Abstract: A convertible therapeutic wrap includes indicia designating where a pad of the wrap is to be cut to provide a separate, smaller therapeutic wrap when the overall pad is not needed.

Abstract: A portable solar tanning spa having a longitudinally extending first half section and a longitudinally extending second half section, each being formed of a light transparent material. The first half section and the second half section are rotatably connected such that the second half section may rotate into a position parallel with the first half section to allow the user to enter and exit as desired. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinally extending first half section and the longitudinally extending second half section are arranged in a vertical position and are pivotally connected to the rim of a back member to allow the first half section and the second half section to swing outwardly into an open position and inwardly into a closed position. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first half section and the second half section form a cylindrical enclosure having an opening for receiving a door to allow the user to enter or exit the spa as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying thermal therapy to a prostate gland, comprising a support tube having a longitudinal central passageway, a power lead channeled through the longitudinal central passageway and an ultrasound crystal disposed around at least part of the support tube. The ultrasound crystal is coupled to the power lead which provides the power to energize the ultrasound crystal and generate ultrasound energy providing thermal therapy to the prostate gland. The ultrasound crystal further includes inactivated portions for reducing ultrasound energy directed to the rectal wall of the patient. A sealant is disposed in contact with the ultrasound crystal allowing vibration necessary for efficient ultrasound energy radiation for the thermal therapy to the prostate gland.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for heating fluid contained in one or more bags and delivering the fluid from at least one bag to a surgical patient. The apparatus includes a housing sized and shaped to enclose at least one bag containing fluid and having a door positioned to provide access to an interior of the housing. The apparatus also includes an inflatable bladder mounted in the interior of the housing and connected to a source of pressurized fluid for inflation. The inflatable bladder is positioned within the housing for exerting force against at least one bag mounted within the housing. The apparatus also includes a heater mounted adjacent the housing door in heat transfer relationship with the fluid in at least one bag. The invention also provides a method for maintaining the temperature of fluid contained in one or more bags and for delivering the fluid from at least one bag to a surgical patient.

Abstract: An interactive respiratory regulator having a recording device recording the respiratory pattern of a user and issuing a corresponding respiratory signal, an instruction signal generator for the generation of an instruction signal that can be perceived by the user in order to influence his respiratory behaviour, a control device controlling the instruction signal generator, a processing device which determined by a parameter of the respiratory signal received, whether the recorded respiratory pattern during a predetermined time span meets a preadjustable standard for this parameter, and which at a certain error percentage send a starting signal to the control device. The interactive respiratory regulator is characterized in that the processing device processes as parameter the ratio between the in- and exhalation time in a respiratory cycle.

Abstract: A cardiac arrhythmia mapping and ablation catheter has a main catheter that is provided with a loop-shaped mapping and ablation system attached to its distal end in which the loop is optionally adjustable or of relatively fixed shape resumable upon deployment. The loop carries an electrode array including a plurality of separately operable recording (mapping)/ablation electrodes in conductive relation to the external environment and arranged in spaced serial relation along the loop. Insulated conductors connect the electrodes electrically with input/output devices outside the catheter for mapping the electrical activity of the chamber wall contacted and ablating tissue as indicated. A distal extension or guide member may optionally be provided to adapt the loop specifically to addressing the tricuspid annulus or other desired location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving a frequency response of a piezoelectric input or output transducer in an implantable hearing system. Multiple input or multiple output transducers obtain optimized mechanical-to-electrical or electrical-to-mechanical frequency response. Output mechanical coupling is directly to the inner ear, or through an ossicular element such as the malleus, stapes, or incus. Input mechanical vibrations are obtained from an auditory element such as the tympanic membrane, malleus, or incus. Substantially nonidentical frequency responses are obtained such as using transducers of different dimensions, different number of transducer elements, different material properties, different mounting techniques, or different auditory elements for coupling.

Abstract: A medical measurement apparatus which includes a measuring unit for outputting electrical signals in the amount of a target analyte measured in a specimen, and a control unit. The control unit has an identification unit for receiving identification data specific to a subject and for identifying that subject on the basis of the identification data; a criterion setting unit only for use by a controller who sets comments and/or commands about measurements regarding the measuring items and the criteria set for the subject and who is capable of making a specialized judgment on the amount of the target analyte in the specimen; and a judgment and display unit and/or judgment and execution unit for computing the measured results based on the electrical signals from the measuring unit and for selectively displaying and/or executing the comments and/or the command relevant to the criteria with respect to the computed measured results.

Abstract: There is disclosed a splint prosthesis for body limbs, such as fingers, toes, arms and legs. The splint prosthesis includes a sheath, having a size and thickness which can be varied as to application, e.g., from 1 to about 3 millimeters in thickness for toe and finger splints up to several centimeters for larger body limbs such as legs and arms. The splint prosthesis has at least two longitudinal retractable stiffeners embedded within said sheath and oriented so that the stiffeners have a stable coiled configuration and a stable extended configuration. The stiffeners are formed of thin, elastic sheet material which can be rolled into a coil, and which readily unrolls. At least two stiffeners are provided, extending longitudinally along the extended sheath configuration and these are spaced apart by an angular increment which is sufficient to maintain the sheath in its extended configuration.

Abstract: A stylet unit suitable for stiffening a hollow electrode cable, such as during the introduction and the anchoring of a medical electrode cable in the human body, includes a combination of a pair of flexible, coaxially arranged stylet elements, i.e., a tubular stylet sleeve and an internal stylet, which can be inserted into a channel in the sleeve and whose end section is pre-bent to one side. Both the stylet sleeve channel and moving inner stylet contained therein have sections or segments with non-circular cross-sections, the profile of the stylet's non-circular cross-section, in relation to the profile of the sleeve channel's non-circular cross-section, preventing the stylet from rotating in relation to the surrounding sleeve, at least within the parts of the sleeve in which both the stylet and the sleeve channel have interacting non-circular cross-sections.

Abstract: An erection aid device, comprising a disk that defines an opening slightly smaller than a user's fully erect penis, a set of connecting straps and a rigid extension arm that is fixed to the disk, with the extension arm shaped so that it can be attached to a belt worn around the user, while holding the disk in a vertical position against the base of the penis. The user pushes their penis through the opening in the disk, and slides the disk to the base of the penis. The scrotum is positioned between two connecting lines, that are connected to a belt on one end, and the disk on the other end. The connecting lines pull the disk, so that it presses against the user's groin area, with the rigid extension arm maintaining the disk in a vertical position. The pressure of the disk against the user's body assists in compressing inner vein diameters that drain the corpus cavernosa, without interfering with other normal body functions.

Abstract: A presenting part fetal pulse oximeter sensor with a securing mechanism for providing tension to a hook or other securing mechanism penetrating the fetal scalp. In one embodiment, a sensor can be secured to the presenting part of the fetus by means of a suture or a hook which penetrates the fetus' scalp. If a suture is used, the ends of the suture are wrapped around a securing member, such as a bar, attached to the back of the sensor. By tying the suture ends around this securing member, the sensor is pressed up against the fetus' scalp and retained in place by virtue of tension provided in the suture between the securing member and the portion of the suture penetrating the fetus' scalp.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is provided having a substantially cylindrical support to which is attached a removable, multi-sided head. Each side of the head has an array of light-emitting diodes that provide monochromatic light to activate a photosensitive dye. The apparatus may be used in invasive surgery to treat brain tumors and the like. The apparatus may be used for topical treatments by providing a removable reflector over the light-emitting head. The temperature of the head is controlled, and the head is cooled by circulating cooling fluid through the head. The use of the cooling fluid allows the LEDs to be driven beyond their rated capacity. The catheter may also include an expandable light diffuser that is affixed over the light-emitting head and that is filled with a diffuser fluid such as a lipid solution. The apparatus may also be used to provide radiant energy to plants or to patients in non-PDT applications.

Abstract: An isolator and method of using same for providing an atmosphere free of contamination from external sources and for containing and evacuating contaminates generated during the course of a surgical procedure, particularly laser procedures that are performed within the isolator. The isolator includes a double chambered structure made of a flexible material on a rigid frame. Filtered air is provided to the outer chamber and enters the inner chamber through various openings in the inner enclosure walls. The inner chamber is under negative pressure and the mix of filtered air and any air borne contaminants generated by the procedure are evacuated to an air handling unit where contaminants are neutralized and removed from the air. A portion of the top side of the bag is made of a relatively stiff, optically transparent, material through which the surgeon or the assembly worker can view the work area.

Abstract: A noninvasive blood pressure monitoring and controlling device is provided which selectively stimulates the human body's own baro-receptors with electromagnetic or ultrasonic wave energies.

Abstract: A substantially triangular piece of flexible material, which has the appearance of a delta-winged aircraft when flattened. The piece of flexible material has a first wing portion, a second wing portion, a central body portion therebetween, and a body-facing side. The neck wrap also has a plurality of individual thermal elements embedded therein. The plurality of thermal elements have a pattern which approximates the shape and location of muscles in the user's upper back, lower neck, and shoulders. The pattern has a gap bisecting the central portion corresponding to the user's spine. The neck wrap maintains piece of flexible material in a desired position once the piece of flexible material has been draped over the user's shoulders. The central portion is centered at the user's upper back and lower neck and the first and second wing portions lay across the user's shoulders and rest on the user's chest.

Abstract: A thermal blanket for flowing temperature controlled air upon a patient wherein the blanket is inflated with air and orifices within the blanket permit the air to flow upon the patient. The improvement includes the locating of the air inlet at a central blanket location in the patient's chest region to permit the highest air temperature to be available over the chest region, and the air flow direction produces optimum distribution. The locating of the air hose upon the blanket upper side permits the inflated blanket to insulate the hose from the patient, the portion of the blanket placed over the patient's head is perforated to facilitate forming a head receiving opening, and a transparent barrier may be affixed to the blanket upper side to cover the patient's face during respiration.

Abstract: A cardioversion/defibrillation lead, and method of manufacture thereof, for location in a human heart. An elongated lead body having an insulating outer sheath extends between proximal and distal ends thereof, and an elongated defibrillation conductor within the lead body extends from a connector at the proximal end to a distal end at a predetermined location along the lead body length. A spiral band defibrillation electrode extends in spiral turns around the exterior of the insulating outer sheath for a pre-determined defibrillation electrode length. The defibrillation electrode is fabricated of a single tube of body compatible, electrically conductive material having first and second tube ends and an inside diameter selected to fit over the outer sheath and the internally disposed defibrillation lead conductor.

Abstract: A light delivery catheter having an elongate, flexible inner tube coaxially disposed within a lumen within a flexible outer tube, and axially movable with respect to the outer tube. An optical waveguide disposed within the inner tube conducts light from an external light source to a light diffuser element in optical communication with the distal end of the optical waveguide. A portion of the light conducted to the diffuser element is scattered radially into the surrounding volume. The outer diameter of the inner tube is less than the diameter of the outer tube lumen, the annular space therebetween forming a cylindrical lumen coextensive with the inner tube. One or more fiber optics disposed within the cylindrical lumen are attached to the outer surface of the inner tube and terminate distally in an isotropic tip.

Abstract: A non-contact tonometer measures an intraocular pressure precisely based on a deformation amount of a cornea when a pressurized pulse of air is injected to the cornea. The intraocular pressure is measured on the basis of the maximum value of a correlation function curve, instead of detecting a peak of a light changing curve.