Abstract: A system for monitoring the use of a home-based medical apparatus providing medical therapy to a patient incorporates communication technology to permit communication from the operated component of the medical apparatus to a central station through one or more of Bluetooth® telephone communications, Smart Phone communications, Internet communications through a network, or other known or forthcoming communication devices. The operated medical apparatus can report any operational function to the central station for monitoring by medical professionals or caregivers, including the timing of any operation of the apparatus, the duration of operation, the effectiveness of the therapy, and malfunctions in the operation of the apparatus. The monitoring system is particularly adapted for use with inflation garment therapy and negative pressure wound therapy systems.

Abstract: A stress management device is formed in an integrated design that enables pulse measurement, display of results and a power supply gathered into a small finger clip device. The stress management device includes a non-invasive infrared sensor that identifies and measures pulse rate variability and utilizes that information to calculate the power spectrum distribution and create a curve of the results multiple times per second. The device incorporates a display screen on which a graphic image of a pair of lungs filling and emptying to encourage the user into a predetermined breathing pattern known to reduce stress levels during a training period. After the completion of the training period, the device presents a score reflecting the percentage of times the user achieved high, medium and low relaxation states, and a pie chart reflecting the distribution of the states of relaxation calculated during the training period.

Abstract: A negative pressure foot bandage kit includes a non-woven gauze member, gel strips placed around the patient's foot to form a gasket proximal to the wound site, a polymer outer film member sealed around the foot and against the gel strips to encompass the wound site, and a vacuum port applied to the outer film member in register with a hole formed therein to apply a vacuum to the bandage. The gauze member is spoon-shaped and includes a handle portion that can be cut to size for enclosure within the bandage, with a mesh layer on both opposing sides. The gauze member provides a medium for the transport of fluids from the wound site engaged with the spoon portion through the handle portion engaged with the vacuum port. The gel strips are applied to the foot so that the outer film member can be sealed against the strips.

Abstract: An operating system for a medical device pump has a microprocessor controlling the operation of the pump features in a manner to minimize power consumption and maximize the life of the batteries powering the pump. The microprocessor associated with the medical device pump includes a modulation circuit that operates the pump on an intermittent basis and only when a pressure sensor indicates that the pressure asserted by the pump is at a threshold level. The operation of other sensors are powered only in situations when information from the sensor is needed, while other more essential sensors are operated on an intermittent basis by the modulation circuit. A fill sensor is operated intermittently, while a tilt sensor is only activated when a signal is received from the fill sensor. An optical sensor is only activated when the canister is removed from the pump housing, during which the pump is de-powered.

Abstract: An integrated negative pressure bandage is constructed with a non-woven polyurethane matrix pad secured on the outside surface to a sheet of polyurethane film formed with an outer adhesive boundary to establish a seal against the skin of the patient around the wound site. The inner surface of the non-woven matrix pad is covered with a silver nitrate mesh to promote healing of the wound site when the bandage is placed on top of the wound. A drain tube is contained within the non-woven matrix pad for connection with a source of negative pressure to draw the fluids and exudates from the wound for removal to a canister that is located remotely from the bandage. Contoured versions of the integrated bandage are provided for use on portions of the human body that present difficult locations for applications of negative pressure therapy, including the toes, heel, limbs, and sacral region.