Abstract: The present invention relates to a dressing having a lateral (x) and a longitudinal (y) extension. The dressing comprises a backing layer, a wound pad contoured by a pair of lateral edges extending in parallel to each other in the lateral direction, and an adhesive layer having a wound facing surface and a non-wound facing surface. The wound pad is arranged between the backing layer and the adhesive layer, and the backing layer extends beyond the periphery of the wound pad to define a border portion along the contour of the wound pad. A release liner is releasably attached to the wound facing surface of the adhesive layer. The release liner is divided by a first dividing line extending in the lateral direction of the dressing to form at least a first removable portion, and a second removable portion, wherein the first and the second portions overlap along the first dividing line to form a first grip member.

Abstract: A soft goods-type upper extremity orthotic is disclosed that utilizes a combination of heated 3D tooling, HF energy, and pressure to thermally bond strengthening and anchoring injection molded elements to the outer layer of a base material. The brace of the present invention may have multiple fused/welded/bonded/heat components that are strategically placed to offer support and restriction of movement of the wrist, hand, and/or thumb (WHT) for the treatment of injuries to the distal upper extremity. The components are secured to a base fabric without stitching and, in a preferred embodiment, without traditional adhesives, to provide a sturdy and robust wrist brace or upper extremity orthosis that can be manufactured far more efficiently than prior art wrist braces.

Abstract: An orthosis comprises a first portion which comprises a polymer reinforced with a plurality of first fibres, and a second portion which is disposed around at least a section of a peripheral edge of the orthosis which comprises a polymer reinforced with a plurality of second fibres. The first portion has a higher tensile strength and is harder than the second portion.

Abstract: An adjustable tension knee brace for unloading weight from a knee joint afflicted with osteoarthritis, thus reducing pain and improving mobility, comprising: an upper and lower frame connected by an unloading hinge assembly, optionally comprising a sensor and processor allowing for remote or automatic control of brace tension. In embodiments, the brace includes a user mechanism that is capable of adjusting a tensioning element while the brace is being worn. In other embodiments, electronic motors, sensors, and indicators may be included in the brace to improve brace performance and user interaction.

Abstract: Methods and devices to affect types, proportion, quantity, distribution, or proliferation of microorganisms within a female reproductive system.

Abstract: Methods of lowering heart rate during physical activity for a user in need of an increase in their smallest concentric airway cross-sectional area include providing the person with a mandibular repositioning device having a maxillary tooth covering having a driver flange protruding laterally outward on a right and left side proximate a backmost teeth mold and a mandibular tooth covering having a protrusive flange extending cranially therefrom positioned to have a posterior side engaged with the anterior side of each driver flange. The anterior side of each driver flange has a convex curvature, and the posterior side of each protrusive flange has a concave-to-convex curvature from its base toward its most cranial point and a convex portion of the concave-to convex curvature engages the convex curvature of the driver flange in a rest position, and downward movement of the mandibular piece moves the user's mandible forward as well.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a surgical traction system with a hand gripped tension adjustment device that slidably mounts onto a boom structure. When activated the tension adjustment device moves down the boom structure and incrementally adjusts the tension in a traction rope. The boom structure attaches to a bracket assembly that mounts onto the short end of a surgical table.

Abstract: Methods of lowering heart rate during physical activity for a user in need of an increase in their smallest concentric airway cross-sectional area include providing the person with a mandibular repositioning device having a maxillary tooth covering having a driver flange protruding laterally outward on a right and left side proximate a backmost teeth mold and a mandibular tooth covering having a protrusive flange extending cranially therefrom positioned to have a posterior side engaged with the anterior side of each driver flange. The anterior side of each driver flange has a convex curvature, and the posterior side of each protrusive flange has a concave-to-convex curvature from its base toward its most cranial point and a convex portion of the concave-to convex curvature engages the convex curvature of the driver flange in a rest position, and downward movement of the mandibular piece moves the user's mandible forward as well.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods of treating obstructive breathing disorders in a patient. A method may include: attaching an anchor to a dorsal region of a tongue body; applying an external force to the tongue body; and adjusting a magnitude of the external force. In some embodiments, the magnitude of the external force is adjustable across multiple levels based on one or more of: patient comfort, desired therapeutic effect, or patient wake or sleep state. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the external force is directed along an anterior direction. In some embodiments, the external force causes at least one of the following actions: anterior displacement of a portion of the posterior tongue during sleep or reducing posterior displacement of a portion of the tongue during sleep.

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: Configurable orthoses having a high degree of independent adjustability of various parameters are provided. In the example of a rehabilitation-evaluation ankle-foot orthosis (REAFO), these parameters may include calf band anteroposterior, height, width, sagittal tilt, coronal tilt, and mediolateral displacement adjustments; mediolateral displacement adjustments of a supramalleolar support; heel width/stirrup separation adjustment; and sagittal active joint resistance and neutral angle adjustments. Calf band mediolateral displacement adjustment may be provided by a lockable four-bar pivoting frame linkage of the REAFO. In one aspect, the configurable orthosis is used in conjunction with a plastically deformable precursor member to facilitate the design and manufacture of a definitive orthosis customized for a particular patient.

Abstract: An orthosis includes a footplate having a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a longitudinal axis extending between the heel and midfoot portions. A first deflection zone is defined along a length of the footplate anterior of the heel portion and through which the footplate is arranged to flex during gait to accommodate dorsiflexion of a foot of a user positioned on the footplate. At least one strut is connected to the heel portion of the footplate and extends upwardly therefrom and a connecting portion connects the at least one strut to the heel portion.

Abstract: Mouth guards include either an upper member fitting the interior and exterior surfaces of a user's upper dentition, or a lower member fitting similarly adjacent a user's lower dentition, or both. 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 as mouth guards.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tiltable joint brace for a joint orthesis, comprising: two articulated limbs pivotably mounted on each other in a bearing arrangement, wherein the head of the first articulated limb supports a bearing arrangement which can be connected to the head of the second articulated limb by non-positive and positive fit in order to form the pivot joint. A curved sliding surface is formed on the bearing arrangement, and the head rests on the curved sliding surface with positive fit. There, the second articulated limb can tilt freely toward the pivot axis of the joint brace against the first articulated limb.

Abstract: A molded face mask for treating a user's face, the molded face mask having a rigid, inflexible polycaprolactone body molded to the user's face, the body having: i) two opposed, slightly tapered end portions; ii) a generally straight lower edge; and iii) an upper edge having a concave portion disposed approximately half-way along a length of the upper edge. A kit for providing therapeutic relief and reducing redness and bumps associated with facial shaving.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in various embodiments, an instrument shield for a robotic surgical system comprising eye shield(s) and/or a face shield mounted on the instrument to protect surgeons from contaminants.

Abstract: A protecting element for wounds includes a rigid or semi-rigid substantially concave covering portion adapted to be anchored so as to face a wound and to be spaced therefrom, and anchoring members of the covering portion adapted to be anchored to the skin surrounding the wound to be protected. In particular, the anchoring members include at least one pair of movable fins that are independent from each other and are rotatably coupled to the covering portion.

Abstract: A user-customizable orthopedic alignment device (OAD) that includes a formable mouthpiece which has an alignment gap that is aligned with the user's canine teeth when the device is placed in the user's mouth. The OAD has moldable material that cover the user's molars and may cover the front teeth. The alignment gap is provided to allow an alignment member to be positioned laterally between the user's canine teeth during molding of the moldable material. The moldable material may be positioned on a frame that includes living hinges that allow the frame and mouthpiece to flex and adjust to the specific spacing between a user's right and left molars. After the moldable material has been molded to the user's teeth, inserts can be positioned in the alignment gap in some embodiments to provide cushioning between the canine teeth when the OAD is used.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system and method for mitigating premature light deactivation of light deactivated adhesive drapes. One aspect provides a system comprising a drape, a photosensitive adhesive layer, and a release agent, where the system is adapted to be coupled to a tissue site and released therefrom upon or after exposure to an external stimulus such as certain wavelengths of light. The system may have a filter layer to prevent the photosensitive adhesive from being exposed to deactivation wavelengths prematurely. The filter layer may be printed directly onto the drape and may be removable after exposure to a solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The filter layer may also be a filter adhesive layer. Another aspect provides a method for application and removal of a drape using by removing one or more of the filter layer and/or the filter adhesive layer and applying light to the drape to deactivate the photosensitive adhesive layer and promote easy, clean, and less painful removal of the drape.

Abstract: An orthosis for supporting a limb or a joint of a human or of a vertebrate animal, including: a sleeve which is at least partly elastic and is designed to enclose a limb or a joint, a plate made of a thermoformable material, and a pocket formed on the sleeve in order to receive the plate, the pocket having a shape adapted to that of the plate. The adherence between the plate and the inner surface of the pocket is treated in order to permit a relative movement of the plate with respect to the material forming the pocket during and after an operation of thermoforming of the plate, this being done by placing the orthosis on the limb or the joint with the plate present in the pocket. This orthosis is designed to be fitted in place and thermoformed by the user himself.