Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic device for supporting a back, especially a lower back, of a user, wherein the device comprises an upper body element 48, an upper leg element 4 and a first passive actuator 8, which is configured to apply a force to the upper leg element 4 and/or the upper body element 48 when an angle between the upper leg element 4 and the upper body element 48 is within a first predetermined angular range, wherein the device comprises at least a second passive actuator 10, which is configured to apply a force to the upper leg element 4 and/or the upper body element 48 when the angle is within a predetermined second angular range that is different to the first angular range.

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 brace for treating a portion of a human body, the brace including a brace body including at least one fastener adapted for fastening the brace about the portion of the human body, and an aromatherapy heat-treatment pack removably attachable to the brace body, the aromatherapy heat-treatment pack containing at least one temperature maintaining component and at least one aromatherapeutic component, wherein the aromatherapy heat-treatment pack is adapted to maintain a temperature thereof for a predetermined treatment duration.

Abstract: A temperature treatment apparatus includes a body made from a flexible and expandable material for attachment to a predetermined region of the human body requiring treatment with the body having a space formed therein, and a temperature radiating element shaped to be received within the space of the body and being configured to have a soft and malleable shape profile to apply temperature treatment to the predetermined region of the human body. The temperature radiating element includes an inner pouch containing a first phase change material that is able to be inserted within an outer pouch having a second phase change material, so that, upon insertion, the inner pouch is substantially encapsulated within the second phase change material of the outer pouch.

Abstract: A compression bandage in the form of a knit obtained by warp stitch technology on the basis of synthetic yarns and comprising two textile surfaces of respective textile structures that may be identical or different, the surfaces being interconnected by spacer yarns, each surface including elastic yarns, the bandage being characterized in that said knit presents: longitudinal stretch measured in compliance with the standard EN 14704-1 lying in the range 30% to 160%; and threshold shear stress greater than or equal to 2800 Pa.

Abstract: A therapeutic position verifying tool is a semi-custom oral appliance equipped with adjustment assemblies for setting trial occlusion dimensions during a process of fitting a patient for an oral appliance. The oral appliance is fabricated from a polymer such as control-cured PMMA. The adjustment assemblies enable the vertical, anterior-posterior and lateral occlusion dimensions to be set. Occlusion dimensions are measured directly with a pharyngometer or indirectly with a bite registration method. The measurements are transferred to the tool by setting the tool to the measured dimensions using the adjustment assembly. When a target therapeutic position for a patient is found, the patient tests the position during the night with a Polysomnogram (PSG) or Home Sleep Test (HST). The use of the tool in verifying a therapeutic position for an oral appliance eliminates much of the time-consuming process of titrating the appliance to the patient.

Abstract: A portable thermoshapable fabric composite heating device kit mainly comprises a portable heating device and a thermoshapable fabric composite; wherein the portable heating device includes a first box body and a second box body disposed above or inside the first box body. A heating space formed between the bottoms of the two box body bodies is used to accommodate a heating pack. The thermoshapable fabric composite can be accommodated within a receiving space of the second box body. After water is added into the first box body to flood the heating pack, and a lid is placed to cover the top, the heat-generating material in the heating pack contacts the water to generate water vapor during an exothermic reaction. The water vapor enters the receiving space, in which the thermoshapable fabric composite is stored, through the multiple pores at the bottom of the second box body. The generated thermal energy will heat the thermoshapable fabric composite without the need for open flame or electricity.

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: 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: In some embodiments, a system and/or method may include an external spinal brace system. The system may include a plurality of support mechanisms including at least first and second support mechanisms. The first support mechanism may be coupled, during use, to the second support mechanism such that the first and second support mechanisms are inhibited from decoupling. In some embodiments, the system may include a coupling system. The coupling system may couple the plurality of support mechanisms to a subject such that the plurality of support mechanisms are positioned, during use, along at least a portion of the subject's spine. In some embodiments, the external brace system applies a posterior distraction force to the subject.

Abstract: A body-contoured, T-shaped pad is designed to treat trauma to the perineal region of a new mother or other patient. The pad design may include specially designed T-shaped pad portions, an integrated ice pack, and relative positioning of the layers which combine to provide both cooling properties and proper absorption. For example, the pad includes an absorptive layer next to the skin, with an ice bag next to the absorptive layer which is designed to accept ice chips from commonly available ice machines found in hospital settings. The size and configuration of the pad assembly is designed for comfort, mobility, and compatibility with a patient's own undergarments. This design provides a cost-effective, single pad assembly which combines infection control with proper absorbency, provides high levels of patient comfort, and protects the dignity of the patient.

Abstract: A limb holder comprising: a mounting bracket for attachment to a surgical table; a mounting element comprising a spheroidal surface for attachment to said mounting bracket; a clamping assembly for providing a clamping engagement about said spheroidal surface of said mounting element, said clamping assembly comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw, wherein said upper jaw and said lower jaw are biased towards one another so as to provide said clamping engagement about said sphereoidal surface of said mounting element; a limb support element mounted to said clamping assembly via a support rod; a release mechanism mounted to said support rod and connected to said clamping assembly for selectively releasing said clamping engagement of said clamping assembly about said sphereoidal surface of said mounting element, whereby to allow said limb support element to be repositioned relative to said mounting element and hence repositioned relative to the surgical table; and a locking gas cylinder having a first end and a se

Abstract: A device and method that facilitates performance of a jaw thrust maneuver. A base connected to a rack and pinion mechanism including at least one pinion rotatably attached to the base and at least two racks slidably attached to the base and engaged with the pinion to move in opposite directions upon rotation of at least one pinion. A pair of arms, each pivotably coupled to one of the racks to allow rotational freedom of motion. A patient's head is placed in supine position and a pair of arms slides towards the patient's head in synchrony to position the arms to clear the patient's airways.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved bilateral compression device for post-operative surgical site, the bilateral compression device including a central cavity presented by an outerwall and a circumscribing sidewall, the central cavity in receipt of a post-operative pillow further comprising an outer membrane separated from an inner membrane for exerting a central compressive force towards the post-operative surgical area which varies from a surrounding compression force.

Abstract: An appendage pressurization device includes an appendage strap and one or more artificial muscles communicatively coupled to a controller. Each artificial muscle includes a housing having an electrode region, an expandable fluid region, a dielectric fluid housed within the housing, and an electrode pair positioned in the electrode region of the housing. The electrode pair includes a first electrode fixed to a first surface of the housing and a second electrode fixed to a second surface of the housing, wherein the electrode pair is actuatable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state. Actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region. A pressure sensor is communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the pressure sensor outputs a current pressure value to the controller and actuation of the electrode pair is based on the current pressure value.

Abstract: Methods of using fiber-reinforced composite articles 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 strap attachment for attaching a strap to a frame member in an orthopedic device including a retainer; a cable connected to the retainer having at least one segment arranged to be adjustably connected to a frame of a device; a connector securable to an end portion of the at least one segment of the cable, the connector arranged to engage the frame.

Abstract: Examples include an upper joint arm for engaging a wearer's upper torso, connected to a first positive-locking element, and include a lower joint arm for engaging the wearer's upper leg body, and have a force application lever with a second positive-locking element, and a a mechanical energy store between the force application lever and the second joint arm. The first and second positive-locking element are aligned on a common axis, and are axially movable for engagement and disengagement. A safety device provides, in a mechanical engaging of the first and second positive-locking element, a corrective rotating of one or both the positive-locking elements. This rotation adjusts initial misalignments of the first positive-locking element and the second positive-locking element. The first positive-locking element and second positive-locking element, when engaged, transfer swivelling of the first joint arm relative to the second joint arm into a charging-discharging of the mechanical energy store.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds, in which wound exudate is removed from a wound bed and selectively cleansed and returned to the wound. The cleansing means removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The associated wound dressing and cleansing means are conformable to the wound, and may have irrigant fluid circulated from a reservoir by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing.

Abstract: A method for dressing a wound. The method includes introducing a chromic material via at least one article to the wound and stimulating the chromic material with a stimuli. The method also includes providing a color change in response to stimulating the chromic material and indicating via the color change of the chromic material how long the article has been at least partially in contact with the wound. In one or more embodiments, the method may also include measuring the color change from information including a plurality of colors corresponding to a plurality of time periods and, in response to measuring the color change, determining a length of time the article has been in contact with the wound. The method may also include manually crumpling a distal end of a portion of the article such that the distal end of the portion is sized to be received within the wound and then manually separating the crumpled distal end from the rest of the article.