Abstract: A blood-collection system configured to permit selection of either collection and disposal of shed blood from a patient or collection and processing of shed blood for autologous transfusion back to the patient includes an automated blood-processing machine. The system may also include a blood-collection reservoir, a separation chamber, and a fluid conduit. The blood-collection reservoir may be engageable with the blood-processing machine so that the machine can identify and report the presence of blood in the reservoir. The separation chamber may also be engageable with the blood processing machine. The fluid conduit may be configured to selectively join the reservoir to the separation chamber by a quick-connect coupling.

Abstract: A blood-collection system configured to permit selection of either collection and disposal of shed blood from a patient or collection and processing of shed blood for autologous transfusion back to the patient includes an automated blood-processing machine. The system may also include a blood-collection reservoir, a separation chamber, and a fluid conduit. The blood-collection reservoir may be engageable with the blood-processing machine so that the machine can identify and report the presence of blood in the reservoir. The separation chamber may also be engageable with the blood processing machine. The fluid conduit may be configured to selectively join the reservoir to the separation chamber by a quick-connect coupling.

Abstract: A method for estimating blood and blood product usage in a facility comprising obtaining a first set of publicly available data, obtaining a second set of publicly available data, and querying a user for data specific to the facility. The method further includes using the data from the first set of publicly available data as default data for data not provided by the user, and estimating an amount of blood product usage based upon the first and second set of publicly available data and data entered by the user.

Abstract: A blood-collection system configured to permit selection of either collection and disposal of shed blood from a patient or collection and processing of shed blood for autologous transfusion back to the patient includes an automated blood-processing machine. The system may also include a blood-collection reservoir, a separation chamber, and a fluid conduit. The blood-collection reservoir may be engageable with the blood-processing machine so that the machine can identify and report the presence of blood in the reservoir. The separation chamber may also be engageable with the blood processing machine. The fluid conduit may be configured to selectively join the reservoir to the separation chamber by a quick-connect coupling.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support having outer and inner resilient layers wherein the outer resilient layer is comprised of neoprene or another material suitable for surrounding and supporting a portion of the human anatomy through compression and a inner resilient layer generally coextensive with a substantial portion of the outer resilient layer which may be comprised of a material selected to enhance the performance and comfort of the orthopaedic support. The inner and outer resilient layers may be secured together in discrete zones but are otherwise freely stretchable or movable relative to one another. Where desired, the outer resilient layer may be provided with an aperture configured to receive a discrete area of the supported body member such as the knee cap which may be sensitive to pressure. The inner resilient layer of such a support may be provided with a corresponding aperture or, in the alternative, the inner resilient layer may extend across the aperture in the outer resilient layer.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support includes a sheet of foam material that has been compression molded in specific areas. These areas have a thickness and density that is different from other areas of the support and serve to better fit the support to the body. The support may include compression molded grooves or cavities to accommodate straps, struts, gel-filled pads, inflatable bladders, pumps, and other accessories. The support may also include compression molded grooves that reduce bunching when the support is bent, and may include molded edges to minimize skin irritation during activity. The brace may also be a back brace or an ankle brace having compression molded components. A method of compression molding an orthopaedic support includes compression molding at least one sheet of resilient foam material in selected areas to reduce the thickness and increase the density of the material in those areas.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support includes a sheet of foam material that has been compression molded in specific areas. These areas have a thickness and density that is different from other areas of the support and serve to better fit the support to the body. The support may include compression molded grooves or cavities to accommodate straps, struts, gel-filled pads, inflatable bladders, pumps, and other accessories. The support may be compression molded into a shape that conforms to the general contour of the part of the human anatomy that it supports. The support may also include compression molded grooves that reduce bunching when the support is bent, and may include molded edges to minimize skin irritation during activity.