Abstract: A tear and fatigue resistant gels, gel composites, and gel articles including collapsible articles having two or more communicating internal volumes like cavities when depressed by external pressure or force is capable of collapsing unto itself in a controllable and directionally preselected manner by venting static air within said internal through openings in said gel article, said gel of said article having rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom suitable for cushioning, cushioning composites, cushioning gel liners, cushioning composite gel liners, and other uses of selected shape gels, gel composites, and articles.

Abstract: A pediatric digital wrap comprising a flexible T-shaped base member having a first end adapted to fold over and substantially cover a finger tip of a patient's injured digit. A removable insert comprising a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive with a non-adhesive center pad provides protection and padding for the injured digit. The removable insert is secured to the first side of the base member so that the insert is placed directly over the wound of the patient's digit when the first end is folded over the patient's finger tip. A finger strap wraps around the periphery of the patient's injured digit below the patient's finger tip and serves to secure the first end of the base member over the finger tip of the injured digit. A wrist strap is disposed perpendicular to the first end of the base member and adapted to wrap around a patient's wrist.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace is adaptable for either left or right sided use. The brace includes a softgood pad having a distal edge, a proximal edge opposite the distal edge, a dorsal edge, and a radial edge opposite the dorsal edge. A strap retainer is disposed on the radial or ulnar edge, and a strap pod is removably attachable to the pad in a left or right sided closure position. The strap pod cooperates with the strap retainer to secure the pad closed about a left limb, when the strap pod is attached in the left sided closure position, or about a right limb, when the strap pod is attached in the right sided closure position. A distal retention strap extends from the pad proximate to the distal and radial edges, and a reversible fastening member is coupled to the distal retention strap.

Abstract: A dressing having a flexible sleeve shaped to accommodate a substantially cylindrical body portion, the sleeve having a lining which is substantially non-adherent to the body part being bandaged and having a peripheral securement means which attaches two peripheral portions to each other without those portions being circumferentially adhered to the sleeve portion.

Abstract: A hybrid immobilisation device which is provided to cover at least a part of a patients' body that needs to be supported and/or immobilised, the immobilisation device being at least partly made of a plastic material.

Abstract: A joint is created by stretching stretchable material and detachably/re-attachably attaching the stretched material to an attachment means such as a piece of hook-type fastener. The joint can be used in wraps for wounds, with or without supports.

Abstract: A knee brace having a frame with separate proximal and distal portions extending across an anterior side of the brace. The brace also includes a ventilated spacer element connected to the frame, and generally corresponding in size to the proximal and distal frame portions. The spacer element has a compressible core and a frictional feature disposed over the core. The frictional feature is arranged to prevent rotation of the brace on a leg of a wearer of the brace.

Abstract: A method for applying pressure to a person's body includes the steps of: (a) positioning a collar such that, (i) the appendage axially extends into and out of the collar on opposite axial ends of the collar, and (ii) a first collar portion surrounds at least a first side of a person's body and a second collar portion surrounds at least a second, opposite side of the person's body; and (b) drawing together the first collar portion and the second collar portion using a tensioning system such that a portion of the person's body is compressed between the first collar portion and the second collar portion. The tensioning system includes a rotary closure device operable to selectively draw together the first collar portion and the second collar portion.

Abstract: An adjustable compression garment comprises a first fabric portion that is moveable relative to a second fabric portion. At least the first fabric portion is comprised of a stretchable material that provides a degree of compression to a human body. A fastening arrangement includes a first fastener device connected to the first fabric portion and a second fastening device connected to the second fabric portion. The fastening device provides an adjustable connection between first fabric portion and the second fabric portion. The fastening device is configured such that the degree of compression provided by the first fabric portion may be increased without disconnecting the first fastener device from the second fastener device.

Abstract: A method of applying therapeutic compression to a patient's body limb, by: (a) measuring the dimensions of a patient's body limb; (b) determining a desired compression profile for the patient's body limb; and (c) forming a compression device comprising a plurality of tension bands dimensioned to be wrapped around the patient's limb, wherein different tension bands have different widths such that applying an equal tension to the bands results in different compressions being applied along the length of the patient's limb such that the desired compression profile is applied to the patient's limb.

Abstract: A knee brace for proprioceptively treating a patient comprises a sleeve having an anchor strap and a viscoelastic pad. The sleeve defines inner and outer sleeve surfaces and is configured to envelop the patient's knee. The anchor strap is circumferentially wrappable about the outer sleeve surface and defines an inner strap surface. The anchor strap has an intermediate anchor portion disposed on the inner strap surface between opposing end anchor portions that are releasably securable to the outer sleeve surface such that tension in the anchor strap may be selectively adjusted. The knee brace includes an elastic band extending along the inner strap surface. The viscoelastic pad is securable on the inner sleeve surface generally opposite to the elastic band such that pressure may be applied to the patient's infrapatellar tendon when the anchor strap is extended over the outer sleeve surface.

Abstract: The proposed device includes two segments adapted to enclose a body part in a form-fitting manner. Each segment contains an electroactive-material-based actuator, which is adapted to receive an electrical control signal and in response thereto adjust the actuator's morphology, so as to cause the segment to apply a basic pressure profile to the body part. A pressure transition is adapted to redistribute the basic pressure profiles between the first and second segments. A control signal in respect of the first segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a first adjusted pressure profile to at least part of the second portion of the body part, and vice versa, a control signal in respect of the second segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a second adjusted pressure profile to at least a part of the first portion of the body part.

Abstract: In a thumb wrap, the combination comprising a user's hand and wrist flexible wrap, a generally tubular portion to receive the user's thumb, said tubular portion being integral with the hand and wrap, a securing strap endwise seamlessly integral with the hand and wrist wrap, and extending with elongation to be wrapped over the hand and wrist wrap palmwise and endwise of the tubular portion and then to be wrapped between the user's thumb and forefinger, and then back over the hand and wrist wrap for tensioned tightening and for the effecting thumb positively supported securement.

Abstract: A flexible joint wrap includes a heat exchange bladder, which provides fluid circulation and compression to a joint. The joint wrap includes upper and lower sections for attachment above and below a joint. The bladder has an opening at a center section which provides flexibility of the bladder. The heat exchange bladder may be enclosed in a removable cover designed to conform to the shape of the bladder. The cover and bladder are formed with an opening in alignment with the joint to provide flexibility to the wrap. The cover may be formed of a fluid repellant inner lining to prevent fluid from the joint from soiling the bladder. The cover may further comprise a nylon loop outer surface to allow the upper and lower sections to be easily attached and adjusted.

Abstract: A cushioning boot for bed-ridden patients. The boot includes a thickly-padded leg engaging portion and foot engaging portion with a front opening for easy insertion of a patient foot and leg. A series of stretchable, adjustable closure panels are removably secured to the boot for positioning and inserted leg in the proper orientation and retaining it in place.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a sheath that fits around at least a portion of the circumference of a finger, optionally comprising a pouch for retaining an insert, for supporting and protecting the finger.

Abstract: A support dressing comprises a conformable material that is capable of conforming to a body part when secured thereto; an adhesive for releasably securing the dressing to said body part; and at least one resilient component that has greater stiffness than the flexible material. It is particularly useful in preventing or reducing undesired torsion, especially of the lower back.

Abstract: A flexible foot relief pad that is wrapped about and secured to the individual's foot in order to relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, restless arms, and foot and leg cramps includes a pliable cloth wrap having a foot engaging portion joined to a securing portion by a fold, with the foot engaging portion enclosing a cavity for holding therein a layered raised pressure application pad that applies pressure to select areas of the inner side and sole of the foot with the layered pad configured so that a portion of the pad extends transverse to the sole of the foot and a raised portion extends along the inner side of the foot for applying pressure to the specific muscle groups involved in restless leg syndrome.

Abstract: An appliance for application to the human body for injury prevention, rehabilitation, support, to enhance strength, and to improve posture. The claimed invention may provide an applicator of a relatively elastic material having a first portion for attachment to a first insertion point of a muscle and a second portion for attachment to a second insertion point of the muscle to provide support to the injured muscle. Alternatively, the claimed invention may provide a central portion for attachment to an injured area and any number of extension portions for attachment to the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A tear and fatigue resistant gel article comprising two or more communicating internal volumes like cavities when depressed by external pressure or force is capable of collapsing unto itself in a controllable and directionally preselected manner by venting static air within said internal through openings in said gel article, said gel article is made from gel compositions having rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom suitable for cushioning and other uses.

Abstract: An orthotic knee brace for treating unicompartmental osteoarthritis in a knee joint is described. The brace includes a fabric sleeve mounting and a bracing member removably positioned in the sleeve to provide a therapeutic force on the joint. The force is applied by a force dosimeter assembly that draws an incrementally adjustable amount of force on cables connected to the bracing member. The amount of force applied by the force dosimeter is detected by a force sensor, and is indicated by a force indicator, each also removably attachable on the fabric sleeve mounting. The foregoing features, while exemplified in the context of a knee brace, are adaptable to any orthotic or prosthetic device where it is desired to apply an adjustable amount of force to a point on the device to provide a therapeutic benefit, and to provide a real-time indication to the user of the amount of force being applied.

Abstract: Wound dressings in the form of a body-shaped component are composed of body-shaped cellulosic fabric which has been carboxymethylated at the woundcontacting surface. The body-shaped component composed of a fabric comprising a cellulosic material is subjected to a carboxymethylation process to carboxymethylate the cellulosic material at the wound-contacting surface.

Abstract: A dressing having a flexible sleeve shaped to accommodate a substantially cylindrical body or plant portion, the sleeve having a lining which is substantially non-adherent to the body or plant part being bandaged and having a peripheral securement means which attaches two peripheral portions to each other without those portions being circumferentially adhered to the sleeve portion.

Abstract: A reversible wrist and thumb support is formed of a sleeve of resiliently stretchable material and includes an optionally detachable thumb support coupled to the sleeve. The thumb support includes a plurality of removable battens formed of a semi-rigid material and disposed along the posterior of a wearer's thumb. A resiliently deformable support pad is disposed on an underside of the splint and a removable stiffening semi-rigid batten that optionally includes padded surfaces, is disposed in a pocket on the top side of the support. The reversible wrist and thumb support may be worn on either the wearer's left or right hand, and the battens need not be removed when the reversible wrist and thumb support is turned inside-out.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for bandaging an abdominal region of a patient. A method includes providing an abdominal binder and securing the abdominal binder about the abdominal region of a patient. The abdominal binder has an inner layer including an absorbent pad configured to contact and extend about at least a majority of the circumference of the abdominal region of a patient, and configured to absorb post-procedure fluids during use, and an outer layer including an elastic sheet of material for surrounding at least a portion of the inner layer and providing a compressive force to retain at least a majority of the inner layer against the abdominal region of the patient during use. The outer layer is about 70 to 130% of the size of the inner layer when the outer layer is provided in an unbiased state.

Abstract: An orthotic device includes a rigid support member and a removable inner liner having a contact surface adjacent the support member formed of a non-skid or non-slip material. The liner may include a flap or pocket for receiving at least a portion of the support member, at least at first strap having a first end attached to a first region of the liner and a second end fastenable to a second region of the liner for securing the orthotic device to the wearer, and a patient interface surface.

Abstract: A patellofemoral brace consisting of a sleeve adapted to be worn by a user in the knee area and having a patella interior opening is provided with a glide which is adjustably carried by the sleeve and which includes a patella engaging brace pad which may be silicon filled and which is generally U-shaped having one longer leg and one shorter leg. The brace is used to influence proper positioning of the patella by the generation of a force applied to the superolateral aspect of the patella to correct misalignment of the patella.

Abstract: A corrective device to be worn on a human foot having a misalignment and positioned inside of footwear. The device having an inner shell having a first material composition and flexibility, and shaped to accommodate receiving therein and supportingly couple with the foot, and an outer shell having a second material composition and flexibility, the second material composition and flexibility being substantially the same as the first flexibility, the outer shell shaped to accommodate receiving therein the inner shell, supportingly couple with the inner shell and allow positioning into the footwear. At least a sufficient portion of a pressure is distributed by the outer shell and the inner shell over a desired area of the foot to provide an amount of correction to the misalignment while allowing the human to wear the inner shell inside of the outer shell inside of the footwear.

Abstract: A method of donning a support includes: positioning a garment proximate an area of a body; positioning a framework in abutment with the area of the body, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings therein regardless of whether the support is donned; applying tension at points of the framework such that the framework is expanded and the framework is tensioned in its abutment with the area of the body, said step of applying tension being performed by pulling on one or more fastening components that are attached at one or more points to said framework; and affixing each of the fastening components to the garment while applying tension to the framework to secure the expanded framework in its forced abutment with the area of the body.

Abstract: A support for an area of a body includes: a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body, wherein said framework defines a plurality of permanent openings in said surface regardless of whether said surface is in abutment with the area of the body; a garment configured for wearing proximate the area of the body; and a fastening mechanism adapted to removably fasten to said garment for securing said surface of said framework in abutment with the area of the body, wherein said fastening mechanism is connected to and applies tension proximate opposite sides of said framework when fastened to said garment such that said framework is expanded and said surface of said framework is tensioned in its abutment with the area of the body.

Abstract: The malleolar pad of preferred embodiments of the present invention provides a treating physician with the ability to monitor pressure at a wound site, adjust the pressure to more accurately treat and facilitate healing of, for example, a pressure ulcer while providing adequate wound care. Pressure ulcers can have varied presentations with respect to open sores and the location of the wound. Thus, proper fixation methods provided by monitoring the pressure measurement devices which allow adjustment of the compressive forces applied by the malleolar pad provide rewarding outcomes for the patient and the physician.

Abstract: A compression adjustable fabric and/or garment, system, and/or method can include a compression element (a) integrated into a fabric structure, (b) having a compressive pressure capability independent from compressive pressure capabilities inherent in the fabric structure, and (c) adjustable to provide various compressive pressures. In such a garment, the compressive pressure provided by the garment can be adjusted in all or part of the garment while the garment is being worn. The compressive pressures in different parts of the garment may be independently adjustable. The compression element can further comprise an inflatable tube and/or an electrically stimulatable yarn. The compression element can be integrated into the fabric structure by being knit into, or laid in, the fabric structure.

Abstract: A novel ankle gapping device includes a lower leg engaging apparatus, a foot engaging apparatus, and a biasing member disposed between the lower leg engaging apparatus and the foot engaging apparatus. The leg engaging apparatus is adapted to securely engage a user's leg such that the leg engaging apparatus will remain stationary when the biasing member exerts an upward force thereon. The foot engaging apparatus is contoured to fit the user's foot. In a particular embodiment, the biasing member is a pneumatic biasing member, such as an inflatable tube that is actuated by a pump. As the pump provides compressed air (or some other fluid) to the biasing member, the pressure inside the biasing member increases, causing an increase in the volume of the biasing member. This pressure and volume increase exerts an upward force via the leg engaging apparatus to the lower leg, and a downward force via the foot engaging apparatus to the foot.

Abstract: An above knee shrinker includes a tubular fabric receptacle that encloses and applies therapeutic compression to the residual limb of a human trans-femoral lower-leg amputee. The shrinker includes a constricting element, and a moveably coupled waist belt. The receptacle is configured to present an overhanging portion that extends below the distal end of the residual limb and is able to be doubled-over at least a portion of the residual limb to apply additional compression thereto. The receptacle is configured to provide an improved U-shaped perineal opening. The receptacle is formed of a latex-free core spun yarn and spandex material that is comfortably stretchable in at least first and second substantially transverse directions. The waist belt presents an adjustable self-fastening mechanism, and the constricting element presents a sliding-ring that receives the overhanging portion and constricts the receptacle adjacent the distal end of the residual limb.

Abstract: An improved abdominal binder is provided. The abdominal binder can include at least one external securing mechanism for holding a drainage bulb. In one embodiment, the securing mechanism can include one or more strips of hook or loop type material. In another embodiment, an improved abdominal binder that can support multiple drainage bulbs externally of the abdominal binder is provided. The improved abdominal binder can further include one or more openings to receive a drainage tube of a bulb held external to the abdominal binder.

Abstract: A post-operative compression garment (10) having a linear elastic section (20) and a supportive section (30) is provided. The supportive section has a controlled stretch-profile with progressive elastic material properties with linear elastic material properties below an extension of 20%. The supportive section may be constructed of a layered material where the two layers have different material properties and where one of the layers is slightly oversized compared to the other layer. The garment can be constructed to fit various parts of the wearer's body and can be worn immediately after surgery to prevent hernia and/or wound rupture.

Abstract: A garment (1) for providing compressive forces to a torso to help eliminate or reduce swelling caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the torso region. An embodiment of the present invention includes an outer covering (10) of compression fabric, wide shoulder straps (22, 24), front and back panels of compression fabric (12, 14, 16, 18), a non-rolling rib band (72), axilla gussets (82, 84), and both front closure (40) and back closure (50). The garment may also include one or more princess seams (102, 104, 102?, 104?) so as to enable the front panel(s) to encapsulate and hold the user's breasts in place at the same time that compressive forces are applied, as well as one or more front shelves (132, 134) in the front panel(s) for providing upward compressive support to the breast tissue, thereby holding the tissue in a proper neutral position so that inward compressive forces acting on the tissue provide maximum effect.

Abstract: A compression garment 10 comprising a compression fabric formed into a number of panels 11 to 31, said panels defining muscle groups according to the surface anatomy of a person; and a number of seams 40 joining adjacent panels; such that the shape of the compression garment is formed by joining adjacent said number of panels together at said number of seams; wherein each garment panel provides targeted compressive support to the said muscle groups isolating each muscle group from the others and the seams 40 follow the contour of the surface anatomy of the muscle groups when the garment is assembled and worn.

Abstract: A tennis elbow support comprising a main body having an opening and a tendon pad having a pad base and a raised portion that projects from the pad base. The tendon pad is inserted into the opening so that the raised portion projects outwardly from a bottom surface of the main body. The main body can be releasably secured in a substantially circular configuration so that the support can be placed around the forearm of a user and the tennis elbow support can be tightened around the arm of the user with tendon pad in contact with the arm so that straight-line pressure is applied across the extensor muscle and tendon.

Abstract: A conformable pad (100) for use under an orthopedic brace includes an upper edge (101) having a straight dimension and a lower edge (108) having an uneven dimension with at least one wide section (101) and at least one narrow section (115). The pad (100) further includes a first edge (117) having a straight dimension and positioned adjacent to the at least one wide section (101) and a second edge (119) also having a straight dimension and positioned adjacent to the at least one narrow section (115) such that the first edge (117) is longer than the second edge (119). The invention is advantageous for use with orthopedic braces in order to prevent friction and irritation created by the brace against the user's skin.

Abstract: Knee-joint bandage of elastic textile material, the knee-joint bandage being provided with a specially shaped insert surrounding the kneecap in a cutout. The specially shaped insert being covered by an overlay of identical or similar textile material attached to the textile material with the specially shaped insert being associated with a flexible, non-expandable tensioning member. The tensioning member connecting the regions of the kneecap poles on the fibula side in an arc around the kneecap such that, when the distance between the regions increases during bending of the knee joint, the distance of the arc from the connecting line between the kneecap poles is reduced and the tensioning member presses on the adjacent side of the kneecap, medially displacing and centering the latter, wherein the tensioning member is attached to the overlay in such a manner that, during bending of the knee joint and stretching of the overlay, the tensioning member displaces the kneecap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a fracture sight that employs a membrane or covering that wraps and seals the outside of a breathable, orthopedic cast and typically includes an array of spaced apart protrusions on an inside surface to facilitate generally even airflow, thereby providing comfort and/or improved hygiene for the patient when an air moving device is connected to the apparatus and the air moving device is powered on.

Abstract: A cast or support assembly includes inner double knit padding material in which the outer layer is woven or knit to have substantial size openings, while the inner layer of the double knit material to be located against the skin of the patient is more closely woven or knit. Additional casting fabric is also provided, with this casting fabric being impregnated with water hardenable material. The outer casting fabric may include openings extending through it, so that the entire cast assembly has ventilation openings allowing air circulation to accomplish rapid drying following wetting of the assembly by sweat, rain, or by swimming, for example.

Abstract: A protective sleeve is provided for the care of fingers, toes or other parts of the body. The sleeve is made of a piece of fabric, preferably including thermoplastic fibers. The piece of fabric includes opposite edges which are assembled to form the body of the sleeve. At least one lining layer, preferably of viscoelastic gel, is fixed onto a face of the piece of fabric, such that the layer at least partially covers the assembled edges of the piece of fabric.

Abstract: A wrap for covering and protecting an intravenous site on a hand of a patient having an entertainment component such as a doll or puppet for children. The wrap comprises doll arm holes, a thumb hole and a plurality of fastening strips strategically located on both sides of the wrap for securing the wrap around the entertainment device and the intravenous site on the patient's hand. An alternate embodiment comprises a wrap with an entertainment device for protecting an intravenous site on the hand of a baby. The wrap may also be used on a foot and/or at the area of the antecubital fossa (bend of the arm) or the forearm by disregarding the finger placement holes.

Abstract: A compression bra for addressing and/or correcting synmastia complications in reconstructive breast surgeries has: (i) a wide, cotton-lined, unidirectional elastic, torso band adjustably encircling a woman's thoracic torso immediately below the inframammary skinfold; (ii) a trapezoidal shaped, sternum compression panel secured at its base to the upper edge of torso band below the inframammary skinfold and at the top by a pair of adjustable over-the-shoulder straps for elastically compressing sternum tissues while restraining, shaping and separating the inside conically rising, side portions of a woman's breasts; (iii) a pair of breast support cups/flaps also fastened to the upper edge of the torso band each similarly secured at the top by an adjustable over-the-shoulder support strap; and (iv) elastic side panels fastened to the breast cup/flaps and the upper edge of the torso band for anchoring the respective shoulder straps of the sternum compression panel and breast cups/flaps supporting, restraining and s

Abstract: A nipple reconstruction device includes a core component having a substantially circular hollow opening therein for receiving a person's nipple; padding attached to a lower part of the core and substantially lining the lower part of the core and at least a portion of the hollow opening in the core, and an attaching component constructed and adapted to hold the device in place on the person's skin. The core may be a semi-rigid, pliable, high durometer material. The padding may be gauze, woven rayon cellulose, cotton, a cotton/polyester blend material; or a non-woven, one-sided medical tape. The attaching component may be an adhesive tape having a plurality of tabs for holding the device in place on the person's skin.

Abstract: A band adapted to be worn on a limb of a person or animal includes a fabric member and an elastic member attached to the fabric member. A first half of a fastening system is attached to an inner surface of the elastic member, and a second half of the fastening system is attached to the fabric member on the outer surface thereof only around a portion of its perimeter so as to define a space between the outer surface of the fabric member and the second half of the fastening system, the space adapted to be used as a pocket. The band is adjustable to accommodate limbs of various sizes by adjusting a position along the second half of the fastening system where the first half of the fastening system is detachably connected.

Abstract: A patient-friendly medical device is provided for removal of excess fluids from body tissue and is particularly useful to treat soft tissue inflammation, damage, edema and/or lymphedema. The comfortable medical device comprises a composite multilayered assembly that provides a gradient pressure compression device to compress body tissue of a patient in a controlled and graduated manner. The composite multilayered assembly can have an inner and/or outer layer to enhance uniform distribution of compression about the affected portion of the patient and can have flexible intermediate layers with elastomeric components such as foamed chips, foamed pieces, and/or chopped foam that can have a different density and/or size and/or shape to form channels (canals) therebetween to enhance flow of excess fluids from the body tissue of the patient. The channels or canals can create zones of gradient pressure to help move excess fluid from the tissue of the affected portion of the body of the patient.

Abstract: A device used for applying an antiseptic preparation to a surgical site of a patient prior to surgery outside of an operating theater. A loose-fitting bag is provided which encloses the surgical site by securing the open end(s) to the patient by closing means. A method and apparatus are also provided for releasing antiseptic into the interior of the bag. The method provides that the surgical site can be scrubbed within the bag so as to properly prepare the skin for surgery. A temperature indicator for the antiseptic preparation is also provided.