Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a method of fabricating an artificial heart muscle (AHM) patch. In some embodiments, the method comprises obtaining and/or isolating cells from a subject. In some embodiments, the cells are primary cardiac cells. In some embodiments, the method further comprises forming a scaffold. In some embodiments, the method comprises seeding the cells in the fibrin gel scaffold. In some embodiments, the method comprises culturing the cells seeded in the fibrin gel scaffold under conditions appropriate for the formation of an artificial heart muscle (AHM) patch. In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a method of fabricating a bioartificial heart (BAH). In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a method of treatment of cardiac tissue injury in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the method includes implanting the aforementioned artificial heart muscle patch in the injured area of the subject.

Abstract: A method of treating a cataractous lens of a patient's eye includes generating a light beam, deflecting the light beam using a scanner to form a treatment pattern, delivering the treatment pattern to the lens of the patient's eye to create a plurality of cuts in the form two or more different incisions patterns within the lens to segment the lens tissue into a plurality of patterned pieces, and mechanically breaking the lens into a plurality of pieces along the cuts. A first incision pattern includes two or more crossing cut incision planes. A second incision pattern includes a plurality of laser incision each extending along a first length between a posterior and an anterior surface of the lens capsule.

Abstract: A method of treating a lens of a patient's eye includes generating a light beam, deflecting the light beam using a scanner to form a treatment pattern of the light beam, delivering the treatment pattern to the lens of a patient's eye to create a plurality of cuts in the lens in the form of the treatment pattern to break the lens up into a plurality of pieces, and removing the lens pieces from the patient's eye. The lens pieces can then be mechanically removed. The light beam can be used to create larger segmenting cuts into the lens, as well as smaller softening cuts that soften the lens for easier removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of ophthalmology and cataract surgery. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device implanted in the eye during cataract surgery and improves the optical functionality of the eye. This invention is in the field of medical devices and relates to capsular tension rings that are designed to be implanted in the capsular sac after removal of the crystalline lens affected by a cataract in association with an intraocular lens designed to replace the crystal-line lens. The invention applies to stabilizing the artificial lens from movement in the x-y-z planes and prevents rotation.

Abstract: This disclosure features artificial tympanic membrane graft devices and two-component bilayer graft devices that include a scaffold having a plurality of ribs made of a first material and a plurality of spaces between the ribs filled or made with the first material, a different, second material, a combination of the first and a second materials, or a combination of a second material and one or more other different materials. The bilayer graft devices have two components or layers. One component, e.g., the under-lay graft device, can include a projection, and the second component, e.g., the overlay graft device, can include an opening that corresponds to the projection (or vice versa) so that the opening and the projection can secure the two layers together in a “lock and key” manner. This disclosure also features methods of making, using, and implanting the three-dimensional artificial tympanic membrane and bilayer graft devices.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention comprise a single-chamber collapsible and expandable prosthetic valve implant device comprising the following capabilities: (1) preservation of native valve functionality; (2) initial preservation of native valve functionality with subsequent full replacement of native valve functionality; (3) full replacement of native valve functionality; and/or (4) mitigation of the prolapsing distance of the dysfunctional leaflets by preventing the anterior excursion of the prolapsing leaflets above the upper annular surface and into the left atrial chamber in order to preserve native leaflet functionality for as long as possible. The expanded and implanted device does not extend beyond the boundaries of the subject heart chamber, e.g., the left atrium, thereby enabling the preservation of any remaining native valve functionality with subsequent full replacement of native valve functionality if and when needed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention comprise a single-chamber collapsible and expandable prosthetic valve implant device comprising the following capabilities: (1) preservation of native valve functionality; (2) initial preservation of native valve functionality with subsequent full replacement of native valve functionality; (3) full replacement of native valve functionality; and/or (4) mitigation of the prolapsing distance of the dysfunctional leaflets by preventing the anterior excursion of the prolapsing leaflets above the upper annular surface and into the left atrial chamber in order to preserve native leaflet functionality for as long as possible. The expanded and implanted device does not extend beyond the boundaries of the subject heart chamber, e.g., the left atrium, thereby enabling the preservation of any remaining native valve functionality with subsequent full replacement of native valve functionality if and when needed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention comprise a single-chamber collapsible and expandable prosthetic valve implant device with an elevated valve section and comprising the following capabilities: (1) preservation of native valve functionality; (2) initial preservation of native valve functionality with subsequent full replacement of native valve functionality; (3) full replacement of native valve functionality; and/or (4) mitigation of the prolapsing distance of the dysfunctional leaflets by preventing the anterior excursion of the prolapsing leaflets above the upper annular surface and into the left atrial chamber in order to preserve native leaflet functionality for as long as possible. The expanded and implanted device does not extend beyond the boundaries of the subject heart chamber, e.g., the left atrium, thereby enabling the preservation of any remaining native valve functionality with subsequent full replacement of native valve functionality if and when needed.

Abstract: A collapsible device, such as an annuloplasty ring or prosthetic heart valve, is configured to be collapsed prior to being introduced into a patient via minimally-invasive access points such as port holes or intercostal incisions. A holder is configured to hold the collapsible device, and to selectively collapse the device for introduction into the patient and then re-enlarge the device at the desired deployment site. Collapsible devices include devices that can hingedly fold about hinge lines, and devices that can elongate to form substantially spiral forms with reduced diameters.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments directed to a device for minimally invasive medical treatment. The device being a hollow tube with a first end, a second end, and one or more anchors configured to extend outward from the exterior of the hollow tube. The hollow tube having a plurality of cutouts on the exterior, wherein the cutouts allow the hollow tube to be flexible. Additionally, the hollow tube may have at least one snap mechanism configured to connect the first end and the second end together.

Abstract: According to an aspect, an inflatable penile prosthesis includes an inflatable member, a reservoir configured to hold fluid, and a pump assembly configured to facilitate a transfer of the fluid from the reservoir to the inflatable member when in an inflation mode, and facilitate the transfer of the fluid from the inflatable member to the reservoir when in a deflation mode. The pump assembly may include a pump, and a valve body defining at least three ports operatively coupled to the pump such that three separate fluid channels extend to the pump. The valve body defines at least one port operatively coupled to the reservoir, and at least one port operatively coupled to the inflatable member. The pump assembly includes a spool configured to move within the valve body to switch between the inflation mode and the deflation mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for forming a patient-specific surgical implant based on mold system. The apparatus comprises a forming tool and a mold that may be generated using imaging and processing techniques and rapid prototyping methods. The mold apparatus includes at least two non-adjacent surface features for securing an implant forming material (such as a titanium mesh) during the forming process, enabling the implant forming material to be stretched beyond its elastic and thus permanently deformed with the correct patient-specific curvature. The implant may include one or more anatomic surface features for guidance and registration when transferring the implant to a patient.

Abstract: A custom cranial implant for use in a cranial opening in a skull of a patient, the implant including a contoured shell configured to mate with the defect edges of the cranial opening; multiple fixation channels formed within the contoured shell, such that each channel extends from an exterior surface of the contoured shell into a peripheral edge; and one or more drain ports formed within the contoured shell, as well as a kit including the custom cranial implant, a method of manufacturing the implant, and a method of surgically implanting the implant.

Abstract: A device, for example a medical implant, and a method of making the same, the device having a metal or metal alloy substrate, for example cobalt chrome, and a diffusion hardened metallic surface, for example a plasma carburized surface, contacting a non-diffusion hardened surface or a diffusion hardened surface having a diffusion hardening species different from that of the opposing surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of this application relate to the use of porous coating implants to repair soft tissue injuries. Implant frames are coated with a porous coating, such as a titanium porous coating, for example, on both the bone-facing and the soft tissue-facing sides of the implant. The implant may then be sandwiched between the bone and soft tissue so that the bone grows into one side, and the soft tissue grows into the other side.

Abstract: The orthopedic implant locking system may include an eccentric tibial stem having an engagement rod selectively threadingly engageable with a tibial baseplate, a lock housing securable in rotatable and substantial vertical constrained relation relative to the tibial stem, and an extension lock selectively threadingly engageable with the lock housing and including an inner passage keyed to selectively slidably engage the engagement rod in flush engagement therewith. The extension lock may extend or contract in response to rotational movement of the lock housing simultaneously while the extension lock remains in substantial non-rotatable relation relative to the tibial stem.

Abstract: A joint replacement implant is disclosed. The implant includes a body having a bone contact surface and an articulation surface. An expandable stem extends longitudinally from the bone contact surface. The expandable stem includes a plurality of flanges. The plurality of flanges are expandable from a first diameter to a second diameter to anchor the implant to a bone.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant including a first wall comprised of a male portion and a female portion in telescoping engagement with each other and a second wall comprised of a plurality of links, wherein the first wall and second wall are coupled to each other by hinges at each of the leading and trailing ends of the implant. The expandable implant is configured to be inserted into a disc space in a collapsed, narrow profile configuration and then unilaterally expanded in an anterior or posterior direction to a fully expanded, larger foot print configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to spinal implants, systems, apparatuses, and components thereof that can be used in spinal fusion and/or stabilization procedures, as well as methods of installation. The spinal implants may include an intervertebral spacer and a plate member.

Abstract: A bone stabilization plate system. The bone stabilization plate system includes a base plate configured to fit primarily between an anterior portion of a first bone's lip osteophyte and an anterior portion of a second, adjacent bone's lip osteophyte. The bone stabilization plate system includes a plurality of bone screws configured to fit in respective bone screw holes in the base plate to secure the base plate.

Abstract: An implant extraction device and method are provided that are designed for the direct anterior approach method of hip implant removal. The device includes a proximal end having a first aperture for receiving the neck of a femoral implant, and a second aperture through which a clamp shaft is delivered on an axis approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first aperture. An arcuate column extends from the proximal end. The shape of the arcuate column effectively orients the extraction device and an attachable impaction frame relative to one another such that the force applied to the frame to remove the implant is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hip implant, thus minimizing the likelihood of damage to the femur bone caused by excessive or unbalanced forces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a system and method for facilitating the fusion of two vertebral bodies utilizing an oblique lateral surgical trajectory. Certain embodiments disclose a method for a surgical approach into one or more interbody spaces between two vertebral bodies on a trajectory through Kambin's Triangle. Certain embodiments of the invention include a method to open a pathway into a target area between two vertebral bodies of the spine using a series of one or more dilators. Certain embodiments of the invention comprise a system for placing an expandable interbody cage between two vertebral bodies. Certain embodiments of the invention incorporate a series of instruments to deliver an expandable interbody cage.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for performing cartilage graft implant surgeries. The apparatus comprises a graft plug kit comprising one or more grafts configured to treat osteochondral defects in various bone joint locations in a patient's body. Each of the grafts comprises a cartilage layer coupled with a bone portion. The cartilage layer comprises a thickness selected to closely match the thickness of existing cartilage at an implant location. The bone portion comprises surface features configured to encourage the patient's bone tissue to grow into the bone portion, thereby accelerating incorporation of the graft into the patient's bone. An instrument kit comprises a multiplicity of instruments configured for implantation of the grafts into the patient's body, including at least a graft inserter, a guidewire, a reamer, and a size gauge.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for a prosthetic foot configured to attach to a residual limb, comprising an upper member, a lower member and compression torsion joint. The upper member comprises an upper flange, a mating post, and mounting portion configured to attach to the residual limb. The lower member comprises a mating portion, a lower flange, and a mounting portion configured to attach to the prosthetic foot. The compression torsion joint couples the upper member to the lower member and is configured to limit the vertical movement and torsional movement of the upper member with respect to the lower member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to drug eluting stents, methods of making, using, and verifying long-term stability of the drug eluting stents, and methods for predicting long term stent efficacy and patient safety after implantation of a drug eluting stent. In one embodiment, a drug eluting stent may include a stent framework; a drug-containing layer; a drug embedded in the drug-containing layer; and a biocompatible base layer disposed over the stent framework and supporting the drug-containing layer. The drug-containing layer may have an uneven coating thickness. In addition or in alternative, the drug-containing layer may be configured to significantly dissolve/dissipate/disappear between 45 days and 60 days after stent implantation. Stents of the present disclosure may reduce, minimize, or eliminate patient risks associated with the implantation of a stent, including, for example, restenosis, thrombosis, and/or MACE.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a highly conformable stent graft with an optional portal for a side branch device. Said stent graft comprises a graft being supported by a stent, wherein said stent comprises undulations each which comprise apices in opposing first and second directions and a tape member attached to said stent and to said graft such that the tape member edge is aligned to the edge of the apices in the first direction of the each of the undulations, thus confining the apices in the first direction of the undulations to the graft and wherein the apices in the second direction of the undulation are not confined relative to the graft; wherein said graft forms unidirectional pleats where longitudinally compressed and wherein said apices in the first direction of said undulation is positioned under an adjacent pleat when compressed. The invention also discloses and claims methods of making and using said highly conformable stent graft and method of making the optional portal.

Abstract: A multi-element, bioresorbable, vascular stent may be used to maintain or enhance patency of a blood vessel. The stent may be used in peripheral blood vessels, which may be long and/or tortuous. By using multiple, separate stent elements that are balloon expandable, the multi-element stent may be stronger than a traditional self-expanding stent but may also be more flexible, due to its multiple-element configuration, than a traditional balloon-expandable stent. Thus, the multi-element, bioresorbable, vascular stent described herein may be particularly advantageous for treating long lesions in tortuous peripheral blood vessels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus. The apparatus includes a solid wire and a delivery catheter. The solid wire being provided with one or more retention mechanisms at a proximal end, a distal end, or both. The delivery catheter being capable of maintaining the one or more retention mechanisms in a delivery configuration. The one or more retention mechanisms are configured to expand to a deployed configuration upon removal of the delivery catheter.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a stent assembly comprising a stent; a swellable coating disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of the stent; optionally, a carrier dispersed in the swellable coating and/or disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of the stent; and an active agent comprised in at least one of the swellable coating or the carrier, if present. Use of the stent assembly as a ureteric stent, and method of preparing a stent assembly are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide end to end stabilization support to the operational catheter and reduce the need to stabilize or push from the lateral wall of the aorta during coronary interventions. This reduces the potential for stroke from plaque breaking off the wall of the aorta during intervention procedures. A support and stabilization wire having one end at the femoral percutaneous access and the second end at a radial percutaneous access is established for end to end stabilization. A bifurcated catheter having a wide lumen for procedural catheters and a narrow lumen for the support wire or catheter is advanced over the support wire to the aortic arch. A procedural catheter and a variety of different shaped guide wires may be deployed from the wide lumen of the bifurcated catheter into the right or left coronary artery to accommodate a range of aortic anatomical considerations during the coronary interventions.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant includes a circumferentially adjustable sealing collar and a rotatable sealer gear. The sealing collar has a central longitudinal axis. The rotatable sealer gear is coupled to and disposed within the sealing collar and configured to adjust the circumference of the sealing collar. The sealer gear is radially offset relative to the central longitudinal axis of the sealing collar. Rotating the sealer gear in a first direction relative to the sealing collar circumferentially expands the sealing collar. Rotating the sealer gear in a second direction relative to the sealing collar circumferentially contracts the sealing collar.

Abstract: A stent delivery system can include a core member, an introducer sheath, and a microcatheter. The core member can have a first section and a second section distal to the first section. The second section can have a bending stiffness per unit length that is less than a bending stiffness per unit length of the first section. The introducer sheath can have a lumen configured to receive the core member therethrough. The introducer sheath can have a length of at least about 80 cm. The microcatheter can have a lumen and a proximal end configured to interface with a distal end of the introducer sheath for delivering the core member into the microcatheter lumen.

Abstract: A biocompatible implant for a method of treating a reflux disease in a patient by preventing the cardia sphincter from sliding through the patient's diaphragm hiatus opening into the patient's thorax, so as to maintain a pressure support from the patient's abdomen that supports the patient's cardia sphincter. The biocompatible implant has a rigid shape, a circumference of at least 15 mm and is configured to be introduced into the patient's abdomen through a trocar, be fully invaginatable in the patient's fundus wall, and function as an implantable movement restricting device preventing the cardia sphincter from sliding through the patient's diaphragm, when implanted.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for delivering a device assembly into a gastric or other space within the body, allowing the device to expand to occupy volume within the gastric space and, after an effective period of time, delivering a substance or stimulus to begin breakdown of the expanded device so that it may release from the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dynamic correction splint (1) with two splint parts (5, 6) connected to each other via a joint (2). Spring bases (25, 26) of a spring device (27) are each coupled to a splint part (5, 6) in such a way that pivoting the splint parts (5, 6) leads to an altered biasing of the spring device (27). The spring device (27) exerts a correction moment onto the splint parts (5, 6) acting in the direction of a correction position of the splint parts (5, 6). The spring device (27) is configured and coupled to the splint parts (5, 6) in such a way that the absolute value of the correction moment increases as the correction position of the splint parts (5, 6) is approached. It is possible that a switching mechanism (40) is present. The switching mechanism (40) is actuated in a motion-controlled way by the pivoting of the splint parts (5, 6) and at its actuation changes the coupling of the splint parts (5, 6) with the spring device (27).

Abstract: An orthopedic device has a rigid or semi-rigid frame element defining opposed first and second sides, and is adapted to extend about at least a portion of a limb. The device includes straps formed from a variety of segments having stretchable and substantially inelastic segments. The straps adjustably secure to the frame element, and stretch relative thereto. The device also includes a central strap pad arranged to connect two straps together such that a first strap of the two straps is movable relative to a second strap, and the first and second straps are maintained diagonal relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention provides an adhesive support article for supporting a body part of a user. A single-sided stretchable adhesive tape blank is precut into a sheet having a central anchoring portion and a plurality of outwardly extending fingers. The sheet is marked with visual indicators to guide the user of the support article for applying the central anchoring portion onto a first exterior surface of the body part and for stretching the fingers before adhering them at a predetermined distance away from the central anchoring portion. The adhesive support article can also be provided in a support system with at least one corresponding body landmark article, providing further guidance for applying the support article to the desired body part.

Abstract: An ankle and foot orthodic device has an insole. An ankle support is positioned under the insole and extending up above a foot and proximate an ankle of a user.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is arranged as a lightweight ankle-foot orthosis providing dynamic support for drop foot or related disorders requiring dorsiflexion. The orthopedic device includes a main support adapted to secure about a lower leg, a strap assembly having a first portion coupling to the main support, and a second portion arranged to be drawn therefrom, and an anchor for receiving and attaching to the second portion of the strap assembly. The location of the anchor along a foot component enables increased medial-lateral control, and the arrangement of the strap assembly permits dorsiflexion during swing phase of a user's gait.

Abstract: An elbow brace for use by athletes or others requiring protection and support of the elbow. The elbow brace includes a base and a tension member. The base is comprised of elastic material and configured to closely fit around the elbow. A tension member having upper and lower pairs of tensioning straps is fastened to the interior surface of the base, with the tensioning straps extending through upper and lower apertures in the base for detachable attachment to the exterior surface of the base. The tension member may include an anchor portion made of material that stretches in multiple directions, and strap portions that stretch primarily lengthwise.

Abstract: An orthopedic device comprises a main body defining an outer surface and a cuff extending from an end portion of the main body with frictional material disposed on an inner surface of the first cuff. A hinge is connected to the main body and terminates along the main body short of the cuff. The cuff is arranged to fold over the outer surface of the main body in a disengaged configuration, such that the outer surface of the first cuff is adjacently against the outer surface of the main body.

Abstract: A back brace comprising: a pelvic member configured to be secured to a user such that said pelvic member is essentially immobilized relative to the pelvis of said user; a thoracic member configured to around the user such that said thoracic member is essentially immobilized relative to the thorax of said user; and one or more compliant connectors between said pelvic member and said thoracic member and configured to provide a resistive force between said pelvic member and said at least one thoracic member.

Abstract: Provided is a cervical brace. The cervical brace according to the present invention may include an upper support that supports and covers a jaw of a wearer, a lower support supported by being pressed against shoulders around the neck of the wearer, a rear support that is positioned behind the upper support and the lower support and supports the rear of the wearer's neck, and a height adjuster including a body installed at one side surface of the upper support, a connecting member formed to extend from one surface of the lower support toward the body, and a rotating member that is installed at one side of the body such that the connecting member penetrates and rotates about the connecting member in both directions, wherein the body of the height adjuster moves upward and downward along the connecting member according to a rotating direction of the rotating member and thus the upper support moves upward and downward with respect to the lower support.

Abstract: A sling of a portable traction device cradles a user's head primarily at the back and lower part of the skull. The sling is attached to at least one shock cord. The at least one shock cords is also anchored to a structure, such as a closed door at the hinged side of the door, between the door and door frame, using an anchor, at a height, to generate a tension vector at an acute angle relative to the floor. The tension applies cervical traction.

Abstract: An exemplary method treating an erectile dysfunction condition in a patient includes 1) generating, by an electroacupuncture device implanted beneath a skin surface of the patient, stimulation sessions at a duty cycle that is less than 0.05, and 2) applying, by the electroacupuncture device in accordance with the duty cycle, the stimulation sessions to a target tissue location within the patient by way of an electrode array located within the patient at an acupoint corresponding to the target tissue location.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated, pre-programmed or custom-made Anterior Guidance Package (AGP) including a maxillary guidance component and a mandibular guidance component configured to attach to respective maxillary and mandibular retention pieces, wherein the maxillary guidance component and mandibular guidance component are configured to function against each other to provide anterior guidance to a mandible of a user.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices that aid a user in ceasing bruxism. The devices may be placed between a user's teeth, such as during sleep, and alert the user when the user clenches his/her teeth. In an aspect, a device includes a housing containing a battery power source, a vibration device, and an electrical contact mechanism having a movable element which closes a circuit to actuate the vibration device. A disk-shaped portion adapted to be emplaced in a person's mouth between a cheek and adjacent teeth is disposed around the housing. A resilient bite portion extends from the housing and is adapted to be emplaced between upper and lower teeth. A compressible element is disposed in the bite portion and causes the movable element of the electrical contact to close to actuate the vibration device in response to compression of the bite portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for manipulating the temperature of a surface are provided. Devices of the present disclosure may include a thermal adjustment apparatus, such as a controller in electrical communication with one or more thermoelectric materials, placed adjacent to the surface of skin. The device may generate a series of thermal pulses at the surface, for providing an enhanced thermal sensation for a user. The thermal pulses may be characterized by temperature reversibility, where each pulse includes an initial temperature adjustment, followed by a return temperature adjustment, over a short period of time (e.g., less than 120 seconds). The average rate of temperature change upon initiation and upon return may be between about 0.100/sec and about 1 OOC/sec. In some cases, the average rate of the initial temperature adjustment is greater in magnitude than the average rate of the return temperature adjustment.

Abstract: A thermal system includes a thermal control unit adapted to supply temperature controlled fluid to one or more thermal pads. The thermal pads may include an interior chamber for fluid circulation, an inlet and an outlet, and first and second temperature sensors positioned adjacent the inlet and outlet, respectively. Some pads include a valve adapted to control an amount of fluid flowing through one or more channels within the pad. The thermal control unit may include a controller that controls the fluid temperature based upon temperature readings from first and second temperature sensors positioned remotely from the thermal control unit. The thermal control unit may also include a valve that selectively controls the amount of fluid exiting the thermal control from one or more outlets based upon one or more temperature readings. The system may include one or more thermocouples with conductors placed on or in the thermal pads.

Abstract: A thermal pad for controlling a patient's temperature includes first and second chambers defined between interior and exterior layers. The first chamber circulates a temperature controlled fluid from a first inlet to a first outlet. The second chamber is in fluid communication with a port and a plurality of holes defined in the interior layer. Pressurized gas supplied to the second chamber is vented onto the patient to control the microclimate between the patient's skin and the thermal pad. An additional third chamber is provided in some embodiments that urges the thermal pad into contact with the patient when subjected to negative gauge pressure. In other embodiments, a negative gauge pressure chamber is allowed to partially inflate in order to urge the thermal pad into contact with the patient.