Abstract: The present invention provides a portable handheld static-electricity generator and a method thereof for alleviating pain in at least one portion of patient's body, comprising: a movable brush, a polymer assembly comprising a rubbing-surface portion upon which the brush rubs and an automatically-operated mechanical unit. The polymer assembly having affinity to a defined charge such that when the movable brush rubs the rubbing-surface of the polymer assembly for a predefined time a static electricity is generated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable handheld static-electricity generator and a method thereof for alleviating pain in at least one portion of patient's body, comprising: a movable brush, a polymer assembly comprising a rubbing-surface portion upon which the brush rubs and an automatically-operated mechanical unit. The polymer assembly having affinity to a defined charge such that when the movable brush rubs the rubbing-surface of the polymer assembly for a predefined time a static electricity is generated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars by covering the scar with a gas-or gel-filled cushion made of smooth or textured silicone sheeting. It relates particularly to a cushion in the form of a hollow bag filled with completely dry air, inert gel or an inert gas. The invention also relates to a silicone sheeting cushion enclosing silicone beads, polymeric pieces or bodies made of polyfluoroethylene sheeting or a related polymer which produces a negative static charge or, preferably, a silicone sponge or hydrophobic gel, most preferably silicone gel.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing wide skin defects may be used with two long interdermal needles configured for insertion underneath skin close to margins of a skin defect. The skin closing apparatus may include two retaining members (70, 71) configured as a flange connecting two legs (20) and forming a U-shaped profile. Each of the legs may include either a sharp book (23) or a blunt skin insertion element at the end of the leg adapted for percing the skin and engaging one of the long interdermal needles. Alternatively, the retaining members may include topical engagement elements for engaging portions of the interdermal needles which are located above the skin surface. A contracting mechanism such as a screw (82) may connect the retaining members and approximate the interdermal needles, while bringing the skin margins together until final closure of the skin defect results.

Abstract: One or more devices for stretching skin to close a wide skin defect may be used with two long interdermal needles which are inserted underneath the skin along margins of the wound. The skin stretching device may include a pair of needle shafts each having a hook or needle at a distal end for engaging one of the interdermal needles, and a contracting mechanism provided for drawing the opposing needle hooks toward one another, thereby approximating the opposing margins of the wound.The skin stretching device may also include a control knob for limiting the amount of force applied by the device, and a tension indicator for indicating the amount of force applied by the device. Each elongated shafts may also exhibit a retaining member about which a swivel platform rotates, and to which two or more needles are attached. The skin stretching device may further include elongated shafts which, at their distal ends, angle away from the body of the shafts, each exhibiting a single needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for enhancing the success of autologous fat grafting in a patient. The compositions according to the present invention are useful for enhancing autologous fat grafting by improving the survival rate of lipocytes which are injected into a patient as part of a fat grafting procedure. These compositions comprise a fat grafting effective amount of autologous lipocytes in combination with a lipocyte growth effective amount of a non-steroidal anabolic hormone selected from insulin, triiodothyronine/thyroxine (T.sub.3 or T.sub.4), mixtures thereof, and optionally, growth hormone, most preferably a mixture of all three hormones because of the favorable effect these three hormones exhibit in combination to promote autologous fat grafting, the hormones being further combined with a lipocyte growth effective amount of a nutrient medium, preferably a serum free nutrient medium as at least a minimum essential medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing wide skin defects may be used with two long interdermal needles configured for insertion underneath skin close to margins of a skin defect. The skin closing apparatus may include two U-shaped retaining members configured as a flange connecting two legs and forming a U-shaped profile. Each of the legs may include a sharp hook at the end of the leg adapted for piercing the skin and engaging one of the long interdermal needles. Each retaining member may include a pivoting platform that pivots up to 20.degree. from an initial position indicated by a detent mechanism. A contracting mechanism such as a screw may connect the retaining members and approximate the interdermal needles, while bringing the skin margins together until final closure of the skin defect results. The skin closing apparatus may also include a clutch mechanism configured to disengage the screw from a knob or handle, when a predetermined force is met or exceeded.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing wide skin defects may include two long pins for insertion underneath the skin close to the margins of the defect. Two U-shaped members may also be provided. Each U-shaped member may include a sharp hook at the end of each leg adapted to pierce the skin and to engage one pin each in two places. A contracting screw may connect the two members and approximate the pins and the skin margins until final closure of the defect. A parallel alignment mechanism may also be provided to maintain the U-shaped members in parallel alignment.

Abstract: A method of applying force to the skin such as to for use in stretching the skin by load cycling, or for use as a surgical retractor, utilizes an apparatus that comprises two pins or hooks that are joined together by a flexible nylon strap. The strap has rectangular apertures separated by lateral bars. One end of the strap is riveted to one pin while the other end of the strap is passed through a ratchet locking device mounted on the other pin. In use, one pin is fastened to a loose flap of skin and the other pin is fastened to another site on the skin surface. The free end of the strap is then pulled through the locking device, which holds it against movement in the opposite direction, until the desired tension is applied, the skin under tension is allowed to creep and extend in length, and the free end of the strap is then pulled further through the locking device to reapply tension to the skin.