Abstract: A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction is disclosed. The method includes directing RF energy to an internal portion of a meibomian gland, selectively targeting an obstruction within a duct of the meibomian gland with the applied RF energy to melt, loosen, or soften the obstruction, and expressing the obstruction from the duct of the meibomian gland. An apparatus for treating meibomian gland dysfunction is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one RF electrode configured to direct RF energy to an internal portion of a meibomian gland located in an eyelid of an eye, the at least one RF electrode further configured to selectively target an obstruction within a duct of the meibomian gland with the applied RF energy to melt, loosen, or soften the obstruction. The apparatus also comprises at least one expressor configured to express the obstruction from the duct of the meibomian gland.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for controlling body temperature of a patient during hypothermia treatment, comprising: a body trunk cooling unit having a first affixing portion to be applied on a surface of the trunk of a patient's body and for cooling the surface of the trunk of the patient's body; and a body peripheral part heating unit having a second affixing portion to be applied to the peripheral part of the patient's body and for heating the peripheral part of the body by utilizing exhaust heat from the body trunk cooling unit and suppressing activation of cold receptors of the skin of the patient.

Abstract: A wrap apparatus with 3 equal length radially extending arms with 3 pockets or “sleeves” extending the entire length of the arms to house either ice or heat packs. The radially extending arms wrap around the limb contouring and covering the front, sides, and back of the extremity to supply total ice/heat coverage. The 3 pockets are also wide enough to extend the ice above and below the knee to the adjacent tissues. The ice pack surrounding the extremity, such as a knee or hip, is useful to reduce post-operative swelling.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing a change in the core body temperature of a mammal under cold conditions are provided. In the subject methods, a requirement for thermal energy input in said mammal is first detected. In response to the detection of this requirement for thermal energy input, a surface of a portion of the mammal is contacted with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions for a period of time sufficient to introduce thermal energy into the core body of the mammal. The subject devices include at least a means for detecting a requirement for thermal energy input and a means for contacting a surface of the mammal with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in maintaining the core body temperature of a mammal substantially constant under cold conditions for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A medical pad has multiple layers. A first layer is for containing a first thermal-exchange fluid circulatable therethrough, with the medical pad being operable for thermal exchange between the first thermal-exchange fluid and a patient through a first side of the first layer. A second layer of the medical pad is interconnected to a second side of the first layer, opposite to the first side of the first layer. The second layer encloses a second thermal-exchange fluid that may have a freezing point of 0° C. or less. The medical pad is operable for thermal exchange between the second thermal-exchange fluid and the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a human condition by providing an appendage chamber having a thermal exchange member. Negative pressure may be applied to a human appendage when placed within the appendage chamber. Blood flowing through the arteriovenous anastomosis (AVA) of the appendage may be heated or cooled at the thermal exchange member for therapeutic application of thermal energy to adjust blood viscosity in the human to alleviate symptoms associated with a number of autoimmune, circulatory, neurological, lymphatic, and endocrinal maladies. A load sensor may be coupled to the thermal exchange member and configured to measure a force of the appendage applied to the thermal exchange member. In addition, a negative pressure sensor may measure pressure within the appendage chamber.

Abstract: Method, systems and devices for treating insomnia by non-invasive hypothermic treatment are described. In general, these devices, systems and method enable cooling of the frontal cortex prior to and/or during sleep to enhance sleep, which may be particularly beneficial to treat insomnia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for use in the selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling. The present invention further relates to a device for use in carrying out the methods for selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling.

Abstract: A system for the treatment of hypothermia includes an energy source controllably operable to output energy, a controller operably associated with the energy source, an encasing-structure being conformable over a treatment region, and one or more vital sign detectors adapted to generate an electrical signal indicative of a measurement of a vital sign of a patient. The encasing-structure includes an energy-applicator device including a configuration of energy-delivery elements disposed in association with the encasing-structure. The controller is adapted to receive the electrical signal from the one or more vital sign detectors. The controller is configured to adjust one or more treatment parameters based at least in part on the electrical signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for non-invasive anatomical and systemic cooling. The method and device provide for cooling of various bodily fluid-containing spaces or surfaces, such as mucus-containing spaces or surfaces via delivery of a dry fluid not including a coolant into or upon the mucus-containing space or surface. Exposure of such mucus to the dry fluid results in evaporation and cooling of the anatomical feature and/or systemic cooling, as intended. In this fashion, therapeutic hypothermia may be achieved to provide for neuroprotection of various organs after ischemic insult, such the brain after cardiac arrest.

Abstract: A thermotherapy device with a reclining surface (6) for a patient and with two radiant heaters (3, 4) directed towards the reclining surface (6) and with a control unit (5), which is set up to control the heat output of each of the radiant heaters (3, 4). The reclining surface (6) includes structure for pivoting about an axis of rotation (12) at right angles to a body axis (11) of the patient. An angle or slope sensor (13) detects the deviation of the position of the reclining surface (6) from the horizontal plane. The control unit (5) is connected to the angle or slope sensor and adapts the heat output of each of the first radiant heater and of the second radiant heater (4) as a function of the detected measured value of the slope such that the heat output of each heater differs by a predetermined factor and the heat output of each heater is equal when the reclining surface is in the horizontal position.

Abstract: Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical pad has multiple layers. A first layer is for containing a first thermal-exchange fluid circulatable therethrough, with the medical pad being operable for thermal exchange between the first thermal-exchange fluid and a patient through a first side of the first layer. A second layer of the medical pad is interconnected to a second side of the first layer, opposite to the first side of the first layer. The second layer encloses a second thermal-exchange fluid that may have a freezing point of 0° C. or less. The medical pad is operable for thermal exchange between the second thermal-exchange fluid and the patient.

Abstract: Hypothermic therapy headgear for patients includes a headpiece for engaging the head of the patient and a cooling member engaged to the headpiece for contacting at least one surface portion of the patient. The cooling member includes at least one cooling surface for contacting the surface portion of the patient, and at least two endothermic reaction components. The endothermic reaction components have an initial state where the endothermic reaction components are separated from contact with each other, and a treatment state in which the endothermic reaction components are placed into contact, wherein an endothermic reaction takes place and cools the cooling surface and the corresponding portion of the patient. An activation device selectively places the endothermic reaction components into the treatment state when a patient is in need of hypothermic therapy. A thermal therapy device and a method for administering thermal therapy are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for cosmetic treatment of human skin, including: a needle for inserting into the skin; a DC power source electrically connected to the needle for providing negative current to the needle; an anode that is electrically connected to the DC power source to receive positive current, and that is adapted to be placed in contact with the skin of the person into which the needle is inserted to form a closed electrical circuit; at least one RF transmitter coupled to the needle for radiating the area around where the needle is inserted to provide heat while the needle is deployed.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for cooling or warming the temperature of all or a portion of the body of a human or animal subject to treat disorders including but not limited to sepsis, septic shock or other inflammatory or infectious conditions which can result in shock, hypoxia, ischemia and/or multiple organ failure in human or animal subjects.

Abstract: A multi-layered therapy pad is provided having a comfortable and supportive structure that houses heat therapy and electrotherapy means for treating back injuries and sores while an individual lies thereon. The pad comprises a first and second outermost layer of low-resilience polyurethane foam sandwiching an internal layer of higher density foam, which also supports electrical connections between the therapy controller, the power source, and the two therapy means within the pad. The electrotherapy means comprises static or tethered electrodes that apply pulsing electric current directly onto the user's back for stimulation and easing of back pain, while the heat therapy is applied using a resistance heating element within the pad, which heats a majority of the pad for applying heat to the user's back. The operation of the therapy means is controlled by an external controller, while power in received through an external source or an internal battery pack.

Abstract: A therapeutic purse configured with a therapeutic device including a cushion, or a thermal pouch is provided. The therapeutic purse is an enclosure having an interior volume and at least one opening to the interior volume and a closure feature. In one embodiment, the interior volume of the purse comprises a therapeutic pocket configured for containing a therapeutic device. In yet another embodiment, the therapeutic purse comprises a hot or cold pouch that may comprise a substance that may be transferred into a conduit coupled to the strap.

Abstract: A portable moist heat delivery system comprising a water vapor generating portion comprising a water vapor source and a heat source; a water vapor-air regulating portion, said water vapor-air regulating portion comprising a water vapor-air mixing layer, and a water vapor-air distribution layer; said water vapor generating portion and said water vapor-air regulating portion being in fluid communication; and said water vapor-air regulating portion having a latent heat delivery surface disposed adjacent said water vapor-air regulating portion which delivers moist heat at a preselected temperature range wherein about 15% to about 95% of the moist heat is latent heat of condensation. Methods include delivering improved pain relief, blood flow, relaxation, and reduced cardiac workload.

Abstract: The present application relates to systems and methods for altering temperature in a mammalian body. Optionally, the systems and methods can be used to lower or raise core body temperature of a mammalian subject. Optionally, the systems and methods can be used to lower or raise the temperature of glabrous skin of a mammalian subject.