Abstract: Systems and methods for effecting bariatric procedures are disclosed. Each system includes an instrument, a control valve and, optionally, a suction controller. The instrument is in the form of an elongated, flexible sizing tube having a distal end portion including a plurality of apertures. The control valve enables suction to be applied to the patient's stomach via the apertures to drain gastric fluids and to bring adjacent portions of the patient's stomach into engagement with the sizing tube to provide a visually perceptible delineation line along which a portion of the stomach may be resected, sealed and tested.

Abstract: Systems and methods for effecting bariatric procedures are disclosed. Each system includes an instrument, a control valve and, optionally, a suction controller. The instrument is in the form of an elongated, flexible sizing tube having a distal end portion including a plurality of apertures. The control valve enables suction to be applied to the patient's stomach via the apertures to drain gastric fluids and to bring adjacent portions of the patient's stomach into engagement the sizing tube to provide a visually perceptible delineation line along which a portion of the stomach may be resected, sealed and tested.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal is disclosed. An exemplary device comprises a permeable structure having a plurality of depressions formed in a surface thereof. In use, the surface having the depressions is disposed adjacent a surface of the wound. A method of manufacturing a therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal comprising the steps of providing a permeable substrate, and forming a plurality of depressions into a surface of the permeable substrate to provide the therapeutic device. A method of treating a wound comprises: providing a permeable structure comprising a plurality of randomly disposed fibers and having i) a plurality of wound surface contact elements disposed between end portions of the structure, and ii) a plurality of voids defined by the contact elements; and applying the permeable structure to at least one surface of the wound.

Abstract: A wound packing for use with suction is provided. The wound packing comprises a plurality of nonabsorbent synthetic polymeric fibers coupled together to form a nonabsorbent material suitable for placement in the wound of a mammal. A method for treating the wound in a mammal using the disclosed wound packing is also provided.

Abstract: A wound packing for use with suction is provided. The wound packing comprises a plurality of nonabsorbent synthetic polymeric fibers coupled together to form a nonabsorbent material suitable for placement in the wound of a mammal. A method for treating the wound in a mammal using the disclosed wound packing is also provided.

Abstract: A system for applying suction to a wound is provided, including a suction source for providing suction to a conduit operatively associated with the wound to communicate suction to the wound, a vent in fluid communication with the conduit to provide a reference airflow into the conduit when the system is in operation, such that a loss of suction at the wound is indicated by deviation from the reference airflow, and a waste collector canister between the wound and the suction source for collecting liquids aspirated from the wound, wherein the canister includes one or more disks containing gelling agent.

Abstract: A tunnel dressing for use in treating a tunneling wound using negative pressure wound therapy. The tunnel dressing includes an elongate permeable member having a closed distal end for entering the wound and an open proximal end into which an applicator is removably disposed for guiding the dressing into the wound. The tunnel dressing has a support structure adapted to transport wound exudates away from the wound and to resist compression under suction. The tunnel dressing also has a wound contact surface adapted to minimize tissue entanglement to facilitate removal. The support structure and wound contact surface may be formed from the same material or from two adjacent layers of different material.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal is disclosed. An exemplary device comprises a permeable structure having a plurality of depressions formed in a surface thereof. In use, the surface having the depressions is disposed adjacent a surface of the wound. A method of manufacturing a therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal comprising the steps of providing a permeable substrate, and forming a plurality of depressions into a surface of the permeable substrate to provide the therapeutic device. A method of treating a wound comprises: providing a permeable structure comprising a plurality of randomly disposed fibers and having i) a plurality of wound surface contact elements disposed between end portions of the structure, and ii) a plurality of voids defined by the contact elements; and applying the permeable structure to at least one surface of the wound.

Abstract: A system for applying suction to a wound uses a reference airflow for monitoring system operation. A reference airflow (or “controlled leak”) to the suction source is provided when the system is in operation, such that deviation from the reference airflow can be monitored as an indication of a change in operation, such as a leak in the seal of the wound cover, a blockage of airflow from crimping of the suction conduit or overfill of the waste collector, or an inadvertent turn off or disconnect from the suction source.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal is disclosed. An exemplary device comprises a permeable structure having a plurality of depressions formed in a surface thereof. In use, the surface having the depressions is disposed adjacent a surface of the wound. A method of manufacturing a therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal comprising the steps of providing a permeable substrate, and forming a plurality of depressions into a surface of the permeable substrate to provide the therapeutic device. A method of treating a wound comprises: providing a permeable structure comprising a plurality of randomly disposed fibers and having i) a plurality of wound surface contact elements disposed between end portions of the structure, and ii) a plurality of voids defined by the contact elements; and applying the permeable structure to at least one surface of the wound.

Abstract: A system and method of use for providing vibratory energy to a portion, e.g., the leg, of a living being for producing a beneficial effect, e.g., relief of RLS symptoms, is disclosed. The system is in the form of an elastic wrap or band arranged to be releasably secured to the portion of the being and holds plural electrical motors, which when operated vibrate. The vibrations of the motors are propagated to the adjacent portion of the being's body and topically apply random-like mechanical stimulations to tendons or ligaments to stimulate proprioceptors of the being. Power for the motors is provided from a power and control source. The elastic wrap is formed of at least one material adapted that is soft and pliable. The motors are arranged to be located at various positions and orientations along the elastic wrap.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal is disclosed. An exemplary device comprises a permeable structure having a plurality of depressions formed in a surface thereof. In use, the surface having the depressions is disposed adjacent a surface of the wound. A method of manufacturing a therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal comprising the steps of providing a permeable substrate, and forming a plurality of depressions into a surface of the permeable substrate to provide the therapeutic device. A method of treating a wound comprises: providing a permeable structure comprising a plurality of randomly disposed fibers and having i) a plurality of wound surface contact elements disposed between end portions of the structure, and ii) a plurality of voids defined by the contact elements; and applying the permeable structure to at least one surface of the wound.

Abstract: A tunnel dressing for use in treating a tunneling wound using negative pressure wound therapy. The tunnel dressing includes an elongate permeable member having a closed distal end for entering the wound and an open proximal end into which an applicator is removably disposed for guiding the dressing into the wound. The tunnel dressing has a support structure adapted to transport wound exudates away from the wound and to resist compression under suction. The tunnel dressing also has a wound contact surface adapted to minimize tissue entanglement to facilitate removal. The support structure and wound contact surface may be formed from the same material or from two adjacent layers of different material.

Abstract: A system for treating a wound with suction is provided. The system comprises a wound cover, a pump having an input port and an output port, the input port providing suction to the wound via the wound cover, and a reservoir coupled to the output port of the pump. The reservoir is adapted to receive effluent from the wound and the pump is capable of maintaining a controlled level of suction at the wound.

Abstract: A wound contact device comprising a permeable material and a wound contact layer having voids extending through the contact layer to a depth in the permeable material. The wound contact layer can comprise a thin sheet or film forming a generally flat and smooth wound contact surface having essentially no discontinuities or gaps. The wound contact layer can comprise a thin sheet of highly calendered fabric forming a wound contact surface having a mean surface roughness in the range of about 0 microns to about 200 microns. In progressive wound healing, an embodiment of the wound contact device having the fabric contact surface is used in earlier healing stages and an embodiment of the wound contact device with film contact surface is used in later healing stages. The wound contact device is particularly useful in wound dressings for use in suction-assisted wound therapy.

Abstract: A tunnel dressing for use in treating a tunneling wound using negative pressure wound therapy. The tunnel dressing includes an elongate permeable member having a closed distal end for entering the wound and an open proximal end into which an applicator is removably disposed for guiding the dressing into the wound. The tunnel dressing has a support structure adapted to transport wound exudates away from the wound and to resist compression under suction. The tunnel dressing also has a wound contact surface adapted to minimize tissue entanglement to facilitate removal. The support structure and wound contact surface may be formed from the same material or from two adjacent layers of different material.

Abstract: A device and methods of use for applying vibration, e.g., asynchronous vibration, to the foot of a person is disclosed. The device includes an insole for disposition within an item of footwear and an associated asynchronous vibration inducing mechanism. The insole is a thin, conformable, base member having a pair of wings, each of which includes at least one motor (e.g., brushless electrical motor) forming a portion of the vibration inducing mechanism. The base member is formed of a material, e.g., a resin bonded non-woven layer, which exhibits good vibration transmission characteristics. A power source (e.g., at least one battery) is coupled to the motors to cause them to vibrate when operated, whereupon asynchronous vibrations are produced by the motors, which are transmitted and propagated via the wings to the base member to apply asynchronous vibrations across the sole of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal is disclosed. An exemplary device comprises a permeable structure having a plurality of depressions formed in a surface thereof. In use, the surface having the depressions is disposed adjacent a surface of the wound. A method of treating a wound comprises the steps of providing a permeable structure comprising a plurality of randomly disposed fibers and having i) a plurality of wound surface contact elements disposed between end portions of the structure, and ii) a plurality of voids defined by the contact elements; and applying the permeable structure to at least one surface of the wound.

Abstract: A system for treating a wound with suction is provided. The system comprises a wound cover, a pump having an input port and an output port, the input port providing suction to the wound via the wound cover, and a reservoir coupled to the output port of the pump. The reservoir is adapted to receive effluent from the wound and the pump is capable of maintaining a controlled level of suction at the wound.

Abstract: A wound contact device comprising a permeable material and a wound contact layer having voids extending through the contact layer to a depth in the permeable material. The wound contact layer can comprise a thin sheet or film forming a generally flat and smooth wound contact surface having essentially no discontinuities or gaps. The wound contact layer can comprise a thin sheet of highly calendered fabric forming a wound contact surface having a mean surface roughness in the range of about 0 microns to about 200 microns. In progressive wound healing, an embodiment of the wound contact device having the fabric contact surface is used in earlier healing stages and an embodiment of the wound contact device with film contact surface is used in later healing stages. The wound contact device is particularly useful in wound dressings for use in suction-assisted wound therapy.