Abstract: This invention relates to a pressure related ulcer and perineal dermatitis prevention and treatment device and method of use. The device may be used in conjunction with a urine collection and disposal system that would be beneficial for incontinent users. In use the device forms an automatic pressure controlled topical hyperbaric oxygen chamber and further incorporates a flexible inflated tube system that is controlled by a microprocessor to relief pressure on affected areas of a user's body and provide circulation stimulating therapeutic massage. When used by incontinent persons the device automatically removes expressed urine to minimize additional risk factors known to cause or exacerbate pressure related ulcers and perineal dermatitis.

Abstract: A skull pin assembly for a head fixation device that allows for effective imaging with limited artifact is disclosed. The skull pin assembly comprises two components, a tip and a housing. The conical-shaped tip component engages the skull at a point and is configured to fit within the bore of the substantially cylindrical non-conductive housing component. The conical skull pin tip can be comprised of a material that causes limited artifact in medical imaging procedures. The conical skull pin tip can taper away from the point engaging the skull at a first angle and can seamlessly transition into a conical-shaped surface of the housing component. In one embodiment, a third surface of the housing component can also be tapered to meet the first surface of the tip component at the identical first angle of tapering.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting birth are disclosed. The device is constructed from an elastic material with an elongated center and handles at both ends. A patient grasps the device at one end, while the other end is secured. When the patient experiences a contraction, the patient pulls on the device at a downward angle. The device elastically stretches and causes the patient to utilize correct abdominal muscles for pushing a fetus down a birth canal, thus reducing second stage of labor.

Abstract: A wearable device for spinal decompression of dogs or other quadrupedal animals. The preferred embodiment of the device comprises front and rear harnesses of flexible material extending around the animal's torso, curved members attached to the front and rear harnesses and lying along the animal's body, and rigid extensible braces connected to the front and rear curved members, generally parallel to the animal's spine. The harnesses, braces, and curved members are selected or can be adjusted to fit the animal. The extensible rods are adjustable, with means to produce therapeutic decompression and support of the animal's spine between the front and rear harnesses.

Abstract: A support device for assisting a wearer in the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the device comprising: a wearable support for strengthening at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm, the wearable support being adapted to circumscribe a majority of the circumference of the at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm; wherein the wearable support is adapted to be in close contact with the at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm, to provide support to the wearer through compression of the at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an orthopedic device in the form of a lumbar support includes first and second elongate belt members, an anatomically shaped plate, and a closure system connecting the belt members to the plate. The closure system is arranged to move the belt members relative to the plate, and connects to the belt members via a flexible belt attachment which removably secures to the belt members. The closure system includes tensioning elements corresponding to the belt members, and a pulley system connecting to the tensioning elements. The closure system is slidably mounted to the plate and arranged to the belt members relative to the plate between opposed linear directions. The plate has various contours which provide pressure distribution over a lumbar region of a back. Anatomically shaped and resiliently formed handles secure to the tensioning elements and the belt members.

Abstract: A junctional and truncal tourniquet and a hip-girdling pelvic sling device for maintaining a desired amount of tension surrounding a person's hips and pelvis to securely support and stabilize a pelvis that has been fractured and for securing a pressure applying device to a person with a preferred amount of tension so that blood vessel-occluding pressure can be applied. Areas of mating types of fastener material such as mating hook-bearing fastener material and loop pile fastener material are arranged on the device to enable a strap to be secured at various effective lengths to provide a wide range of adjustability. The device may include inflatable bladders, and may be wrapped around a patient's torso to occlude blood vessels proximal to an injury on a limb. A bladder may be expandable in distinct tiers and may carry a separate and removable pressure-concentrating fitting. An auxiliary strap may be included and may be used to keep the junctional and truncal tourniquet in place on a patient's torso.

Abstract: A lumbo-sacral orthosis having a main body member sized to wrap substantially around a body of a wearer at the wearer's lumbar and sacral region. An outer holds the main body member at the wearer's lumbar and sacral region. An inner belt is cinched to compresses the wearer's body at the waist groove. A lumbar panel with an independently movable flexible element may be supported by the main body member. Side panels may also be supported by the main body member along with an abdominal panel which may include an independently movable lower element.

Abstract: An orthotic strapping system that loosens all or a portion of a strap by capturing the angular movement of an orthotic joint to move the attachment point of the strap. This can be done with cabling or by using rotating cams and rigid linkages to connect them.

Abstract: This application relates to a method of covering a pessary device for relief of female incontinence with an overwrap. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of overwrapping the pessary device.

Abstract: A medical sling made from material that is suitably shaped for use in a medical application has sides, portions of which are smoothed to prevent abrasion of surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A system, method and kit for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The system includes a first implant adapted for implantation in an inframandibular region and having at least one aperture therethrough, and a ribbon-like element having first and second ends and a substantially uniform, non-circular cross section along its length. The ribbon-like element is adapted for implantation in a tongue with the first and second ends extending through the at least one aperture in the first implant for coupling the ribbon-like element with the first implant.

Abstract: A device and method for restricting the respiratory movement of a patient undergoing medical treatment. A respiratory compression belt is positioned properly, secured on the patient and pressurized to control patient movement.

Abstract: An insertion device and method of use for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The device includes an outer tubular element with a tissue penetrating end and a side opening, an inner tubular element positioned partially within the outer member and movable longitudinally relative to it, a grasping device fixedly coupled to the inner element, and a central shaft extending through the inner tubular element and movable longitudinally relative to the inner and outer tubular elements. The central shaft is slidably coupled with the grasping device. The inner tubular element is further movable between a retracted position wherein the grasping device is positioned entirely within the outer tubular element, and an extended position wherein it extends outwardly therefrom through the side opening. In the extended position, the grasping device is adapted to grasp a filamentary element positioned external of the outer tubular element and in proximity thereto.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for relieving pain and providing a curative healing effect includes a motor for rotating at least one magnet to generate a magnetic field, micro-vibrations and audible acoustic tones. A shaft couples the at least one magnet to the motor. In one embodiment, the at least one magnet is coupled to the shaft in an offset configuration with respect to a centerline of the shaft thereby generating micro-vibrations in the form of oscillating inertial loads. The therapeutic device includes a light source for generating a photonic light field in an optical light spectrum.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying focused pressure to a target vessel to dilate the target vessel for hemodialysis.

Abstract: High friction scapular retraction straps for application directly to the tops of the respective shoulders of a patient and connected with tension straps to draw the gripper straps and, consequently, the shoulders rearwardly, and including fasteners to fasten to a garment worn by the patient to hold the shoulders rearward.

Abstract: An exoskeleton bracing system includes: a trunk support for affixing to the trunk of a disabled person and leg braces for connecting to the legs of the person, each leg brace including limb segment braces. Motorized joints are adapted to provide relative angular movement between the limb segment braces of the leg braces and between the leg braces and the trunk support. One or more ground force sensors are designed to sense ground force exerted on each of the leg braces. The system also includes a controller for receiving sensed signals from said one or more ground force sensors, with an algorithm for identifying a stance from the sensed signals and, based on the identified stance, actuating the motorized joints to perform an action relating to a mode of locomotion selected from a set of predefined actions corresponding to the identified stance.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for the securement of tissue and in particular for placement of a tongue base suspension fiber for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The system incorporates disposable connectors with releasable needles to facilitate the placement of fibers with minimal increase in suture site dilation or trauma.

Abstract: A headliner is provided for controlling a temperature of a head of a patient. A cap is provided which fits securely over the head of the patient. A fluid pathway is routed through the cap with a fluid space adapted to receive heat transfer fluid therein and route the heat transfer fluid between an inlet and an outlet on the cap. The inlet and outlet are each coupled to a cooler for the heat transfer fluid and the heat transfer fluid is circulated through the cap and the cooler such that heat is drawn from the head of the patient. An air bladder is optionally provided outboard of the fluid space which is filled with pressurized gas to increase contact between the fluid space and the head of the patient. A neck brace is integrated with the cap portion of the headliner, particularly for treatment of head trauma.