Abstract: An implant configured to treat prolapse of a pelvic organ includes a support member and an extension portion projecting from the support member. The extension portion has a barbed fixation means provided thereon for anchoring the extension portion into pelvic paravaginal tissue. The barbed fixation means allow bi-directional adjustment of the barbed fixation means relative to the tissue, and when suitably located, the barbed fixation means engage the tissue. The support member comprises a mesh material having a mass density of less than 50 g/m2.

Abstract: A method to stop bleeding at a puncture site of an artery on a patient's arm includes wrapping a flexible band of a hemostatic device around at least a portion of the patient's arm, wherein the hemostatic device also comprises a more rigid member that is more rigid than the flexible band, a balloon, and a visually identifiable marker. The method also involves wrapping the flexible band around at least the portion of the patient's arm while the balloon is in an uninflated state and while an introducer sheath is in place at the puncture site. The visually identifiable marker is used to position the balloon in overlying relation to the puncture site while viewing the puncture site through the balloon and through the more rigid member. Fluid is introduced into the balloon to inflate the balloon to apply a compression force against the puncture site.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a first panel defining opposed first and second sides. A second panel has a first end secured to the first side of the first panel along a seam between upper and lower corners of the seam, and a second end defining at least one flap securable to the second side of the first panel at a location site. A first strap has a first end secured to the first side of the first panel and extends from an upper portion of the seam including the upper corner of the seam and overlies at least a portion of the second panel. A dynamic force strap helically extends between upper and lower portions of the orthopedic device and connects to the first panel.

Abstract: A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in a position such as the Trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.

Abstract: A hearing protection device is provided including a sound attenuating element and a stem extending from the sound attenuating element, wherein the stem comprises multiple curved segments.

Abstract: Variable stiffness devices and methods of their use are provided. In some embodiments, a variable stiffness device comprises an inner member defining a compartment for receiving an actuating fluid; an outer member disposed around the inner member; and a granular medium disposed between the inner member and the outer member; wherein the inner member is being moveable in a radial direction from a relaxed state to an expanded state by introducing the actuating fluid into the compartment of the inner member to compress the granular medium against the outer member to increase the stiffness of the device.

Abstract: An intrauterine contraceptive system may include a contraceptive intrauterine device, a retrieval thread permanently attached to the intrauterine device and an insertion device for inserting the intrauterine device into a uterus. The system may also include a release thread releasably coupled with the intrauterine device. The intrauterine device may be deployable out of a distal end of the insertion device and may be configured to change from a delivery configuration when housed in the insertion device to a deployed configuration when deployed in a uterus. The retrieval thread and the optional release thread may be at least partially housed within the insertion device during insertion of the intrauterine device into the uterus. The release thread may extend from the intrauterine device through the insertion device to an attachment point at or near a proximal end of the insertion device.

Abstract: A knee brace assembly with a proximal compression system adapted to be secured to the thigh and a distal compression system adapted to be secured to the calf. The brace includes lateral and distal hinge assemblies connecting the proximal compression system and the distal compression system to permit rotational movement of the proximal compression system with respect to the distal compression system. At least one inelastic strap extends around the proximal compression system and the distal compression system. The strap is leveraged to tighten the proximal compression system and the distal compression system to compress soft tissue in the thigh and calf when the leg is extended, but to release the proximal compression system and the distal compression system when the leg is in flexion.

Abstract: A tissue retention belt for maintaining tissue in a position that permits access to a body portion of a patient for a medical procedure includes a first anchor zone, a second anchor zone, and a tension zone. The tension zone extends between the first anchor zone and the second anchor zone and defines a tension axis that extends in a direction of loading to be applied to retained tissue. The tension zone may include an auxiliary anchor zone that includes a removable non-adhesive and an adhesive surface configured to adhere to a patient's skin and provide auxiliary anchoring for maintaining tissue in position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are device embodiments for supporting a person's back. An embodiment comprises an adjustable belt and a pair of underarm supports attached to the sides of the belt. Each support comprises an underarm rest and a first spring, a second spring, and a third springs. Each support further comprises a first pin attached to the underarm rest, the first pin coupled to a top end of the first spring; a second pin coupled to a bottom end of the first spring and a top end of the second spring; and a third pin coupled to a bottom end of the second spring and a top end of the third spring. Each support further includes a base bottom coupled to a bottom end of the third spring and attached to the adjustable belt.

Abstract: A device (100) includes a leg engaging section (101) and a foot engaging section (102) intersecting at a heel receiver (103). The leg engaging section and the foot engaging section define a leg insertion aperture (104). A compressible cushion layer (402) is disposed at least in the leg engaging section. At least one bolster tube (401) is disposed interior the leg engaging section. The bolster tube (401) can be selectively removable through one or more apertures (1105,1106).

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a protective cup is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of support members which may position the protective cup in a preferred position relative to a user's body, and secure the protective cup in the preferred position. The plurality of support members may connect to the protective cup or a protective support configured to receive the protective cup. The apparatus may be configured to protect the user's groin region, such as the user's crotch area, pubic bone and genitals. The apparatus may also be configured to protect the user's buttocks or legs, such as the user's hips, thighs, shins or knees.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides exemplary arm immobilization devices for a person and associated methods of use. Thus, in one aspect, the disclosure provides a device including or comprising an outer shell including an internal cavity and a configurable structure disposed within the internal cavity of the outer shell. The outer shell can be configured and dimensioned to accommodate an arm of a person thereon. Expansion or contraction of the configurable structure can drive expansion or contraction of the outer shell. In another aspect, the disclosure provides methods for immobilizing an arm of a person that include providing an arm immobilization device and supporting the arm of the person with the outer shell and the configurable structure.

Abstract: A novel earplug is disclosed. The earplug comprises an elastomeric insert and a metal casing. The elastomeric insert is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a first end and a second end. The metal casing is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises a circular outer wall, an internal cavity disposed within the circular outer wall, and a first end and a second end disposed the opposite end of the first end. The first end has a substantially flat base covering the first end and the second end has an opening into the internal cavity. The first end of the elastomeric insert is disposed through the second end of the metal casing and is secured with an adhesive within the internal cavity of the metal casing. The second end of the elastomeric insert extends outward from the metal casing.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment.

Abstract: A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in a position such as the trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.

Abstract: The present application discloses a transfer device for an infant patient. The transfer device comprises a center section positionable beneath the patient, a first side section connected to the center section, and a second side section connected to the center section. The first side section and the second side section are movable toward each other such that the first and second side sections substantially surround the patient and form an abdominal access area.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment.

Abstract: An oral appliance may be used to stabilize a subject during radiation therapy. The body of the oral appliance may be configured to be secured within the subject's mouth in an as-used position. A handle of the oral appliance may extend from the subject's mouth during use. The body may comprise a first portion configured to engage maxillary teeth, a second portion configured to engage mandibular teeth, a tongue positioning component, and/or other components. The tongue positioning component may be configured to receive the subject's tongue when the oral appliance is in the as-used position and to facilitate positioning the subject's tongue in a predetermined location and/or orientation with respect to the oral appliance when in use. One or both of the first portion or second portion may be configured to displace corresponding mandibular teeth or maxillary teeth away from the body and/or tongue positioning component in the as-used position.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and apparatuses for enhanced comfort through contact pressure reduction. In particular, the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein prevent or otherwise mitigate pressure by actively orienting a patient over an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface on which the patient rests. A pressure-mitigating contact portion of the contact surface includes a plurality of independently pressurized chambers configured in a specific geometric pattern that is designed to mitigate contact pressure between a support surface (e.g., bed or chair) and a specific anatomic region of a patient's body when the specific anatomic region of the patient's body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern.