Abstract: Herein disclosed is a simple, passive splinting system for sternotomy patients designed to provide a continuous yet readily adjustable, compressive tangential stabilizing force to the ribcage so as to promote healing of a median sternotomy incision while minimizing patient pain.

Abstract: A novel suture removal instrument, kit and technique are described herein. The invention utilizes a newly designed thermal filament to allow the tip of the suture removal instrument to be slipped under the stitch in order to heat and cut the stitch. Current suture removal techniques utilize scissors, forceps, and/or scalpels. These techniques, which are well known in the art, are problematic because they exert tension on the stitch and are associated with patient discomfort. Small stitches add to the difficulty of suture removal because they have less suture laxity for scissor insertion. The present invention therefore allows for more rapid suture removal with less patient discomfort and at a competitive or lower cost.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a simple, passive splinting system for sternotomy patients designed to provide a continuous yet readily adjustable, compressive tangential stabilizing force to the ribcage so as to promote healing of a median sternotomy incision while minimizing patient pain.

Abstract: A method for splinting rib injuries is disclosed. A pair of anchor strips having a plurality of fasteners on their exposed surfaces are attached to the skin of the chest cavity by an adhesive, the strips being more or less vertically oriented and equidistantly spaced from the injury. Elastomeric straps having a plurality of fastener receivers are removably fastened to the anchor strips across the injury so as to produce a stabilizing/reducing force at the injury. Tension in the straps and orientation of the straps are adjusted to maximize patient comfort. In another embodiment a pad is placed between the elastomeric straps and the chest wall. In other embodiments the pad is a hot or cold compress. In yet another embodiment the pad is connected to a cold therapy machine.

Abstract: A novel suture removal instrument, kit and technique are described herein. The invention utilizes a newly designed thermal filament to allow the tip of the suture removal instrument to be slipped under the stitch in order to heat and cut the stitch. Current suture removal techniques utilize scissors, forceps, and/or scalpels. These techniques, which are well known in the art, are problematic because they exert tension on the stitch and are associated with patient discomfort. Small stitches add to the difficulty of suture removal because they have less suture laxity for scissor insertion. The present invention therefore allows for more rapid suture removal with less patient discomfort and at a competitive or lower cost.

Abstract: Novel suture removal instrument and technique are described herein. The invention utilizes a newly designed thermal filament to allow the tip of the suture removal instrument to be slipped under the stitch in order to heat and cut the stitch. Current suture removal techniques utilize scissors, forceps, and/or scalpels. These techniques, which are well known in the art, are problematic because they exert tension on the stitch and are associated with patient discomfort. Small stitches add to the difficulty of suture removal because they have less suture laxity for scissor insertion. The present invention therefore allows for more rapid suture removal with less patient discomfort and at a competitive or lower cost.

Abstract: A method for splinting rib injuries is disclosed. A pair of anchor strips having a plurality of fasteners on their exposed surfaces are attached to the skin of the chest cavity by an adhesive, the strips being more or less vertically oriented and equidistantly spaced from the injury. Elastomeric straps having a plurality of fastener receivers are removably fastened to the anchor strips across the injury so as to produce a stabilizing/reducing force at the injury. Tension in the straps and orientation of the straps are adjusted to maximize patient comfort. In another embodiment a pad is placed between the elastomeric straps and the chest wall. In other embodiments the pad is a hot or cold compress. In yet another embodiment the pad is connected to a cold therapy machine.

Abstract: A low-cost orthosis for the treatment of toe injuries is disclosed. The orthosis is a bilateral, monolithic structure molded from polymeric foam material and having an upper portion adapted to surround the heel, dorsal portions, and toes of a foot, and a lower portion forming an outsole. The outsole has a wedge-shaped, proximal portion which elevates the forefoot, the proximal portion terminating in a cylindrical radius positioned beneath the ball of a user's foot. The distal portion of the outsole is recessed so that during use the orthosis can pivot on the fulcrum formed by the previously described radius, as would occur during ambulation, without the distal end of the orthosis contacting the floor. An insole, formed by the upper surfaces of the outsole of the orthosis is generally planar with a distally positioned recess in the area of a user's toes.

Abstract: A novel suture removal instrument, kit and technique are described herein. The invention utilizes a newly designed thermal filament to allow the tip of the suture removal instrument to be slipped under the stitch in order to heat and cut the stitch. Current suture removal techniques utilize scissors, forceps, and/or scalpels. These techniques, which are well known in the art, are problematic because they exert tension on the stitch and are associated with patient discomfort. Small stitches add to the difficulty of suture removal because they have less suture laxity for scissor insertion. The present invention therefore allows for more rapid suture removal with less patient discomfort and at a competitive or lower cost.

Abstract: A method for splinting rib injuries is disclosed. A pair of anchor strips having a plurality of fasteners on their exposed surfaces are attached to the skin of the chest cavity by an adhesive, the strips being more or less vertically oriented and equidistantly spaced from the injury. Elastomeric straps having a plurality of fastener receivers are removably fastened to the anchor strips across the injury so as to produce a stabilizing/reducing force at the injury. Tension in the straps and orientation of the straps are adjusted to maximize patient comfort. In another embodiment a pad is placed between the elastomeric straps and the chest wall. In other embodiments the pad is a hot or cold compress. In yet another embodiment the pad is connected to a cold therapy machine.

Abstract: Novel suture removal instrument and technique are described herein. The invention utilizes a newly designed thermal filament to allow the tip of the suture removal instrument to be slipped under the stitch in order to heat and cut the stitch. Current suture removal techniques utilize scissors, forceps, and/or scalpels. These techniques, which are well known in the art, are problematic because they exert tension on the stitch and are associated with patient discomfort. Small stitches add to the difficulty of suture removal because they have less suture laxity for scissor insertion. The present invention therefore allows for more rapid suture removal with less patient discomfort and at a competitive or lower cost.

Abstract: A laryngoscope comprising a disposable blade unit including two full length blades releasably interconnected along the length thereof to define a tubular passage. A reusable handle unit removably receives one end of the blade unit and retains the blades thereof. The blade unit includes an inflatable balloon expandable against the roof of the mouth to center an inserted laryngoscope and effect movement thereof against the tongue and epiglottis. A pair of suction channels are defined through the blade unit and communicated with the interior of the tubular passage at the leading end thereof. The handle unit includes means for communicating the balloon and suction passages with sources of positive and negative air pressure respectively. The handle unit also mounts illuminating means and a selectively usable adapter for accommodating a hand manipulable air bag for emergency respiration directly through the laryngoscope.