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: A compression bandaging system comprising a) an inner skin facing, elongated, elastic bandage comprising: (i) an elongated, elastic substrate and (ii) an elongated layer of foam, said foam layer being affixed to a face of said substrate and extending 33% or more across said face of substrate in transverse direction and 67% or more across said face of substrate in longitudinal direction; and b) an outer, elongated, self-adhering elastic bandage; said bandage having a compressive force when extended; wherein, in use, said foam layer of the inner bandage faces the skin and the outer bandage overlies the inner bandage.

Abstract: Provided is a therapeutic compression apparatus that includes a compression material. In one example, the apparatus includes a large surface area of a single sheet of compression material. The apparatus may include indicia that allow it to be trimmed to fit a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-adhering bandage that is secured in place without an adhesive/skin contact point. The bandage may include a substance storage area that houses a substance that is transferred to the dressing component when pressure is applied to the substance storage area.

Abstract: A method of treating and ameliorating capsular contracture having the steps of providing ultrasound at our near the site of a breast implant, providing specific massage and/or physical manipulation the implant site, and providing a compression bandage at the implant site.

Abstract: An anatomically designed secondary wound wrap, in one embodiment, adapted for receipt around a proximal phalanx portion, distal phalanx portion, and interphalangeal joint of a digit. The wound wrap is made of a loose weave, breathable wrap material. The wound wrap includes a wrap body having a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end. The wrap body is received around the proximal phalanx portion, distal phalanx portion and interphalangeal joint. A portion of the first end extends outwardly from the wrap body for forming a first wrap holder flap, with a first hook attachment thereon. The first hook attachment is used to secure the wound wrap around the proximal phalanx portion of the digit. A portion of a second end extends outwardly from the wrap body for forming a second wrap holder flap, with a second hook attachment thereon. The second wrap holder flap extends from the wrap body in an opposite direction from the first wrap holder flap.

Abstract: A compression garment includes a plurality of fabric segments having differing elastic properties arranged to provide the garment with regions of differential compression. The fabric segments define an inner surface of the garment. the inner surface includes at least one region of pile or raised fibers for increased thermal insulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an auxiliary device for wearing an elastic stocking comprising a first piece of tissue, comprised of slippery material; and a second piece of tissue, comprised of slippery material, coupled along a first portion of its edge with a corresponding first portion of the edge of said first piece of tissue, so as to realise an funnel shaped pocket, closed on its bottom; wherein said first and second pieces of tissue respectively comprise a first and a second guide slot, placed in correspondence of said pocket bottom; and in that it comprises a band having a first end fixed in correspondence of the free portion of said edge of said first piece of tissue and a second end fixed in correspondence of the free portion of said edge of the second piece of tissue, said band passing through said first and second guide slots and having such a length to realise a ring (6?) in correspondence of said slots, said ring being usable for grasping when said device and said elastic stocking are put on, for pull

Abstract: Hand and/or wrist support apparatus, comprising in combination, a first brace configured for application to the hand and/or wrist of the user, and a second brace configured for application over at least a portion of the first brace, each brace configured for in-place retention, providing support to a substantial portion of the hand and/or wrist of the user, including the thumb.

Abstract: An anti-slip garment can include a body and an anti-slip portion integrally formed with the body. The anti-slip portion can include a gripping ink composition applied on the inner surface of the anti-slip portion. In this way, when the garment is worn, the gripping ink frictionally engages a wearer's skin sufficiently to maintain the garment in a desired position on the wearer. In certain embodiments, the gripping ink can comprise a compound comprising silica in a ratio of about 1% to about 5% by weight. In such a garment, the risk of constriction due to elasticity in an area underlying the anti-slip portion can be prevented in the event swelling occurs or increases while the garment is being worn.

Abstract: A therapeutic compression apparatus includes a liner having a tubular body portion with a proximal opening for receiving a limb of a patient. The tubular body portion includes an inside region with an inside circumference that is sized to extend about and in contact with the limb. The inside circumference is substantially identical to a circumference of the limb at a respective area of contact.

Abstract: A compression device for use after venous surgery or endovenous treatment, the device comprising a sleeve (2) of elastic material and having a substantially cylindrical insert (5) suitable for being interposed between the leg and the sleeve (2) in register with a predetermined path.

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: 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 integrated bandaging system for encircling the abdomen of a horse. A ventral access opening selectively provides access to the horse's abdomen while the bandage remains in place. This ventral access opening is normally covered by a ventral window cover. However, the window cover may be easily opened so that an old dressing can be removed, an abdominal wound can be cleaned, and a new dressing applied. The invention has four major components: a main wrap, a saddle bridge, a ventral window cover, and a brace. The main wrap is easily placed around the horse's abdomen and secured using VELCRO® fasteners. It includes the ventral access opening. The saddle bridge attaches over the top of the main wrap and adjustably applies tension to the horse's mid section. The ventral window cover attaches over the ventral access opening and provides further adjustment of the tension on the abdomen. The brace applies over the points of the horse's shoulders, between the front legs, and over the ventral chest region.

Abstract: A method of providing compressive force to a person. In one embodiment, a first level of compression is applied adjacent the axillae of the person, a second level of compression is applied to a side torso region of the person, and a third level of compression is applied to a chest region of the person. The second level of compression is greater than the first level of compression and the third level of compression is greater than the fourth level of compression. The compression may be applied using a compression garment having one or more layers of compression fabric. The garment may be configured using specific compression fabric to provide the desired levels of compression to various regions of the torso of a person.

Abstract: A flexible wrap and method for supporting a portion of a body. The flexible wrap includes an elastic band and an adhesive mounted on the elastic band near an end of the elastic band. The adhesive secures the elastic band to a body and is adapted to be detachably mounted to the body. In another form, the flexible wrap includes an elastic band and a plurality of fingers that extend from an end of the elastic band. Each of the plurality of fingers is secured to an exposed section of the elastic band when the flexible wrap is attached to the body. In still another form, the flexible wrap includes an elastic band and a pack having a midsection. The flexible wrap further includes a fastener, such as an adhesive, that extends along the midsection of the pack and secures the pack to the elastic band.

Abstract: An article of apparel adapted to provide a compressive pressure to reduce lymphedema, the pressure configured to direct edema in a direction, wherein the apparel may be a garment adapted to be worn on an upper body portion of a user and may include a body portion, arm portions, and a neck portion, the body portion including a front portion, a back portion, and chest wall portions, wherein, the front, back, and chest wall portions may be adapted to encircle the torso of a user and provide compressive pressure, the arm portions including sleeve portions and underarm portions wherein the sleeve and underarm portions may be adapted to encircle the arms of a user and provide compressive pressure. Using the article of apparel as or in a method of reducing lymphedema is encompassed.

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 method for driving moisturizing substances and/or cosmetic active ingredients into the skin of the human body has skin brought into contact with the substances and/or active ingredients and a compression element applied thereto. Then, the tissue is subsequently set into oscillation. The compression element may be formed by compression bandages or compression wraps. The tissue may be set into oscillation in that the person locates himself on a vibrating support, or that the muscles of the person are stimulated by way of electro-stimulation.

Abstract: A reduced pressure dressing coated with biomolecules including a polymer material layer and at least one biomolecule selected from the group consisting of a hemostatic agent, an antioxidant agent, and a nitric oxide promoter, the at least one biomolecule absorbed into a portion of the polymer material layer. The present reduced pressure dressing coated with biomolecules further includes methods for making same.

Abstract: Methods of use of a multi-layer wrap, for providing more comfortable gel treatment to skin and pressure therapy for underlying skin, the wrap allowing for migration of moisture away from the skin while providing compressive musculo-skeletal support to the treatment site.

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: The invention relates to a fixing means which is used to temporarily fix human or animal body parts. The fixing means comprises at least one flexible carrier layer which is coated with a hardenable material, wherein the body part which is to be fixed can be surrounded either fully or partially by the fixing means and the hardenable material can then be hardened, wherein the carrier layer is stiffened. In order to provide for individual fixing of the body part while guaranteeing a partial adjustment of the desired rigidity of the fixing means, the fixing means is provided with at least two carrier layers, with at least one outer layer made of a flexible polymer film and at least one inner layer made of a flexible film in addition to at least one substantially liquid or viscous layer which is arranged between the outer and inner layer and which is made of at least one hardenable adhesive.

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: The invention relates to a bandage with lengthwise elasticity in the warp direction, comprising a textile expanse woven in leno weave and having weft threads, leno threads and elastically extensible core threads. The core threads are cotton-elastic threads.

Abstract: A compression garment comprises a plurality of longitudinal yarns arranged to form a fabric having a length and generally parallel to the length, and a plurality of transverse elastomeric yarns connecting adjacent longitudinal yarns and equally spaced about a length of the longitudinal yarns. In a stretched state, the longitudinal yarns are spaced from one another and remain generally parallel to the length.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment.

Abstract: An articulated, adjustable, and lockable alignment arm, and associated extensions and accessories, which are user manipulable to model the size and shape of the fractured limb of a patient in the field. The alignment arm is adjusted for proper orientation by setting it over the injury, and then locking the arm into a selected orientation which models the patient's limb around the area of the injury. Next, first and second arm extenders and protective end pads are used to expand the effective size of the alignment arm to form a custom splint structure. Lastly, the splint structure is secured to the patient's injured limb through the use of flexible cravats. The cravats are self-sterilizing, stored so that their sterility is maintained, and deployed so that only the sterile portion of the cravat comes into contact with a patient's skin.

Abstract: A compression garment for use following cosmetic surgery can include elastic compression regions shaped to selectively conform to a portion of a user's body subjected to cosmetic surgery and closures presented with the elastic compression regions. The closures can include a fastening mechanism for selectively closing the compression regions, such that the dimensions of the compression regions can be selectively varied by said selectively varying positioning of the fastening mechanism relative to the compression regions.

Abstract: An ankle bandage (1) comprises a sock-like or stocking-like anatomically shaped base body (2) made of an extensible textile. Said base body extends between at least a lower leg portion (3) and a foot portion (4) and comprises a pad (5) in at least one malleolar region. To attain both simplicity of use and optimal support of the foot's capsular ligament system at the ankle, the ankle bandage's pad (5) is shaped as a 3D knit in the base body. In an additional or alternative feature, a pronation restraint (6) fitted with an extensible textile ply is laterally mounted on the bandage. The invention also provides that the bandage comprise at least one pad element (9) configured in the region respectively in the course of the peroneal group's tendons and extending in L-shaped manner from the lower leg portion (3) into the foot portion (4) around the malleolar region on the side of the heel respectively on the side of the foot sole.

Abstract: A re-usable bandaging system for treating acute soft-tissue injuries and the like provides protection, support and restraint, and optional heating or cooling and uses straps enabling the system to be placed at one of many sites. A flexible, resilient insulating material, covered with loop-bearing fabric comprises (A) a main bandage that is a rectangular panel with a pocket and (B) two straps at diagonally opposite corners. Each strap has an area of complementary hooks at the free end, to adhere to the bandage when in use. A supplementary bandage (C) is for optional use as a strap when stabilising the main bandage. The system provides a sealed flexible gel pack for heating or cooling an injured part when placed in the pocket. The pack is internally baffled to evenly apply a compress therapy by restriction motion of the contents.

Abstract: An ankle support having a first layer made from a rayon tape material and a second layer made from a non-woven polyester gauze material, the rayon tape material having a Young's modulus from about 2.2 N/cm2 to about 3.0 N/cm2 and the non-woven polyester gauze material having a bottom surface provided with an adhesive for securing the ankle support to the skin.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for providing an indication of the pressure applied by a bandage to a human or animal body. The sensor comprises an elongate, flexible support strip (63) adapted to be placed between a bandage and the body, the support strip carrying a flat pressure sensitive portion (69) whose electrical properties vary with applied pressure perpendicular to the general plane of the support strip, and also carrying flat, flexible conductors (65, 66) for connecting the pressure sensitive portion to a supply of electricity and to means for providing an indication of the applied pressure (71). In some arrangements an integrated battery, circuitry and display may be provided on the support strip.

Abstract: A circumferential compression sleeve has bladder openings extending through a bladder, making the sleeve generally breathable and comfortable for the wearer. The openings include at least about 4% of a total surface area of the bladder. The device also has a static evaporation rate through the device of at least about 20 mg/minute. In one example, the device includes a wicking layer for contacting the wearer's skin. The wicking layer wicks moisture from the wearer's skin and generally moves the moisture to portions of the layer in registration with the openings where the moisture is allowed to evaporate therethrough.

Abstract: A medical bandage consists of a knit fabric made from loop yarns without inlaid yarns. The loop yarns are multifilament yarns having at least one elastic filament, a plurality of synthetic microfilaments and a plurality of cellulose or cellulosic filaments. The bandage has a linear and a non-linear stretching regime, with an operating point lying between them. When it is applied to a patient, it is elastically stretched to the operating point, which allows to generate reproducible, well defined compression forces.

Abstract: A compression wrap for providing pressure to an injured portion of a joint of a limb is provided. The compression wrap includes a pocket portion for receiving compression insert. The compression wrap further includes a strap connected to the pocket portion and adjustably securing the compression wrap to the limb. A buckle loop connected to the opposite side of the pocket portion as the strap adjustably receives the strap to adjust the size of the strap. Further, the strap portion and the pocket portion are configured such that when the compression wrap is attached to the limb of a person having an injury proximate the joint, the pocket portion is positionable to apply a load to the location of the injury while the strap portion is spaced away from the crease of the joint.

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 protective article comprising: a leg protective segment extending at least over a portion of the shin of the wearer; a midfoot protective segment extending over at least a portion of the dorsal side of the wearer's midfoot, wherein the midfoot protective segment is attached to the leg protective segment; a toe protective segment extending over at least a portion of the wearer's toes, wherein the toe protective segment is attached to the midfoot protective segment; and at least one securing structure, wherein the at least one securing structure securing the protective segments to the leg, foot, and toes of the wearer.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible, aerating, compressive, thermal bandage. Perforations allow the treatment area to aerate. Thermal capacity of the invention allows for hot or cold treatment in a manner that compressively supports the object undergoing thermal treatment while maintaining maximum mobility. The bandage is made from an elastomer such as polyeurathane with the addition of silicon and vegetable oil. Resin is used to color the product.

Abstract: A compression dressing and method of use is provided. The dressing is self-adherent, washable and reusable and provides a selected and generally constant pressure to the surface of an animal.

Abstract: A roll-up wound protector has a distal ring, a tricuspidate proximal ring, and a flexible sleeve extending between the proximal and distal rings. The proximal ring may have varying geometries and is rollable to gather the flexible sleeve around the proximal ring and shorten the length of the flexible sleeve.

Abstract: A device which combines pneumatic compression therapy and ultrasound based therapy for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis. Ultrasound transducers (11) are placed in specially designed pockets (12) in stockings (23) or leggings (25). This allows for convenient use of ultrasound therapy. Pneumatic compression is also carried out by air bladders (14) which are placed in leggings. The overall result is an easy to use device which should produce significantly better results in the prevention and treatment of thrombosis, ultimately reducing patient morbidity and mortality.

Abstract: This invention applies direct pressure in such a way as to be effective on a furry and hairy wound, and enable continued mobility by a mammal, especially a horse. The invention also proposes a means of providing a tougher protection for the wound while simultaneously dressing it. The preferred mode of invention proposes a rubberized flexible elastic latex pad applied to the wound, and integrating into that latex pad a bandage mechanism that stretches the pad and can be cinched extremely tightly so that the elastic latex pad applies pressure to the surface of the wound by virtue of the tightly cinched bandage and can be cinched to be a tourniquet if desired.

Abstract: A multi-layer wrap, and method of use, for providing more comfortable gel treatment to skin and pressure therapy for underlying skin, the wrap allowing for migration of moisture away from the skin while providing compressive musculo-skeletal support to the treatment site.

Abstract: A method and device for treatment of a varicose vein is provided which includes the step of applying to the skin of a subject superficial to the vein to be treated a device including: (a) an element for securing the device to the leg of a subject superficial to the vein to be treated such as a carrier tape; and (b) a one-way valve element such as a cantilever element biased by a spring for applying a selected amount of pressure to the skin superficial to the vein to be treated in a manner such that blood-flow toward the heart is permitted during peripheral venous pumping but wherein backflow away from the heart as a result of gravity is substantially reduced; and applying sufficient pressure to the skin superficial to the vein to be treated in a manner such that blood-flow toward the heart is permitted during peripheral venous pumping but wherein backflow away from the heart as a result of gravity is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A multi-layer wrap, for providing more comfortable gel treatment to skin while providing orthopedic support having a first layer of gel for contacting the skin and a second layer of an elastic and supportive loop portion of a hook and loop fastener, the wrap allowing for migration of moisture away from the skin. The wrap can be used as part of a suspension sleeve for use during arm surgery or post-operative recovery. The product is economically manufactured in the form of long rolls or as a sheet and is easily cut to any desired shape.

Abstract: An adjustable support device for the knee provides in one embodiment a strap, a primary tensioning device positioned on the strap, and a secondary tensioning device carried on the strap. A preferred embodiment of the device includes an elongate bar secured to the strap between first and second ends of the strap by a patch of material, stitching, or any number of known adhesives. The secondary tensioning device may include one or more patches of elastic, or alternatively, inelastic material that provide radially-directed pressure against the knee joint. In another embodiment, the secondary tensioning device provides pairs of ligatures secured to each end of the elongate bar for concentrating radially-directed pressure against the knee joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compression devices and, more particularly to a method using air flow to close the exhaust valve in each sleeve, allows air to fill the sleeve to a pretuned pressure, and finally deflating the sleeve by letting the air flow through the outlet valve. This creates a pressure gradient and a pneumatic cycle means that facilitates the massaging movement on the limb towards direction of the heart. The magnetic force in valves is uniquely adapted for controlling low-pressure compression. A magnetically adjustable valve is adapted for use in a compression device to control and regulate low to very low pressures and comprising of a movable magnetic part and a metal part, defining an air gap there between.