Abstract: A vascular connector configured to bypass an occluded vessel comprises a primary graft stem and a venous outflow stem. In general, the primary graft stem accepts a blood flow from an occluded vessel to bypass the occlusion. The venous outflow stem may extend from a wall of the primary graft stem and divert a portion of the blood flow to a native vein or other vessel of the vascular system. This configuration is beneficial in ensuring adequate blood flow at the vascular connector to inhibit the formation of clots and to extend the patency of the vascular connector.

Abstract: A method for constructing a vascular connector configured to bypass an occluded vessel which comprises a primary graft stem and a venous outflow stem. In general, the primary graft stem accepts a blood flow from an occluded vessel to bypass the occlusion. The venous outflow stem may extend from a wall of the primary graft stem and divert a portion of the blood flow to a native vein or other vessel of the vascular system. This configuration is beneficial in ensuring adequate blood flow at the vascular connector to inhibit the formation of clots and to extend the patency of the vascular connector.

Abstract: A sponge holder includes a mount that has a mounting fixture and at least one mounting connector. The mounting connector is configured to fix the mount to a surface. The sponge holder further includes a suspension arm extending from the mounting fixture, and a connector disposed at a distal end of the suspension arm. The sponge includes an adapter, and the adapter is configured to connect with the connector of the sponge holder.

Abstract: The total body exercise apparatus comprises a unique movable structure to provide resistance for a variety of exercises. In one or more embodiments, the exercise apparatus comprises arms rotatably secured via a joint that allows the arms to provide resistance in virtually any direction. The exercise apparatus utilizes this capability to resist motions of various exercises and body motions to tone and strengthen a user's muscles. The resistance provided may be adjustable by an adjustable resistance assembly or by a cuff and socket assembly that applies variable force to a spherical head of the joint of the exercise apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fabric arrangement and pillow designed to prevent skin lines and wrinkle formation while improving sleep using combinations of fabrics, cooling technologies and scents. The present invention is designed with a specific fabric and materials combination that create a surface in which the shear stresses causing skin lines and wrinkles are eliminated. Multiple layers make up the fabric arrangement include a top layer comprising a stretchable material and a second layer comprising a low friction material relative to the first layer. Supporting the first two layer is a support layer such as foam. Lower layers may comprise a cooling material, an antimicrobial or anti-allergenic material and a scent layer.

Abstract: A vascular filter system and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the filter system comprises a dispensing needle releasably attached to a filter dispenser which stores a length of filter wire. The filter wire dispenser has a guide tube which guides the filter wire into the needle and then into a vein during surgical implantation. The filter wire is configured to coil into a predetermined shape as it is deployed from the needle. The shape of the filter wire captures blood clots in the blood stream. The filter wire is configured with a perforated section and a non-perforated section. Perforations are in fluid communication with an inner hollow lumen in the filter wire. A hub assembly attaches to an end of the filter wire that is external to the body to provide a port into the lumen for application of medication into the lumen and out the perforations.

Abstract: A self adjusting venous equalizing graft (SAVE graft) which provides a self regulating stenosis is provided herein. The SAVE graft responds to increases or decreases in blood pressure which allows a higher pressure at the graft's arterial end and a lower pressure at the graft's venous end. This is ideal in that it mimics the natural pressure of a patient's circulatory system. A dialysis machine may draw blood at the arterial end, dialyze the blood, and return the blood to the patient at the graft's venous end. The lower pressure at the venous end prevents damage to the patient's vein. The SAVE graft may comprise a deformable stenosis control diaphragm or a venous controlled pressure nozzle which may expand or contract in response to blood pressure to self regulate the stenosis provided by the SAVE graft.

Abstract: A method for constructing a vascular connector configured to bypass an occluded vessel which comprises a primary graft stem and a venous outflow stem. In general, the primary graft stem accepts a blood flow from an occluded vessel to bypass the occlusion. The venous outflow stem may extend from a wall of the primary graft stem and divert a portion of the blood flow to a native vein or other vessel of the vascular system. This configuration is beneficial in ensuring adequate blood flow at the vascular connector to inhibit the formation of clots and to extend the patency of the vascular connector.

Abstract: An improved vascular graft having increased patency is disclosed herein. The graft may comprise a central or other stenosis. In addition, in some embodiments, the graft may comprise an internal reservoir and a collapsible portion configured to self-adjust the stenosis based on blood flow pressure. The graft may comprise an endothelial lining, one or more drug eluting materials, or both to increase patency by respectively reducing clots and preventing unwanted cellular or fibrin growth. The endothelial lining may be formed from one or more endothelial cells artificially grown or harvested from a patient's vascular system.

Abstract: An endothelial scaffold may used to form a graft with an endothelial lining or endothelium. The scaffold allows a natural vessel or other endothelial lumen to line a channel of the scaffold to provide an endothelial layer which enhances blood flow through the channel. The channel may have a narrowed section to provide a stenosis. One or more conduits may extend from an exterior portion of the scaffold to an inner surface of the channel. Air may be withdrawn from between the natural vessel and inner surface of the channel via the conduits to cause the endothelial lumen to conform to the inner surface of the channel. A valve may be used to prevent air from reentering the conduits. The graft, including the endothelial lumen, may be implanted into a patient.

Abstract: The improved exercise apparatus comprises a housing assembly having first and second arm members. The apparatus may be used to perform a variety of full body exercises generally by moving the first and second arms about an axial stem of the housing assembly. In one embodiment, the arm members rotate or pivot about the axial stem. A tension assembly provides resistance to the movement of the arm members while a positioning assembly allows the arm members to be positioned and secured in various positions relative to one another. One or more handle attachments may be provided to allow the apparatus to be grasped or used in various ways. A method of training various portions of the body with the apparatus is also provided herein.

Abstract: A vascular filter system and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the filter system comprises a dispensing needle releasably attached to a filter dispenser which stores a length of filter wire. The filter wire dispenser has a guide tube which guides the filter wire into the needle and then into a vein during surgical implantation. The filter wire is configured to coil into a predetermined shape as it is deployed from the needle. The shape of the filter wire captures blood clots in the blood stream. The filter wire is configured with a perforated section and a non-perforated section. Perforations are in fluid communication with an inner hollow lumen in the filter wire. A hub assembly attaches to an end of the filter wire that is external to the body to provide a port into the lumen for application of medication into the lumen and out the perforations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fabric arrangement and pillow designed to prevent skin lines and wrinkle formation while improving sleep using combinations of fabrics, cooling technologies and scents. The present invention is designed with a specific fabric and materials combination that create a surface in which the shear stresses causing skin lines and wrinkles are eliminated. Multiple layers make up the fabric arrangement include a top layer comprising a stretchable material and a second layer comprising a low friction material relative to the first layer. Supporting the first two layer is a support layer such as foam. Lower layers may comprise a cooling material, an antimicrobial or anti-allergenic material and a scent layer.

Abstract: A therapeutic back support device is disclosed which has adjustable curvature and portable thermal application. The back support device allows the user to change the curvature of the device to conform to the individual user's spine. The back support device includes include a support rib covered on one or more sides by padding. Built into the rib, padding, or both is a pocket or recess configured to accept a thermal cell. The thermal cell provides a heating or cooling cell to be placed within the pocket to thereby present heat or cold therapy to the user. On the back of the to device are one or more straps which may be length adjustable to maintain any degree of arch in the back support device.

Abstract: A therapeutic back support device is disclosed which has adjustable curvature and portable thermal application. The back support device allows the user to change the curvature of the device to conform to the individual user's spine. The back support device includes include a support rib covered on one or more sides by padding. Built into the rib, padding, or both is a pocket or recess configured to accept a thermal cell. The thermal cell provides a heating or cooling cell to be placed within the pocket to thereby present heat or cold therapy to the user. On the back of the to device are one or more straps which may be length adjustable to maintain any degree of arch in the back support device.

Abstract: A vascular connector configured to bypass an occluded vessel comprises a primary graft stem and a venous outflow stem. In general, the primary graft stem accepts a blood flow from an occluded vessel to bypass the occlusion. The venous outflow stem may extend from a wall of the primary graft stem and divert a portion of the blood flow to a native vein or other vessel of the vascular system. This configuration is beneficial in ensuring adequate blood flow at the vascular connector to inhibit the formation of clots and to extend the patency of the vascular connector.

Abstract: The total body exercise apparatus comprises a unique movable structure to provide resistance for a variety of exercises. In one or more embodiments, the exercise apparatus comprises arms rotatably secured via a joint that allows the arms to provide resistance in virtually any direction. The exercise apparatus utilizes this capability to resist motions of various exercises and body motions to tone and strengthen a user's muscles. The resistance provided may be adjustable by an adjustable resistance assembly or by a cuff and socket assembly that applies variable force to a spherical head of the joint of the exercise apparatus.

Abstract: The improved exercise apparatus comprises a housing assembly having first and second arm members. The apparatus may be used to perform a variety of full body exercises generally by moving the first and second arms about an axial stem of the housing assembly. In one embodiment, the arm members rotate or pivot about the axial stem. A tension assembly provides resistance to the movement of the arm members while a positioning assembly allows the arm members to be positioned and secured in various positions relative to one another. One or more handle attachments may be provided to allow the apparatus to be grasped or used in various ways. A method of training various portions of the body with the apparatus is also provided herein.