Abstract: A wound treatment system includes a housing. A processor is located in the housing. A pressure monitoring system is coupled to the processor. A power delivery system is located in the housing and coupled to the processor. An oxygen concentrator is located in the housing and coupled to the power delivery system. The oxygen concentrator includes a plurality of oxygen outlets. The processor is configured to receive pressure information from the pressure monitoring system that is indicative of a pressure in a restricted airflow enclosure provided by a dressing and located adjacent a wound site; and use the pressure information to control the power provided from the power delivery system to the oxygen concentrator in order to control an oxygen flow created by the oxygen concentrator and provided through one of the plurality of oxygen outlets to the restricted airflow enclosure.

Abstract: A wound treatment system includes a housing that defines an oxygen outlet. An oxygen production subsystem is included in the housing and coupled to the oxygen outlet. A control subsystem is coupled to the oxygen production subsystem and configured to receive pressure information that is indicative of a pressure in a restricted airflow enclosure that is coupled to the oxygen outlet. The control subsystem then uses the pressure information to control power provided to the oxygen production subsystem in order to control an oxygen flow that is created by the oxygen production subsystem and provided through the oxygen outlet to the restricted airflow enclosure.

Abstract: A wound treatment system includes a housing. A processor is located in the housing. A pressure monitoring system is coupled to the processor. A power delivery system is located in the housing and coupled to the processor. An oxygen concentrator is located in the housing and coupled to the power delivery system. The oxygen concentrator includes a plurality of oxygen outlets. The processor is configured to receive pressure information from the pressure monitoring system that is indicative of a pressure in a restricted airflow enclosure provided by a dressing and located adjacent a wound site; and use the pressure information to control the power provided from the power delivery system to the oxygen concentrator in order to control an oxygen flow created by the oxygen concentrator and provided through one of the plurality of oxygen outlets to the restricted airflow enclosure.

Abstract: A wound treatment system includes a housing. A processor is located in the housing. A pressure monitoring system is coupled to the processor. A power delivery system is located in the housing and coupled to the processor. An oxygen concentrator is located in the housing and coupled to the power delivery system. The oxygen concentrator includes a plurality of oxygen outlets. The processor is configured to receive pressure information from the pressure monitoring system that is indicative of a pressure in a restricted airflow enclosure provided by a dressing and located adjacent a wound site; and use the pressure information to control the power provided from the power delivery system to the oxygen concentrator in order to control an oxygen flow created by the oxygen concentrator and provided through one of the plurality of oxygen outlets to the restricted airflow enclosure.

Abstract: A wound treatment system includes a housing that defines an oxygen outlet. An oxygen production subsystem is included in the housing and coupled to the oxygen outlet. A control subsystem is coupled to the oxygen production subsystem and configured to receive pressure information that is indicative of a pressure in a restricted airflow enclosure that is coupled to the oxygen outlet. The control subsystem then uses the pressure information to control power provided to the oxygen production subsystem in order to control an oxygen flow that is created by the oxygen production subsystem and provided through the oxygen outlet to the restricted airflow enclosure.

Abstract: A non-invasive tissue oxygenation system for accelerating the healing of damaged tissue and to promote tissue viability is disclosed herein. The system is comprised of a lightweight portable electrochemical oxygen concentrator, a power management system, microprocessors, memory, a pressure sensing system, an optional temperature monitoring system, oxygen flow rate/oxygen partial pressure monitoring and control system, a display screen and key pad navigation controls as a means of providing continuous variably controlled low dosages of oxygen to a wound site and monitoring the healing process. A kink resistant oxygen delivery tubing, whereby the proximal end is removably connected to the device and the distal end with holes or a flexible, flat, oxygen-permeable tape is positioned at or near the wound bed as a means of applying near 100% pure oxygen to the wound site.

Abstract: A wound treatment system includes a housing. A processor is located in the housing. A pressure monitoring system is coupled to the processor. A power delivery system is located in the housing and coupled to the processor. An oxygen concentrator is located in the housing and coupled to the power delivery system. The oxygen concentrator includes a plurality of oxygen outlets. The processor is configured to receive pressure information from the pressure monitoring system that is indicative of a pressure in a restricted airflow enclosure provided by a dressing and located adjacent a wound site; and use the pressure information to control the power provided from the power delivery system to the oxygen concentrator in order to control an oxygen flow created by the oxygen concentrator and provided through one of the plurality of oxygen outlets to the restricted airflow enclosure.

Abstract: A non-invasive tissue oxygenation system for accelerating the healing of damaged tissue and to promote tissue viability is disclosed herein. The system is comprised of a lightweight portable electrochemical oxygen concentrator, a power management system, microprocessors, memory, a pressure sensing system, a temperature monitoring system, oxygen flow rate monitoring and control system, a display screen and key pad navigation controls as a means of providing continuous variably controlled low dosages of oxygen to a wound site and monitoring the healing process. A kink resistant oxygen delivery tubing, whereby the proximal end is removably connected to the device and the distal end with holes or a flexible, flat, oxygen-permeable tape is positioned on the wound bed as a means of applying oxygen to the wound site. The distal end of the tube is in communication with the electrochemical oxygen concentrator and wound monitoring system to communicate temperature and oxygen partial pressure information.

Abstract: A method of making a proppant is provided, wherein the method includes the steps of: (a) forming a particulate comprising: (i) a binder; and (ii) a filler; and (b) sintering the particulate to form a sintered proppant, wherein the sintered proppant comprises: (i) at least 20 wt % of alkaline earth oxide equivalent; and (ii) at least 20 wt % of silicon dioxide equivalent. A method of treating (e.g., fracturing) a subterranean formation is provided, the method including the steps of: (a) suspending the sintered proppant in a treatment fluid; and (b) introducing the sintered proppant into the subterranean formation. The sintered proppant is made with a raw material selected from the group consisting of: unhydrated cement, hydrated cement (e.g., construction cement or concrete waste), kiln dust, fly ash, limestone, lime, talc, olivine, dolomite, clay that contains a substantial concentration of alkaline earth oxide equivalent, and any combination thereof in any proportion.

Abstract: A non-invasive tissue oxygenation system for accelerating the healing of damaged tissue and to promote tissue viability is disclosed herein. The system is comprised of a lightweight portable electrochemical oxygen concentrator, a power management system, microprocessors, memory, a pressure sensing system, an optional temperature monitoring system, oxygen flow rate/oxygen partial pressure monitoring and control system, a display screen and key pad navigation controls as a means of providing continuous variably controlled low dosages of oxygen to a wound site and monitoring the healing process. A kink resistant oxygen delivery tubing, whereby the proximal end is removably connected to the device and the distal end with holes or a flexible, flat, oxygen-permeable tape is positioned at or near the wound bed as a means of applying near 100% pure oxygen to the wound site.

Abstract: A method of making a proppant is provided, wherein the method includes the steps of: (a) forming a particulate comprising: (i) a binder; and (ii) a filler; and (b) sintering the particulate to form a sintered proppant, wherein the sintered proppant comprises: (i) at least 20 wt % of alkaline earth oxide equivalent; and (ii) at least 20 wt % of silicon dioxide equivalent. A method of treating (e.g., fracturing) a subterranean formation is provided, the method including the steps of: (a) suspending a sintered proppant in a treatment fluid, wherein the sintered proppant comprises: (i) at least 20 wt % of alkaline earth oxide equivalent; and (ii) at least 20 wt % of silicon dioxide equivalent; and (b) introducing the sintered proppant into the subterranean formation (e.g., into a fracture). In addition, a sintered proppant is provided comprising: (i) at least 20 wt % of alkaline earth oxide equivalent; and (ii) at least 20 wt % of silicon dioxide equivalent.

Abstract: A non-invasive tissue oxygenation system for accelerating the healing of damaged tissue and to promote tissue viability is disclosed herein. The system is comprised of a lightweight portable electrochemical oxygen concentrator, a power management system, microprocessors, memory, a pressure sensing system, a temperature monitoring system, oxygen flow rate monitoring and control system, a display screen and key pad navigation controls as a means of providing continuous variably controlled low dosages of oxygen to a wound site and monitoring the healing process. A kink resistant oxygen delivery tubing, whereby the proximal end is removably connected to the device and the distal end with holes or a flexible, flat, oxygen-permeable tape is positioned on the wound bed as a means of applying oxygen to the wound site. The distal end of the tube is in communication with the electrochemical oxygen concentrator and wound monitoring system to communicate temperature and oxygen partial pressure information.

Abstract: Methods of creating high porosity propped fractures in portions of subterranean formations, including method of forming a high porosity propped fracture in a subterranean formation comprising providing a slurry comprising a fracturing fluid and proppant particulates; introducing the slurry into a portion of a fracture within the subterranean formation; and, depositing the proppant particulates into the portion of the fracture within the subterranean formation so as to form a high porosity propped fracture.

Abstract: Provided are methods of modifying the surface stress-activated reactivity of proppant particulates used in subterranean operations. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a plurality of particulates, at least one of which comprises a mineral surface; providing a surface-treating reagent capable of modifying the stress-activated reactivity of a mineral surface of a particulate; and allowing the surface-treating reagent modify the stress-activated reactivity of at least a portion of the mineral surface of at least one particulate. In other embodiments, the methods comprise the use of particulates comprising a modified mineral surface in fluids introduced into subterranean formations.

Abstract: Methods of improving load recovery using hydrophobic coatings to enhance the recovery of treatment fluids from subterranean formations may include the use of hydrophobic coating agents. In particular, such methods may include the steps of coating a plurality of particulates so as to form a plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates. The presence of these hydrophobically-coated particulates downhole may enhance the recovery of aqueous treatment fluids.

Abstract: Methods for preparing slurries that include depolymerized polysacoharides and depolymerized and derivatized polysaccharides that may be useful in subterranean well operations including fracturing, gravel packing, and frac-packing, are provided. One embodiment provides a method for making a slurry, comprising combining a polysaccharide with an organic solvent to form a slurry; and, depolymerizing the polysaccharide in the slurry. Another embodiment provides a method of treating subterranean formation with slurry comprising the steps of creating a slurry using a method comprising the steps of combining a polysacchande with an organic solvent to form a slurry; and, depolymerizing the polysaccharide in the slurry; and, placing that slurry into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Provided are methods of modifying the stress-activated reactivity of subterranean fracture faces and other surfaces in subterranean formations. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid and a surface-treating reagent capable of modifying the stress-activated reactivity of a mineral surface in a subterranean formation; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing the surface-treating reagent to modify the stress-activated reactivity of at least a portion of a mineral surface in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Provided are methods of modifying the surface stress-activated reactivity of proppant particulates used in subterranean operations. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a plurality of particulates, at least one of which comprises a mineral surface; providing a surface-treating reagent capable of modifying the stress-activated reactivity of a mineral surface of a particulate; and allowing the surface-treating reagent modify the stress-activated reactivity of at least a portion of the mineral surface of at least one particulate. In other embodiments, the methods comprise the use of particulates comprising a modified mineral surface in fluids introduced into subterranean formations.

Abstract: One embodiment comprises an apparatus for applying energy to a hollow anatomical structure having an inner wall. The apparatus comprises an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end; and a capacitive treatment element located near the distal end. The capacitive treatment element is sized for insertion into the hollow anatomical structure and placement near the inner wall. The capacitive treatment element is configured to create an electric field that extends at least partially into the inner wall. Other devices and methods for treatment of hollow anatomical structures are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A catheter introduces electrodes in a vein for a minimally invasive treatment of venous insufficiency by the application of energy to cause selective heating of the vein. The catheter is positioned within the vein to be treated, and the electrodes on the catheter are moved toward one side of the vein. RF energy is applied in a directional manner from the electrodes at the working end of the catheter to cause localized heating and corresponding shrinkage of the adjacent venous tissue, which may include commissures, leaflets and ostia. Fluoroscopy or ultrasound may be used to detect shrinkage of the vein. After treating one section of the vein, the catheter can be repositioned to place the electrodes to treat different sections of the vein until all desired venous valves are repaired and rendered functionally competent.