Abstract: Intrauterine devices and methods for facilitating deployment thereof using a bumper are disclosed. In one embodiment, an intrauterine device comprises a structure including a first central support member and a deployment mechanism coupled to the first central support member. The intrauterine device further comprises a bumper positioned at a distal end of a second central support member and at a more distal position relative to a distal end of the structure so as to prevent the distal end of the structure from contacting the fundus of the uterus of a patient during deployment of the deployment mechanism. In another embodiment, the intrauterine device comprises a bumper coupled to the deployment mechanism and configured to move from a more distal to a more proximal position relative to a distal end of the structure.

Abstract: The inventive disclosure contained herein is generally directed to a class of medical bandages that in many embodiments are effective in the treatment of various types of tissue burns, whether be burns due to thermal burns, sun exposure, or rashes. Such products can include a plurality of specialized bandages and wraps that incorporate an extremely thin layer of thermally conductive metal (often aluminum) at the base of a substrate adapted to be in direct contact with a burn wound, while manufacturing the top side of the aluminum substrate to have a heat-dissipation-enhancing topography to help cool burns faster by enhancing thermal-convection properties. The bandage can also feature a thermochromic indicator for users to realize the thermal-cooling status of a burn to which a bandage has been applied.

Abstract: A device for managing heating energy from a probe comprises a sleeve including a lumen sized to receive the probe therein, the sleeve defining a first window which, when the sleeve is in a desired position, faces target tissue to which the probe is to deliver energy and a shield element protecting non-target tissue from energy emanating from the surgical probe, the shield element being formed of one of a material reflecting energy delivered by the probe and a material absorbing energy delivered by the probe in combination with a positioning element which, when the sleeve is in the desired position, contacts an anatomical structure to position the sleeve relative to the target tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is a safe, inexpensive, easy to use and effective anti-snoring and anti-sleep apnea treatment device. The device has a vertical and horizontal bar. The horizontal bar is placed inside the mouth, behind or between the molar teeth with palatine and tongue shelves to prevent snoring and movement of the tongue backwards. The device is tethered to the hard palate by vacuum cups to prevent the movement of the tongue backwards during sleep to prevent sleep apnea. The proximal end of the vertical bar is anchored to string at the distal end with hook and loop fabric closure adhesive attachment and to the lips outside the mouth to prevent the accidental swallowing and aspiration of the device; and at the same time holds the tongue and device firmly in the mouth. The device is provided with canula with three way stopcocks to deliver supplemental oxygen and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The portable cervical traction device includes a brace having at least a pair of shoulder hooks configured to be worn over the shoulders and on the back of a user. A traction control mechanism is attached to the brace and includes an L-shaped traction bar. A plurality of hooks is attached to the traction bar, and a head sling can be attached to selected hooks for comfortable and proper support of the user's head. The traction control mechanism selectively raises or lowers the traction bar to apply the desired traction on the user. Since the brace is portable, the portable cervical traction device provides greater mobility for the user while maintaining proper traction. The degree of traction can be easily adjusted to account for the degree of recovery of the user.

Abstract: A knee rehabilitation exercise device comprised of a right and left leg brace, a rear knee strap, an upper leg strap assembly, a lower leg strap assembly, a portable rear brace assembly and an elastic resistance band. The left and right leg brace members are each comprised of an upper member and a lower member rotatably pinned together at the area of the knee joint. The left and right leg braces are attached to the upper and lower leg strap assembly. The rear knee strap is attached to the left and right leg braces at the knee joint. When a user places the elastic resistance band onto L hooks mounted on the upper and lower strap assembly, and the rear brace assembly is placed between the rear of the user's knee and the elastic resistance band, a resistive stretching is caused when the user straightens his leg which exercises and strengthens the user's leg muscles in the area of the knee joint.

Abstract: A head-mounted support device for carrying at least one un-inflated inflatable or expandable inner portion of an in-ear device thereon includes a main body adjustably mountable on a user's head, with at least one settable compound delivery device mounted thereon, and a at least one receptacle to receive an inflatable in-ear device inner portion. The invention also refers to a head-mounted settable compound delivery system kit, along with the earphone wire assembly that receives the customized in-ear device inner portions thereon.

Abstract: A cervical collar includes a flexible, elongate support member having two ends, a longitudinal axis, an initial length, and a plurality of slits near at least one end. Each slit defines a terminal segment of the support member and a connective link between the terminal segment and the remainder of the support member. A connector is provided for securing together the two ends. The support member may be manufactured by forming slits near at least one end of a flexible support member. The collar may be applied to a patient by providing a support member which is longer than is needed for the patient's neck, removing a terminal segment of the support member to adjust the length so that the support member is sized to appropriately encircle the patient's neck, flexing the support member around the patient's neck, and connecting the ends of the support member together.

Abstract: A support for copulating couples and method thereof including, in general, a pair of support blocks, each configured as a polygon and each having six sides, (four sides, top side and bottom side with five possible tops determined by right-hand, left-hand, full upright, or sloped orientation), wherein the top and/or bottom includes an elbow indent and at one side or more includes a contour for fingers that functions to support the body weight of the top partner during copulation.

Abstract: A heel support for elevating the heel and bony prominences of a patient's lower limbs in multiple patient orientations. The heel support includes a plurality of apertures for floating the ankles and bony prominences when the patient is positioned on her side. The heel support additionally includes one or more edge contours for floating the heel and boney prominences of the foot when the patient is positioned on her back. The heel support has a size and shape which makes it comfortable to the patient whether the patient is on her back or side. The heel support is portable and convenient to manipulate for hospital staff. A washable or disposable cover may be provided.

Abstract: An earplug is provided. The earplug includes at least a partially flexible distal end; an inflatable element; and a flexible anti-distal end. The anti-distal end has at least one portion that is deformable. The inflatable element is operatively attached to the distal end by an inflation channel. When the at least one portion is deformed the inflatable element expands to an adjustable pressure. At least one portion of the anti-distal end provides a pressurizing force to maintain the expansion of the inflatable element.

Abstract: A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient which includes the steps of implanting a device into tissue adjacent an airway, the device having a bioerodable material wound around a resiliently deformable body to temporarily maintain the deformable body in a stretched, deformed state, and permitting the bioerodable material of the device to bioerode to apply a force to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method.

Abstract: A shoulder orthosis is provided having an arm support and an optional arm spacer connected to the arm support. The arm support includes an arm retainer and a supportive strapping system. One optional arm spacer includes a pair of individual pillows which are attachably combinable with one another at a first face of the first individual pillow and a face of the second individual pillow to form one combined pillow having a first shape. The individual pillows are alternately attachably combinable with one another at a second face of the first individual pillow and the face of the second individual pillow to form another combined pillow having a second shape different from the first shape.

Abstract: A wrappable sterile radiation shield drape, a wrappable sterile radiation shield drape in combination with a radiation shield, and a method of providing a sterile surface about a suspended radiation shield is provided. The drape includes a flexible wall having a sterilized outer surface. The wall has opposite side edges extending between upper and lower ends. The upper end has an everted portion providing an inverted pocket. The wall includes an upper fastener adjacent its upper end. The upper fastener is configured to releasably fix the upper end of the wall relative to the radiation shield. The wall further includes an edge fastener adjacent at least one of its side edges. The edge fastener is configured for releasable attachment adjacent the opposite side edge to releasably maintain the wall in a wrapped configuration about the radiation shield with the side edges being releasably maintained in overlapping relation with one another.

Abstract: An adjustable and controllable device for treating ingrown nail comprises a releasing portion adapted to be connected to the ingrown nail plate surface and an adjustable portion adapted to exert changeable force on the releasing portion so as to elevate portions of the nail plate surface. The force that is exerted can be mechanical, magnetic, piezoelectric or any other force. A method is also provided.

Abstract: An anti-obstructive airway dental orthotic is described. The orthotic includes a maxillary retainer and a mandibular retainer releasably attaching to a plurality of teeth of a wearer. The retainers are attached by at least one strut, either variable in length or of a plurality of lengths, which exert a forward force on the lower jaw, tending to advance the mandible relative to the maxilla. This advancement of the lower jaw promotes a less obstructed airway in the wearer, while fenestrations in the retainers may allow for greater comfort and tongue movement.

Abstract: A prophylactic device having a base substrate for adhering to a glans of a penis, and a reservoir cap having a reservoir and a flange for adhering to the base substrate. The base substrate may be a thin polyurethane film coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive for adhering to the skin of the glans. The flange of the reservoir cap has a pressure-sensitive adhesive for adhering to the base substrate. A security ring is also provided for adhering to and covering the junction of the bottom edge of the flange and base.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a wound covering having a first strip-like element forming a first periphery and a second strip-like element that faces away from the first periphery, runs approximately parallel thereto, forming a second periphery, and is joined to the first strip-like element, there being formed between the first inner periphery of the strip-like element, facing away from the first periphery, and a second inner periphery of the second strip-like element, facing away from the second periphery, a drainage chamber, the depth of which in a depth direction extending at right angles to the periphery ensures a capillary action on bodily fluids received in the drainage chamber, in particular exudates.

Abstract: Methods of use of a nasal insert to support smoking cessation, and methods of use of a nasal insert to reduce or eliminate snoring, and a method of use of a nasal insert to reduce the severity or to eliminate obstructive sleep apnea, and a method of use of a nasal insert to gain smoother, easier breathing through the nose. The nasal insert comprises a body having an inner surface which defines an air passageway surrounded by an outer surface of soft, flexible material. The nasal insert body can have a first portion and a second portion where the outer surface of said nasal insert body is configured to the nasal cavity.

Abstract: An orthotic fitting has a knee guide joint and two leg parts, which can be rigidly connected to a lower leg mounting part and an upper leg mounting part, respectively. The knee guide joint has a four-joint arrangement having four axially parallel joints, arranged so that, at the ends of the leg parts in each case angled lever parts are configured, each having two swivel bearings arranged at a distance from each other, and that in each case the swivel bearing of an angled lever part closer to the leg is connected to the swivel bearing of the other angled lever part further from the leg, in each case by a swivel element.