Abstract: A heat/cold therapy wrap for the shoulder envelops the shoulder, over the clavicle and down over a portion of the upper arm. Compression against the shoulder is adjustable via a torso strap and a separate compression strap. A pair of pockets receive thermal gel material, preferably a non-migrating gel which will easily form to the contours of the shoulder and will remain as an integral plastic mass, not migrating within the enveloping bag under pressure. The ergonomically designed shoulder wrap is light in weight and engages the shoulder in a way that allows range of motion exercises in which heat/ice therapy combined with motion are useful to treat frozen shoulder syndromes or adhesive capsulitis. In one embodiment of the wrap an arm cuff is provided at the lower end of the device to encircle the upper arm. Another embodiment has no permanent arm cuff but has a versatile compression strap.

Abstract: A sanitary mouth shield assembly including a headset with multiple locations of adjustability, both linear and rotational, in order to accommodate a variety of head sizes. A pair of side portions support therebetween a bridging and arcuate extending, length adjustable band. A shield sub-assembly is supported by the headset and includes elongated and arcuate side supports which are rotatably and adjustably secured at first ends to exterior side locations of the side supports. The shield sub-assembly is rotatably supported to extending ends of the sides supports and in turn exhibits a combination arcuate and planar shape. A base component of the shield subassembly includes a pair of end supported clips. A fibrous filter element is sandwiched between an inner surface of the base component and an attachable retaining component, the retaining component including lateral projections which seat within the clips to secure the subassembly in place.

Abstract: This invention provides an oral interface mainly including a connecting channel, a collapsible chamber and a non-collapsible structure disposed inside the collapsible chamber. The connecting channel communicates between the collapsible chamber and a negative source. When a negative pressure environment is generated inside the collapsible chamber via being pumped by the negative pressure source, the non-collapsible structure supports the collapsible chamber so that there are fluid channels formed inside the collapsible chamber. The air inside a user's oral cavity can be pumped out via the fluid channels and the connecting channel. A negative pressure environment is hence formed inside the user's oral cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain aspects, medical devices deliverable into passageways and other open spaces in the body. In one embodiment, the invention provides a fistula plug for delivery into a fistula tract. This fistula plug includes an elongate plug body, and a removable core material that is received in the plug body and effective to increase the column strength of the plug body. The plug body may be formed with one or more of a variety of biocompatible materials including some that are naturally derived and some that are non-naturally derived. The present invention also provides apparatuses and methods for delivering these and other medical devices into the body. One such apparatus includes a fistula plug having a plug body, and a removable delivery device received in the plug body, wherein the delivery device is effective to deliver the plug body into a fistula tract when advanced therethrough.

Abstract: A support for the trunk or a limb or joint of a human or animal comprises a first band having first and second end portions with respective fasteners which can be fastened together to fix the band in a loop around the trunk or a limb or joint and at least one pad located inwardly of the first band for engaging a surface portion of the trunk or a limb or joint. The second band has a portion located inwardly of the first band and supports said at least one pad for movement independently of the first band when the first band is fixed to apply pressure to said surface portion. An adjustment means is connected to the second band and extends from an inner side to an outer side of the first band to allow operation outwardly of the first band when the first band is fixed for adjusting the position of said at least one pad.

Abstract: A head and neck covering is cut from a flat sheet of foam material to form a body portion of the head and neck covering. The foam material has a first surface cut to form an eye region, mouth region and neck region. The foam material has a second surface opposite the first surface which is continuous other than an opening for intubation. The foam material is compliant so that the body portion conforms to contours of the head and neck of the anesthetized patient. A closure mechanism is attached to the body portion for securing the head and neck covering around the anesthetized patient. The foam material reduces a potential for trauma to the head and neck of the anesthetized patient. A plurality of channels is formed in the foam material. Warm fluid is circulated through the channels to reduce heat loss for the patient.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a wrist and thumb brace with a wrist brace portion for stabilizing a user's wrist, the wrist brace portion having a first aperture adapted for a user's right thumb when the brace is on a user's right hand, and a second aperture adapted for a user's left thumb when the brace is on a user's left hand, the first and second apertures facilitating ambidextrous use of the brace; and a thumb brace portion for stabilizing a user's thumb, the thumb brace portion removably attachable to the wrist brace portion at a first location adjacent to the first aperture when the brace is on a user's right hand, the thumb brace portion removably attachable to the wrist brace portion at a second location adjacent to the second aperture when the brace is on a user's left hand.

Abstract: A dental appliance for treating bruxism is disclosed. The appliance may include upper and lower portions. The upper portion may include a first base and a first feature. The first base may engage the upper teeth of a patient. The first feature may secure to an anterior area of the first base and include a concave surface forming a concavity. The lower portion may include a second base and a second feature. The second base may engage the lower teeth of the patient. The second feature may secure to an anterior area of the second base and include a protrusion. As the patient bites down, the protrusion may contact the concave surface at a point of contact that is a sole or initial contact between the upper and lower portions. Thus, the interaction of the protrusion and concave surface may control certain mandibular loadings and motions of the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dental form comprising at least one first composition and at least one second composition, wherein the at least one first composition and the at least one second composition react when mixed to form a third composition. Also disclosed herein are mouthguards and kits comprising dental forms.

Abstract: Upper torso braces to correct deformities in the upper torso of a patient are provided. The upper torso braces include a brace structure adapted to be maintained around an upper torso of an individual and to restrict outward expansion, and a variable force applicator coupled to the brace structure and positioned to contact and apply varying pressure to a target location on the upper torso. The brace structure is configured to restrict outward expansion and to provide a counteracting force for the variable force applicator during application of the variable pressure to the target location. In some instances, the upper torso braces may include a control element to adjust an amount of pressure provided by the variable force applicator to the target location. Methods of correcting a deformity on an upper torso with the upper torso braces are also provided.

Abstract: An intravaginal support apparatus. The intravaginal support apparatus comprises a pessary ring having a substantially annular configuration and a narrowed configuration, a locking mechanism which retains and switches between the annular configuration and the narrowed configuration, and one or more expandable elements having expanded and unexpanded configurations, attached to one or more of the locking mechanism and the pessary ring. The pessary ring laterally expands from the narrowed configuration to the annular configuration; the expandable element expands outwardly of the pessary ring, from the unexpanded configuration to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A medical drape has a tool-less removal feature and includes a drape material, a drape cut, an adhesive tape strip, and a scoreline. The drape material has a top side, a back side, and at least one exterior edge. The drape cut has a starting point at the exterior edge and extends completely through the thickness of the drape material. The adhesive tape strip is positioned along the length of the drape cut to overlap at least a portion of the drape material on both sides of the drape cut to initially secure the two adjoining cut edges to each other. The scoreline extends along the length of the adhesive tape strip and only partially through the thickness of the adhesive tape strip to permit easy tearing of the adhesive tape strip for separation of the two adjoining cut edges.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a neuromuscular training device and methods of use. The device and methods are useful for enhancing the alignment of the upper torso of a user. The device preferably includes a scapular stabilization brace combined with a waist member anchored to the lower torso. The device is preferably configured specifically to provide scapular retraction and stabilization, while providing static and dynamic neuromuscular training.

Abstract: A method and orthotic for treating, substantially preventing, or minimizing the possibility of, human infant occipital plagiocephaly and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), utilizes or provides a garment dimensioned to fit a human infant. The garment (such as a vest or jacket) has an open top portion, a substantially closed front, a substantially closed rear, a first receptacle on the front, and a second receptacle on the rear and functionally cooperating with the first receptacle. Third and fourth receptacles are preferably also provided, the first and second receptacles on the left side of the garment, and the third and fourth on the right side. The garment may be primarily of a stretchable mesh fabric. A cylindrical or prismatic bolster (e. g. of firm foam or rubber) is provided in each of the first and second receptacles.

Abstract: An implant for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes a first chamber containing an incompressible fluid, a second chamber containing a compressible fluid, and a flexible diaphragm separating the first and second chambers. The incompressible fluid is in communication with the compressible fluid via the flexible diaphragm. The first chamber has a first volume that remains constant in response to an external force applied upon the implant and the second chamber has a second volume that is changeable when the external force is applied upon the implant. The flexible diaphragm is extendible into the second chamber for reducing the second volume of the second chamber and compressing the compressible fluid within the second chamber. The compressible fluid within the second chamber provides less resistance to flexing during initial flexing of the implant and more resistance to flexing during further flexing of the implant.

Abstract: There are provided orthopedic devices suitable for the treatment of degenerative joint disease of the metatarsal phalangeal joints, in particular for the treatment of capsulitis. These orthopedic devices have a base portion designed to be placed under the foot only in the metatarsal area. A digit loop surrounding a toe is used to hold the base portion in the proper location. In one embodiment the digit loop is molded to or is an actual part of the base. The loop is preferably made of a gel material and provides cushioning in the toe because the gel dissipates the pressure. In another embodiment the digit loop is a detachable, adjustable loop. The device includes a raised cushioning pad of appropriate height and size affixed to the upper side of the base and resting against the foot when in use. The orthopedic device is preferably made entirely from a low-profile, viscoelastic gel.

Abstract: A protective sleeve is provided for the care of fingers, toes or other parts of the body. The sleeve is made of a piece of fabric, preferably including thermoplastic fibers. The piece of fabric includes opposite edges which are assembled to form the body of the sleeve. At least one lining layer, preferably of viscoelastic gel, is fixed onto a face of the piece of fabric, such that the layer at least partially covers the assembled edges of the piece of fabric.

Abstract: A tooth protection device that is operable to provide impact protection and thermal protection for a damaged tooth within a user's mouth. The tooth protection device includes a base layer that is rectangular in shape and is manufactured from a malleable gum resin. The base layer further has an internal thermal layer that is operable to provide a thermal barrier so as to inhibit the change of temperature proximate the tooth. The base layer further includes a medicament impregnated therein that is operable to provide pain relief to the area. The medicament comprises a natural medicament or a synthetic medicament. The base layer extends from the gum line on a first side of a tooth, across the top of the tooth and reaching the gum line on the second side of the tooth.

Abstract: An aid against snoring with a slingshot-shaped outer splint which support the jaw angle and fixates the lower jaw to the cheek and upper jaw. The splint is pressure relieving, pressure distributing, bendable and therefore individually adjustable and adheres to the support (skin) (FIG. 1) from the jaw angle to cheek and upper jaw (and alternatively up over the bridge of the nose) (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) and in that way prevent the lower jaw from falling backwards-downwards and obstruct the air way in the throat during sleep.

Abstract: An orthopedic device as in a dorsal splint for treating plantar fasciitis includes a substantially rigid splint member having an overmolded flexible edge and living hinges, or substantially rigid component pieces received in a flexible member, to provide improved and more comfortable fitting to a user and reduced storage requirements. The splint member is shaped and configured to engage the dorsal aspects of a user's lower leg, ankle, and foot. A soft-good strap system is provided to maintain the dorsal splint in position and has suitable padding to treat various foot conditions.