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 present disclosure relates to apparatus for covering a burn or other wound in ways that prevent or limit touching the wound. The present disclosure describes Burn Bandages that may include domes or structures that bridge over a wide range of a burn or wound size. In certain instances these structures may expand in one or more directions as they are adjusted to fit to a particular burn or wound size. Such bridging structures may include airways, openings, or voids that promote air/oxygen flow to the wound as the Burn Bandage sits upon surfaces or pads that contact healthy surrounding tissue while they cover a wound site. The apparatus may be any shape including, yet not limited to, a circle, a rectangle, a square, a hexagon, an octagon, an oval, a cone, a cylinder, have a semi-cylindrical shape, or that have any another geometric shape.

Abstract: Systems and devices oriented in a compact manner provide lift assistance to a spar of a surgery table for hip, leg-related surgeries, or generally lower limb related orthopedic procedures. The compact device does not impede the radiolucency of the spar below the patient's hip, trochanter, or femur.

Abstract: A contraceptive device for intervaginal use includes a relatively thin, saucer-shaped impermeable body having two opposite side faces wherein one of the two side faces is concave in form and the other of the side faces is convex in form. In addition, the impermeable portion includes an amount of copper-including material which is disposed across the side faces of the impermeable portion so that the copper-including material is exposed at locations across the side faces.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for a sterile ophthalmic surgical drape system that can provide a sterile operating field for use by a doctor, surgeon, nurse, and the like during ophthalmic medical procedures. The sterile field created by the drape system can allow a doctor, surgeon, nurse and the like to perform a medical procedure, such as ophthalmic surgery, outside of an operating room and in locations such as a doctor's office or a military operating room war setting. The sterile ophthalmic surgical drape system can comprise a drape, a frame apparatus, a hole of sufficient size for a microscope, a fan, a filter, air directors, and slits. The drape system can comprise a collapsible frame apparatus. The drape system may be configured to be used in conjunction with a surgical tray that houses pre-sterilized tools for use in a medical procedure.

Abstract: An improved draping system with a drape and a lock device. The drape includes an area defined by a predetermined length and a predetermined width, as well as a selectively separable portion. The drape also has a first perforation, as well as a z-shaped fold over the perforation. The lock device may be a poly seal with a second perforation. The draping system is secured to an operating table to maintain sterility about that operating table. When ready for removal, the draping system is simply pulled in opposite directions. When this occurs, the second perforation breaks, which disengages the lock device. Upon further pulling, the z-shaped fold is unfolded. Further pulling still results in the second perforation breaking.

Abstract: An arm sling apparatus and method in which one or more bistable spring elements in the flexible cover of the arm sling automatically operate to gently clamp and hold the flexible cover in place on the patient's affected arm so that the patient can freely use the patient's other arm and hand to extend and attach the shoulder strap of the arm sling, extend and attach a waste strap of the arm sling if present, and/or perform other tasks necessary for securing the arm sling.

Abstract: A system for covering and visually distinguishing an injured limb is used to enclose and visually indicate a physical injury to prevent exacerbating said injury through unwanted contact. Additionally, wound recovery times may be shortened by insulating and protecting an injured limb throughout a convalescence period. The present invention utilizes a medical brace enclosed in a covering textile, with at least one fastener securing the covering textile about the medical brace and a user's injured limb. At least one visual indicium is mounted onto the covering textile to provide direct indication to the nature of injury. The visual indicium displayed across the covering textile will ideally encourage surrounding persons to avoid physical contact with the user, thereby preventing any undue discomfort caused by bumping or jostling the injured limb.

Abstract: A valved nasal cannula adapted to provide a positive pressure in the airway using the breathing of the intended user as a source of positive pressure without the need for an external source of energy and/or compressed air. The cannula is designed so as to be relatively easily insertable and retractable into and from the nasal vestibule portion of the nose of the intended user without requiring manual dexterity.

Abstract: An apparatus for helping to protect a patient's hair is provided. The apparatus includes a sheet configured to cover a patient's hair during an operation. A sealing member is provided on or joined to a leading end of the sheet. The sealing member is configured to be applied to a patient's skin adjacent to an operating field to create a seal between the operating field and the patient's hair. At least one anchoring member is joined to the sheet adjacent to the leading end of the sheet. The at least one anchoring member is configured to be attached to the patient's hair adjacent to the operating field to anchor the apparatus to the patient.

Abstract: An instrument 10 to prepare an intra-uterine device 30 for insertion in uterus 50 of woman, comprising a downfolding device 20, a graduated tube 16, a push rod 17, a stopper 15, and an IUD 30; the downfolding device 20 having a concave depression 41 on either side, an open channel 29 of a circular orifice 46 having a sector of angle measure 46A at least 220° and having an exit opening 48 initially marginally less than an external diameter 22B of the graduated tube 16, a root thickness 37B of the base 37 in-between the open channel 29 such that the exit opening 48 increases by the base 37 flexing; the graduated tube 16 has an internal diameter 22D of a far-end opening 22a of the graduated tube 16 sufficient to capture the stem 33 and both arms 32 of the IUD 30 in a downward triangular formation 51.

Abstract: Apparatus that enables non-penetrating sex between two users. Embodiments may be integrated into or attached to clothing worn by the first user. A tubular element (including, but not limited to, a male or female condom) may be installed either permanently or detachably; attachments at both the open and closed ends of the tubular element ensure that it will not penetrate the first user. Users may therefore enjoy many of the benefits of sex, including intimacy and mutual stimulation, without the risks inherent in penetration. Attachment for the open end may use for example an element that attaches to a base ring or flange at the open end. Illustrative attachments for the closed end include a loop into which the closed end is cinched, a notch or hole into which a button in the closed end is inserted, and a mechanism into which the closed end is inserted, folded, and secured.

Abstract: A therapeutic orthopedic device is described. The orthopedic device serves to restrain and limit movement of a human arm and shoulder. The device comprises a torso pillow, a padded forearm support attached to the pillow and a shoulder strap that traverses the clavicle region of the opposite shoulder. The pillow is positioned to rest against the torso of a user and the strap is positioned over the opposite shoulder. The forearm support acts as a shelf upon which the user's forearm may rest in a natural position. Flexible straps extend from the forearm support, over the user's forearm, and engage with the pillow to secure the forearm.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a therapeutic sleeve for a medical patient. The sleeve has an interior side and an exterior side. The sleeve can include a fastener on the interior side. A wound care component such as an absorbent pad can be fastened to the interior side of the sleeve. The wound care component can be removed and replaced when it expires. The sleeve can be fabricated from stretch fabric, allowing the sleeve to conform to a patient's arm or leg.

Abstract: A dental appliance and method of treatment are disclosed. The dental appliance attaches to predetermined teeth of an upper jaw of a patient, and includes a constrainment mechanism positioned above a patient's tongue, wherein the constrainment mechanism is shaped to limit movement of a posterior zone of the patient's tongue. The constrainment mechanism allows at least an anterior zone and lateral edges of the patient's tongue to perform movements necessary for speech and swallowing. The method of treatment includes use of the dental appliance to reduce the volume of a patient's tongue and enlarge the airways, and can be combined with use of another dental appliance to correct another aspect of the patient's tongue.

Abstract: An orthotic support comprises a shoulder section for encapsulating a first shoulder of a wearer, a glove section for conforming to at least a portion of the wearer's hand, and a sleeve section for conforming to the wearer's arm, the sleeve section connecting the shoulder section to the glove section. A resilient reinforcement extends from the glove section to the shoulder section, and at least a portion of the reinforcement extends in a spiral around the sleeve section, so that the reinforcement is configured to apply a rotational force to the wearer's arm, when worn, to urge a portion of the wearer's arm to rotate in a predetermined direction. The orthotic support may be usable to treat or prevent shoulder dislocation or subluxation, arm over-pronation or over-supination, wrist flexion or elbow flexion.

Abstract: Example muscle tension relief devices are provided herein. A muscle tension relief device includes a first base portion extending in a first plane, a second base portion extending in a second plane, and a muscle engagement feature extending generally upwardly. There is a non-zero angle extending between the first plane and the second plane. The device is configured to engage with and relieve tension in a user's iliacus or psoas muscles. The device can transition from a first position resting on the first base portion to a second position resting on the second base portion to cause the muscle engagement feature to change orientation to apply pressure at the proper position on a user's psoas major muscle. The shape of an upper portion of a body of the device and the muscle engagement feature correspond to the shape of a hand, such as that of a physical therapist.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are mandibular advancement devices comprising an upper splint and a lower splint, where the upper splint comprises one or more upper fins, where each upper fin is located at a distance UD from back of the upper splint; the lower splints comprise one or more lower fins, where each lower fin is located at a distance LD from back of the lower splint; where the position of the upper and lower fins is unchangeable. Also disclosed are methods of reducing partial constriction of airway during sleep for a patient, the method comprising identifying a patient in need thereof; and administering to the patient the disclosed mandibular advancement device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a mandibular advancement device, the method comprising obtaining measurements from a patient's dentition; digitally designing a mandibular advancement device; and milling the mandibular advancement device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a relief orthosis comprising a foot part which comprises a sole, a shank part extending away from the foot part in the proximal direction, and at least one fastening element for fastening the orthosis to a user, which fastening element is disposed on the foot part and/or on the shank part, wherein the foot part is embodied with an adaptable length.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing an incontinent cervix during pregnancy are described. A system may include a nesting portion designed to surround the cervix without applying pressure to the cervix, while supporting the uterus in opposition to the weight of the developing fetus to prevent untimely effacement and dilatation of the cervix; thereby reducing the risk of premature birth and its consequence.