Abstract: A stent delivery system is provided that includes an inner elongate shaft with a lumen and an outer elongate shaft with a lumen, where the inner elongate shaft coaxially extends at least partially within the lumen of the outer elongate shaft. The stent delivery system also a pull member movably disposed along the the inner elongate shaft and first and second restraining members removably secured to the pull member. The stent delivery system also includes a self-expanding stent having an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, where the first restraining member is secured to a first portion of the self-expanding stent and the second restraining member is secured to a second portion of the self-expanding stent, thereby securing the self-expanding stent about the outer elongate shaft. Movement of the inner and elongate shafts relative to each other in a first direction applies a tension to the first and second restraining members to move the self-expanding stent to the collapsed configuration.

Abstract: Methods for delivering a vascular prosthesis to a treatment site of a subject include advancing the vascular prosthesis, rotating a proximal handle in a first direction about a handle body, shifting the position of a first locking component securing the proximal handle to the push rod from a first position to a second position, rotating the proximal handle in a second direction, releasing the proximal end of the prosthesis from the apex delivery device, shifting the second locking component to disengage the push rod from the handle body; and withdrawing the push rod and the guidewire catheter from within the prosthesis, thereby delivering the vascular prosthesis to the treatment site.

Abstract: A support for an area of a body having a hinge joint includes: a flexible, elastically stretchable framework configured to extend across the hinge joint of the area of the body; and a hinge mechanism affixed to the framework. The hinge mechanism includes a strut component and a first arm component connected to the strut component such that the first arm component is rotatable relative to the strut component only about a first pivot axis. A second arm component is connected to the strut component such that the second arm component is rotatable relative to the strut component only about a second pivot axis. The strut component is configured to extend with the framework across the hinge joint such that the first pivot axis is located on a first side of the hinge joint and the second pivot axis is located on a second, opposite side of the hinge joint.

Abstract: A material includes a support layer comprising a single layer of woven fabric less than 30 mils thick. The support layer includes a plurality of anatomical supports each having a pair of substantially straight sides and rounded end portions and all of a substantially same size and shape. Each of the plurality of anatomical supports is at least partially disconnected from a remaining portion of the support layer. The support layer has a ratio of elongation to tensile strength (lb/in-width) that is less than 0.9 in at least one direction. The material additionally includes an adhesive layer on said support layer for adhesive attachment of said support layer to the outer skin surface of a user and a removable cover layer on said adhesive layer. The plurality of the anatomical supports in the support layer is attached to an at least partially continuous portion of the removable cover layer.

Abstract: The therapeutic pants include at least one cushion that orients the user's leg(s), hip(s), or lower back in a particular alignment. For example, the cushion may be positioned between the user's legs to align the hips or behind the user's leg to elevate the knee or ankle. The therapeutic pants may include one or more retaining pockets configured to retain one or more cushions. In some embodiments, the cushions are removable from the retaining pockets. In some embodiments, at least one retaining pocket and at least one cushion are positioned along the medial (i.e., inner) side of each pant leg. The pant material that extends vertically along one or both lateral sides of each leg can be detachably secured, allowing the therapeutic pants to be readily and repeatedly equipped and removed.

Abstract: Lower back braces and materials for braces having an elastic base and inelastic strands or tightening mechanism(s) are provided. An elastic base material could be made effectively inelastic by tightening an inelastic cord that extends across the elastic base material. Additionally or alternatively, an elastic base material could include one or more inelastic strands that define one or more inelastic compression zones in an otherwise elastic base.

Abstract: An expandable collecting bag is provided. The collecting bag can be used in an ostomy appliance and has a cap portion and an expandable portion. The expandable portion is folded inside the cap portion with the outer surfaces facing each other. The cap portion is folded over and envelopes the expandable portion with the inner surfaces facing each other. A method for producing a collecting bag is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and/or nasal drainage. One apparatus includes an upper member fitting the interior and exterior surfaces of a user's upper dentition, and a lower member fitting similarly adjacent a user's lower dentition. The lower member includes molar extensions projecting away from the lower member. The upper member includes upper molar extensions projecting away from the upper member and toward the lower molar extensions so that when the user bites or clenches, the upper right and lower right extensions impinge on one another in substantially overlapping fashion, as do the molar upper left and lower left extensions. The upper and lower members have an anterior shape to form a gap sufficient for the user's tongue to extend into the gap, and each molar extension may include a magnet. Methods of using the apparatus and kits to reduce sleep apnea, snoring, and/or nasal drainage.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal and for delivering an ocular device, tool, or fluid composition therein. The ocular devices may maintain the patency of Schlemm's canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. Some systems described here may be configured to cut or tear the trabecular meshwork with the body of an elongate member located within Schlemm's canal. Other tools for disrupting these tissues and minimally invasive methods for treating medical conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, including glaucoma, are also described.

Abstract: An eyedropper (2, 102) having improved stability is provided for administering a volume of liquid onto the surface of an eye (57). The eyedropper (2, 102) includes a body (4, 104) having a reservoir body (18, 118), a first foot (14, 114), a second foot (16, 116), and a nozzle (26, 126). The nozzle (26, 126) is in fluid communication with the internal cavity (24, 124) of the reservoir body (18, 118) and projecting from an outer surface (20, 120) of the reservoir body (18, 118) between the first and second feet (14, 16, 114, 116). The first and second feet (14, 16, 114, 116) are separated by a distance that is at least equal to the height of the eyedropper (2, 102). In preferred embodiments, the distance between the first and second feet (14, 16, 114, 116) is greater than the height of the reservoir body (18, 118).

Abstract: Systems and methods to treat a region of a cornea of an eye having an epithelial layer disposed over a stromal layer. The system comprises a device to map a thickness of the epithelial layer over the region of the cornea to generate a map of epithelial thickness over the region, and a laser to generate a laser beam of an ablative radiation. A movable scan component is coupled to the laser to scan the laser beam over the region. A processor system is coupled to the laser and the movable scan component, and the processor system is configured to arrange pulses of laser beam to ablate the epithelial layer of the region in response to the map of epithelial thickness.

Abstract: Providing neuroprotective therapy for glaucoma includes generating a micropulsed laser light beam having parameters and characteristics, including pulse length, power, and duty cycle, selected to create a therapeutic effect with no visible laser lesions or tissue damage to the retina. The laser light beam is applied to retinal and/or foveal tissue of an eye having glaucoma or a risk of glaucoma to create a therapeutic effect to the retinal and/or foveal tissue exposed to the laser light beam without destroying or permanently damaging the retinal and/or foveal tissue and improve function or condition of an optic nerve and/or retinal ganglion cells of the eye.

Abstract: An earmuffs system for noise reduction including an external microphone used in combination with active noise cancellation technology for the reduction of wind or other noises typically experienced while riding a vehicle such as a motorcycle, snow machine or ATV, the earmuffs system including a first earmuff including a first speaker and a first microphone therein; a second earmuff electrically coupled to the first ear muff, the second ear muff including a second speaker and a second microphone therein; noise cancellation circuitry for receiving first sounds from the first microphone and the second microphone and processing the first sounds by in part canceling the first sounds to form a first sound output that is provided from the first speaker and the second speaker; and a third microphone placed external to the first earmuff and to the second earmuff, the third microphone supplying second sounds for the first speaker and the second speaker to output as a second sound output without the second sounds underg

Abstract: A combined compression and absorption dressing/bandage, which includes a short stretch compression bandage and at least one absorptive wound dressing comprising at least one absorbent layer of a non-woven fabric of any one or more of cotton, viscose and polyester fibers, the absorbent layer having an operative inner face and an operative outer face, the at least one wound dressing being bonded to the short stretch compression bandage with its inner face towards the bandage and the outer face facing away from the bandage.

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 device for protecting against microbial infection includes a cover having a concave interior surface and a convex exterior surface. The device further includes an adhesive flange for affixing the cover to a patient's skin. A membrane extends across at least a portion of the interior surface of the cover for retaining an antimicrobial compound between the membrane and the interior surface of the cover. The membrane is permeable to the antimicrobial compound so that the antimicrobial compound is released through the membrane over time.

Abstract: A backing sheet for use in a wound dressing, comprising a semipermeable continuous film laminated to an adhesive-coated apertured layer, wherein the apertured layer comprises a solid substrate coated with a medically acceptable adhesive. Also provided is a method of making a backing sheet for use in a wound dressing, said method comprising the steps of: forming an adhesive-coated apertured layer by coating a medically acceptable adhesive onto an apertured solid substrate, followed by laminating the adhesive-coated apertured layer to a semipermeable continuous film.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for moving and/or transferring discrete articles are described. In particular, the methods and apparatuses relate to flexible arrangements to move and/or transfer discrete articles that vary in size and/or shape with minimal to no change in equipment.

Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.

Abstract: A diaper includes a medical pad including a piece of substrate with a major surface and an electric circuit on the major surface, a sensor connected with the electric circuit for measuring the electrical resistance of the electric circuit, and a wireless data transceiver or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag electrically connected with the sensor for receiving results of the measuring from the sensor for subsequent transmission. The system carries out real time self-calibration to adaptively monitor the condition of the medical pad even in the face of changing environment and changing material properties.

Abstract: Absorbent articles of the disclosure may comprise first and second belt webs, a folded fastening tab member comprising first and second fastening elements, first and second landing zones, and laterally opposing permanent side seams directly or refastenably joining the first and second belt webs. The fastening tab member may be joined to the first and second fastening elements. And, the absorbent article may be packaged in refastenably closed form.

Abstract: A lifesaving kit is disclosed. The kit includes a body that can be attached to a cellular phone. A compartment is disposed on the body and contains an article of medical paraphernalia. The compartment has a closed condition and an open condition. An electronics system is configured to provide instructions on how to utilize the medical paraphernalia. A method of using the lifesaving kit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a wheelchair may include a hand grip having a continuous track that moves over a drive rotator. The hand grip may have a flat, top surface that extends ventrally from the wheelchair. The drive mechanism may include a drivetrain connected to the drive rotator, such that movement of the hand grip in a dorsal or a ventral direction causes the drive rotator to rotate, and such rotation actuates the drivetrain. The drive mechanism may further comprise a switch. When the switch is in a first position, actuation of the drivetrain drives the wheels of the wheelchair. When the switch is in a second position, actuation of the drivetrain drives a mechanism that lifts the wheelchair into a standing position.

Abstract: A motorized wheelchair for disabled or elderly users has a frame, a seat for the disabled driver, a handlebar, a motor provided with an acceleration apparatus, a wheel assembly and a braking apparatus of the wheels. The wheelchair has a dual-action control device that is capable of being interfaced with the acceleration apparatus of the motor and with the braking apparatus of the wheels.

Abstract: A system includes an adapter and a lock. The adapter includes a flexible collar and an attachment structure. The flexible collar is configured to at least partially surround a portion of the wheelchair such that the flexible collar engages the portion of the wheelchair and aids in preventing rotation of the adapter relative to the portion of the wheelchair. The attachment structure has a first arm attached to and extending from the flexible collar and a second arm attached to and extending from the flexible collar. The lock includes a body and a mounting platform attached thereto. The body of the lock is configured to engage the attachment structure to aid in maintaining the flexible collar in a closed position. The mounting platform has one or more coupling mechanisms attached thereto for use in removably mounting one or more accessories to the system.

Abstract: An electric bed includes a basic unit and a lift unit. The basic unit includes a base, a sliding frame supported on the base, a backrest frame pivotally connected to the sliding frame, a headrest frame pivotally connected to the backrest frame, and a restraint including an end pivotally connected to the base and another end pivotally connected to the backrest frame. The backrest frame includes a lug that includes a slot. The lift unit includes a power element pivotally connected to the sliding frame, a rod operatively connected to the power element, a backrest driver pivotally connected to the rod, a headrest driver pivotally connected to the backrest driver, a backrest lever for pivotally connecting the backrest driver to the backrest frame, a roller supported on the backrest lever, and a threaded bolt inserted in the backrest driver and the slot of the lug of the backrest frame.

Abstract: A bed includes a telescoping foot-end leg at a first end; a telescoping head-end leg at a second end opposite from the first end; a rotating frame that rotates on a lateral first axis extending between an upper portion of the foot-end leg and an upper portion of the head-end leg; and a tilting frame supported by the rotating frame. The rotating frame tilts on a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The tilting frame is configured to support the patient's entire body. The foot-end leg and the head-end leg are configured to be telescoped while the patient is on the bed such that the height of the foot-end leg is lower than the height of the head-end leg and a slope of the first axis is at least 15 degrees.

Abstract: A kit comprising a base module, a plurality of rodded oral care devices, a hanger, a support element that hangs from the hanger, and a non-electronic multi-input multi-display counter is disclosed herein. The support element for supporting each rodded oral care device of the plurality of devices. Embodiments relate to fluid loading/unloading mechanism involving elements of the base module. The non-electronic multi-input multi-display counter may be used to track different types of oral care operations, e.g. at least some of which are performed using the base module and/or a rodded oral care device. Related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-degree-of-freedom planar rehabilitating, monitoring and/or evaluating device comprising a first guiding mechanism (2), a second guiding mechanism (3), substantially parallel to the first guiding mechanism (2), a third guiding mechanism (4), substantially perpendicular to the first and second guiding mechanisms (2, 3), and an end-effector (5), wherein the third guiding mechanism (4) is connected to the first and second guiding mechanisms (2, 3), and wherein the end-effector (5) is connected to the third guiding mechanism (4). The present invention also relates to a two-degree-of-freedom planar rehabilitating, monitoring and/or evaluating interactive device adapted for rehabilitation, monitoring and/or assessment of the upper limbs of a subject, comprising said device.

Abstract: A mouse-type rehabilitation exercise device includes a mouse body on which a hand is mounted, a wheel moving the mouse body, a first motor aligning a position of the wheel such that the mouse body moves to a desired direction, a second motor rotating the wheel such that the wheel aligned by the first motor moves to a desired position, a clutch disposed between the second motor and the wheel to enable and disable a power transmitting to the wheel from the second motor, and a controller controlling a driving of the first motor, the second motor, and the clutch.

Abstract: A system for patient rehabilitation includes a first movable frame including an articulating bed, wherein the bed is configured to be selectively articulated to an inclined position, a suspension system, wherein the suspension system is disposed within the articulating bed and is selectively adjustable to accommodate varying patient height, a harness, wherein the harness is selectively engageable with the suspension system, wherein the harness is selectively adjustable to accommodate varying patient sizes, a second movable frame including a walker, wherein the walker includes a pair of legs and a motor, wherein approximation of the two movable frames permits the patient to easily utilize the walker from the bed.

Abstract: A method, performed by a mobile device, for assisting blind or visually impaired users navigate a room or a new and unfamiliar environment. The method includes blind user acquiring one or more images using a mobile device and invoking processing algorithms. Processing algorithms include one of Multi View Stereo and Structure from Motion, whereby algorithms construct a 3D representation of the environment being imaged. Further algorithms are applied to identify and assign attributes to objects in the imaged environment. The 3D representation is responsive to mobile device orientation. The environment is presented to the user via a touch screen, enabling the user to virtually explore the environment using touch, whereby objects being touched are identified, and associated with dimensional and other attributes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interactive treatments of female sexual disorders are presented. A programmable sexual stimulation device is provided, which transmits and receives data relating to the use and function of the device. The sexual stimulation device may be programmed to implement a particular combination of mechanical actions which have been customized by a user or a health care professional involved in the treatment or preference of the user. The device may also collect data on the type of mechanical actions input by the user and transmit the data to a remote location for viewing by the user or the healthcare professional. The device may also communicate with external devices which aid in the treatment programs, such as audio or image display devices which can coordinate the function of the sexual stimulation device with the presentation of audio or visual information to provide additional sources of sexual arousal to the user.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to generate stimulation control signals in response to a detection of a respiratory disorder. The system further includes at least one kinesthetic effector with a vibrating electromechanical transducer applied to a site on a patient's skin for delivering a kinesthetic stimulation energy determined by the control signals. The processor is further configured to determine the effectiveness of a stimulation by detecting a cessation of the respiratory disorder. The processor is further configured to extend the stimulation control signals for a determined duration following the cessation of the respiratory disorder.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for providing air and water to hot tub jets. The present teachings include jet assemblies, manifold assemblies, and related components, as well as methods of assembling hot tubs involving these components. In some cases, the present teachings describe the use of dual extrusion tubing to route air and water through adjacent, connected fluid conduits. In some cases, the present teachings describe a “press-and-click” method of connecting various components.

Abstract: An exemplary method treating a cardiovascular disease 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 median nerve of the patient by way of an electrode array located within the patient at an acupoint corresponding to the median nerve.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes generating, by an electroacupuncture device implanted beneath a skin surface of a patient, stimulation sessions at a duty cycle that is less than 0.05, and applying, by the electroacupuncture device in accordance with the duty cycle, the stimulation sessions to a location within the patient. A primary battery located within the electroacupuncture device and having an internal impedance greater than 5 ohms is configured to provide operating power to pulse generation circuitry within the electroacupuncture device.

Abstract: An acupressure walking machine for applying pressure to foot reflex zones is disclosed. The present invention relates to an acupressure walking machine for applying pressure to foot reflex zones, the walking machine additionally providing an embossing belt, which is made from an elastic material and circulating in a caterpillar form, to the lower side of a running belt circulating in a caterpillar form so as to restrain acupressure stones from rapidly gathering at a curved turning section, such that the uniform dispersion of the acupressure stones is induced, thereby uniformly distributing the acupressure stones placed on the running belt.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor comprises a housing configured to couple the adaptor with a vial, an access channel, a regulator channel, and a regulator assembly. The access channel is configured to facilitate withdrawal of fluid from the vial when the adaptor is coupled to the vial. The regulator channel is configured to facilitate a flow of a regulating fluid from the regulator assembly to compensate for changes in volume of a medical fluid in the vial. The regulator assembly can include a valve configured to transition between a closed configuration and an opened configuration.

Abstract: Liquid drug transfer devices with universal drug vial adapters for use with a drug vial of a small drug vial and a large drug vial. Some universal drug vial adapters employ the same generally opposite upright flex members for clamping a small drug vial and a large drug vial. Other universal drug vial adapters include a set of minor flex members for clamping a small drug vial and a set of major flex members encircling the set of minor flex members for clamping a large drug vial whereupon the large drug vial underlies the set of minor flex members. Liquid drug transfer devices with a universal injection port connector for attachment on an injection port of an infusion bag.

Abstract: A steam or reactant system is provided for a roller compactor to provide improved compaction or functional characteristic of powdered materials, such as active pharmaceutical ingredients. The steam or reactants can be added through conduits terminating in nozzles adjacent the nip zone of the compaction rollers. The injection nozzles can be directed tangentially from the above the rollers or laterally from the sides of the rollers. In one embodiment, the moisture is in the form of steam. The resulting compacting sheet has improved compaction characteristics and reduced compression variability.

Abstract: A system for dispensing pills using a mobile device. The system comprises an expansion case, a pill container, and a dispensing mechanism. The expansion case defines a mobile device compartment configured to receive the mobile device. The expansion case further includes a communication module configured to receive a dispensing signal from the mobile device. The pill container is configured to hold a plurality of pills. The dispensing mechanism is configured to dispense a predetermined number of pills from the pill container in response to the dispensing signal.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a housing having a base and an outer shell, which forms a proximal cavity and a distal cavity joined by a canal; an inner housing configured for longitudinal movement within the distal cavity; a seal positioned within the distal cavity that together with the longitudinal movement of the inner housing regulates the flow of fluid through the valve assembly; and one or more selected from the group consisting of the base notched with one or more notches and the inner housing having one or more through slots aligned to permit access to the one or more notches, the seal being a reversibly deformable sealing pin, and a torque limiter mechanism configured to resist the longitudinal movement of the inner housing distally until a sufficient radial force is applied.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing the appearance of cellulite or improving the texture of skin in a target region of skin that has cellulite or rough skin texture, the method comprising topically applying a composition to the target region that includes an effective amount of a mixture of caffeine, escin, and an aqueous-alcoholic extract from Ascophyllum nodosum, wherein topical application of the composition reduces the appearance of cellulite or improves the texture of the skin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing hydrogel particles including the steps of: solidifying an aqueous solution in which a gel agent forming a non-crosslinked hydrogel is dissolved and which has a gel point of 30° C. or more by putting the aqueous solution into a liquid phase having a temperature of equal to or lower than the gel point; and crushing a solidified product obtained by solidifying the aqueous solution in which the gel agent is dissolved.

Abstract: Active ingredient capsules are proposed which are obtainable by, with the input of mechanical and thermal energy, (a) dissolving and/or dispersing proteins, polysaccharides and cellulose derivatives in water, (b) adding the active ingredients to be encapsulated, (c) hardening the resulting coacervates with the addition of tannins and optionally (d) then subjecting them to a spray drying.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particularly storage-stable and thixotropically stable dental prophylaxis paste for professional tooth cleaning which is very easy to use and thoroughly cleans and polishes the teeth of the patient and causes little abrasion of natural tooth substance. Such a dental prophylaxis paste may comprise: a.) a base component comprising water and humectant, b.) a cleaning body comprising a compound based on calcium phosphate in combination with pumice, c.) a buffer component, d.) a component for controlling the rheology, e.) an additive component selected from the group consisting of stabilizers, dyes, pigments and fluoridation agents, and, as wetting agent, f.) has exclusively one or more amphoteric surfactant(s), where the buffer component c.) is based on hydrogen phosphate and keeps the pH of the prophylaxis paste, measured in a 10% suspension (w/w) of the paste in water against a pH electrode, between 7 and 8.

Abstract: Provided is a single phase oral care composition having a whitening agent; a first abrasive selected from calcium pyrophosphate, calcium carbonate, and dicalcium phosphate; a second abrasive that may include sodium metaphosphate; an anticalculus agent; and a substantially anhydrous carrier that may include an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymer. In the composition, a wt % of the second abrasive is equal to or greater than a wt % of the first abrasive.

Abstract: The invention relates to flavor compositions comprising a mixture of coolant compounds comprising menthol and a menthane carboxamide selected from N-(4-cyanomethylphenyl) p-menthanecarboxamide, 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-N-(2-(pyridin-4-yl)ethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide, or a mixture of N-(4-cyanomethylphenyl) p-menthanecarboxamide and 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-N-(2-(pyridin-4-yl)ethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide, wherein the total amount of menthane carboxamide is about 0.1 to 10%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a subject afflicted with hyperpigmentation or of lightening the skin tone of a subject comprising administering to the subject an amount of a compound having the structure: or a salt or ester thereof, so as to thereby treat the subject or lighten the skin tone of the subject.