound dressing and a tube having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The proximal end portion of the tube is operatively coupled to a suction source. The distal end portion of the tube is configured to be positioned relative to the cutting tool such that particulate debris is received in the distal end portion of the tube when the cutting tool cuts the wound dressing and the suction source is operating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing concurrent applications of intermittent pneumatic compression therapy and vacuum assisted closure therapy generally comprises a wound dressing for introduction of a negative pressure into a wound on a patient's foot and a foot wrap for application of positive, compressive forces to substantially all of the patients foot. A suction pump, having an associated vacuum sensor and first feedback mechanism, supplies negative pressure to the wound dressing. A ventable source of pressurized gas, having an associated pressure transducer and second feedback mechanism, supplies positive force to the foot wrap. At least one control system is operably associated with the suction pump and ventable source of pressurized gas for controlling the negative and positive applications of pressure to the patient's foot. Controlled modes for operation include continuous or intermittent application of one or both therapies and simultaneous or cycled application of the therapies.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pressure housing configured to be coupled to a vacuum source and a diaphragm sealingly coupled to the pressure housing. The diaphragm is configured to move in response to the vacuum source. A magnet is coupled to the diaphragm. A magnetic switch is disposed opposite the magnet and is configured to be actuated by the magnet when the magnet is a predetermined distance from the magnetic switch. The magnetic switch is configured to selectively actuate the vacuum source.

Abstract: A wound dressing defines a channel. The channel includes a body portion having a width and a neck portion having a width less than the width of the body portion.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a fluid permeable dressing and a cover membrane configured to extend over the fluid permeable dressing. A tube is coupled to the fluid permeable dressing and is configured to apply suction through the fluid permeable dressing. A fluid reservoir is coupled to the cover membrane, the fluid vessel including an inlet port configured to receive a fluid and an outlet port fluidically coupled to the fluid permeable dressing.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pressure housing configured to be coupled to a vacuum source and a diaphragm sealingly coupled to the pressure housing. The diaphragm is configured to move in response to the vacuum source. A magnet is coupled to the diaphragm. A magnetic switch is disposed opposite the magnet and is configured to be actuated by the magnet when the magnet is a predetermined distance from the magnetic switch. The magnetic switch is configured to selectively actuate the vacuum source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing concurrent applications of intermittent pneumatic compression therapy and vacuum assisted closure therapy generally comprises a wound dressing for introduction of a negative pressure into a wound on a patient's foot and a foot wrap for application of positive, compressive forces to substantially all of the patients foot. A suction pump, having an associated vacuum sensor and first feedback mechanism, supplies negative pressure to the wound dressing. A ventable source of pressurized gas, having an associated pressure transducer and second feedback mechanism, supplies positive force to the foot wrap. At least one control system is operably associated with the suction pump and ventable source of pressurized gas for controlling the negative and positive applications of pressure to the patient's foot. Controlled modes for operation include continuous or intermittent application of one or both therapies and simultaneous or cycled application of the therapies.

Abstract: A protocol for body fat management comprises the steps of stimulating the release of free fatty acids into the bloodstream of a person and, within 20 minutes thereafter, ingesting into the person a collagen-based formula. The stimulating step may be conducted by delivering a low voltage alternating current to the person's body, which may be accomplished utilizing an electronic stimulation device to deliver the current to the feet of the person. The device may be provided with the capability for adjustment of both the voltage level and frequency of the current as well as the capability to enable operation of the device only upon payment to a service provider of a fee.

Abstract: A response to an advertisement driven stimulus is effected by locating a portable device at a terrestrial position at a point in time; identifying a fixed point advertisement in proximity to the portable device based upon the device's terrestrial position; and providing a response specific to the fixed point advertisement. The point in time is determined by activation of a switch associated with the portable device, whereafter the device is located by receiving a navigational signal. Communication is automatically established with a central data server where the fixed point advertisement is identified by comparing the terrestrial position of the portable device with a plurality of tabulated positions of fixed point advertisements. A unique identifier within the portable device and the position of the portable device are utilized by the data server to tailor a specific response to the advertisement based stimulus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing concurrent applications of intermittent pneumatic compression therapy and vacuum assisted closure therapy generally comprises a wound dressing for introduction of a negative pressure into a wound on a patient's foot and a foot wrap for application of positive, compressive forces to substantially all of the patients foot. A suction pump, having an associated vacuum sensor and first feedback mechanism, supplies negative pressure to the wound dressing. A ventable source of pressurized gas, having an associated pressure transducer and second feedback mechanism, supplies positive force to the foot wrap. At least one control system is operably associated with the suction pump and ventable source of pressurized gas for controlling the negative and positive applications of pressure to the patient's foot. Controlled modes for operation include continuous or intermittent application of one or both therapies and simultaneous or cycled application of the therapies.