Abstract: Devices and methods for orthopedic support are disclosed. The device can have a first rigid section hingedly attached to a second rigid section. The device can be curved or rotated around obstructions along an access path to a target site. The device can be delivered to an intervertebral location in a patient.

Abstract: A segmented disc nucleus replacement prosthesis and system for its implantation wherein the segments are made of a compliant, homogeneous material throughout. The prosthesis comprises a plurality of modular segments that mate together in a rail-and-slot arrangement. The rails and slots are configured to interlock and hold together under load despite being formed of compliant materials. In one embodiment, insertion tools and stabilizers are utilized for manipulation of the modular segments, the insertion tools and stabilizers being designed to accommodate for handling the compliant modular segments.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein, and a core located between the plates. The core has opposed, convexly curved surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in articulated manner over the core. The opposed surfaces of the core and the recesses of the plates have cooperating spherical curvatures. The recess of each plate surrounds a locating peg projecting centrally from the base of the recess and is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims of the plates are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core. The peg locates loosely in an opening located centrally in a curved surface of the core, whereby the plates can slide over the core in all directions while the peg holds the core captive.

Abstract: Adding gas-filled microbubbles to both the saline solution of either a kyphoplasty balloon or a vertebroplasty cement allows the clinician to assess via ultrasound both the location and expansion of the balloon and the location of the cement during vertebral body augmentation procedures without the use of fluoroscopy.

Abstract: A system for affixing a stop plate to an interbody implant. The system includes a clamping device, a stop plate, and an inserter tool. The clamping device includes a body, a first clamping portion attached to the body including a stepped seat and a guide slot, and a second clamping portion attached to the body by a spring. Compressing the spring moves the second clamping portion away from the first clamping portion and expanding the spring moves the second clamping portion toward the first clamping portion.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a bidirectional biomechanical prosthetic finger assembly. One embodiment includes a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) pivot configured for swivelable attachment to a hand of a user, a distal coupler, and an articulation assembly rotatively coupled therebetween. A multiple-finger ring configured to receive a user's residual finger and at least one adjacent finger is disposed upon the articulation assembly, and may be adjusted to a target location based on a length of the residual finger. The articulation assembly is configured to utilize vertical movements of the residual and/or adjacent finger(s) within the multiple-finger ring to articulate the distal coupler within a plane parallel to an x-z plane, and the MCP pivot is configured to utilize lateral movements of the residual finger within the ring to articulate the distal coupler within a plane parallel to an x-y plane. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot including a foot member and a heel member attached to a bottom surface of the foot member. A pump mechanism is located above the foot member and includes a housing and an elastomeric member at least in part defining a fluid chamber. The elastomeric member is operatively connected to the foot member such that when no weight is placed on the prosthetic foot the volume of the fluid chamber is zero or near-zero and upon heel strike the housing rotates relative to the foot member to expand the volume of the fluid chamber and draw fluid into the fluid chamber from a prosthetic socket in fluid communication with the pump mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid stent for a blood vessel, the stent including: a plurality of first wires configured to form a plurality of rows in one direction and maintain the shape thereof inside a human body; a plurality of second wires configured to intersect the first wires and form a plurality of rows; and connectors configured to connect portions where the first wires and the second wires intersect each other; wherein a plurality of hollow holes are formed by the first wires and the second wires, and one or more of the plurality of second wires are degraded inside the human body after a predetermined period of time. Accordingly, the effect of enabling the stent to be easily removed can be expected because the second wires made of the biodegradable polymer are gradually degraded by body fluids.

Abstract: An intravascular device for treating atherosclerotic occlusive disease can include an annular band defining a longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends. The annular band can have a plurality of barbs on its outer periphery. One or more intravascular devices may be applied in positions along a plaque accumulation site as needed to stabilize the site and/or hold pieces of plaque out of the way of blood flow. The barbs may be pressed into the plaque and/or blood vessel walls.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes endoluminal devices, such as stents and stent grafts capable of being bent smoothly, with various benefits resulting therefrom.

Abstract: An implantable expandable medical device in which selected regions of the device are in a martensite phase and selected regions are in an austenite phase. The martensitic regions exhibit pseudoplastic behavior in vivo and may be deformed without recovery under in vivo body conditions. In contrast the austenitic regions exhibit superelastic behavior in vivo and will recover their pre-programmed configuration upon deformation or release of an applied strain.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering a stent in a proximal to distal fashion are disclosed. The delivery device includes a sheath catheter, an outer catheter and an inner catheter over a guide wire. A crimped stent is positioned over the distal end of the outer catheter and is held in place by a lubricous elastic membrane attached to a retractable ring. The retractable ring is connected to pull wires and slidably deployed between the inner and outer catheters. The proximal end of the stent is aligned at the treatment location, and the lubricous elastic membrane is pulled back into the space between inner catheter and outer catheter, releasing and deploying the stent from its proximal to its distal end.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treatment of morbid obesity by placement of a series of flow reduction elements in the small intestine to induce satiety are disclosed. The flow reduction elements restrict the movement of partially digested food and reduce the flow rate through the small intestine which causes the emptying of the stomach and the duodenum to occur slower. The flow reduction elements are attached to an elongated tube and are constructed from various shapes and configurations. The flow reduction elements may be inflated with fluid or may be constructed from self-expandable materials. The device is anchored in the antrum of the stomach with an anchoring member. The transoral gastric device can be inserted with a delivery catheter through the working lumen of an endoscope or alongside an endoscope and may be removed with the aid of an endoscope if desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods of operating the devices that contribute to curbing appetite and/or reducing food intake. In some embodiments, the methods and devices of the present invention include as intestinal/duodenal insert comprising an elongated member with at least one flow reduction element that can cause the stimulation of one or more biological signals of satiety. Some embodiments of the inserted device are anchored at the duodenal site by an anchoring member residing in the stomach, other embodiments of the device are stabilized at a targeted site by appropriate dimensions of length as well as one or more angled portions of the device that correspond to angled portions of the targeted site in the dodenum. Embodiments of the device exert effects by virtue of physical presence, as well as by more active forms of intervention, including release of bioactive materials and electrical stimulation of neurons.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a brace for limiting motion of a joint of an appendage of that is interposed between a first appendage portion and a second appendage portion of a patient, comprising: an upper member removably coupleable to the first appendage portion, the upper member having proximal and distal ends; and a lower member removably coupleable to the second appendage portion, the lower member having proximal and distal ends; wherein the distal end of the upper member and proximal end of the lower member are coupled to form a movable joint that is substantially alignable with the joint of the patient, such that when the patient attempts to move his appendage and associated joint, motion is resisted at this joint in a nonlinear fashion.

Abstract: The automated posture correction system comprises a spinal brace and an electronic device. The spinal brace configured to be worn by the user comprises inflatable elements and at least one actuator. The inflatable elements, positioned along the length of the predetermined sections of the spinal area of the user, comprise sensors for detecting one or more parameters of the spinal area. The electronic device receives sensor data variables generated by the sensors based on the detected parameters via a communications network. The electronic device compares the parameters with a set of preset reference values stored in memory unit. The electronic device actuates the actuator to inflate or deflate the inflatable elements based on the sensor data variables differing from the set of preset reference values. The inflatable elements selectively apply force on the predetermined sections of the spinal area for dynamically improving the posture of the user.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to ascoliosis monopiece plate, to fit tightly on the back of a user, comprising a lower section and an upper section, wherein the upper section is rounded in the sagittal plane, such that the plate is configured to force the thoracic spine of the user to bend forward in the sagittal plane. The disclosure furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing a scoliosis monopiece plate, to fit tightly on the back of a user, comprising a lower section and an upper section, wherein the upper section is rounded in the sagittal plane, such that the plate is configured to force the thoracic spine of the user to bend forward in the sagittal plane and a method for reducing risk and/or treating spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, of a patient by applying pressure to the thoracic spine of the patient, such that the thoracic spine of the patient is bent forward in the sagittal plane.

Abstract: Orthopaedic device and a method of use thereof are provided for treating a bone fracture. The orthopaedic device includes a sheet cover configured to extend over a portion of a patient's skin corresponding to a bone fracture under the skin, the sheet cover configured to form an enclosed volume between the portion of the patient's skin and the sheet cover, wherein the sheet cover comprises a vacuum port, the vacuum port configured to apply a vacuum to withdraw a gaseous volume from the enclosed volume and a member, the member configured to be in the enclosed volume, the member configured to deform in at least a direction towards the skin and apply a force to the fracture.

Abstract: Systems and methods for effecting posture of a subject who is to be positioned on a support surface having an inclinable portion such that the subject's thorax is inclinable relative to the subject's legs, are provided. An example system includes a detachedly coupleable thoracic harness having at least an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface being contoured to fit over shoulders of the subject. The outer surface having a fastening surface that releasable attaches to a corresponding fastening surface disposed on the inclinable portion of the support surface.

Abstract: A hygienic protective barrier. The hygienic protective barrier for use with an ostomy bag positioned between the bag and the user while in use, preventing direct contact between the bag and the user. The hygienic protective barrier includes a sheet made from moisture wicking material that provides protection from moisture or leakages and helps to absorb any sweat that might occur from usage of the ostomy bag. The sheet includes a cutout section that secures and closes around an opening of the ostomy bag via fasteners. The sheet can be removed and attached while an ostomy bag is affixed to a stoma. In one embodiment, the sheet is dimensioned to correspond to the size of a conventional ostomy bag.

Abstract: An ostomy support system, retrofit kit and deployment method may involve an ostomy pouch subsystem, a belt ring and a belt. The ostomy pouch subsystem includes a pouch, a wafer and a junction portion therebetween. The belt ring includes a junction-engagement aperture and first and second lateral securement portions disposed laterally of the aperture. The belt ring is configured to be repeatedly placed into and out of mounted engagement with the ostomy pouch subsystem. When the belt ring is in such mounted engagement, the aperture is in receipt of the junction portion and axially retained between the pouch and wafer. The belt includes two end portions configured for securement to respective belt securement portions. One or both end portions may be releasably securable to its respective belt securement portion by way of hook and loop fastener surfaces. Methods are also provided to deploy the ostomy support system on a wearer.

Abstract: A urine passing structure comprises a penis covering portion, a glans protection portion, and a urine guiding portion. The penis covering portion and the urine guiding portion are respectively fluidly communicated with the glans protection portion. A diameter of one end of the glans protection portion fluidly communicated with the penis covering portion is larger than the diameters of the penis covering portion and the urine guiding portion. It is tapered from a top end of the glans protection portion toward a tail end of the urine guiding portion. An accommodating space is defined in the glans protection portion. A passage is passing through the penis covering portion and fluidly communicated with the accommodating space. A urine guiding channel is passing through the urine guiding portion and fluidly communicated with the accommodating space. A one-way urine passing member is arranged in the urine guiding channel.

Abstract: A pain management system wearable on a head of a person may include a thermal device including a plurality of compartments, each compartment containing a material that is configured to maintain a temperature that is greater than or less than an ambient temperature for a duration of time that is greater than materials forming a remainder of the device, the compartments being generally aligned in rows and columns and including fold lines therebetween such that the thermal device is configured to approximate a curvature of the head; and a generally elongated pouch including a pocket configured to receive the thermal device therein, the generally elongated pouch configured to approximate the curvature of the head when worn and with the thermal device contained therein. A kit may include the system and may include one or more of the constituent elements of the system.

Abstract: A therapeutic collar comprising an elongate body made from a flexible material for extending around at least a portion of the neck of a patient. The body has a length approximating the circumference of the neck, two thermoelectric devices for overlying two carotid arteries in the neck and two thermoelectric devices for overlying of two vertebral arteries in the neck when the elongate body is secured around the neck of the patient. At least one cooling tube is carried by the elongate body and extends in the vicinity of each of the thermoelectric devices for removing heat from the thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus for generating plasma by focusing a treatment laser beam to treat a treatment target portion of a patient's eye with the plasma includes: an irradiation optical system configured to irradiate the treatment laser beam to the patient's eye; a position adjusting unit configured to adjust a focusing position of the treatment laser beam in an optical axis direction with respect to a predetermined focusing reference position; an energy adjusting unit configured to adjust irradiation energy of the treatment laser beam; a storage unit configured to store evaluation information to evaluate a permissible combination of the focusing position and the irradiation energy with respect to the focusing position; and an evaluation unit configured to evaluate a combination of the focusing position adjusted by the position adjusting unit and the irradiation energy adjusted by the energy adjusting unit based on the evaluation information.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates systems, methods, and devices for treating an eye of a patient. In some embodiments, a system may be provided that includes a console for generating a treatment laser and an illumination light. The system may further include a treatment probe for delivering the illumination light to an eye so as to illuminate the ciliary process of the eye. With the illuminated ciliary process, the treatment probe may be aligned to deliver the treatment laser from the console to the ciliary process of the eye for the purpose of treating a patient for glaucoma. In some embodiments, a treatment probe may be provided with an illumination fiber for delivering light to specific portions of the eye or at desired angles in order to illuminate the ciliary process. In some embodiments a treatment probe may be configured to cooperate with a removable light pen for eye illumination.

Abstract: A surgical cassette clamping system includes a mounting plate having a first side and a second side. A bracket system may be disposed adjacent the first side of the mounting plate. A clamp motor may be disposed adjacent the mounting plate and fixed relative to the mounting plate. The clamp motor may be operably connected to the bracket system to displace the bracket system relative to the mounting plate. The system may also include a plurality of pivot arms pivotably connected to the bracket system and extending adjacent the second side of the mounting plate. An engagement portion may be attached to each of the plurality of pivot arms that cooperatively engages the second side of the mounting plate, the engagement portion being operable to pivot the pivot arms when the bracket system moves relative to the mounting plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic knife and methods of its use for treatment of various conditions including eye diseases, such as glaucoma, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. The invention relates to a multi-blade device for cutting the tissues within the eye, for example, a trabecular meshwork (TM).

Abstract: A push-in earplug including an elongate core and outer layer is disclosed. The outer layer includes a sound attenuating portion having a first average density and a stem portion having a second average density, and the second average density is greater than the first average density.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a pump assembly comprising a voice coil, a magnet and a diaphragm, wherein the voice coil is configured to move the diaphragm to pump a fluid through the pump assembly in response to a drive signal applied to the voice coil. Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an apparatus for applying negative pressure to a wound comprising a source of negative pressure configured to be coupled to a dressing, the source of negative comprising a voice coil actuator and a diaphragm, and a controller configured to produce a drive signal for the voice coil actuator.

Abstract: A combination therapy pad that includes a first layer and a second layer operatively coupled to the first layer. A fiber-optic array is disposed between the first layer and the second layer. A third layer is operatively coupled to the first layer. The third layer includes a vacuum tube in fluid communication with a vacuum source and a therapeutic fluid tube in fluid communication with a therapeutic fluid source. The third layer provides at least one of vacuum therapy and therapeutic fluid treatment to a wound area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, a liquid impermeable, gas permeable filter layer over the absorbent layer, a cover layer comprising at least one orifice and a first liquid and gas permeable transmission layer underlying the absorbent layer. The transmission layer is in fluid communication with the filter layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, a liquid impermeable, gas permeable filter layer over the absorbent layer, a cover layer comprising at least one orifice and a first liquid and gas permeable transmission layer underlying the absorbent layer. The transmission layer is in fluid communication with the filter layer.

Abstract: A thin absorbent composite is provided wherein a nonwoven support sheet is hydro-entangled with a carded fiber web to provide a nonwoven substrate. The nonwoven substrate is coated with an absorbent layer comprising microfibrillated cellulose-coated superabsorbent polymer particles. A cover layer is placed above the absorbent layer to provide the absorbent composite. A process for manufacturing the absorbent composite and an absorbent article containing the absorbent composite are also provided.

Abstract: A tampon has two pledgets or one pledget with an absorbent layer and a leak shield located therebetween. The pledgets or pledget with the absorbent layer and the leak shield are folded such that the leak shield covers a portion of the surface of at least one of the pledgets. Both pledgets or the one pledget with the absorbent layer have absorbencies that are each greater than an absorbency of the leak shield. In another embodiment of the tampon, the leak shield comprises a fluid impervious or fluid repellent material(s). In another embodiment of the tampon, the leak shield comprises of an absorbent or hydrophilic material. Yet in another embodiment, the leak shield comprises of multiple layers of materials that are hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A sanitary device for insertion into a body cavity having a perforated casing in which a medicant is located within a distal portion of the casing and a semi-rigid absorbent material is located within a proximal portion of the casing. A plunger extends into the casing from the proximal portion and is movable to force the semi-rigid absorbent material into contact with the medicant which forces the medicant out of the distal portion of the casing. Unwanted body fluids can drain into the proximal portion and are absorbed by the semi-rigid absorbent material. A second embodiment of the invention includes an applicator for inserting a body insert into the body cavity. The body insert includes a semi-rigid absorbent material surrounded by a thin sheet of a lubricating material such as Telfa. The body insert may also include a medicant in the form of a gel material.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as disposable diaper, training pant, and adult incontinence undergarment comprising an absorbent structure comprising superabsorbent polymer particles, the article being able to absorb and contain body exudates and having improved absorption properties and therefore being able to reduce leakage, especially at the first gush, i.e. when the article starts to be wetted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable absorbent article with a chassis body having a first end margin and a second end margin longitudinally spaced from the first end margins. The article further includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent composite disposed between the topsheet and backsheet. The absorbent composite includes a first fabric, a second fabric, and absorbent particles disposed between the first and second fabric. The first fabric is intermittently attached to the second fabric to define a plurality of containers situated therebetween, each containing an aggregate of absorbent particles. The absorbent composite includes regions of such absorbent particles aggregates, including a primary region having containers of a first size and a secondary region having a plurality of containers of a second size.

Abstract: A composite liquid-retentive substrate for a hygiene article comprises a base layer of first liquid-absorptive material. The base layer having a posterior end and a diametrically opposed anterior end interconnected by an intermediate tapered region. The posterior end has opposing posterior corners and the anterior end has opposing anterior corners. A posterior liquid-flow abutment comprising second absorptive material is disposed substantially around a perimeter of the posterior end. At least one anterior liquid-flow abutment comprising second absorptive material is disposed proximate one of the anterior corners of the anterior end.

Abstract: A fastening member has inboard and outboard ends, a panel region, an end region, and a stiffening element. The panel region is disposed adjacent to the inboard end and has first and second layers. The first and second layers are joined in a face-to-face orientation. The end region is disposed adjacent to the outboard end and has a fastening element zone and an intermediate zone. The intermediate zone is disposed between the fastening element zone and the panel region adjacent an interface between the panel and end regions. The stiffening element is disposed in the end region and has a stiffness of greater than about 200 N/m. A portion of the stiffening element is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and is joined to the first layer and the second layer. The portion is disposed adjacent to the interface between the panel region and the end region.

Abstract: A fastening system for securing a first region having a first securing member and a second region having a second securing member. The system includes a first surface fastener provided on a first securing member and a second surface fastener provided on a first securing member or a second securing member. That securing member, out of the first securing member and the second securing member, having the second surface fastener provided thereon includes the second surface fastener and a substrate having the second surface fastener laminated thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an external condenser and light assembly and, more particularly, to an improved external air conditioning condenser and housing that is designed to additionally serve as a light assembly for an emergency vehicle. The condenser housing is mounted to the exterior of the emergency vehicle, which improves the performance of the emergency vehicle's air-conditioning system. The design of the condenser housing also allows it to serve as a light assembly on which emergency vehicle lights are mounted. The condenser housing and light assembly structure thereby provides for proper air conditioning functionality without occupying space on the exterior of the vehicle that would more preferably be occupied by emergency lighting.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for turning a patient onto their side without having to place anything under the patient's torso in order to turn the patient are provided. This disclosure provides apparatus and methods for turning a patient with these apparatus without having to place anything under the patient's torso. Certain embodiments provide apparatus specifically designed to enable a caregiver to turn a patient without the assistance of a second person to hold them in place.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient in a prone position during a surgical procedure is provided, including an open fixed frame suspended above a floor and a pair of spaced opposed radially sliding joints cooperating with the frame, each joint including a virtual pivot point and an arc of motion spaced from the virtual pivot point, the joints being movable along the arc providing a pivot ship mechanism for a pair of pelvic pads attached to the joints. A base for supporting and suspending a patient support structure above the floor, for supporting a patient during a surgical procedure, the base including a pair of spaced opposed vertical translation subassemblies reversibly attachable to a patient support structure, a cross-bar, and a rotation subassembly having two degrees of rotational freedom; wherein a location of each vertical translation subassembly is substantially constant during operation of the patient support structure.

Abstract: A cover for covering a portion of a hospital bed barrier that includes a sheet of material that has sufficient flexibility and elasticity to stretch from a first configuration to a second configuration. When in the first configuration, the cover is insufficient in size to cover at least a portion of a hospital bed barrier and, when in the second configuration, the cover is sufficient in size to cover at least a portion of a hospital bed barrier.

Abstract: Medical lifting devices and methods are disclosed. A medical lifting device includes a brace and at least one strap. The brace is adapted to be positioned against the back of a patient. The brace has a pair of opposed lateral edges. The at least one strap extends from each lateral edge of the brace. The at least one strap has a length sufficient to enable a user of the device to grasp each strap while the user is standing with the user's torso in an upright position and the patient is in a seated position. A method of lifting a patient with the brace includes positioning the brace against the back of a patient, grasping each strap while standing in an upright position and while the patient is in a seated position, and pulling on each strap to lift the patient to a standing position.

Abstract: A portable assistive lift comprising a vertical member comprising a handle bar and a central wheel controlled by the handle bar disposed at the top and bottom extremities thereof respectively, a pair of left and right support members, each of which comprising a horizontal top rod extending from the vertical member, a bottom rod comprising a side wheel receptacle for receiving a side wheel therewithin disposed at a distal extremity thereof and a connecting rod connecting the free and proximal extremities of the top and bottom rods respectively whereby, the vertical member and the top, bottom and the connecting rods from a U-shaped structure as viewed from top and a hook stand comprising a plurality of hooks about which a sling is coupled thereto wherein, the hook stand is adapted to be elevated and lowered.

Abstract: A neonate incubator for positioning a neonate within a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device is provided. The neonate incubator can include: a proximal end and a distal end; a radio frequency (RF) shielding door coupled to the distal end, the RF shielding door to mate with a bore of the MRI device to provide RF shielding; and a RF channel that extends along an axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the neonate incubator from an interior chamber of the neonate incubator through the RF shielding door, the RF channel having a length to width ratio of at least 5 to 1.

Abstract: The invention pertains to positioning a patient in prone position, comprising: positioning a patient in a supine position, attaching a chest body contact sheet to the chest of the patient with an attached inflatable chest cushion in the deflated state, attaching a pelvic body contact sheet to the pelvic region of the patient with an attached inflatable pelvis cushion in the deflated state, transferring the patient from the supine position to a prone position, with the chest body contact sheet attached to the chest of the patient and the pelvic body contact sheet attached to the pelvic region of the patient and the patient in the prone position, inflating the chest cushion and the pelvis cushion, thereby making that the chest cushion and the pelvis cushion together bear the weight of the torso of the patient with the abdominal region of the patient being decompressed.

Abstract: An infant, joint compression device and methods of use including decreasing the length of stay in a neonatal intensive care unit and/or increasing bone density of a premature infant are disclosed. A device can include an elongated, generally cocoon-shaped device pod having a head pod end, a foot pod end and a pod interior extending between the head pod end and the foot pod end; a head opening at the head pod end and communicating with the pod interior; and a pod slit extending from the head opening toward the foot pod end and communicating with the pod interior.