Abstract: An intraurethral catheter shaft comprises a plurality of lumens extending between a first end and a second end of the shaft. An antenna lumen has a generally circular cross-sectional surface area and is positioned nearer a first outer surface than a second outer surface of the catheter shaft. A first and second pair of cooling lumens substantially surround the antenna lumen and have a generally arc shaped cross-sectional surface area. The cooling lumens are configured to be circumjacent to the antenna lumen about a substantial majority of the antenna lumen. A urinary drainage lumen is positioned between the second pair of cooling lumens adjacent the antenna lumen and has a generally circular cross-sectional surface area. The lumens of the catheter shaft are defined by a unitary wall having a substantially uniform thickness throughout the catheter.

Abstract: Insertion apparatus for a female bladder control device including an outer tube for insertion into the urethra of a patient, the outer tube having an inner lumen and a retention collar for limiting the depth of insertion of the outer tube. A dilator probe with a tapered end, the probe sized for slidable movement into the outer tube and the probe having stop means engagable by the first tube to limit the depth of insertion of the probe tapered end into the urethra. An applicator tube sized for slidable positioning within the outer tube and having an inner lumen for removably carrying a bladder control device for placement within the lumen. Also provided is an insertion device for moving the bladder control device into the second tube. The preferred embodiment described in this disclosure includes a spring-type retaining device mounted on one end of the placed bladder control device and an additional retainer on the other end for retaining the placed bladder control device within the urethra.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for the thermal treatment of the body. A first container adapted to receive water is provided. A second container having a substance adapted to react with water and produce a thermal reaction is also provided. The second container is placed inside the first container. At least a portion of the second container is made of a material that at least partially dissolves in water, so as to allow the substance to mix with water and produce the thermal reaction.

Abstract: An expressible compress is provided having a container with a perforatible wall through which fluids pass into an engulfing absorbent cloth sleeve to create a moist compress. The container has an open top body formed from a resilient plastic material and is adapted to be collapsed upon application of slight hand pressure and a cap for closing the top through which the container is filled.

Abstract: A method is described for assessing perfusion failure of a patient by measurement pCO.sub.2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) in the digestive system of the patient. The method includes introducing a catheter (10, FIG. 1) through the nasal passage until a sensor (12) on the catheter lies in the esophagus, and taking measurements of CO.sub.2 in the esophagus. The measurements can be taken at the wall of the esophagus without inflating a balloon, by instead allowing the walls of the esophagus to contract about the catheter and the sensor thereof. The measurement involves minimal invasion while avoiding false readings such as those arising from CO.sub.2 produced in the stomach during digestion.

Abstract: A trophotropic response system which aids a user in achieving a relaxation response. In one embodiment the system includes a control unit and an audio-visual unit. The control unit includes a processor and associated hardware and software to control the audio-visual unit. The audio-visual unit includes a light producing unit having a pair of earphones coupled thereto. The light producing unit includes a plurality of light sources which direct light toward a diffuser screen disposed between the eyes of a user and the light sources. This arrangement permits the user to see light from the light sources diffused over a large visual angle. The light sources produce light and the earphones produce sound in response to audio and light control signals provided by the processor of the control unit. The signal characteristics of the light and sound control signals may be varied within predefined limits to aid the user in performing a relaxation exercise.

Abstract: A super-compact electric thermal treatment device enabling a patient to correct a treatment temperature comprises a small-capacity compact battery, a heating element, a pulse supplier for intermittently supplying electric energy from the small-capacity compact battery to the heating element, and a corrector for correcting an amount of supply from the pulse supplier manually and variably.

Abstract: A hot and cold therapeutic pillow which includes a cervical roll having relatively firm ends and a relatively soft middle portion. The core of the pillow is hollow and accommodates a cylindrical gel pack which may be heated by microwave radiation or cooled by freezing. The cervical roll may be integrally combined with a head cradle which has a soft middle or central portion and firm ends.