Abstract: Improved methods and apparatuses for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse are provided. A specialized mesh having a shape for convenient subcutaneous placement to support the levator ani muscles is provided, as is a method of use of such a device. Appropriate devices for introducing such a mesh implant are also disclosed.

Abstract: A splint assembly for use with an individual's limb including an assembleable and rigid member positioned in surrounding fashion about an intermediate joint associated with the limb. A pair of support subassemblies secure about a location of the individual's limb contiguous to the joint, an extending edge of each support subassembly securing to a perimeter extending edge of the rigid member. Upper and lower wraparound support subassemblies secure to first and second perimeter extending edges associated with the rigid member, each further including a generally grid and web-shaped foam template with a hardened plastic backing being configured to match the configuration of the foam template. Edge extending straps provided for each of the hardened plastic backings overlap and engage opposite extending edge locations of each wraparound support subassembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand brace for immobilizing and adjustably positioning one or more digits of the hand, and more specifically, to a brace having a flexible sheet member for application to a wrist and hand, at least one adjustable stabilizing member extending the length of the sheet member that is sufficiently rigid to maintain joints at a desired angle of flexion, a semi-rigid member positioned against the flexible sheet member for protecting and supporting joints of the hand and defining an opening for relieving pressure on a joint, and straps for adjustably securing the invention to the hand. Advantageously the invention immobilizes the hand such that the fourth and fifth metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand are positioned at a desired angle of flexion and fourth and fifth interphalangeal joints of the hand are positioned at a desired angle of extension.

Abstract: A multi-piece punctal plug has one or more superficial plugs connected to an anchor plug deeper in the naso-lacrimal canaliculus. The anchor is fixed to the wall of the lacrimal duct while the superficial plugs are axially and detachably secured to the anchor plug so that the multi-plug complex may be inserted or removed together as one, or the superficial plugs may be detached separately and replaced securely without disturbing the anchor. Removal and insertion is accomplished by a specific tool having an end for engaging the plugs.

Abstract: A compression foot cuff includes a counterforce component adjacent to a first impermeable layer of an inflatable member. The counterforce component includes a generally rigid sole for applying a counterforce to the inflatable member and an anchor member extending outward from the sole. The anchor member is secured to or formed as one piece with the port to position the sole with respect to the inflatable member.

Abstract: A Personal Care Vaporizing Device is disclosed. The device has a central base unit including a large removable liquid reservoir and a handheld skin massage/exfoliating device. The handheld assembly can selectively emit vapor directly to the skin surface. Unlike the prior devices in the field, the present invention allows the user to selectively dispense either cool or warm vapor. The liquid reservoir is designed to accept skin care additives in addition to simple water for generating the vapor. The device has at least three operational modes: vapor only, massage head brush oscillation/massage motion only, and both vapor and oscillation/massage. Power for the device is available from a variety of sources, including internal batteries and/or external power supply.

Abstract: A mandibular advancement device including upper and lower dental plates which operatively fit over at least part of the upper and lower teeth of a user, said upper and lower dental plates being made from a flexible material, the lower dental plate having two pairs of spaced apart pillars, each pair consisting of an anterior and posterior pillar, said pairs being on opposing sides of the lower dental plate, two removably attachable horizontal displacement inserts, mounted in the buccal region on opposite sides of the upper dental plate, two removably attachable vertical displacement inserts mounted in the lower dental plate, placed in a manner to provide correct vertical registration of the teeth, such that operatively each horizontal displacement insert is retained between the respective anterior and posterior pillars to maintain an advancement of the mandible. A method for production of the mandibular advancement device is also claimed.

Abstract: A stimulator pad includes a layer of support material and at least one stimulator node secured to and supported by the support layer, the stimulator node comprising a housing having one end region secured relative to the support layer and the other end defining an aperture which in use confronts a body surface and in which at least one pressure member includes a plurality of pressure member components is resiliently located, resilient biasing device provided within the housing to act between the support layer or a base portion of the housing and at least some of the pressure member components to urge the at least some of the pressure member components to protrude through the housing aperture, and a layer of flexible cover material which extends over at least one of the pressure members.

Abstract: Provided is a walking assist device including a seat member, a leg link having a joint portion, and a driving source for the joint portion. The walking assist device allows a user to rest by sitting on the seat member. Accordingly, the walking assist device further includes a lock mechanism disposed in the joint portion and an operation unit for the lock mechanism. When the operation unit is switched on, the driving source is controlled to increase an up-pushing force on the seat member. A variation rate on the up-pushing force is increased with time to a given value where the lock mechanism is initiated.

Abstract: A kneading massage device comprises a driving unit for supplying power source including first and second output shafts for outputting dynamics; a differential unit including a differential set and a differential stem, and on one end of the differential set being formed an opening for inserting the first output shaft therein, and on one side of the differential set being arranged a recess in communication with the opening, the differential stem being located in the recess and in connection with the first output shaft and keeping a predetermined distance away from a sidewall of the recess; a first kneading set coupled to the differential stem so as to be actuated by the differential stem; a second kneading set coupled to the second output shaft so as to be actuated by the second output shaft.

Abstract: An immobilizing device for immobilizing a body part includes a bag which is filled with a granular material and is placed over the body part, an outer shell in which the bag is mounted and a hollow space formed between the outer shell and the bag for receiving pressured air in order to produce a force on the bag for immobilizing the body part. The device provides combined advantages over conventional devices, such as almost no absorption of x-rays, a perfect fit for every kind of body part, comfort for a patient, reusability, low cost, neutral smell, very light weight and easy application.