Abstract: An orthesis with a foot part and a lower leg part connected with the foot part is characterised in that the foot part comprises an outer shell connected with the lower leg part as well as an insole (1) arranged inside the outer shell and forming a negative shape of a sole of a foot. A method for producing such an orthesis includes at least the following method steps: Generation of a sole print of a foot of a patient; Production of an insole (1) matched to the sole print; Generation of a negative shape forming the foot including the insole (1) as well as the section of the lower leg to be enclosed by the orthesis; Generation of a positive shape of the foot and the section of the lower leg to be enclosed by the orthesis by filling the negative shape; Generation of the lower leg part and the outer shell, using the positive shape and the insole (1) as a mould core; and insertion of the insole (1) into the outer shell of the foot part.

Abstract: An elastic strip for holding the ankle of a person as well as an ankle orthosis comprising an ankle brace includes a first portion extending from a first end of the strip and intended to be wound around the foot; a second portion extending in the extension of the first portion to a second end of the strip, intended to be wound around the ankle; a first attachment component, located on the outer face of the strip, at the junction between the first and second portions; and a second attachment component intended to cooperate with the first attachment component, located on the inner face of the strip, at the second end of the strip. The attachment components are disc-shaped and the second attachment component has a diameter lower than or equal to the diameter of the first attachment component.

Abstract: An abdominal and thoracic binder is used to provide support for back muscles and the abdomen of a user. The abdominal and thoracic binder includes a porous band, a fastener, a plurality of ventilation holes, and a plurality of reinforcing rods. The fastening layer is superimposed across and coextensive with the porous band. The porous band presses against the user's midsection and the fastening layer is exterior the porous band. The plurality of ventilation holes traverses through and is distributed across the porous band and the adhering layer, encouraging the breathability of the user's skin that is surrounded by the abdominal and thoracic binder. The plurality of reinforcing rods is detachably attached to the fastening layer and prevents the porous band and the fastening layer from folding. The abdominal and thoracic binder also includes a surface fastener that secures both the porous band and the fastening layer around the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a corrector for a deformed nail capable of being easily inserted into near a root of the nail without giving pain to a patient when attaching the corrector even for a serious ingrown nail which is significantly deformed and curved or a deformed nail having an irregular shape on a lateral edge. Thus, a great effect of the correction can be obtained and the deformed nail can be prevented from occurring again.

Abstract: A fixture for immobilizing an arm of a patient for insertion of a catheter for coronary investigation and intervention. The fixture comprises a fixture board for insertion under a mattress carrying a patient. The fixture board is provided with a link for attaching an arm holder to the fixture board. The arm holder arranged adjacent an elbow of the patient and comprises an arm support and a belt for attaching the arm to the arm support. In addition, a wrist holder is attached to the arm holder for supporting the wrist. The wrist holder may be sterilized and disposable. An instrument table is connected to said fixture board via a link. The distance between the arm holder and the fixture board may be adjustable.

Abstract: A waste management system and method of use. The waste management system includes a waste transport device and a waste collection device. The waste transport device includes a generally tubular body, a distal end section configured for disposition and maintenance in a patient's rectum, and a proximal end section including a first connector biased in a sealed position. The waste collection device includes a second connector. The first connector is transitioned to an unsealed position when the first connector is secured to the second connector.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adaptable ostomy base plate comprising a flexible top film (1), at least one elastic adhesive disposed on the top film and at least one release liner, the base plate having at least a first convex section that can be inverted to a concave section to be used for especially demanding skin surface conditions, such as in ostomists suffering from hernia.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for fastening an adhesive wafer to an ostomy appliance device, the coupling assembly including a captive connection between the adhesive wafer and ostomy appliance that permits captive relative displacement between the entire adhesive wafer and the entrance aperture of the appliance, to facilitate access to the wafer from the non-body-contacting side. The coupling assembly further comprises a fixation coupling for fixing the adhesive wafer in the operative position.

Abstract: Provided is a thumb-sucking deterrent device including: a finger insertion part and a coupling part disposed on an end of the finger insertion part. The finger insertion part includes an inner sheet, an outer sheet, and a waterproof sheet interposed between the inner sheet and the outer sheet.

Abstract: An integrated oral appliance for treating breathing obstruction, snoring and restriction of the upper airway during sleep with a tongue restraint. Oral appliances of the invention may include an oral cavity engagement device including one or more trays, a tongue restraint with a tongue contact portion, a spring force element operatively coupled between the at least one tray and the tongue restraint, wherein the spring force element is adjustable anteriorly and posteriorly relative to the tray(s), and an air conduit inside the tongue restraint with a front vent of the air conduit extending beyond an anterior end of the tray(s) and a rear opening of the air conduit at a posterior end of the of the oral cavity engagement device configured to extend to a posterior surface of a tongue.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for breathing assistance that includes a body for positioning within an oral cavity of a user, the body defining at least one first opening for allowing airflow between lips of the user. Two second openings are provided in the oral cavity to allow air flow into and out of a posterior region of the oral cavity and two channels, each channel connecting a respective second opening to the at least one first opening and each channel passing at least one of at least partially along the buccal cavity and at least partially between the teeth to thereby provide an airway for the user. The airway at least partially bypasses the nasal passage and acts to replicate a healthy nasal passage and pharyngeal space.

Abstract: A condom of embodiments of the disclosed technology has a tip and base with cords connecting the two, creating portals where the urethra is exposed and fully capable of feeling abrasion with other objects. The base ring is oppositely disposed from the tip and an extreme other end of the condom. The base ring also extends circumferentially and in parallel to a largest circumference of the solid tip, when the cord extends perpendicularly to the largest circumference of the solid tip and the base ring. The largest circumference of the circle referred to herein, in embodiments of the disclosed technology, is a portion of the tip which is closest to the base ring.

Abstract: An intravaginal ring for the controlled release of at least one bioactive agent may further contain at least one of a non-bioabsorbable microparticulate ion-exchanging polymer, a fully bioabsorbable polymeric matrix, a biostable hydrophilic elastomeric polymeric matrix, a biostable amphiphilic elastomeric polymeric matrix, a biostable elastomeric polymeric matrix containing an inorganic microparticulate, and a biostable elastomeric porous polymeric matrix, each to aid in the release and/or modulate the release of the bioactive agent.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vas deferens valve for contraception for use in a man and for implanting in the vas deferens within the scrotum, enabling the regulating of sperm flow in the vas deferens. There is a manually activated rocker switch which can be activated through the skin of the scrotum and which has a through-channel which, in the opened state, leads from a valve connection piece on the testicular vas deferens to a valve connection piece on the abdominal end of the vas deferens and, in the closed valve state, can be blocked on the end of the through-flow channel which faces the abdominal vas deferens end. The valve additionally has at least one outlet channel which, in the closed state of the valve, leads from the valve connection piece on the testicular end of the vas deferens out of the valve to the outside in the body of the man.

Abstract: A garment for providing relief from menstrual pain, the garment comprising at least one fabric layer conforming to contours of a lower and middle body portion. The fabric layer further comprises a plurality of heating pouches accommodating replaceable heating members, placed on an inner side of the fabric layer. The replaceable heating member is configured to produce heat as a result of an exothermic chemical reaction and transfer the heat to predefined parts of the body for pain relief.

Abstract: A headgear device for inhibiting a user from losing hair is provided. The user has a scalp with the hair growing from hair follicles in the scalp. The headgear device comprises a head covering and a cooled gel insert receivable within the head covering. The cooled gel insert cools the scalp and the hair follicles, restricting the flow of blood to the scalp and the hair follicles.

Abstract: A cervical collar that facilitates therapeutic hypothermia is provided and includes an outer shell having a front portion and a back portion fixedly coupled to the front portion on one side and removably coupled to the front portion on an opposite side. A fastening device removably couples the back portion to the front portion on the opposite side. At least one cooling device is provided on an interior of the outer shell to induce hypothermia in a patient. A sensor is provided that measures a physical characteristic of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for delivering thermal therapy about a percutaneous access site while also permitting visual and physical examination of the access site. The device comprises a semi-circumferential shaped housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall. The top wall, the bottom wall, and the side wall define a cavity with a fluid tight bladder disposed within the cavity. The semi-circumferential shaped housing has an aperture formed in the housing and a straight edge portion along the circumference of the housing. The device delivers thermal therapy to percutaneous arterial, venous, laparoscopic, and other access procedures sites by allowing visual and physical examination of the access site through the aperture and comfortable placement of the device's straight edge portion against a bend or joint of the patient's body.

Abstract: An automated therapy system having an infusion catheter; a sensor adapted to sense a patient parameter; and a controller communicating with the sensor and programmed to control flow output from the infusion catheter into a patient based on the patient parameter without removing fluid from the patient. The invention also includes a method of controlling infusion of a fluid to a patient. The method includes the following steps: monitoring a patient parameter with a sensor to generate a sensor signal; providing the sensor signal to a controller; and adjusting fluid flow to the patient based on the sensor signal without removing fluid from the patient.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, an actuation mechanism control of the handle, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and within the flexible housing tube. An actuation of the actuation mechanism control may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube. A gradual curving of the flexible housing tube may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. An actuation of the actuation mechanism control may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube. A gradual straightening of the flexible housing tube may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber.

Abstract: A controlled release container including a base. The base has a flexible diaphragm movable between a relaxed position and a depressed position. In the depressed position the flexible diaphragm reduces an interior volume of the container to dispense a dosage amount of material stored within the container. The dosage amount directly corresponds to an internal volume of the container displaced by moving the flexible diaphragm to the depressed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for administering a liquid drop by drop, in particular an ophthalmic liquid. This administering device comprises a packaging filled with the liquid and an outflow channel for connecting to the packaging and comprising a perforation member at one end, which perforation member is received in a frame for mounting on the packaging. The invention further relates to an assembly of such an administering device and an outer packaging which comprises one or more receiving spaces for the administering device. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a frame for such an administering device. The invention also relates to a method for forming an administering device. The invention finally relates to a method for administering a liquid drop by drop.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus for performing an ocular surgery may include an ophthalmic probe body having an inner cutting member at least partially disposed within and moveable relative to an aspiration tube within the probe body to facilitate flow of aspiration fluid. A motor within the body may be configured to actuate the inner cutting member relative to the aspiration tube.

Abstract: A prosthesis comprising a water-dissolvable coating. A prosthesis for a lacrimal canaliculus comprising a swellable punctal plug with a proximal end and a distal end, with the plug comprising a water-dissolvable biocompatible coating on the distal and/or the proximal end. Materials and methods for making and using the same. A prosthesis for placement in or across natural or prosthetic lumens, ostia, ducts, sinus, or sphincters, the prosthesis comprising a coating. The prosthesis can further provide a depot for sustained drug delivery to tissue.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an ocular drainage device that includes a stability system. The stability system includes a plate, and can further include a material comprising collagen covering at least a portion of a top surface of the plate, and/or a viscoelastic substance covering at least a portion of the plate's top surface. The plate is formed of a flexible material and includes a tube retaining structure integrally formed therewith, wherein the tube retaining structure is configured to hold a tube that is at least partially surrounded by the tube retaining structure to the plate when the tube is moved. The tube retaining structure can include a low profile ridge, and/or a channel having an undercut or horseshoe shape. The plate has at least one plate channel, including a plate channel configured for carrying the tube. The plate can further include a reservoir.

Abstract: A method of treating glaucoma in an eye utilizing an implanted shunt having an elastomeric plate and a non-valved elastomeric drainage tube. The plate is positioned over a sclera of the eye with an outflow end of the elastomeric drainage tube open to an outer surface of the plate. An inflow end of the drainage tube tunnels through the sclera and cornea to the anterior chamber of the eye. The drainage tube collapses upon initial insertion within an incision in the sclera and cornea, or at a kink on the outside of the incision, but has sufficient resiliency to restore its patency over time. The effect is a flow restrictor that regulates outflow from the eye until a scar tissue bleb forms around the plate of the shunt. The plate desirably has a peripheral ridge and a large number of fenestrations, and a longer suturing tab extending from one side of the plate to enhance visibility and accessibility when suturing the shunt to the sclera.

Abstract: A method and delivery system are disclosed for creating an aqueous flow pathway in the trabecular meshwork, juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal of an eye for reducing elevated intraocular pressure. Pulsed laser radiation is delivered from the distal end of a fiber-optic probe sufficient to cause photoablation of selected portions of the trabecular meshwork, the juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and an inner wall of Schlemm's canal in the target site. The fiber-optic probe may be advanced so as to create an aperture in the inner wall of Schlemm's canal in which fluid from the anterior chamber of the eye flows. The method and delivery system may further be used on any tissue types in the body.

Abstract: A method for precise working of material, particularly organic tissue, comprises the step of providing laser pulses with a pulse length between 50 fs and 1 ps and with a pulse frequency from 50 kHz to 1 MHz and with a wavelength between 600 and 2000 nm for acting on the material to be worked. Apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for precise working of material, particularly organic tissue comprising a pulsed laser, wherein the laser has a pulse length between 50 fs and 1 ps and with a pulse frequency of from 50 kHz to 1 MHz is also described.

Abstract: The application discloses a flexible strap for retaining protective eyewear on a wearer's head. The strap includes an energy absorbing material which is configured to deform to absorb kinetic energy on impact and which is held in contact with a first outer layer. A method of manufacture of the strap is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for use by a dental patient fits in the patient's ear and has at least one curved resonator tube to reduce the perceived volume of a dental drill.

Abstract: A dressing comprising first and second electrodes, an electrical power supply, and further comprising a physiologically or antimicrobially active precursor substance, the dressing being operable, when placed on a skin site to be treated, for a first treatment period, whereby the electrochemical oxidation or reduction of the precursor substance on one of the electrodes to produce a physiologically active oxidised or reduced substance which is capable of diffusing towards the skin site for the treatment thereof is carried out, and subsequently for a first rest period, the electrochemical oxidation or reduction is stopped, wherein subsequent treatment periods followed by rest periods are carried out over time.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) dressing includes a wick configured for placement over an incision. A transfer assembly includes a compressible, porous core with a permeable cover placed over the core. The transfer assembly is positioned on the wick in fluidic contact and is covered by a dressing cover, which is configured for adhesive attachment to the patient around the incision. A drain slip including a proximal end configured for placement in the incision extends through the wick and the transfer assembly and is configured for connection to a negative pressure source. A NPWT method includes steps of draining a closed incision using negative pressure applied to a drain slip.

Abstract: An instant breathable cast includes an inner sleeve of an absorbent moisture wicking porous innermost layer allowing air and liquid to pass through and a shock absorbing intermediate layer having a plurality of openings therein allowing air and liquid to pass there through; and a protective outer sleeve having a plurality of openings therein allowing air and liquid to pass there through; and method of application thereof.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a topsheet, an absorbent core, and a backsheet. The absorbent article has a visually perceptible functional enhancement indicator and a functionally-distinguishable portion of the article with one or more channels. The visually perceptible functional enhancement indicator corresponds to the one or more channels, and the functional enhancement indicator is visually perceptible from a body-facing side of the absorbent article but the one or more channels are not visually perceptible.

Abstract: Breathable, thermoplastic films, laminates, and methods of making films having a basis weight less than or equal to 15 gsm and a water vapor transmission rate of at least about 500 grams H2O/24-hour/m2, wherein the film has a ratio of the MD load at break to the CD load at break of less than about 10, and at least one of a machine direction notched Elmendorf tear strength of at least about 5 g or a machine direction notched trapezoidal tear strength of at least about 15 g, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting a discrete element. A preferably rotatably driven vacuum commutation zone (or internal vacuum manifold), preferably internal to a preferably independently driven porous vacuum roll or drum is disclosed. The vacuum manifold applies vacuum through pores in the driven porous vacuum roll or puck in order to hold material against an external surface of the vacuum roll or puck. By independently controlling the vacuum commutation zone and the driven porous surface, unique motion profiles of the vacuum commutation zone relative to the driven porous surface can be provided. Micro vacuum commutation port structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for treatment of nosebleeds having an elongated body configured to be positioned between the upper gum and the portion of the face below the nose and above the top lip of a human. When so positioned intra-orally, the device exerts pressure on an area of nasal vascularization of the human. Also, a nosebleed package having a sterile inside environment and a nosebleed device packaged therein, and a box containing a plurality of nosebleed packages.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a hygiene device including an applicator housing a tampon. The tampon can include a primary absorbent member having a leading end, a trailing end opposite the leading end, and an intermediate region. The primary absorbent member can include a first tampon color. The tampon can also include a secondary absorbent member which is mechanically tied to the primary absorbent member. The secondary absorbent member can include a second tampon color. The tampon can further include a withdrawal member disposed on at least one of the secondary absorbent member and the primary absorbent member. The withdrawal member can include a third tampon color. The applicator can include an insertion portion that includes an opaque region and a plunger operatively engaged with the insertion portion. The plunger can have a transparent region such that at least one of the secondary absorbent member and the withdrawal member is visually perceptible through the applicator.

Abstract: Disclosed are reusable tampon applicators, methods of use, and methods of manufacture thereof. A reusable tampon applicator comprises a cylindrical body, and a pusher for pushing a tampon through the cylindrical body during tampon insertion. The cylindrical body comprises a base opening at a distal end for inserting the tampon into a straight barrel connected to a convex apex at a proximal end. The convex apex comprises a slit opening for the tampon to pass through during tampon insertion. The slit opening extends from the proximal end to the distal end to form a full slit on a first lateral side of the cylindrical body; it further extends from the proximal end towards the distal end to form a partial slit on a second lateral side. Such reusable tampon applicators provide a hygienic and eco-friendly alternative to disposable tampon applicators.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a topsheet, an absorbent core, and a backsheet. The absorbent article has a visually perceptible functional enhancement indicator and a functionally-distinguishable portion of the article with one or more channels. The visually perceptible functional enhancement indicator corresponds to the one or more channels, and the functional enhancement indicator is visually perceptible from a body-facing side of the absorbent article but the one or more channels are not visually perceptible.

Abstract: A low-bulk disposable absorbent pant for a child is disclosed. The pant may have a belt structure formed of a stretch laminate of a pre-strained elastic film between two nonwoven layers. The belt may have a relaxed lateral size and a stretched lateral size that is at least 150% of the relaxed lateral size, the relaxed lateral size being no more than 400 mm. The pant may include one or more of waistband, leg band and supplemental elastic members.

Abstract: Absorbent articles that include elastics in multiple layers are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention describes a multilayer material comprising at least one first layer made of polymeric material having an upper face and a second layer made of closed cell foamed polymeric material having a lower face. The multilayer material comprises through holes which cross both the layers and occupy a surface of between 1 and 40% of the total surface of the upper face of said multilayer material. The multilayer material is advantageously used in an absorbent sanitary article in which the upper face of the first layer is positioned externally so that in use it is in contact with the user's skin and the lower face of the second layer is positioned towards the inside of the sanitary article in contact with other layers of polymeric material.

Abstract: A hydrophilized cellulose acetate tow band according to the present invention includes a crimped cellulose acetate tow band, and a hydrophilizing component having an HLB value of 16 or more. The cellulose acetate tow band includes a cellulose acetate having a degree of substitution of 2.0 to 2.6. The cellulose acetate tow band has a total denier of 10000 to 40000 and is crimped in a number of crimps of 30 to 60 per inch. The hydrophilizing component is impregnated on the cellulose acetate tow band in an amount of 0.2 to 2 weight percent relative to the cellulose acetate tow band. The hydrophilized cellulose acetate tow band may further include a textile oil, where the textile oil is impregnated on the crimped cellulose acetate tow band in an amount of 0.2 to 2 weight percent relative to the cellulose acetate tow band, in addition to the hydrophilizing component having an HLB value of 16 or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to patch comprising a fibrous element comprising a filament-forming material and a microorganism, further comprising a liquid pervious first layer comprising a body facing surface and a garment facing surface opposite to the body facing surface, an attachment means disposed at least partially on the garment facing surface of the first layer, and a removable release liner at least partially covering the attachment means when the attachment means comprises an adhesive.

Abstract: The instant application discloses, among other things, an animal first aid kit. The animal first aid kit may comprise any container capable of holding its contents. The contents may include medicines and supplies that allow the user to evaluate an animal or to tend to it by providing comfort, controlling bleeding, or preventing further injury or infection, for example, as well as prescription medicine obtained from a veterinary. The animal first aid kit may also include a pamphlet describing its contents and providing instructions on its use. In one embodiment, the pamphlet may direct the user to obtain a prescription for a particular device or medicine, for example, for an antihistamine such as Diphenhydramine.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base having a length and including a plurality of caster wheels enabling movement of the patient support apparatus across a floor surface. An auxiliary wheel support structure is secured to the base and rotatably supports at least one non-castered auxiliary wheel. A drive mechanism including a motor may be configured to drive the auxiliary wheel. A braking system including at least one brake member may be configured to apply a braking force to decelerate the auxiliary wheel and is movable between a first position wherein the at least one brake member is disengaged from the auxiliary wheel and a deployed position wherein the at least one brake member is frictionally engaged with the auxiliary wheel to restrict rotation of the auxiliary wheel. The braking system may be configured to synchronize the braking forces applied to first and second auxiliary wheels.

Abstract: A swing arm assembly for a foldable wheelchair consisting of a camber tube and adapters is disclosed. The adapters mount to the frame of the wheelchair and receive the ends of the camber tube. One end of the camber tube is pinned into an adapter such that it pivots. The other end is pinned in an adapter using a quick release pin. The camber tube improves the stability of the foldable wheelchair. When desired to fold the wheelchair, the quick release pin is removed and the camber tube is rotated approximately 90 degrees, thereby allowing the wheelchair to fold. The adapters may be mounted to the wheelchair frame or to stub axles if used. The swing arm assembly adds substantial stiffness and stability to a folding wheelchair.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing, among other things, a stand-up wheel chair having automatic stability control.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base having a length and including a plurality of caster wheels enabling movement of the patient support apparatus across a floor surface. An auxiliary wheel support structure is secured to the base and rotatably supports at least one non-castered auxiliary wheel about a rotational axis transverse to the length of the base for engagement with the floor surface. The auxiliary wheel support structure may be configured to support the auxiliary wheel and to enable movement of the auxiliary wheel out of engagement with the floor surface to a non-engaged position wherein the at least one auxiliary wheel is out of engagement with the floor surface. A control apparatus is in communication with and moves the at least one auxiliary wheel between at least one deployed position and a non-engaged position.