Abstract: An injured musculoskeletal structure is mobilized relative to a juxtaposing support structure surface to isolate the injured musculoskeletal structure from forces transferred from adjoining musculoskeletal structures in order to alleviate pain, discomfort, inflammation, and further injury associated with such transferred forces.

Abstract: This massage head is fitted with a case defining an internal chamber in which a skinfold is formed when it is applied to the skin of a patient. The fold presses against the lower edges of the chamber, which is defined by two lateral walls and by two transverse walls The transverse walls each include a clack valve able to be driven in a pivoting motion, so as to cause the lower edges of the clack valves in contact with the skinfold to come closer together or move further apart. The relative displacement of the clack valves is ensured by of a motorized rotary cam provided in the massage head. The cam defines a cam path engaging with a component associated with the clack valves, and able to cause the swivelling motion thereof.

Abstract: A prophylactic device having a base substrate for adhering to a glans of a penis, and a reservoir cap having a reservoir and a flange for adhering to the base substrate. The base substrate may be a thin polyurethane film coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive for adhering to the skin of the glans. The flange of the reservoir cap has a pressure-sensitive adhesive for adhering to the base substrate. A security ring is also provided for adhering to and covering the junction of the bottom edge of the flange and base.

Abstract: A cover adapted to be worn over a user's limb to shield a cast from water exposure includes a shell formed of a single layer of a flexible, water resistant and breathable material. The shell surrounds an interior of the cover, including a lower interior chamber and an upper interior chamber. An open top end communicates with the upper interior chamber and is sized to permit passage of the user's limb and the cast therethrough and into the upper and lower interior chambers. A cinch strap with a releasable securing mechanism closes the open top end around the user's limb. An inner cuff separating the interior chambers includes an elastomeric opening that fits snug against the user's limb, above the cast, and can be tightened using a secondary cinch strap and cooperating fasteners. A segment of water absorbing fabric on an interior surface for absorbing moisture and water.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has at least one flexible or rigid frame member contoured to generally correspond to an anatomical limb. The device also includes a tightening system having a dial tensioning device and at least one cable and/or strap connected to the dial tensioning device. The dial tensioning device has a rotary ratchet permitting incremental adjustment of the cable and/or strap. Adjustment of the dial tensioner in a first direction secures the frame member to the limb.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a wound covering having a first strip-like element forming a first periphery and a second strip-like element that faces away from the first periphery, runs approximately parallel thereto, forming a second periphery, and is joined to the first strip-like element, there being formed between the first inner periphery of the strip-like element, facing away from the first periphery, and a second inner periphery of the second strip-like element, facing away from the second periphery, a drainage chamber, the depth of which in a depth direction extending at right angles to the periphery ensures a capillary action on bodily fluids received in the drainage chamber, in particular exudates.

Abstract: A medical device may include a patient interface for use in a breathing assistance system, an electronic device coupled to the patient interface, and one or more electrical conductors at least partially integrated with the patient interface. The patient interface may include a connection end configured for receiving gas communicated by a gas delivery apparatus, and a patient end configured for insertion into or more breathing passageways of a patient. The one or more electrical conductors at least partially integrated with the patient interface may be capable of facilitating communication of electrical signals between the electronic device and the gas delivery apparatus when the patient interface is communicatively coupled to the gas delivery apparatus.

Abstract: A chin strap includes a chin cup, side straps, and rear straps. The chin strap is used to urge the patient's jaw upwards and substantially close the patient's mouth while pressurized breathable gas is delivered to the patient's nose by the mask system.

Abstract: The invention describes methods and apparatus for creating permanent occlusion of body lumens such as the fallopian tubes. The methods and apparatus use non-surgical approaches to deliver permanent implants which create acute occlusion of desired body lumens which resolve to permanent occlusions of the lumens.

Abstract: A support tray is equipped with a recess for receiving a medical backboard which has a plurality of medical grade gel pads secured thereto to reduce/eliminate the creation of bed sores. Extender wings can be hooked on the lateral edges of the tray to provide additional surface area for larger patients. Undergirding straps are provided to facilitate transport of the assembly when the wings are being utilized.

Abstract: Distractor straps for use with distractor apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment, a distractor strap includes a cinch strap having a free end and a second end. The second end of the cinch strap includes an adjustment mechanism receiving the free end of the cinch strap such that the cinch strap forms a closed loop. A diameter of the closed loop is adjustable with the adjustment mechanism. The distractor strap further includes a cross strap comprising a first loop, a second loop, and strapping connecting the first loop and the second loop. The cinch strap is positioned in the first loop and the second loop such that the cross strap extends across the diameter of the closed loop formed by the cinch strap and the cross strap and the cinch strap are slidable with respect to one another.

Abstract: A surgical drape (10) has a planar, flexible covering element (11) with an area (30) for accommodating a reference means (40) for a navigation system, the reference means protruding from the plane of the covering element. The area (30) has at least two deformable, elongated bar elements (18), which are connected to the covering element (30) and have two bar ends (27). The bar elements include the area (30) for accommodating the reference means (40) between the bar elements. At least one elongated shortening means (20) can be fixed on the covering element (11) and interacts with at least one of the bar elements (18), for reducing and/or fixing the distance of the two bar ends (27) from each other so that the area (30) for accommodating the reference means (40) is lifted out of the plane of the covering element (11).

Abstract: A universal athleticism rating system and related athletic performance measuring systems for accurately detecting and recording athletic performance are disclosed. The athleticism rating system evaluates individual athletes against a common, standardized, set of athletic performance tests. Each athlete performs the athletic tests and his or her scores in the individual tests are entered into a standardized calculation to produce a single athletic performance score. The related performance measuring system is preferably a timing system that ensures quick, easy, and accurate collection of athletic event timing related data without the need for the athlete to wear any special detection devices or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the performance measuring system integrates with the rating system to provide seamless athletic data collection and rating of athletes.

Abstract: Methods of use of a nasal insert to support smoking cessation, and methods of use of a nasal insert to reduce or eliminate snoring, and a method of use of a nasal insert to reduce the severity or to eliminate obstructive sleep apnea, and a method of use of a nasal insert to gain smoother, easier breathing through the nose. The nasal insert comprises a body having an inner surface which defines an air passageway surrounded by an outer surface of soft, flexible material. The nasal insert body can have a first portion and a second portion where the outer surface of said nasal insert body is configured to the nasal cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus are described. In one embodiment, the system is an apparatus for securing a patient to a board. The apparatus includes a board and a disposable cover that covers at least a portion of the board. The disposable cover includes a securing mechanism for securing the cover in place around a portion of the board. The disposable cover further includes at least one strap to wrap around the body of a patient or other object. The disposable cover also includes at least one second strap to wrap around the first strap. The second strap may include an adhesive material to secure the second strap around the first strap.

Abstract: An elastomeric condom device including a tubular portion to cover the shaft of the penis, the tubular portion having a first thickness; a pouch portion to cover the scrotum, the pouch portion having a second thickness; and a middle portion provided between the tubular and pouch portions, the middle portion having a thickness that is at least double the thickness of the thickest of the first and second thicknesses. The middle portion includes an opening for insertion of the penis and scrotum, the opening defined by an elastic ring of heavier construction than the middle portion, wherein when the condom is in place over the male genitalia the elastic ring is positioned around the base of the penis and the scrotum at the torso of the body.

Abstract: An orthotic fitting has a knee guide joint and two leg parts, which can be rigidly connected to a lower leg mounting part and an upper leg mounting part, respectively. The knee guide joint has a four-joint arrangement having four axially parallel joints, arranged so that, at the ends of the leg parts in each case angled lever parts are configured, each having two swivel bearings arranged at a distance from each other, and that in each case the swivel bearing of an angled lever part closer to the leg is connected to the swivel bearing of the other angled lever part further from the leg, in each case by a swivel element.

Abstract: A heel supporting and protective boot for bed-ridden patients, comprising unitary exterior and interior body forms which contain fiber filling and an angled foam wedge. Sewn tube holes on both sides allow for insertion of medical tubing. The inner fabric of the boot is antibacterial and moisture absorbent, while the outer fabric is moisture repellant. Left and right “Y-straps” provide secure upper and lower fastening of the boot as it envelops the patient's foot and lower leg. Two “loop” straps and a T-stabilizer stabilize the boot and keep the foot at a 90 degree angle to help eliminate foot drop. An opening at the heel of the boot and a circular cutout in the foam wedge allow the heel to remain exposed to air, provide proper elevation, and enhance blood circulation. The device enhances the healing of existing ulcers and minimizes the occurrence of foot drop and new pressure points.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hygiene articles comprising nanofibers. The nanofibers are made from a melt film fibrillation process with a polymer composition having a melt flow rate of less than about 400 decigram per minute. The nanofibers, having a diameter of less than 1 micron, must comprise a significant number of the fibers in one layer of the web contained by the hygiene article. The hygiene articles include diapers, training pants, adult incontinence pads, catamenials products such as feminine care pads and pantiliners, tampons, personal cleansing articles, personal care articles, and personal care wipes including baby wipes, facial wipes, and feminine wipes.

Abstract: An stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is provided. The stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is adhesively applied to the foot of a patient for providing relief from plantar fasciitis. A portion of the stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is adhesively attached to the bottom surface of the foot for reducing stress on the plantar fascia.