Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described for providing a fluid control for an inflation system. The control directs fluid flow from an inlet to one or more outlets of the control. The outlets are independently connected in fluid communication with the inlet by through the control. The control allows a user to create a fluid path between the inlet and a selected outlet by positioning the control in an orientation corresponding to the desired outlet. Each outlet is independently connected in fluid communication with the inlet in various orientations of the control.

Abstract: An everting balloon system is disclosed that can be used for the placement of an IUD within the uterine cavity of a female patient. The everting balloon system with IUD can be used to access a uterine cavity at specific locations in the fundus. A one-handed IUD delivery system for placement with an everting catheter is disclosed. An IUD loading system for placement within an everting catheter is disclosed. The everting catheter with an IUD can simplify the process of IUD placement within the uterine cavity.

Abstract: An auxiliary shaping device for cervical vaginal penetration plasty and a use method thereof. The auxiliary shaping device includes a uterine cavity support, a cervical canal support and a vaginal support which are made of elastic material. The uterine cavity support is a hollow bowl-shaped structure; the uterine cavity support includes a first end and a second end; the first end has a larger diameter than the second end; the first end includes a plurality of valve bodies evenly distributed in circumferential direction; a concave part is arranged between two adjacent valve bodies, the concave part has an opening shape; uterine cavity secretions enter an interior of the uterine cavity support through the concave part; one end of cervical canal support is connected with the second end, other end is connected with vaginal support; a passage is arranged in the uterine cavity support; cervical canal support and vaginal support.

Abstract: Inflatable positioning equipment in the shape of an elongate roll for positioning a patient during a renal surgical procedure is provided. The positioning equipment includes: an inflatable covering which defines the external dimensions of the positioning equipment; a first air chamber system on the inside of the covering, which can be filled with air for inflating the covering; and a second air chamber system on the inside of the covering, which can be filled with air to inflate the covering. The second air chamber system is fluidically separated from the first air chamber system such that a leak in one air chamber system does not result in air loss in the other air chamber system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an autonomous exoskeleton device that includes one or more actuators, one or more controllers, one or more sensors with one or more unidirectional transmissions. The present invention provides a mechanical joint in parallel with a biological joint. The exoskeleton device preferably includes and electric motor and winch, chain, belt, cam transmission or other mechanism for providing unidirectional force to assist rotation about the biologic joint. Moreover, a controller, a motor angle sensor, joint angle sensor and/or force sensor may be used for additional control and monitoring of the device. The motor may be any type of motor, but is preferably brushless in configuration where its diameter is larger than its length to provide a compact and lightweight exoskeleton device.

Abstract: Wound dressings including a skin contact layer and a cover layer removably adhered to the top surface of the skin contact layer are described. The skin contact layer includes a lower substrate extending around a central aperture and a lower adhesive. The lower substrate includes a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The lower adhesive is disposed on the bottom surface of the lower substrate. The cover layer substantially covers the central aperture of the lower substrate, and includes an upper substrate and a backing layer. An upper adhesive is positioned between the top surface of the lower substrate and a bottom surface of the backing layer. In embodiments, the cover layer can be removed and changed while the skin contact layer remains adhered to the skin around a wound.

Abstract: An adjustable protective mouth assembly and method for protecting the surroundings adjacent to the oral cavity of a patient is provided. The adjustable protective mouth assembly includes a channeled body comprising first and second legs spaced and integrally coupled by a connecting portion. The channeled body is for inserting into the oral cavity of a patient during use. The channeled body further comprises first and second ends, such that the channeled body of the first end is constructed to be received and nest within the channeled body of the second end, forming a connection therebetween.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to an actuator which includes at least the following: a pre-stretched electro-active polymer film being pre-stretched in a single or biaxial planar directions; at least one first semi-stiff conductor attached to a first surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the first surface is parallel to the single or biaxial planar stretch directions; at least one second semi-stiff conductor attached to a second surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the second surface is opposite to the first surface; where the semi-stiff conductors are configured to: fix the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film in a pre-stretched state and allow the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film to expand; a pair of mechanical connectors coupled to each end of an active region of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of delivering an agent to the lumen of the vas deferens under guidance of ultrasound imaging. The methods include vas-occlusive contraception in which the vas deferens is non-surgically isolated and an occlusive substance is percutaneously administered into the lumen of the vas deferens under ultrasound. Also disclosed are methods of reversal of vas-occlusive contraception and methods of delivering an agent to the lumen of the vas deferens. Also disclosed are compositions for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite article useful in supporting or immobilizing an injured body part is disclosed. The composite is a multi-layer, flexible precursor including fiber reinforcement plies, which can be rapidly cured into a rigid body using a thermosetting resin. Methods of making and using the same are also disclosed, along with kits containing such composite articles.

Abstract: A mouthguard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an occlusion portion that is configured to be disposed between and engaged by at least some of the upper teeth and at least some of the lower teeth of a wearer. The mouthguard further includes a protection portion coupled to the occlusion portion. The protection portion is configured to be disposed laterally and anteriorly relative to the upper teeth of the wearer. The protection portion includes an interior surface that is configured to face toward the teeth of the wearer. The protection portion further includes an exterior surface opposite the interior surface and configured to face away from the teeth of the wearer. At least a portion of the exterior surface is a textured surface.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis includes a rear panel, and first and second belt members securing to the rear panel. The first and second belt members each define a first end secured to a first side of the rear panel and a second end having a foldable portion adapted to fold over a first surface of the first and second belt members and secure to the first surface to reduce a length of the first and second belt members. First and second front closures are secured to the second ends of the first and second belt members, respectively, and arranged for removably securing to one another to form a continuously circumferential loop with the rear panel and the first and second belt members. A kit or method may be provided for sizing the belt members with a sizing device for forming a predetermined distance between the first and second belt members.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and/or nasal drainage. One apparatus includes an upper member fitting the interior and exterior surfaces of a user's upper dentition, and a lower member fitting similarly adjacent a user's lower dentition. The lower member includes molar extensions projecting away from the lower member. The upper member includes upper molar extensions projecting away from the upper member and toward the lower molar extensions so that when the user bites or clenches, the upper right and lower right extensions impinge on one another, as do the molar upper left and lower left extensions. The upper and lower members have an anterior shape to form a gap ranging from about 5 to about 15 mm and sufficient for the user's tongue to extend into the gap. Methods of using the apparatus and kits to reduce sleep apnea, snoring, and/or nasal drainage.

Abstract: Occlusion devices, earpiece devices and methods of occluding an ear canal are provided. An occlusion device includes an insertion element, a foldable element and an expandable element. The foldable element is disposed on the insertion element and is configured to receive a medium via the insertion element. The expandable element is disposed over the foldable element. The foldable element is configured to unfold, responsive to the medium, and cause the expandable element to expand to contact the ear canal.

Abstract: Lower leg support apparatuses can include: a member extending from a first end to a second end; opposing sidewalls of the member extending from a floor of the member above a base of the member; the sidewalls being tapered to be thicker about the first end in at least one cross section and thinner about the second end in at least another cross section; and the floor defining at least three levels of thickness in relation to the base, each of the three levels being different from any of the other levels. Methods for supporting a lower leg can include: embracing a lower leg with a support member extending between above the ankle to the mid-calf; the member providing tapered sidewalls that engage the length of the supported lower leg; and the member providing discrete support elevations that embrace the Achilles tendon, the lower leg, and the mid-calf.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved intravaginal drug delivery devices, i.e., intravaginal rings, useful for the prophylactic administration of dapivirine in combination with either an antimicrobial compound or a contraceptive to a human. The present invention also provides methods of blocking DNA polymerization by an HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme, methods of preventing HIV infection in a female human, methods of treating HIV infection in a female human, methods of preventing unintended pregnancy in a female human, and methods of preparing intravaginal rings.

Abstract: Delivery systems and methods for forming and delivering biomaterials from two components are described herein. In particular, apparatus and methods for performing controlled delivery of multicomponent delivery of biomaterials into or onto a body part, such as a body lumen are described. More specifically, in some embodiments, the apparatus and methods are directed towards controlled delivery of micro-volumes of biomaterials into or onto a target location, the micro-volumes being defined as 0.001 mL-1 mL (or 1 ?L-1,000 ?L) of volume.

Abstract: A moldable rigid ankle brace is disclosed. The rigid stabilizing ankle brace includes a heat-moldable multi-layer housing having an opening for receiving a user's ankle, a footplate attached to the housing, and a closure mechanism. The multi-layer housing includes a middle layer, which is substantially stiff at a temperature below about 130° F. and moldable at temperatures between about 130° F. and 275° F. A method of stabilizing an ankle is also disclosed. The method may include providing a rigid stabilizing ankle brace, having a heat-moldable multi-layer housing having an opening for receiving a user's ankle, and a footplate removably attached to said housing, heating the ankle brace to between about 130° F. to about 275° F., and applying said heated ankle brace to the ankle of a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress.

Abstract: A textile contractible band for use in a wearable garment for applying pressure to a subject body part includes a shape memory material, in particular a shape memory alloy, or shape memory polymer, part and a textile part, said parts being successively coupled to form said contractible band, wherein the shape memory material part has an electrically-contractible shape memory material and a spring arranged to reverse the contraction of the shape memory material, and wherein the textile part has an elastic fabric band and an optical fiber strain sensor arranged to sense the fabric band strain. The sensor can be a lossy optical fiber arranged in meandering layout such that variation of band extension causes variation of transmitted light. The contractual band can be used for lymphedema or venous return.