Abstract: A simulator assembly (600) for simulating the tactile response of an item is disclosed. The simulator assembly includes a playback module (602) having sensory modulation subunits (636) operable to exert a force in response to an input signal. A tactile playback assembly (800) for translating input signals into tactile sensations upon a user is also provided. The tactile playback assembly includes a playback garment (806) having sensory modulation subunits adapted to generate a force upon a user in response to an input signal. An imaging exam assembly (900) for palpating a body and obtaining images of the body is also disclosed. An ultrasonic imaging system is further disclosed. A device for remotely conducting a direct manual examination of a patient is disclosed. A method of imparting tactile sensations to a body of a user is disclosed. A method of recording tactile data is disclosed.

Abstract: Tracking a motion of a body by obtaining two types of measurements associated with the motion of the body, one of the types including acoustic measurement. An estimate of either an orientation or a position of the body is updated based on one of the two types of measurement, for example based on inertial measurement. The estimate is then updated based on the other of the two types of measurements, for example based on acoustic ranging. The invention also features determining range measurement to selected reference devices that are fixed in the environment of the body.

Abstract: A massage and exercise device includes a main body provided with a supporting groove in which a calf of a leg can be disposed, a sliding member slidably inserted into the main body, a first massager for massaging the calf, and a controller for controlling the first massager. The first massager is installed on a rear side of the supporting groove and includes an electric motor, a power transmission device for converting a rotational motion of the motor into a reciprocal motion, and a first massage member for massaging the calf while moving along the supporting groove. The first massage member is fixed on the power transmission device. An exercise device is provided on the sliding ember.

Abstract: Both feet independently circularly rotating exerciser including a base seat, a driving motor, a pair of driven wheels, a transmission member, a pair of linking members and a pair of foot support members. When the driving wheel of the driving motor rotates, the transmission member is driven to make the pair of driven wheels rotate and further make the pair of linking members deflect and swing up and down. At this time, the foot support members independently move in a circular or substantially circular path to exercise both feet. The rotation mode of the exerciser can be changed to exercise both feet in different specific patterns.

Abstract: There is provided a foldable bubbling bath mat having two or more interconnected segments and a number of air channels with two or more apertures located in a bottom surface of the air channels. The bubbling bath mat is adapted to produce varying sized air bubbles and, thus, improve the overall therapeutic massaging effect on a user.

Abstract: A knee immobilizer for being custom-formed to the shape of a knee while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, knee-supporting custom fit. The knee immobilizer includes an elongate splint with a substrate impregnated or coated with a reactive system. The system hardens upon exposure to moisture to form a rigid, self-supporting structure. A flexible cover overlies the substrate for forming an integrated splint structure for being molded while flexible to an aspect of the knee. A bandage extends around the knee for holding the splint in a supporting position on the knee. A splint support cooperates with the splint and the bandage for maintaining the splint on the bandage in a conforming shape against the knee and substantially immobilizing the knee in a predetermined position.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an elevated concentration of interstitial fluid in a body area of a patient includes a pad constructed and arranged to be placed in pressure-applying, conforming relation to the body area. The pad includes inner and outer liners connected at marginal edges thereof to one another, and a foam pad having a multiplicity of resilient protrusions is encased between the inner and outer liners. A plurality of channels are formed in areas between the protrusions by securing the inner liner in close proximity to the outer liner along each channel. The channels and protrusions are constructed and arranged such that when the pad is placed in pressure-applying, conforming relation to the body area, localized pressure generated on the body area at each protrusion is greater than localized pressure generated on the body area along the channel.

Abstract: A skin pinch guard is provided to prevent pinching of skin between a boot and the lower portion of a knee brace. The guard includes a pair of fasteners for removably attaching it to the lower cuff of the knee brace. The guard also preferably includes a plurality of fingers which extend into the boot so that the boot slides on the guard.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved knee brace that is configured to improve comfort to the user and reduce interference with the natural motion of the user's leg. The knee brace has rigid upper and lower frames that are connected together by polycentric hinges. The rigid upper frame is contoured such that no rigid structure is located along the medial superior region of the thigh. The rigid upper and lower frames are secured to the leg using a plurality of straps.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable lumbar support kit for use by a person to support the lumbar region of the person's back. The portable lumbar support kit comprises a pouch having an inner compartment and a clip member that allows the pouch to be removably attached to the belt of the person. The kit further comprises an inflatable cushion folded and stored within the pouch. When needed, the inflatable cushion may be removed from the pouch and unfolded and inflated by the person to support the lumbar region of the person's back.

Abstract: A wound dressing well suited for mass production on manufacturing assembly lines and having a non-woven fabric reservoir for receiving and retaining wound exudate sandwiched between inner and outer layers of non-woven fabric, the inner layer being adapted for covering a wound, the outer layer being air- and vapor-permeable, but bulk water- and bacteria-impermeable, the inner layer having a plurality of spaced tapering elevations of non-woven fabric, the tapered ends of which are provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive for adhering the dressing covering a patient's wound.

Abstract: The forearm support band with direct pressure monitoring provides a means by which patients may optimize treatment of medial or lateral epicondylitis (golfer's elbow or tennis elbow, respectively) with the use of optimal pressure application. Unlike previous forearm support bands, this band allows patients to directly read the pressure of application and appropriately adjust the band's tightness This results in the correct amount of pressure to the forearm musculature, thereby minimizing risks and gaining optimal therapeutic benefits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the concentration of an ion, atom or molecule bound in a complex. A reliable determination of the concentration of the ion, atom or molecule to be determined is possible in accordance with the invention in that the complexing of the ion, atom or molecule is prevented at least during the determination of the concentration by the addition or withdrawal of a substance.

Abstract: Left ventricular conduits and related methods are disclosed for achieving bypass of a partially or completely occluded coronary artery. More broadly, conduits for allowing communication of bodily fluids from one portion of a patient's body to another and related methods are disclosed, including conduits for forming a blood flow path from a chamber of the heart to a vessel or from one vessel to another. In other embodiments, the conduits achieve a coronary artery bypass by allowing blood communication between the left ventricle and the coronary artery or between a proximal portion of the coronary artery and a distal portion of the coronary artery. The conduits may be placed completely through the heart wall or extend only partially therein. Conduits may take on a variety of configurations for allowing the control of blood flow therethrough, including curved or tapered shapes.

Abstract: A tampon is adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the tampon including a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the body including an absorbency zone adjacent the distal end, wherein the absorbency zone includes absorbent material; an application zone adjacent the proximal end and spaced apart from the distal end; and a therapeutic agent positioned substantially within the application zone. A method produces a device for delivering a therapeutic agent, the method including manufacturing a tampon having a body with a distal end, a proximal end, an absorbency zone adjacent the distal end, and an application zone adjacent the proximal end; and locating a therapeutic agent substantially within the application zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enhancing the in vivo delivery of chimeric oligonucleotides, containing for example DNA/2′OMeRNA, into cells of a plant, an animal or a human, comprising a step of applying topically to or injecting into a tissue, or tissue adjacent to a tissue, containing said cells, a composition comprising said chimeric oligonucleotide, followed by, preceded by, or simultaneously to a step of transferring said chimeric oligonucleotide into said cells by iontophoresis, and relates to a gene therapy method comprising the iontophorically transfer of a chimeric oligonucleotide DNA/2′OMeRNA. The present invention is also directed to particular chimeric oligonucleotides DNA/2′OMeRNA capable of inducing or inhibiting the expression of a specific gene involved in eye function by inducing or reverting a mutation in that specific gene, and their use as therapeutic composition for preventing or treating ocular diseases.

Abstract: A steerable catheter is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated, flexible tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough. A tip section is provided at the distal end of the catheter body. The tip section comprises a flexible plastic tubing having first and second pairs of diametrically-opposed lumens extending therethrough. The first pair of diametrically-opposed lumens is generally perpendicular to the second pair of diametrically-opposed lumens. A control handle is mounted at the proximal end of the catheter body. The catheter further comprises first and second puller wires, each extending through one of the lumens of the first pair of diametrically-opposed lumens and through the lumen of the catheter body. The puller wires each have a proximal end anchored to the control handle and a distal end anchored to the tip section.

Abstract: An improved endotracheal tube has a balloon at the distal end. The balloon is flexibly attached to the tube by a connector sleeve. The connector sleeve includes an area that is unattached to either the balloon or the tube. The unattached area of the connector sleeve permits relative movement between the balloon and the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and Method for Gripping and Retaining a Surgical Needle to assist in the Process of Suturing.

Abstract: A surgical trocar device having an obturator and cannula that requires less force to insert and remove from tissue. The cannula includes a head assembly and the obturator includes a cap assembly that have cooperating surfaces that bear against each other so that when the obturator is rotated about its axis the obturator is axially deflected within the cannula and thus more easily removed from the tissue into which the obturator is inserted. The tip of the obturator and the end of the cannula are designed to minimize tissue damage and insertion effort by providing a smooth, unencumbered surface transition. In one aspect of the invention, the tip of the cannula is smooth, continuous, and flexible and can radially deflect when the larger-diameter obturator is inserted or withdrawn though the cannula.

Abstract: Safe and convenient methods and devices for inexpensively and rapidly treating pseudoaneurysms and other subcutaneous pools of blood utilize an apparatus with an applicator that can be grasped by a user at its proximal end and which has a distal portion that can be percutaneously inserted into a pseudoaneurysm. The distal portion has at least one retaining structure on at least one surface; the retaining structure(s) serve to collectively retain a clotting agent as the distal portion is inserted into the pseudoaneurysm. The clotting agent in the retaining structure(s) is exposed to blood in the pseudoaneurysm and initiates a clotting cascade. Since the clotting agent is in the retaining structure(s) and is not forcibly injected into the blood, the clotting cascade causes blood to clot at or near the surface of the applicator. The clot is associated with the applicator until the distal portion of the applicator is removed from the pseudoaneurysm.

Abstract: A redirectional catheter apparatus 10 for inserting a conventional catheter 80 into a desired vascular access 201 wherein the redirectional catheter apparatus 10 includes a redirectional catheter member 20 having an elongated hollow stem 21 which includes a slightly tapered distal end 24, an enlarged proximal end 23, and a deflection flap 26 disposed proximate to, but spaced from, the distal end of the hollow stem 21 wherein the deflection flap 26 forms an aperture 25 in the sidewall 27 of the hollow stem 21 for directing a secondary guide wire 101 into the desired vascular access 201 so that the secondary guide wire 101 will eventually guide the conventional catheter 80 into the desired vascular access 201 and the method employed to accomplish that result.

Abstract: Microneedle arrays, methods of manufacturing microneedles and methods of using microneedle arrays. The microneedles in the microneedle arrays may be in the form of tapered structures that include at least one channel formed in the outside surface of each microneedle. The microneedles may have bases that are elongated in one direction. The channels in microneedles with elongated bases may extend from one of the ends of the elongated bases towards the tips of the microneedles. The channels formed along the sides of the microneedles may optionally be terminated short of the tips of the microneedles. The microneedle arrays may also include conduit structures formed on the surface of the substrate on which the microneedle array is located. The channels in the microneedles may be in fluid communication with the conduit structures. One manner of using microneedle arrays of the present invention is in methods involving the penetration of skin to deliver medicaments or other substances and/or extract blood or tissue.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe includes a barrel with a plunger assembly slidably extending therein. The plunger assembly includes an outer plunger and an inner plunger telescoping together with a bungee resisting extension of the assembly. The inner and outer plungers may be locked in the extended position with the bungee in tension. A seal stop is located at the seal end of the plunger assembly and holds an annular seal in radial extension sealing against the internal sidewall of the barrel. A luer hub assembly is fixed at the needle end of the barrel. A plunger cap may be advanced after injection to rotate the plunger assembly. Such rotation engages a probe on the end of the plunger assembly with the luer hub, disengages the seal stop to release the annular seal, engages the seal stop with the luer plunger assembly causing release of the luer hub assembly from the barrel and releases the engagement between the outer plunger and inner plunger.

Abstract: A needle for medical use, which is free from breakage of a cannula even if subjected to reapeated bending operations or puncture into the root of teeth in use. The needle is charactrized in that a cannula (2) is fixed to a hub (1) by charging a bonding adhesive in an adhesive-filling portion (11) provided in a distal end of the hub (1) so that a root (21) of the cannula (2) is located below the distal end (121) of the hub (1). The distal end of the hub (1) may be formed into a configuration provided with an annular rib (12) extending axially and surrounding the adhesive-filling portion (11).

Abstract: A method and device for volumetric measurement of a drop of fluid administered in a gravity intravenous set. Radiation, preferably infrared light is passed through from the exterior of the drip chamber of the intravenous set and is detected and quantified by a receiver on the other exterior side of the chamber. The radiation passing through the chamber when a drop is not passing through the radiation path is taken as the background radiation level. When a drop passes through the chamber a loss in radiation passing through to the receiver occurs. This relative loss is converted into a volume with the aid of a lookup table. The lookup table is created by accumulating empirical data of drops passing through various infusion sets determining a relative loss of radiation during the passing of the drop through the radiation and then weighing the drops and determining the volume of each drop in proportion to its specific gravity. The device and method is suitable for use with any IV set and is non-invasive.

Abstract: A gastrostomy feeding device having a bolster portion and a closure member. The bolster portion includes a feeding opening, a cap seat, and an anti-reflux valve and the closure member includes a secondary stop tab, which when received within the cap seat forms a seal against the anti-reflux valve.

Abstract: A catheter of the present invention is used for angiography and has a tube body (catheter tube) having a lumen, a front end opening communicating with the lumen, and a side aperture communicating with the lumen. The side aperture is obliquely formed from the inner peripheral surface of the tube body to the peripheral surface thereof, namely, from the inner side of the tube body to the outer side thereof such that the side aperture is directed toward the front side of the tube body.

Abstract: The applicator is used for a placement of an excreta management device on a wearer. The applicator has a longitudinal centerline, a transverse centerline, a device facing surface and an opposing surface. The applicator comprises a handle disposed at transverse ends, a pressure portion disposed along the longitudinal centerline, a middle portion disposed between the handle and the pressure portion and a spacer. When the applicator folded into a pair of right and left pieces along the longitudinal centerline, the spacer is inserted between the right and left pieces. The pressure portion presses the excreta management device toward the wearer's skin during the use of the applicator. The opposing surface of the right piece and the opposing surface of the left piece are separated from one another at the middle portion by the spacer when the applicator is folded.

Abstract: A method for producing a stretch-thinned elastic article having dimensional stability over time and at elevated temperatures in which a thermoplastic block copolymer is melt-processed into a stretchable article such as a film or fiber. The article is then conditioned at an elevated temperature greater than or equal to a glass transition temperature (Tg) of a hard phase of the thermoplastic block copolymer. The article is stretch-thinned at the elevated temperature to a desired percentage stretch, forming a stretch-thinned article, after which it is cooled to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the hard phase of the thermoplastic block copolymer. Films produced by this method are suitable for use in durable and disposable articles including personal care articles such as diapers, incontinence wear, training pants, and feminine care articles, as well as wound dressings, wipes, towels, napkins, and protective apparel.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet, a liquid-absorbent core interposed between these top- and backsheets, and an indicator by which it is perceptible from outside the backsheet whether urination has occurred or not. The indicator comprises a liquid-pervious intermediate sheet hydrophilically modified by coating of a hydrophobic fibrous nonwoven fabric with surfactant and a water-soluble coloring agent depicting a given figure which is perceptible from outside the backsheet. The intermediate sheet is interposed between the backsheet and the core and the coloring agent is applied on the surface of the intermediate sheet opposed to the backsheet.

Abstract: There is provided an expandable absorbent composite comprising pulp in an amount from about 28 to about 90 weight percent, superabsorbent material in an amount from about 8 two about 70 weight percent and a binder fiber in an amount from about 2 to about 20 weight percent, where the composite has a density of from about 0.1 g/cc to about 0.3 g/cc.

Abstract: Absorbent articles and processes for making absorbent articles are provided. The process includes spraying onto a fibrous web a blend containing superabsorbent polymer particles, superabsorbent forming monomer, initiator and water, and subjecting the web to polymerization conditions. The resulting web is useful as an absorbent article particularly in disposable hygiene products.

Abstract: Absorbent articles, such as diapers, incontinence products, training pants, sanitary napkins, and the like, providing unexpectedly superior absorbency and methods of preparing the absorbent articles are disclosed. The absorbent articles comprise a substantially non-wicking layer disposed between a substantially impermeable backsheet and a permeable topsheet, said substantially non-wicking layer comprising foam having a density of no greater than about 0.01 g/cc and a compressional rigidity at about 10% strain of at least about 4 kPa.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nonwoven fabric construct in the form of a laminate material suitable for medical applications. The laminate includes a nonwoven fabric layer, and first and second polymeric film layers, with the resultant material exhibiting superior viral protection in accordance with established testing procedures, ASTM F1671. In accordance with the present invention, the first and second polymeric film layers are co-extruded and adhered to one surface of the nonwoven fabric layer, with the second polymeric film layer being disposed between the first polymeric film layer and the nonwoven fabric layer. Notably, the first polymeric film layer comprises a blend of between about 0 to 100% low density polyethylene, and between about 0 to 100% linear low density polyethylene.

Abstract: A fibrous layer that includes a refined blend of crosslinked cellulosic fibers and noncrosslinked cellulosic fibers. In one embodiment, the layer includes about 85 percent by weight crosslinked fibers and about 15 percent by weight noncrosslinked fibers. An absorbent construct that includes the fibrous layer and a liquid storage layer. Personal care absorbent products that include the distribution layer.

Abstract: A absorbent article such as a nappy or an incontinence pad, with a liquid-permeable surface layer, a liquidtight surface layer, and a first absorbent body arranged between the surface layers and extending in longitudinal and transverse directions along the surface layers and also in a through-direction from the liquid-permeable surface layer towards the liquidtight surface layer. The first absorbent body has openings which extend in the through-direction. A second absorbent structure is arranged on that side of the first absorbent body facing away from the liquid-permeable surface layer. The liquid-permeable surface layer is attached to the second absorbent structure through the openings.

Abstract: A unique disposable hygiene protection product, namely a feminine hygiene protection pad that includes a longer design to accommodate the need that full-figured women have for a feminine hygiene napkin that covers more area than the current smaller designs. Further, the hygiene protection pad of the present invention includes a plurality of thin layers of absorbent hygiene pads, each of said pads are releasably interlocked with the other, so that the wearer may simply peel away the top layer pad and have remaining pad layers for protection underneath. This eliminates the inconvenience of carrying extra pads with the wearer. The present invention would allow the user to simply peel away a thin top layer of absorbent protection and still have other layers of fresh sanitary protection underneath.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a fluid impermeable backsheet, a body-side liner attached to the fluid impermeable backsheet and a flap sheet attached to at least one of the body-side liner and the fluid impermeable backsheet and forming a pocket. The flap sheet includes at least two longitudinally oriented discrete pleats disposed proximate a back region of the absorbent article on opposed sides of the pocket.

Abstract: Here is disclosed an open-type disposable wearing article composed of a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region extending between these waist regions wherein tape fasteners used to connect the front and rear waist to each other are attached to side flaps in the rear waist region and each of the side flaps has a first zone adapted to cover a surface facing a wearer's body of the fixed end portion of the associated tape fastener and a second zone defined by the side flap except for the first zone and wherein the first zone has a basis weight higher than that of the second zone.

Abstract: An absorbent disposable undergarment comprises pants and an absorbent pad detachably attached to the pants. First suspending flaps hang down from an inner side of a stretchable waist-opening peripheral edge toward a crotch section of the pants. The first suspending flaps are provided with first fastening means. Second suspending flaps extend from longitudinally opposite end of an absorbent core of the pad. The second suspending flaps are provided with second fastening means which are releasably engaged with the first fastening means.

Abstract: A selectively releasable, interengaging fastening system that may be used for a variety of articles such as, for example, shoes, garments, disposable absorbent products such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence products and the like. The fastening system includes a first fastener component that can constitute at least a first portion of an article. The first fastener component includes an engagement section having a plurality of substantially non-isotropic engagement members such that the engagement section has an axis of substantially maximal engagement. The fastening system also includes a cooperating fastener component that may constitute at least a second portion of an article such that the first and second portions of the article are capable of being joined by movement of the respective components together generally along an attachment direction into an overlapping and interengaging configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is a container assembly that includes a coating composition on an interior surface of the container assembly and more particularly a coating composition for rapid clotting of a blood sample within a blood collection tube. The coating composition includes an intrinsic coagulation activator and an extrinsic coagulation activator for activating intrinsic and extrinsic pathways for promoting the rapid clotting of the blood sample. In addition, the present invention includes a barrier package for enclosing the container assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the administration of medication to a patient utilizes adaptive feedback to achieve and maintain a target effect in said patient. A sensor package having one or more sensors is used to sense an attribute of the patient and to provide a parameter indicating the attribute being sensed. A medication delivery controller accepts one or more parameters from the sensor package and uses these parameters to determine the effect of a medication on a patient and the concentration level of medication that will achieve a desired effect. The medication delivery controller controls the medication delivery unit to deliver the medication at a rate determined to achieve said target concentration level of said medication in said patient. If the patient's response to a given medication changes as a result of external stimuli, the medication delivery controller can detect this change and determine a new concentration level of medication which will achieve the desired effect.

Abstract: A method for placing a medical agent at a location within a patient=s vessel. In the illustrative embodiment, an embolic coil is placed at a location with an aneurysm. The method comprises the steps of providing a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a balloon adjacent to the distal end, an inflation port at the proximal end communicating via an inflation lumen with the balloon, a delivery port at the proximal end communicating with a delivery lumen, a guidewire opening at the distal end communicating with the delivery lumen, and a side opening adjacent the distal end and spaced from the guidewire opening and also communicating with the delivery lumen. The catheter is preloaded with a guidewire extending from the delivery port through the delivery lumen and distal of the guidewire opening. Thereafter, the catheter is introduced into the vessel of a patient to generally align the side opening with the aneurysm. The balloon is inflated to stabilize the position of the catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for localized, minimally invasive administration of sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicose veins. A treatment site within a vein is isolated from blood flow through the vain. Sclerotherapeutic agents are delivered to the isolated vessel segment. A-substantial portion of the agents are then removed from the vein, and isolation is removed from the treatment site. Inflammation, clotting, scarring, and closure of the varicose vein ensues at the treatment site. In a preferred embodiment, this technique is accomplished with a catheter having an inflatable member. The inflatable member is expandable to a deployed configuration in which its central region is of reduced cross-section as compared to its proximal and distal regions. The central region comprises one or more perforations extending through the inflatable member so that sclerotherapeutic agents may be delivered through the perforations.

Abstract: An apparatus and system is provided for delivering a therapeutic agent to selected sites within an organism. More particularly, the invention allows for the simultaneous delivery of therapeutics to multiple treatment locations from a single catheter using a single pumping source. The catheter utilizes a microporous membrane that allows for the distribution of therapeutic agents from multiple longitudinal positions.

Abstract: A cannula is described for insertion within the nose of a patient to provide drainage or to allow for postoperative suction of the sinus after surgery. The cannula is formed as an elongated tubular section with an anchoring end for insertion into the sinus. At the anchoring end of the cannula reinforced leaflets are provided as drainage channels and to serve as the anchoring aspect of the cannula.

Abstract: A sebum absorbing paper used for applying to skin or for cleaning the skin, which contains 1 to 30 weight % of inorganic filler and which has the basis weight of 5 to 25 g/m2 as defined in JIS P-8124. Further, this inorganic filler comprises hydroxyapatite.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and material which assist in the coagulation and containment of blood from a wound produced as a result of medical procedures which require blood to be drawn, such as with a lancet or a needle or the like. The device is a compact, portable unit that dispenses an appropriate amount of absorbent material for the collection and coagulation of blood. The absorbent material comprises a nonabsorbent backing coupled with an absorbent top layer. The absorbent material may also contain medicaments that assist in the coagulation and wound healing process.