Abstract: An orthopedic device is arranged as a lightweight ankle-foot orthosis providing dynamic support for drop foot or related disorders requiring dorsiflexion. The orthopedic device includes a main support adapted to secure about a lower leg, a strap assembly having a first portion coupling to the main support, and a second portion arranged to be drawn therefrom, and an anchor for receiving and attaching to the second portion of the strap assembly. The location of the anchor along a foot component enables increased medial-lateral control, and the arrangement of the strap assembly permits dorsiflexion during swing phase of a user's gait.

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 rigid posterior portion, anterior straps, and a tension adjustable geared hinge assembly. Four embodiments are disclosed of hinge assemblies useable with the knee brace, or other types of braces. The hinge assemblies comprise: two subunits housing intermeshed gears, and at least one elastic band extending between the hinge subunits over a cam surface above the gears. In three embodiments, U-shaped connectors secure the subunits and gears together, and the subunits may comprise a user mechanism that adjusts the elastic band's tension and thus the amount of weight unloaded, then releases it. Another embodiment comprises a core bracket to protect the band(s) and a mechanism to compress the elastic band at various points to increase the amount of tension, and with a quick release mechanism.

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. Additionally, a plurality of elevated side support portions and a wedge interconnected on the base material are configured to actively orient the specific anatomic region of the patient's body over the epicenter of the geometric pattern.

Abstract: A brace for a carpometacarpal joint of a thumb includes a body made of an elastomeric material. The body includes a wrist strap configured to surround a wrist, a dorsal projection extending from the wrist strap, a first palmar strap extending between a proximal end connected to the wrist strap and a distal end configured to removably attach to the dorsal projection, and a second palmar strap extending between a proximal end connected to the wrist strap and a distal end configured to removably attach to the dorsal projection. The brace also includes a heat-moldable insert positioned within the body. The heat-moldable insert is configured so as to be positioned over a CMC joint of the thumb.

Abstract: A brace for retaining an organ in an expanded state configured to adhere and substantially conform to an external surface of the organ includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and at least one sheet of thin malleable material forming a middle layer between the inner layer and outer layer, the at least one sheet being enclosed and configured to rigidify and maintain the organ in an expanded state upon application of a vacuum. The brace can be incorporated into a brassiere.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the orthotic device can include a powered hand portion, a switching element, and a controller. The wearer can interact with the switching element to generate input signals for adjusting an operation of the powered hand portion. The controller can receive the input signals and generate control signals to accordingly adjust the operation of the powered hand portion. In some embodiments, a powered hand portion can be comprised of a plurality of linkages and at least one powered actuator to assist with an opening and closing of the hand portion. The plurality of linkages can be operated by at least one electric motor with quick-connect elements to link onto fingers of a user. In some embodiments, an electrically-actuated clutch mechanism can be affixed to an upper arm section and a lower arm section of an orthotic device. The clutch mechanism can be configured into different positions.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for controlled delivery of a therapy, such as a stimulant, to a mouth of a subject via an oral device positioned in a secured configuration in the mouth. At least one of a tongue position stimulator (TST) and tongue position sensor (TSE) is provided, according to certain aspects. According to another aspect, a stimulus is delivered to the mouth and/or tongue via a mouthpiece secured to the subject's teeth. In another regard, a stimulus is delivered that generates a natural response to eliminate or reduce sleep disorders, such as for example at least one of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: An oral orthotic device includes a body having a left portion including an upper surface and a right portion including an upper surface. The upper surface of the left portion and the upper surface of the right portion define a plane positioned to extend above an irregular surface defined by teeth of a user. A bite block extends from the upper surface of one of the left portion or the right portion a distance above the plane such that the bite block is disposed on the oral orthotic device exclusively on either the left portion or the right portion. One or more springs extend from the body and are configured to buffer the body from the teeth of the user. A lingual portion is coupled to the left portion of the body and to the right portion of the body. The lingual portion encloses a helical wire.

Abstract: A lip sealing tape for preventing a user's mouth from opening in daily life and during sleep is proposed. The lip sealing tape adds a mouth-closing vector to assist a vector that displaces a position of a user's tongue forward and upward, thereby forming a closed vector system of muscles of the entire body to increase physical stability and induce nasal respiration (breathing through a user's nose) to gradually reduce oral respiration while promoting nasal respiration. The lip sealing tape is characterized by simply adding the mouth-closing vector to prevent opening of the user's upper and lower lips, by means of horizontal and vertical adhesive tape portions, thereby minimizing a contact area with a user's facial skin when worn and thus minimizing discomfort due to stuffiness while maximizing safety when worn.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to support articles and methods of making and using them. The support articles of the present disclosure provide compression and/or stabilization of sore joints of muscles. In some embodiments, the compression and/or enhanced stabilization is provided, at least in part, by one or more straps. In some embodiments, the support articles also include one or more reinforcing portions. In some embodiments, the support articles can easily be applied by a non-trained user and can be worn in many conditions (including, for example, in the shower or during exercise) for up to three days. The support articles have a relatively slim profile and are thus discreet such that they can be worn under clothing without being noticeable.

Abstract: A medical appliance for the treatment of one or more sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea in a patient, the appliance comprising: a biasing member for inserting behind and exerting a force upon the patient's soft palate or tongue, wherein the biasing member is inserted in a reduced or minimized form and then expanded or firms once in place to exert the force. The appliance may be nasally inserted or be placed through the mouth. In a particular configuration, both the soft palate and tongue are biased to prevent obstruction of the flow of air in the nasopharyngeal airway.

Abstract: Arrangements described herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for a disposable kit containing medical items configured for a medical device including a head cradle to support a head of a subject, the disposable kit includes a container that encloses a head cradle pad configured to be affixed to the head cradle, at least one fiducial marker configured to be disposed on a location at the head of the subject, and at least one enclosure configured to cover a portion of the medical device.

Abstract: A passive stent for retaining an organ in an expanded state configured to adhere and substantially conform to an external surface of the organ may include an inner layer, an outer layer, and a middle layer that is enclosed by the inner layer and the outer layer, comprising a plurality of components configured to interlock and maintain the organ in an expanded state upon application of a vacuum. A method for retaining an organ in an expanded state may include applying at least one force to the organ to place the organ in the expanded state; applying a passive stent to an external surface of the organ; and applying a vacuum to the passive stent sufficient to cause a plurality of components of at least one layer of the passive stent to interlock, where the at least one layer is configured to maintain the organ in the expanded state after interlocking.

Abstract: A retainer appliance includes a retainer body, a frame, a first clasp, and a second clasp. The retainer body is configured to contour a roof of a mouth of a patient and includes a bite block extending therefrom. The frame is secured to the retainer body and extends therefrom. The first clasp extends from a left portion of the retainer body and is configured to couple to a first tooth located in the mouth of the patient. The second clasp extends from a right portion of the retainer body and is configured to couple to a second tooth located in the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a custom wearable and/or implantable medical device, such as an orthosis (e.g., an ankle brace, etc.), a prosthesis or the like, includes use of scanning processes. A digital model of a surface may be applied to a digital device model to define a custom digital device model. The digital 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 and/or implantable medical device. In some embodiments, additive manufacturing processes may be used to form a portion or all of the custom wearable and/or implantable medical device.

Abstract: A device for treating sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea comprising an upper portion, and a lower portion; wherein a first bottom surface of the upper portion, is joined to a second top surface of the lower portion using a sealant. A method of treating sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea includes using an oral appliance, and a positive airway pressure machine for assisting a user to breathe through the nose.

Abstract: A body support device includes a body attachment portion having a first side and a second side, the first side including a plurality of receiving channels, and a leg assembly including an elongate member having an elongate body, a first end having a coupling interface configured for releasable attachment with the body attachment portion and a second end extending from the body attachment portion, wherein the coupling interface includes a hinge assembly having a first hinging portion and a second hinging portion, and wherein the second hinging portion is configured for pivotal movement such that the elongate member is configured for movement between extended and retracted positions.

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: 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 knee brace with an inflatable air bladder. In a post-surgical embodiment the brace includes a rigid shell that fits behind the knee. The rigid shell includes an inflatable air bladder on its posterior surface. A wrap is placed around the knee and the air bladder. When the air bladder is inflated, the knee is urged in the posterior direction—thereby decreasing flexion. In a rehabilitative embodiment, a rigid shell is placed over the anterior portion of the knee. An air bladder is positioned between the rigid shell and the knee. The rigid shell is held in place using the securing straps of the rehabilitative brace. When the air bladder is inflated the knee is again urged in the posterior direction.