Abstract: A system, device or method uses surface energy to assist in fluid transport or separation. One example includes removing mucus from a subject's lungs during mechanical ventilation of the subject using a tracheal tube. At least one wicking fluid pickup port is located more distal or more proximal than a sealing device between the tracheal tube and the trachea. Surface energy assists in introducing mucus into the port. A peristalsis or other pump is used to remove from the subject the wicked-in liquid. Ventilation is not impaired by the mucus removal.

Abstract: A carbon-dioxide sampling tube operatively couples a capnograph and an exhaust-gas sampling tube of a mask. The mask has an ambient-to-inside-the mask inflow flapper valve located on a wall of the mask, a fresh-gas inflow tube, an exhaust-gas outflow tube, and a gas sampling tube. A fresh gas inflow tube operatively couples a fresh gas source and the face mask. An exhaust-gas hose operatively couples a scavenging system and the exhaust gas outflow tube.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for applying graded compression to the hand to remedy the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The device is a passive therapy device which receives the palm of the hand and applies graduated pressure to the top of the hand to relieve carpal tunnel region of the hand by spreading the area of the carpal tunnel. There are also disclosed a centralizing means which allows for accurate placement of the means for apply pressure to the top of the hand and also a means for further spreading and fixing the spread in the carpal tunnel region.

Abstract: A shoulder orthosis is utilized to effect relative movement between bones in a body of a patient. The orthosis includes a base section which is connected with a trunk of a patient's body, an upper arm section which is connected with an upper portion of an arm of the patient, and a lower arm section which is connected with a lower portion of the arm of a patient. An interconnection between the base section and upper arm section of the orthosis is disposed beneath an axilla between the trunk and arm of the patient. A main drive assembly is operable to rotate the lower arm section of the orthosis relative to the upper arm section of the orthosis to pivot a humerus bone in the upper arm of the patient relative to a scapula bone in a shoulder of the patient. A secondary drive assembly is operable to move the lower arm section and upper arm section relative to the base section of the orthosis to move the upper arm of the patient into alignment with the shoulder of the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a dorsiflexion angle of a surgical patient's foot relative to the corresponding leg during tendon surgery. The apparatus includes a leg member having a first support adapted for engaging at least one of a lateral malleolus and a medial malleolus of the patient, and a second support opposing the first support adapted for engaging another of the lateral malleolus and the medial malleolus of the patient. The apparatus further includes a foot member rotatably connected to the leg member for selectively rotating the foot member relative to the leg member about an axis defined by the first support and the second support of the leg member. The foot member has a metatarsal support adapted for engaging a predetermined point on at least one preselected metatarsal bone of the patient.