Abstract: A device and method for enabling an individual located on a bed to sustain a side-sleeping orientation on either a left or right side. The device comprises a light weight, elongated back pillow having a longitudinal axis and being configured to assume a rest position at a hack side of the individual and proximate to an adjacent surface of a bed when reclined in a side-sleeping orientation. The back pillow includes a hinge-like attachment structure which is positioned along a longitudinal edge of the pillow to secure the pillow to the individual's bed clothing. The attachment structure provides sufficient rotation to allow the pillow to rotate to the rest position in response to the force of gravity, ready to be engaged in a partial captured configuration between the individual's back and bed surface upon initial rotation of the individual from the side-sleeping orientation toward a supine sleeping position.

Abstract: An oral appliance for the treatment of sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, in a user is presented. The oral appliance may include a mouthpiece configured to receive a user's dentition. The mouthpiece may include an oxygen sensor, a pressure sensor, an airflow sensor, an actigraphy sensor, a noise detector, and at least one stimulator for providing stimulation to a user's tongue in the event of decreased oxygen saturation levels, increased pressure applied to occlusal surfaces of the user's dentition, decreased actual airflow levels and/or increased noise levels. The mouthpiece may further include a microprocessor that receives data from the oxygen sensor, pressure sensor, airflow sensor, actigraphy sensor and noise detector, and activates the at least one stimulator.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a custom wearable medical device, such as an orthosis (e.g., an ankle brace, etc.), includes use of scanning processes. A digital model of a surface may be generated from data corresponding to a body part for which the customer wearable medical device is to be fabricated, and then applied to a digital device model to define a custom digital device model. The digital device model and, thus, the custom digital device model may include one or more standard features. The custom digital device model may be used with an automated manufacturing process to make some or all of the custom wearable medical device. In some embodiments, additive manufacturing processes may be used to form a portion or all of the custom wearable medical device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat wound care article having an essentially polygonal or ellipsoid base surface and at least one recess arranged on one side.

Abstract: A unitized cast system for immobilizing and supporting a body part. The unitized casting system includes a first inner layer for padding and dissipating heat against the patient's skin. A second layer is formed from a thermoformable structural material such as perforated plastic. A protective third outer layer is provided to provide insulation for the second layer. These three layers are formed together to form a unitized cast system that is easily formed and applied to the patient.

Abstract: An adjustable neck brace is provided, including: a neck collar, including a sliding engaging groove, the sliding engaging groove extending in an extension direction and having a first engaging portion; a single positioning mechanism, attached to the neck collar and movable along the sliding engaging groove, having a second engaging portion, the second engaging portion being releasably positioningly engaged with the first engaging portion; a chin support, relatively movably connected to the neck collar; at least one connecting member, connecting the positioning mechanism and the chin support.

Abstract: Provided is a catheter fixing band for fixing a tube bent and connected to a catheter to the catheter fixing band. According to the present disclosure, a catheter fixing band includes: a body detachably fixed to a human body and having a catheter hole open to expose a portion of the human body; and a cover unit detachably attached to the body to open or close the catheter hole, in which the cover unit includes a fixing member fixing the catheter to a predetermined position of the cover unit, and has a shape forming integral concept in relation to flow of fluid in the catheter when the cover unit covers the catheter hole and the catheter is fixed to the fixing member.

Abstract: A cervical collar that facilitates therapeutic hypothermia is provided and includes an outer shell having a front portion and a back portion fixedly coupled to the front portion on one side and removably coupled to the front portion on an opposite side. A fastening device removably couples the back portion to the front portion on the opposite side. At least one cooling device is provided on an interior of the outer shell to induce hypothermia in a patient. A sensor is provided that measures a physical characteristic of the patient.

Abstract: A heel float therapeutic footwear for people that spend a large amount of time in bed. The heel float therapeutic footwear includes a lower leg support portion, a foot support portion, and a wing support structure. The foot support portion extends from the lower leg support portion and includes a foot support platform. The wing support structure is permanently or removably attached to the foot support platform. The wing support structure is adjustably fastenable to a side of the lower leg support portion to adjustably support a position and an angle of the foot support platform with respect to the lower leg support portion. A method of making a heel float therapeutic footwear is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoulder brace for immobilization of the arm and shoulder joint in neutral abduction/adduction. Methods of using the brace and methods of treating shoulder injuries are similarly provided.

Abstract: A tissue retention system to assist in maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient includes an anchor pad having a pad length and a pad width. The anchor pad may include a pad body with an adhesive surface thereon, the adhesive being configured to adhere to a patient's skin. The anchor pad also may include an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface. The tissue retention system also may include a tension member having a second attachment surface.

Abstract: A device and method for maintaining a user's legs in an elevated position. In particular, a base plate, a plurality of retractable leg members, a plurality of hinges, an attachment means. The base plate is adaptable to attach with the user's leg or footwear. The plurality of retractable leg members is adaptable to operate in a deployed configuration and/or in a stored configuration, and a locking mechanism is presented. In use, the device allows the user's leg to rest such that the foot is tilted inward or outward from the body. Finally, in the stored configuration, the plurality of retractable leg members becomes parallel with the rear surface of the base plate, thereby allowing the user to perform body movements without removing the leg support 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 medical drape has at least one suction port disposed. By one approach the medical drape includes a fenestration and the suction port is disposed within the fenestration. By one approach the fenestrated area includes an incise film (which may itself be fenestrated if desired) and the suction port is disposed through that incise film. Suction applied to this suction port facilitates maintaining the incise film in place on the patient. This suction port can have a first end configured to attach to suction tubing. The medical drape can include a patient-side spacer and this spacer can comprise a compressible, resilient material that is substantially permeable to liquids. If desired, such a spacer can be disposed over a patient-side suction opening of the suction port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical cast having a dual structure.

Abstract: A jaw advancement oral appliance is disclosed to be inserted in the mouth of a user to maintain an airway to the user's throat during sleep. The appliance includes an upper tray assembly against which the user's teeth carried by his upper jaw are seated and a lower tray assembly against which the user's teeth carried by his lower jaw are seated. Each tray assembly includes a bite impression tray having a plurality of holes formed therein and arranged in a honeycomb pattern. The bite impression trays are manufactured from a soft material so that a custom impression of the user's teeth is created when the appliance is heated and the user bites into the bite impression trays.

Abstract: A dental appliance having an arch plate with a chewing surface portion and a tooth contacting surface thereon. An interior and exterior sidewall extend upwardly from the tooth contacting surface. The inner sidewall, outer sidewall, and tooth contacting surface define a tooth receiving cavity that is adapted to complementarily receive teeth on an arch and fix the appliance with respect to those teeth. An outer surface is located opposite to the tooth contacting surface and defines a plane formed by high points thereon. A tongue pocket is affixed to an anterior end of the arch plate and it has an upper and lower portion. The upper portion is integrally connected with inner sidewall and the lower portion is opposite to the upper sidewall. The tongue pocket is concave on its inner surface and on its lower portion has outer ramped surface. The outer ramped surface terminates in an incisal step.

Abstract: The invention is a dental appliance to open the airway for individuals who suffer with snoring or sleep apnea. The appliance includes a base which will fit over the lower teeth, the upper teeth or both. It can be custom made or generic to fit many people. A key component includes a tongue restraining device. The tongue restraining device is a flexible, moveable transverse band that deforms during tongue movement such as swallowing, allowing a degree of comfort to the tongue during that movement and then because of the memory of the band, returns the tongue to its original position. A mechanism will usually be included that advances the mandible. This can be done in many ways. The tongue restraining device can be added to any existing dental appliance. Even appliances that are not for the purpose of treating snoring and/or sleep apnea.

Abstract: A retainer with a block extending downwards from an otherwise generally flat surface is disclosed. The block corresponds to a region of one or more of the cuspids or pre-molars. A side block or other device on the upper retainer also abuts a wing or other abutment device of a lower retainer, causing the lower jaw to be pushed forward relative to the upper jaw and resting position (regular organic closing position) of the upper and lower jaw together. Thus, the upper teeth are pushed forward and a space is created between the teeth behind the (lower) block preventing an apnea during sleep.

Abstract: In an adjuster for an airway securing device, a base member fixed to one of an upper jaw side attachment body and a lower jaw side attachment body is provided with a base member side half tube part and a slide member fixed to the other of the upper jaw side attachment body and the lower jaw side attachment body is provided with a slide member side half tube part. The base member side half tube part and the slide member side half tube part form a tube part in which an adjusting bolt is disposed on its inner peripheral side. A base member side flange part is formed at a base end of the base member side half tube part and a slide member side flange part shape is formed at a base end of the slide member side half tube part.