Abstract: A system for joining a limb liner to a prosthesis. The prosthesis has a socket that is joined to the remainder of the prosthesis using a hub assembly. The hub assembly includes a first hub and a second hub. The first hub is disposed within the interior of the socket. The second hub is disposed outside the interior of the socket. An air conduit extends through the hub assembly that enables air to be drawn into the socket and/or vented from the socket. An inflatable interface is disposed within the socket. The inflatable interface receives air through the air conduit in the hub assembly. The inflatable interface is capable of filling any gaps that may exist between a limb liner being worn by an amputee and the socket.

Abstract: Described herein are flexible implantable occluding devices that can, for example, navigate the tortuous vessels of the neurovasculature. The occluding devices can also conform to the shape of the tortuous vessels of the vasculature. In some embodiments, the occluding devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. Some embodiments describe methods and apparatus for adjusting, along a length of the device, the porosity of the occluding device. In some embodiments, the occluding devices allows adequate blood flow to be provided to adjacent structures such that those structures, whether they are branch vessels or oxygen-demanding tissues, are not deprived of the necessary blood flow.

Abstract: An intracranial stent includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a tubular sidewall extending there between and a patch covering at least a portion of the sidewall; wherein the patch is capable of diverting blood flow past the neck of an intracranial aneurysm. The patch may be made of a photon-activatable material or a tightly woven metal material with a density greater than a density of the sidewall itself.

Abstract: A stent includes a tubular body possessing a plurality of gaps. The tubular body includes a plurality of circumferentially extending linear struts. The stent includes a plurality of links connecting the linear struts. At least one of the links has first and second connection portions. The first connection portion is integrally formed with one strut, and the second connection portion is integrally formed with an adjacent strut. The stent includes a biodegradable material between the first connection portion and the second connection portion to connect the first and second connection portions to each other. The biodegradable material restrains the one strut and the adjacent strut from moving to their original shapes. The first and second connection portions move relative to one another in a separation direction when a connection by the biodegradable material is released so that the original shapes of the struts are restored.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis system deployable in a region of a patient's vasculature having one or more branch vessels, having a main graft body having a first opening in a wall portion of the main graft body and a pre-loaded guidewire positioned inside the main graft body and advanced through the first opening. One or more branch grafts can be attached to the main graft body to cover one or more openings in the main graft body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable stent and a shape memory extending method thereof. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, radial force of a biodegradable stent may be largely increased through the shape memory extending method of the biodegradable stent and the number of cracks may be decreased after crimping and stent inflation.

Abstract: An intragastric device including (1) a first wire mesh structure having a pre-deployment shape, a post-deployment shape greater than the pre-deployment state, and one or more openings on an upper portion of the first wire mesh structure that are configured to permit food to enter the device, (2) a second wire mesh structure having a pre-deployment shape a post-deployment shape greater than the pre-deployment state, and one or more openings on a lower portion of the second wire mesh structure that are configured to permit food to exit the device. A sleeve may be coupled to the lower portion of the wire mesh structure. An anti-migration collar may interconnect the wire mesh structure and the sleeve. In use, food enters the upper portion of the first wire mesh structure, passes through both wire mesh structures, and then exits the lower portion of the second wire mesh structure.

Abstract: A cervical collar including an anterior portion having a rigid or semi-rigid shell anterior main support piece. The anterior portion defines resilient or flexible edges formed along the periphery of the main support piece. The flexible edges form a three-dimensional anatomically configured proximal support portion defined along a proximal area of the anterior portion. The anterior main support piece defines a supporting spring portion centrally located along the proximal area of the anterior portion. The proximal support portion is formed around and encompasses the supporting spring portion.

Abstract: A kit and method are presented for making a mobile injury protection device, such as a splint, for protecting an injured body part, such as a limb. The kit includes a formable object and a heating source. The heating source is used to selectively heat the formable object to an elevated temperature, molding the formable object into a required shape for the injury protection device and allowing the molded object to cool to room temperature and become hard again. The formable object may be molded on or around and be in contact with the desired body part. The heating source may include a selectively activated chemical composition, for example by adding water or air to it.

Abstract: A bandage for the back or pelvis has adjacent pads mounted on an inner face of a supporting piece in a back area of the bandage, respectively one fastener strap piece for applying the bandage by joining together the ends of the two fastener strap pieces attaching at the opposite edge regions of the supporting piece, and two tensioning belts being assigned to the supporting piece, which are guided in such a manner that the pads approach each other when tensioning the tensioning belts and apply a pressure dependent on a tension force acting on the tensioning belts onto the relevant body part.

Abstract: A system suitable for collecting and transporting urine away from the body of a person or animal may include an assembly having a fluid impermeable casing having a fluid reservoir at a first end, a fluid outlet at a second end, and a longitudinally extending fluid impermeable layer coupled to the fluid reservoir and the fluid outlet and defining a longitudinally elongated opening between the reservoir and the outlet. The assembly can further include a fluid permeable support disposed within the casing with a portion extending across the elongated opening, and a fluid permeable membrane disposed on the support and covering at least the portion of the support that extends across the elongated opening, so that the membrane is supported on the support and disposed across the elongated opening. The assembly can further include a tube having a first end disposed in the reservoir and a second, fluid discharge end.

Abstract: An excreta disposal device is provided, which includes a main body formed with a first disposal space opened in a hip direction of a human body to receive excreta discharged from the human body, and has a storage space formed therein. A male module, in which a second disposal space configured to receive urine discharged from the human body, is formed inside, and an opening unit opened to face the human body of the user is formed on one side of the second disposal space. The second disposal space is formed to be capable of inserting at least a part of male genitalia and is provided in the main body. A suction port is provided in the storage space and communicates with at least one of the first disposal space and the second disposal space to discharge excreta to the outside of the main body.

Abstract: An oral appliance that includes tongue positioning structures which are useful in treating snoring, OSA and related disorders. The invention provides a passive tongue location device which includes cavities located on the internal surface adjacent the tongue, the cavities operatively providing a retentive effect on the tongue when it is in its relaxed state. Further, the present invention provides an oral device adapted to operatively enhance the operation of a sleeping user's airway, including a carrier adapted to be positioned over at least some of the lower teeth of the user and having an interior projection over at least part of the gums of a user, the projection defining a pair of opposed cavities, the cavities being shaped and operatively adapted so that the tongue of the sleeping user will passively engage the cavities.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for the treatment of one or more sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea in a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises an elongate member with a middle portion, a first fixation element and a second fixation element. The middle portion applies a force to a segment of a patient's airway.

Abstract: A therapeutic eye mask having a wireless temperature and duration controller is disclosed. The therapeutic eye mask comprises an eye mask configured to fit over an user's face, a heater and temperature sensor attached to the eye mask configured to heat and sense a temperature, and a wireless thermal controller coupled to the heater and temperature sensor configured to control the heater and temperature sensor to a particular temperature in response to a heat setting on the wireless temperature and duration controller. Such an arrangement allows a user to operate the wireless temperature and duration controller to set the heater and temperature sensor so as to achieve therapeutic warmth and flexible regulation of the temperature and long keeping the temperature constant to the therapeutic eye mask.

Abstract: A thermal control unit for controlling the temperature of a patient includes a fluid circulation channel with an inlet and outlet, a first heat exchanger, a controller, and a cartridge receptacle. The controller controls the first heat exchanger to adjust the temperature of the circulating fluid toward a desired temperature. The cartridge receptacle is adapted to receive a cartridge having a second heat exchanger and to allow fluid to flow from the cartridge into the fluid circulation channel of the thermal control unit. The cartridge may include a vacuum chamber and a coolant whereby the expansion of the coolant into the vacuum chamber cools the fluid in the cartridge. Flow of the coolant in the vacuum chamber may be automatically initiated upon insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge receptacle, or by other means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a patient's body temperature and in particular for inducing therapeutic hypothermia. Various embodiments of the system are described. The system includes: a source of breathing gas, which may be in the form of a compressed breathing gas mixture; a heat exchanger or other heating and/or cooling device; and a breathing interface, such as a breathing mask or tracheal tube. Optionally, the system may include additional features, such as a mechanical respirator, a nebulizer for introducing medication into the breathing gas, a body temperature probe and a feedback controller. The system can use air or a specialized breathing gas mixture, such as He/O2 or SF/O2 to increase the heat transfer rate. In addition, the system may include an ice particle generator for introducing fine ice particles into the flow of breathing gas to further increase the heat transfer rate.

Abstract: A personal cooling device includes a rigid ventilation tube that is curved in part to fit around the neck of a human user such that the entire device may be supported solely in this manner. A powered fan is located at one end of the ventilation tube and configured to force air through the ventilation tube. Ventilation holes are arranged to direct air leaving the ventilation tube toward a user's body. A hollow compartment is provided in the ventilation tube adjacent the fan and is configured to received a portion of ice or other frozen material as a frozen liquid-filled sponge to effect evaporative cooling of passing air.

Abstract: Provided is a foot fomentation apparatus for feet of a user which includes: a soleplate which supports the soles; a cover which is combined with the soleplate from above for wrapping up feet; a warming and heating device which has a warming and heating structure in the soleplate and the cover as well or in the soleplate only; and a control unit which is installed in order to store heat energy in the warming and heating structure of the warming and heating device according to pre-established conditions.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing a change in the core body temperature of a mammal under cold conditions are provided. In the subject methods, a requirement for thermal energy input in said mammal is first detected. In response to the detection of this requirement for thermal energy input, a surface of a portion of the mammal is contacted with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions for a period of time sufficient to introduce thermal energy into the core body of the mammal. The subject devices include at least a means for detecting a requirement for thermal energy input and a means for contacting a surface of the mammal with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in maintaining the core body temperature of a mammal substantially constant under cold conditions for an extended period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic treatment device and a method of operating same, and provides an ophthalmic treatment device and a method of operating same, the device comprising: a treatment beam generating unit for generating a treatment beam; a beam delivery unit for forming a path through which the treatment beam generated by the treatment beam generating unit travels to a treatment region disposed in a fundus; a monitoring unit for irradiating a detecting beam along the path through which the treatment beam travels, and detecting information of the state of the treatment region based on interference information on the detecting beam reflected from the treatment region; and a controller for controlling the operation of the treatment beam generating unit based on information on the state of the treatment region detected by the monitoring unit.

Abstract: System and method for making incisions in eye tissue at different depths. The system and method focuses light, possibly in a pattern, at various focal points which are at various depths within the eye tissue. A segmented lens can be used to create multiple focal points simultaneously. Optimal incisions can be achieved by sequentially or simultaneously focusing lights at different depths, creating an expanded column of plasma, and creating a beam with an elongated waist.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved dispensing devices for facilitating application of eye drops that are ergonomic, promote improved patient adherence, and eliminate the need for extraneous gadgets or facilitating devices that may add additional expense to users. A dispensing device can include a container body for storing drops and a nozzle coupled to the body for dispensing the drops. The device can include one or more channels defined on a surface of the container body and configured to couple, or otherwise mount or abut, to an anatomical structure of a user (such as, for example, a user's nose bridge or eyebrow ridge). The device can also include one or more grip areas defined on the container body and configured to allow a user to generally hold the device and to apply force thereto to dispense drops from the device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and device for oxygenated ocular region treatment are provided. For example, a method of ocular region treatment is provided in accordance with various embodiments where an oxygenated material may be applied to an ocular region. The ocular region may include at least corneal tissue, limbal tissue, or ocular adnexal tissue. The oxygenated material may include at least an oxygenated emulsion, an oxygenated ointment, or an oxygenated liquid, which may be supersaturated in some cases. The oxygenated material may include perfluorocarbon, such as perfluorodecalin. The oxygenated material may include at least an antibiotic or an anesthetic in some cases. Some embodiments include an ocular region treatment system or device that may include an eye cup configured to surround an ocular region. A dispenser may be configured to couple with the eye cup and to dispense an oxygenated material to the ocular region may be provided.

Abstract: An ocular therapeutics tool including a stabilizer including a hollow body and a base connected to the body, the hollow body extending from the base, and the base being adapted to fit the eye surface, and an injection guide connectable to the stabilizer and adapted to receive an injection needle, wherein the injection guide includes at least one stopper adapted to define the injection depth of a needle inserted into the injection guide. The present application also provides an injection guide. The present application also provides a kit with the tool or the injection guide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing modulated fluid delivery and aspiration during a surgical procedure such as phacoemulsification is provided. The method and apparatus include delivering fluid and/or aspirating fluid in a modulated or pulsed manner during a surgical procedure, including applying fluid and/or aspirating fluid in connection with ultrasonic energy at a level and for a time period sufficient to induce transient cavitation. Fluid may be applied and/or aspirated at a timing sequence and duty cycle similar to or different from application of ultrasonic energy delivery.

Abstract: A method for creating cuts in a transparent material using optical radiation, the optical radiation being focused onto the material in a focal point and the focal point being shifted along a curve: A simple or double harmonic curve is used when seen at a right angle to a main direction of incidence of the radiation and preferably successively traveled curves do not lie on top of each other.

Abstract: A method for cataract surgery on an eye of a patient includes scanning a first focus position of a first pulsed laser beam at a first pulse energy in a first scanning pattern to photodisrupt a tissue structure of a lens with a plurality of pulses of the first laser beam to form one or more cuts within the lens, the cuts being short of reaching a side edge of the lens and being configured to divide the lens into two or more segments which are attached to each other in regions adjacent the side edge of the lens; and afterwards, completely separating the two or more segments of the lens from each other by scanning a second focus position of a second pulsed laser beam having a second pulse energy higher than the first pulse energy in a second scanning pattern that is co-registered to the first scanning pattern.

Abstract: A glasses structure comprises a main body and a sub-frame assembled at the rear of a lens of the main body. The inner surface of a frame body of the sub-frame is attached with a pad, which pad is formed with an upper contact portion and a central contact portion corresponding to the upper edge and the central shape of the frame body. Two nose pieces are formed at the both sides of the central contact portion of the pad, and the upper contact portion of the pad are respectively contacted with the user's nose and forehead to avoid pain when the user wears the glasses. Furthermore, the colored and patterned frame body of the sub-frame is shown from the transparent lens of the main body, whereby the glasses with suitable color and pattern being chosen to dress with the user's clothes and style, increasing the user's fashion and beauty.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for treating ear infections and clearing excess fluid from Eustachian tubes.

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 system for accurately measuring compression garments in laboratory and manufacturing environments provides measurements for industry-standard sizes and individually customized garments and can use the measurements to modify the programming of a manufacturing system to alter the compression parameters of subsequently manufactured garments. The system includes a support structure and a plurality of sensor units at intervals along the support structure with each sensor unit extended circumferentially around the support structure to define a three-dimensional simulated anatomical form circumferentially stretching the compression garment upon insertion of the assembly. Each sensor unit has a pressure sensor measuring the pressure exerted by the compression garment on the sensor unit after insertion.

Abstract: The disposable eye patch further comprises a rim ember circumferentially attached to the second layer, wherein the rim member comprises an adhesive for sticking the eye patch to cover the human eye. The adhesive is a safe for contact with the human skin and can be easily removed and discarded after a single use. The disposable eye patch further comprises an absorbent layer attached to the first layer facing the outer surface of the eye.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling absorbent articles that include leg cuff gasketing assemblies. As discussed in more detail below, each leg gasketing assembly may be formed from elastic laminates having stretched elastic strands intermittently bonded thereto. As such, the elastic laminate includes bonded regions and non-bonded regions intermittently spaced along the machine direction. The elastic strands are then intermittently deactivated by severing the strands in the non-bonded regions of the continuous elastic laminate to form continuous lengths of leg gasketing assemblies having elastic regions and deactivated regions. The continuous lengths of leg gasketing assemblies may then bonded to a continuous topsheet substrate. In some embodiments, the elastic laminate may be combined with the topsheet substrate before severing the strands in the non-bonded regions.

Abstract: Methods of separating and positioning discrete articles formed from a continuous length of articles are provided. The methods may comprise the steps of receiving a first portion of the continuous length on a first head in a receiving position of an orbit about a first rotational axis and receiving a second portion of the continuous length on a second head in the receiving position of the orbit about the first rotational axis. The methods may comprise providing a laser system configured to produce and direct a laser beam, and ablating a portion of the continuous length of articles intermediate the first head and the second head with the laser beam to separate the first portion of the continuous length of articles from the second portion of the continuous length of articles, thereby forming a discrete article on the first head.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling absorbent articles, and more particularly, methods and apparatuses for imparting a cut line into one or more layers of an advancing substrate. The advancing substrate may be a belt assembly including an outer layer, an inner layer, and one or more elastic strands disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The belt assembly may be rotated on a process member about a longitudinal axis of rotation. The process member may advance the belt assembly to one or more ultra short pulse laser sources. The ultra short pulse laser source imparts a cut line into the belt assembly. A trim removal member may be used to separate the cut line forming a trim portion and a cut edge or separation edge.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling absorbent articles, and more particularly, methods and apparatuses for imparting a line of weakness into one or more layers of an advancing substrate and separating the substrate along the line of weakness to form a separation edge. The advancing substrate may be a belt assembly including an outer layer, an inner layer, and one or more elastic strands disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The belt assembly may be rotated on a process member about a longitudinal axis of rotation. The process member may advance the belt assembly to one or more ultra short pulse laser sources. The ultra short pulse laser source imparts a line of weakness into the belt assembly. A trim removal member may be used to separate the line of weakness forming a trim portion and a separation edge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to transfer and fold a partially folded absorbent article. The transfer apparatus includes a frame that is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a transfer member that is rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The transfer member includes a receiving surface. While advancing absorbent article, the transfer member rotates the absorbent article about the second axis of rotation. The partially folded absorbent article is transferred to a folding apparatus. The folding apparatus advances the partially folded absorbent article such that the end regions of the belt of the partially folded absorbent article are directed away from the folding apparatus. The end regions are engaged by a folding assembly. The folding assembly guides and/or pushes the end regions toward the central region of the belt and/or the chassis to form a folded absorbent article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to transfer and fold a partially folded absorbent article. The transfer apparatus includes a frame that is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a transfer member that is rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The transfer member includes a receiving surface. While advancing absorbent article, the transfer member rotates the absorbent article about the second axis of rotation. The partially folded absorbent article is transferred to a folding apparatus. The folding apparatus advances the partially folded absorbent article such that the end regions of the belt of the partially folded absorbent article are directed away from the folding apparatus. The end regions are engaged by a folding assembly. The folding assembly guides and/or pushes the end regions toward the central region of the belt and/or the chassis to form a folded absorbent article.

Abstract: An improved tampon has a tampon body and a removal string, having a length (L) between a first end and second end permanently affixed at or along at least one first end of the string to the tampon body and wherein the second end is looped back into the tampon body and attached thereto to form a shortened single loop. The second end can be permanently attached or removably attached to the tampon body and the single loop extends from the tampon body a distance (D) less than half the length (L) of the removal string.

Abstract: A male urine absorbent underclothing provides protection from small drops of urine due to enlarged prostate or water pills or the like. The male incontinence underclothing is preferably made of doubled Swiffer floor cleaner sheet and worn inside an undergarment worn by a user.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may include a chassis that includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a leg gasketing system. The leg gasketing system may include an inner cuff and an outer cuff; the inner cuff may include an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff may include an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge such that the web of material is folded laterally inward to form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge, and the leg gasketing system further including a leg gasketing system pocket with an opening on an inboard longitudinal edge of the leg gasketing system pocket. The disposable absorbent article also includes at least one channel in the absorbent core.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided with a central elastic material for positioning in a state in which it is extended in the front/rear direction in the outer direction in relation to an absorbent body, and an elastic material cover sheet which abuts the outer direction side surface of the central elastic material. The elastic material cover sheet covers an extension region where the central elastic material is positioned in an extended state, and a non-extension region where the central elastic material is positioned in a non-extended state. An adhesive agent for fixing in the extended state is coated onto the central elastic material of the extension region. An adhesive agent is coated onto at least the non-extension region of the outer direction side surface of the elastic material cover sheet, and the adhesive agent coated onto the outer direction side surface penetrates to the inner direction side surface of the elastic material cover sheet.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article utilized for absorption and containment of urine and other body exudates may incorporate components that may be detached from the article after use to provide disposal options based upon the user's preferences and circumstances, such as flushing down a toilet or septic tank, composting, recycling, or disposing in a landfill. Sanitary grips and sanitary gap may provide sanitary placements to detach the article. Ripping features incorporated along the top liner, back liner, or outer liner enclosure may also be used to detach the article. A removable liner may be detached from the top liner or outer liner enclosure. The absorbent core may be released after the article has been detached. To reduce the risk of clogging the toilet, a membrane may be utilized to create a barrier between the absorbent core and high-absorbency material to obstruct the high-absorbency material from being released and flushed.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent core, a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and a pair of elastically contractible cuffs, each of which is constructed of a continuous cuff material and has a standing cuff portion which includes one or more elastic members. Each elastically contractible cuff may be secured the topsheet about a longitudinal edge of the topsheet by an assembly bond, with a standing cuff portion laterally offset away from a longitudinal edge of the absorbent core and with one or more elastic members located outboard of the assembly bond.

Abstract: Extended fingerlifts and their use in closure assemblies typically provided in absorbent articles such as diapers are described.

Abstract: A pad of vibration-reducing foam is interposed between a spineboard and a litter that are secured together by straps. The pad has a pad upper surface contoured to receive and substantially mate with a spineboard lower surface to block horizontal motion therebetween, and a pad lower surface with a substantially planar support region. The pad can be formed of more than one layer of foam, with each layer having different vibration-damping characteristics. Material costs can be reduced by employing a discontinuous pad formed by a pad head segment and a pad foot segment. When a full-length pad is employed, separate straps for engaging the spineboard and the litter can be provided, with the pad interposed between the straps to prevent transmission of vibrations through the straps. The pad can be configured to offset the spineboard on the litter and allow a portable ICU to be placed alongside the spineboard.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a convertible chair-to-table apparatus configured for reversible use. The apparatus may have a headrest on the leg board of the chair to enable a patient to use the chair with the patient's torso on the leg board. The invention is also directed to a method of using the apparatus by moving a patient's torso between the leg board and the back board of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present teachings provide for wheelchair including a control module, manual drive controls, a camera, biometric sensors, and an antenna. The control module includes an autonomous drive module configured to autonomously pilot the wheelchair. The biometric sensors are configured to measure biometric information of a user of the wheelchair.

Abstract: This disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments of a patient support having a plurality of vertically-oriented on substantially can-shaped inflatable bladders. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a support layer positioned above the vertical bladders. In another embodiment, the patient support includes a high air loss device. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes a pneumatic device located within the patient support.