Abstract: The present invention relates to heat transfer blankets which wrap the torso and/or legs leaving the arms, buttocks, perineum, knee, and/or head exposed and allow for the selective heating or cooling of various body parts at the same or different rates.

Abstract: A surgical device having a blade with a surface suitable for abutting against tissue, and further having an anchor guide portion for receiving an anchor. The device further includes an anchor positioned through the anchor guide portion, having a first end suitable for anchoring into bone, and a second end suitable for engagement with a surgical distractor. In addition to being using during retraction, the device may be further used to distract without any repositioning of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat transfer blankets which wrap the torso and/or legs leaving the arms, buttocks, perineum, knee, and/or head exposed and allow for the selective heating or cooling of various body parts at the same or different rates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat transfer blankets which wrap the torso and legs leaving the arms, buttocks, perineum and head exposed and allow for the selective heating or cooling of various body parts at the same or different rates. The blankets of the present invention are also made up of panels, which may include foldable extensions to allow coverage of a wider range of body sizes, which may be selectively opened to gain access to the chest, abdomen, legs or back to expose a surgical field or to provide access to these areas for necessary medical care.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for administration of nerve growth factor into subjects in whom the central nervous system has been damaged by trauma. The invention relates to formulations of nerve growth factor and their use in prevention of cognitive, motor or sensory deficits associated with traumatic injury of the brain or spinal cord. The invention further provides methods for treating such injuries comprising the administration of nerve growth factor formulations into the injured central nervous system. The present invention is based on the identification of novel optimal nerve growth factor dosages and treatment schedules to be used in the treatment of brain injured patients. In embodiments of the invention, nerve growth factor formulations are administered to subjects where the nervous system has been damaged by trauma to enhance the survival, growth or repair of neuronal cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat transfer blanket which wraps the torso and legs leaving the arms, buttocks, perineum and head exposed and allows for the selective heating or cooling of various body parts at the same or different rates. The blanket of the present invention is also made up of panels which may be selectively opened to gain access to the chest, abdomen, legs or back to expose a surgical field or to provide access to these areas for necessary medical care.

Abstract: A method of treating severe brain trauma with hypothermia includes the introduction of specified medication to reduce the risk of cardiac arrhythmia and other malfunctions that may result from the brain trauma or the hypothermia. The method further includes a protocol for the treatment which defines time, temperature, rate of change of temperature, and the timing of the introduction of medications. Finally, rigidly controlled rewarming reduces the incidence of rewarming shock in recovering patients.