Abstract: An apparatus for protective body armor to protect the head, neck, and spine from impaction, lateral extension, hyperflexion, hyperextension, while allowing for normal physiologic movement and range of head and neck motion is disclosed. In at least one embodiment a protective body armor includes: a shell adapted to couple to at least one upper body plate, to cover the head and neck, to allow normal physiologic movement and range of the head and the neck within the shell, and to prevent movement beyond the normal movement and range, wherein the shell does not move relative to the at least one upper body plate once rigidly coupled and the farthest distance the head can move upon an impact to the user is within a boundary of the shell; and a skull pad for wear by the user directly upon the head within the shell and for coverage of the skull area.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides an apparatus and associated methods for the rapid percutaneous occlusion of a vascular access site. In one exemplary embodiment, a combined vascular and closure sheath is provided. This device includes a vascular sheath having a vascular sheath lumen, a proximal end and a distal end, and an exterior surface. The combined vascular and closure sheath includes a closure sheath, being lesser in length and greater in diameter than the vascular sheath and having a proximal end and a distal end, disposed circumferentially around the exterior surface of the vascular sheath at the proximal end of the vascular sheath, thereby forming a closure sheath lumen between the exterior surface of the vascular sheath and an interior surface of the closure sheath, the closure sheath being configured operably to eject a fluid such as a coagulant, a tissue sealant, and the coagulation protein thrombin.

Abstract: Techniques for implanting and refilling a device for delivering a treatment agent to a body. First and second chambers for holding treatment agent and delivery agent, respectively, are placed adjacent docking compartments adapted to receive a hypodermic needle through septums so that the expended delivery agent can be withdrawn and a new supply of treatment agent can be introduced without removing the device from its implanted position in a body.