Abstract: A thermal therapy pod adapted to maintain a desired therapeutic temperature and change temperature on the fly without needing to be heated or chilled by an external thermal source. The therapy pod is self-contained and uses an electric powered thermal transferring element that can provide both heat and cold therapy. The temperature and duration of use may be controlled using an application on a mobile device. The therapy pod can be positioned on a user using straps, wraps, sleeves, or other wearable therapy pod retaining devices.

Abstract: Headwear for cooling the neurocranium region of a user's head and thereby the user's brain. In particular, the headwear provides selective cooling to specific areas of the parietal region, the frontal region, the temporal region and the occipital region of the cranium associated with the drainage system of the brain following a traumatic injury.

Abstract: A temperature controllable wrap assembly that includes a wrap portion configured to be worn around a user's body part, and at least a first temperature control module positioned on the wrap portion. The first temperature control module includes a housing, a controllable temperature element, a spreader member and at least a first finger spreader pivotably attached to the spreader member. The lower surface of the spreader member is positioned to contact the user's body part. The controllable temperature element is configured to transfer thermal energy to an upper surface of the spreader member, and the spreader member is configured to conduct thermal energy to the first finger spreader.

Abstract: Eye masks and associated processes are disclosed herein. These masks and associated processes may involve positioning a mask over the eyes and nearby glands of a user and applying heat and/or moisture. This treatment may provide therapeutic benefits, including therapy of Meibomian gland disease and other sources of dry eye. Other physical benefits can also include mechanically gently holding eyelids closed and promoting relaxation and reduction of stress.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermoregulatory systems. In particular, thermoregulatory devices are incorporated into garments for warming and cooling a user's body. Thermoregulatory devices are waterproof and breathable, which allow thermogenerators such as hot packs and cold packs, to remain dry while still allowing air flow such that thermogenerators using air-activated chemical reactants remain active. Thermoregulatory devices are particularly useful with garments maintaining the thermogenerators close to the body's core where they will be most effective. The thermoregulation systems advantageously allow a user to selectively position thermoregulatory devices in different regions of the user's body to self-regulate core body temperature.

Abstract: A cooling compression sleeve device generally including three layers, a flexible bottom layer, a flexible middle layer, and a flexible top layer, and two voids, the first void substantially filled with a cooling agent and the second void including a selectively inflatable air bladder, which in its preferred form is portable, cleanable, reusable, and useful to provide cooling therapy to the limbs of humans or animals and particularly to the knee, shoulder, and elbow joints.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the microclimate of a bed environment includes a multi-zone mattress-style support having individual heating zones, a heater for heating the individual heating zones, a cooler for cooling the multi-zone mattress-style support, and temperature sensors. The cooler includes the multi-zone mattress-style support at least one air duct with the multi-zone mattress-style support for transporting ambient air through the multi-zone mattress-style support.

Abstract: A liner with at least three substantially equally spaced attachment areas arranged longitudinally from the proximal to the distal end of the liner so as to permit relief areas between attachment areas and increase the radial thickness of the liner in the area of the liner inherently or through the addition of shims or other materials at the attachment areas. The liner and shims can be selected from a kit of different shaped liners and shims. Methods for making such a liner or liners for a kit. A method for iteratively attaching shims to the liner to prevent substantial movement of a limb's skeletal structure when the liner is worn with a socket.

Abstract: A wearable cold pack formed with a reservoir for retention of liquid, and a cooling agent composition including salt mixed with water in the reservoir. The salt having a capacity to provide an endothermic effect to enhance cooling when mixed with water. The salt material is primarily ammonium nitrate that has been stabilized against detonation by the addition of an effective amount of phosphate material. The wearable cold pack may be configured as a joint wrap, a head wrap, a neck wrap, a shoulder wrap, a helmet or many other articles. The wearable cold pack cooling agent composition is capable of cooling in the amount of at least 130 Btu/lb due to endothermic effect when mixed with water.

Abstract: In one example, a therapy system is provided that includes an inner layer and an outer layer including first and second portions and disposed outside of the inner layer. A therapeutic device, such as a cold pack for example, is provided that is configured to be positioned inside the inner layer. The therapy system also includes an adjustable tightening mechanism connected to the first and second portions of the outer layer and operable to change a position of one of the first and second portions relative to the other of the first and second portions so as to adjust a magnitude of a compressive force exerted by the outer layer on an extremity of a user when the extremity is positioned within an opening defined by the inner layer.

Abstract: A device to relieve pain in the body of humans by inducing a controlled positive/negative electric charge at the painful site. Providing enhanced transport and targeted delivery of pain relieving classifications of drugs including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and steroid drug compounds (corticosteroids), and important intrinsic anti-inflammatory agents. A shielded transmission electrode applies alternating positive and/or negative charge stimulating or repressing the enhanced delivery or repression of drugs to the injury site for increased therapeutic treatment dependent on known therapeutic properties of so prescribed drugs inputted to a charge generating micro-controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a life cradle device for the purpose of inducing therapeutic hypothermia in neonates suffering from birth asphyxia. The device essentially consists of a rigid outer skeleton which could be fitted with removable mattresses containing form stable organic phase change materials effecting instant and sustained cooling. Multiple compartments of different phase change material composition functional at different temperatures are arranged in layers to replicate cooling performances as in conventional cascading systems. The device is also designed to have thermo-chromic indicators with an option of probes for automation control techniques. The device may also be fitted with thermostat controlled infant radiant warmer to automatically switch on when the infant is cooled down below requirement as a safety consideration.

Abstract: Methods of compressing a stented prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. The method including inserting a stented prosthetic heart valve having a self-expandable stent frame into a container, initiating a cooling element in the container, transferring heat through a thermal conductor to cool an interior of the container, reducing a temperature of the self-expandable stent frame while located within the container to a critical temperature of not greater than 8° C., and compressing an outer diameter of the stented prosthetic heart valve while the stented prosthetic heart valve is at the critical temperature.

Abstract: A lead for in vivo procedures for stimulation of a tissue is provided that has stimulating electrodes and a fixation mechanism disposed at a distal end of the lead. The fixation mechanism includes a fixation component disposed on an opposite side with respect to an active surface of the stimulation electrodes. The lead fixation mechanism when deployed disposes the active surface of stimulation electrodes onto a tissue region opposite to the fixation component. A system and a method for optimally positioning the lead for stimulation of the tissue are also provided.

Abstract: A process makes electrical connections between electrical wires and flexible conductive elements, such as conductive fabrics. The process makes strong electrical connections that are mechanically flexible and can simultaneously create multiple electrical connections. The process involves creating an assembly that includes at least a TPE layer, an electrical wire, an insulating layer, and a flexible conductive element, and applying heat and pressure to the assembly. For example, a conductive fabric is disposed on an insulating layer, a wire is positioned onto a surface of the insulating layer, and a TPE layer is disposed over the wire and overlaps the conductive fabric element. When applying the heat and pressure, the wire melts through the insulating layer to make electrical contact with the conductive fabric element, and the TPE layer conforms to an exterior of the wire and bonds to the insulating layer.

Abstract: Cleaning articles including a heat engine incorporated therein. The cleaning article may include a substrate (e.g., a non-woven wipe) including one or more layers. The heat engine may be in the wipe or pad, and includes a reactive metal composition which upon contact with a salt water (e.g., saline) composition, reacts to produce heat. The cleaning article may thus produce water vapor and/or steam upon activation of the heat engine. A venting structure may be provided adjacent to or surrounding the heat engine that includes an impermeable material (e.g., impermeable to water and/or air or other gas), which includes one or more vents through the impermeable material. The venting structure directs water vapor and/or steam to a desired face of the cleaning article, away from the user. A heat barrier layer may insulate a user's hand from the generated heat, and/or a handle may be attachable to the pad.

Abstract: Cleaning articles including a heat engine incorporated therein. The cleaning article may include a substrate (e.g., a non-woven wipe) including one or more layers. The heat engine may be in the wipe or pad, and includes a reactive metal oxide which upon contact with water, reacts to produce heat. The cleaning article may thus produce water vapor and/or steam upon activation of the heat engine. A venting structure may be provided adjacent to or surrounding the heat engine that includes an impermeable material (e.g., impermeable to water and/or air or other gas), which includes one or more vents through the impermeable material. The venting structure directs water vapor and/or steam to a desired face of the cleaning article, away from the user. A heat barrier layer may insulate a user's hand from the generated heat, and/or a handle may be attachable to the pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating and/or cooling assembly such as a heat pad. The assembly includes a plurality of modules articulated together by connection means so that the assembly can be manipulated by a user to adopt a desired profile. At least one of the modules contains a thermal store in the form of a solid, liquid or gel responsive to heating or cooling externally applied to the assembly so that the solid, liquid or gel is heated or cooled, respectively, and remains in a heated or cooled state for a prolonged period of time after the externally applied heating or cooling is removed.

Abstract: The current invention discloses a treatment device having a heat source, a power source, a heat applicator and a lighting mechanism. The power source includes at least one nanotech battery, ensuring superior properties such as prolonged electricity production and prompt recharging. The heat applicator includes a heat conductive layer made from nanofibers, providing highly efficient heat distribution to the targeted regions. The lighting mechanism employs light emitting nano fibers to treat targeted regions. The power source provides energy to the heat and light source, which generates heat and light so that the applicator may distribute to an injury site or wound bed of a user. The current device may also be used for cooling, instead of heating applications. In addition to the medical utilizations, the current device may also play a central role in other apparatus that require thermal control capabilities.

Abstract: A shoulder immobilizer (20) includes a semi-rigid or rigid orthosis, in the form of an arm support (22), which supports the upper arm, elbow, forearm and wrist of a patient. A bolster (24) is positioned between the patient and the arm support (22). A body strap (26) extends around the patient and attaches to the arm support (22) and/or the bolster (24), holding the arm support and bolster in position against the body of the patient. In embodiments, the shoulder immobilizer (20) may utilize a shoulder strap (28), but such a shoulder strap is not necessary for shoulder immobilization of the patient.

Abstract: A cooling device for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of a subject having skin is provided. The cooling device includes a plurality of cooling elements movable relative to each other to conform to the contour's of the subject's skin. The cooling elements have a plurality of controllable thermoelectric coolers. The cooling elements can be controlled to provide a time-varying cooling profile in a predetermined sequence, can be controlled to provide a spatial cooling profile in a selected pattern, or can be adjusted to maintain constant process parameters, or can be controlled to provide a combination thereof.

Abstract: A portable, disposable in-vitro diagnostic apparatus and method of performing an in-vitro diagnostic test is provided. The apparatus includes a body configured to be hand held. The body has a reaction medium supply chamber configured in selective fluid communication with a reaction chamber via a fluid conveying channel. The reaction chamber is located beneath a sample reaction chamber. The reaction medium supply chamber contains a reaction fluid therein and the reaction chamber contains a thermal reaction medium therein. The reaction fluid is selectively reactive with the thermal reaction medium to produce one of an endothermic or exothermic reaction beneath the sample reaction chamber.

Abstract: A cooling device for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of a subject having skin is provided. The cooling device includes a plurality of cooling elements movable relative to each other to conform to the contour's of the subject's skin. The cooling elements have a plurality of controllable thermoelectric coolers. The cooling elements can be controlled to provide a time-varying cooling profile in a predetermined sequence, can be controlled to provide a spatial cooling profile in a selected pattern, or can be adjusted to maintain constant process parameters, or can be controlled to provide a combination thereof.

Abstract: A multi-zone electric heating blanket. The blanket may be shaped to cover the outstretched arms or other body parts of a patient. The blanket includes first and second body part portions and a connecting bridge. The interconnection via the bridge leaves an open gap between the first and second body part portions for unblocked access to the patient. A power controller may supply power to heating elements in both body part portions based on a temperature sensor in one of the body part portions.

Abstract: A device and method is taught for providing thermo therapeutic relief through the positioning of a heating element at a predetermined position in association with a garment to support and sustain the heat generated by the heating element in a designated area. The invention more particularly relates to a method and a device for treating menstrual cramps by application of thermo therapeutic relief to specific areas associated with a woman's abdomen. In addition a kit is taught for providing a particular type of undergarment and reusable heating pad for use therein, effective for relieving the discomfort of menstrual cramps.

Abstract: A heat pack for warming the heel of an infant with a front panel and a rear panel wherein the rear panel is adapted for placement on the infant's heel and has an outer layer formed of a nonwoven material which may be wetted. A band is provided for attaching the heat pack to the infant's heel. Heat from the heat pack effectively drives water applied to the nonwoven material into the infant's heel where it is then trapped in the skin under the heat pack. By thus moisturizing and softening the skin, a puncture necessary for taking a blood sample is eased.

Abstract: Mechanically bistable thermal devices and methods of utilizing the same. The mechanically bistable thermal devices include a mechanically bistable element and a thermal element. The mechanically bistable element is configured to be selectively transitioned between a straight conformation, in which the mechanically bistable element defines an elongate shape, and a wrapped conformation, in which the mechanically bistable element defines an arcuate shape and is configured to at least partially encircle an encircled form. The thermal element is configured to exchange thermal energy with the encircled form when in thermal contact with the encircled form and includes a thermal material that includes a fluid and/or a granular solid. The methods include activating the thermal element and transitioning the mechanically bistable element from the straight conformation to the wrapped conformation to at least partially encircle the encircled form with the mechanically bistable device.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) with cooling. Generally, the methods and devices can activate BAT to increase thermogenesis, e.g., increase heat production in the patient, which over time can lead to weight loss and/or improved metabolic function. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided that activates BAT by cooling tissue having a high density of cold sensitive thermoreceptors and/or by cooling BAT depots directly, thereby increasing thermogenesis in the BAT and inducing weight loss and/or improved metabolic function through energy expenditure.

Abstract: The present device generally relates to an adjustable heating/cooling pack. The heating/cooling pack is especially suitable for use on an injured or sore leg or arm of a user. The heating/cooling pack may first be placed in a freezer or refrigerator (or microwave if heat is desired) and removed prior to use. The device has a securing means which allows it to remain in a rolled up tube configuration having a closed environment prior to use. As a result, the device remains cool or warm for a longer period of time than other heating/cooling packs. In addition, items may be stored and carried inside the device while the device is in the closed configuration (third position).

Abstract: A system and method for portably delivering a therapeutic dose of heat to the skin to relieve pain, reduce accommodation of thermal nerve receptors, promote healing, and deliver transcutaneous medications. The heating device is user programmable or preprogrammed to deliver according to a variety of cycles, patterns and algorithms. The cycles, patterns, and algorithms of the heat are programmable parameters, are under the user's control, and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the device. The heating algorithms are designed to interact with an individual user's thermal nerve receptors and other tissue characteristics and to reduce the tendency of the receptors to accommodate to the external stimuli with back pain, muscular pain, dysmenorrhea, headaches, fibromyalgia, post-herpetic neuralgia, nerve injuries and neuropathies, and sprains and strain.

Abstract: Provided is a plurality of reusable freezable cold packs that are applied to a user's extremity via a strap assembly. The device includes a strap assembly that resembles an adjustable bottomless sandal or a wrist brace. The cold packs include multiple attachment points for use with the strap assembly. The strap assembly comprises an elastic strap and a fastener to enable a user to apply the cold packs to a desired area on hands and feet without holding it in place for a prolonged period of time. The freezable cold packs help sooth pain on contact and eliminate the need to use hard ice cubes, which may cause pain or melt and cause water to drip on the floor, furniture, and other surfaces. The present device provides a simple and convenient means for a user to apply cold therapy to his or her hands or feet.

Abstract: A therapeutic ice bag shaped to cover a specific body part of a wearer. A timer is positioned on the bag to enable the user to determine when to remove the bag after a period of use.

Abstract: A feminine cooling pad is configured for use in cooling a woman's vulva and/or adjacent region. The cooling pad may be configured for single use and be disposable so as to include a liquid permeable layer configured to be oriented toward a user's skin during use. A liquid absorbent layer is adjacent to the liquid permeable layer and configured to absorb bodily fluids or discharges during use. A cooling layer is adjacent to the liquid absorbent layer and configured to provide a cooling effect for a period of time of at least about 15 minutes when the cooling pad is placed against a user's skin. An adhesive layer is adjacent to the cooling layer and adheres the feminine cooling pad to a user's undergarment during use and maintains the cooling pad in a desired orientation relative to the user's body. A feminine heating pad may be provided by including a microwavable material that becomes warm or hot when placed in a microwave oven.

Abstract: Plastic sheet can be heat-sealed to form a water-tight envelope having an open top. A water-tight frangible container can be loaded into the envelope through the open top. The water-tight frangible container can contain a predetermined amount of water. A predetermined amount of urea can be loaded into the envelope through the open top. Separate from the loading of the urea, a predetermined amount of ammonium chloride can be loaded into the envelope through the open top. The relative proportions of the predetermined amount of urea, the predetermined amount of ammonium chloride, and the predetermined amount of water can be selected to provide a target cooling effect to a portion of a body to which cooling is to be applied. The open top of the envelope can be heat-sealed to form a water-tight outer pack.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide devices and methods for thermal treatment, e.g., cooling and heating, of body parts for purposes of alleviating discomfort, pain, stress and inflammation.

Abstract: A normothermic maintenance system sand method for maintaining patient normothermia, during surgical intervention is disclosed. The invention will reduce patient morbidity during surgical intervention while beneficially expediting patient flow in the hospital environment. The application of heat, via advantageously independent systems and methods, is an objective of the invention which results in the improvement of the economics of surgical treatment by the use of either disposable or re-usable simple normothermic maintenance systems.

Abstract: A thermal assistance device is useful to provide supplemental heating or cooling to a user's circulating core blood, or to the blood supply to an extremity of a user.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for cooling tissue, and in particular for applying therapeutic hypothermia to the spinal canal, tissue disposed within the spinal canal, and nerve roots extending from the spinal canal. Bone screws, intervertebral implants, stabilization rods, spinous process spacers, and other devices are described which define a chamber through which a chilled fluid, expandable gas, or other coolant means can be circulated, delivered, or activated to cool adjacent tissue. The degree of cooling can be regulated using a controller, which can be configured to increase or decrease the cooling effect based on any of a variety of measured or predicted physiological or thermodynamic properties. Methods are disclosed for implanting cooling instruments and for carrying out various treatment regimens that involve cooling tissue using such instruments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of evaporative cooling which targets one or more of an animal's muscle tissue areas, as the head and neck, chest, shoulder, back or gluteal muscles, and leg and ankle of the body chest, shoulder, back and gluteal muscles, and does not otherwise restrict movement of the animal. The apparatus of the present invention is formed of a lower layer and an upper layer, which together form a pocket for receiving a cooling means, wherein the pocket is adapted to open and dose. The apparatus of the present invention is contoured to position around one or more body areas of the animal and secured in the position for evaporative cooling of the animal.

Abstract: Thermal therapy pads for providing a temperature controlled therapy to a portion of a patient's body. The pad includes an inner surface and an outer surface that define a tortuous path for the fluid flow throughout the pad. The pad receives a temperature controlled fluid from a pumping unit via an inlet, and the fluid circulates throughout the pad before being returned to the cooling unit via an outlet. The pads are configured to conform to the shape of the portion of the body receiving the therapy. One such pad is a convertible vest that has one configuration that covers the upper torso and another configuration that covers the back and arms. Another such pad wraps around the wrist after being secured at the thumb. Another pad conforms to the face of the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments include a conformable heated mattress for patient warming during surgery. The mattress may include a base layer coupled to an operating table and a heated layer coupled to the base layer. The heated layer may include an electrical heating element. The heated layer is coupled to an opposing surface of the base layer at a portion of the opposing surface forming an attached area. The attached area is less than an area of the opposing surface allowing at least a portion of the heated layer to be folded substantially independently of the base layer. Embodiments also include a method of positioning a patient on such a heated mattress.

Abstract: Embodiments include a heating blanket. The heating blanket may include a heating element and a shell covering the heating element. The heating element has elastic properties and is disposed in the shape of a sheet. The shell may have one or more sheets of polymeric material bonded together adjacent a perimeter of the heating element. One or more wires having malleable properties are secured within the shell. The wires allow the heating blanket to be secured to a patient.

Abstract: A safety syringe system including a safety syringe and an injection site preparation patch adapted for use with the safety syringe. The safety syringe includes a syringe body and a safety shield slidably disposed about the syringe body. The injection site preparation patch has a tissue-facing side and a syringe-facing side, and may include a substrate, a syringe adhesive layer adapted to adhere to a distal flange of the safety shield, a hydrogel layer adapted to adhere to tissue, and removable release liners disposed on either side. The patch may include a medicament, anesthetic, or a thermal compound. Adhesion between the patch and the flange is less than adhesion between the patch and tissue, so that the patch adheres to the shield with sufficient strength to enable the shield to slide over the needle upon withdrawal, but with insufficient strength to cause the patch to pull away from a patient's skin.

Abstract: An apparatus for the prevention of decubitus ulcers includes an overlay and a plurality of stimulation segments disposed throughout the overlay, wherein the stimulation segments provide stimulation. At least one sensor is disposed within at least one of the plurality of stimulation segments. A controller is electrically connected to the at least one sensor, wherein the controller gathers data from the sensor, processes the data, and transmits instructions to the stimulation segments.

Abstract: A patient-treatment system and related method provide relief from, and treatment for, muscle spasticity disorders, Willis-Ekbom disease, contracture, sleep onset insomnia, sleep maintenance insomnia, rheumatoid arthritis, and other similar disorders by applying controlled heat, and optionally muscle monitoring/stimulation, to one or more parts of a patient's body.

Abstract: An adaptive thermodynamic therapy system capable of comfortably increasing metabolic expenditure to facilitate excess weight loss, including one or more sensors for measuring a subject user's body temperature, current activity/metabolic level and providing data representative of said body temperature to a computer-based controller, and then actively controlling a thermal load in contact with subject user's body and responsive to the computer-based controller. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to receive input from at least one computer-based device configured to provide user body data and calculate a state value representative of the user body data and to adjust the thermal load to obtain a desired physiological response from the user by modifying the state values.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for removing heat from subcutaneously disposed lipid-rich cells are disclosed. In selected embodiments, suction and/or heat removal sources are coupled to an applicator. The applicator includes a flexible portion and a rigid portion. The rigid portion includes a thermally conductive plate and a frame coupling the thermally conductive plate and the flexible portion. An interior cavity of the applicator is in fluid communication with the suction source, and the frame maintains contiguous engagement between the heat removal source and the thermally conductive plate.

Abstract: A system for the treatment of hypothermia includes an energy source controllably operable to output energy, a controller operably associated with the energy source, an encasing-structure being conformable over a treatment region, and one or more vital sign detectors adapted to generate an electrical signal indicative of a measurement of a vital sign of a patient. The encasing-structure includes an energy-applicator device including a configuration of energy-delivery elements disposed in association with the encasing-structure. The controller is adapted to receive the electrical signal from the one or more vital sign detectors. The controller is configured to adjust one or more treatment parameters based at least in part on the electrical signal.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.

Abstract: A steam-generating warming article 1 which has a steam generating element 2 making use of chemical energy and is adapted to supply steam while in contact with a human body. The article 1, while in contact with the body, maintains the skin surface temperature at 38° to 49° C. for 3 to 15 hours and cumulatively generates 0.5 to 12 mg/3 hr·cm2 of steam. The steam-generating warming article 1 is used to improve the human body's physiology. The steam generating element 2 is preferably a heat generating sheet prepared by incorporating an aqueous electrolyte solution into a molded sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, and a fibrous material.