Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical support debridement platform for extremities of a human or mammal to assist a physician in treating such extremity. The platform generally includes a body member. The body member includes a bottom end and at least one side wall. The body member defines an interior volume for temporarily containing fluid. In operation, the extremity is positioned upon an upper surface of the platform to facilitate the process of debridement and lavage of extremities.

Abstract: A device is provided for supporting a portion of the upper body during forward lean. The device comprises a two pillars anchored to the ground or a stable platform. One or more linkage elements are connected between pillars. A support plate is slidably situated on the linkage elements approximately midway between the pillars. The support plate provides support to a user in the region of the user's breast plate. As the user leans forward, the lean forces are transferred through the linkage elements to the pillars, causing the pillars to flex, and thus provide support to the user. The height of the pillars and the stiffness of the flexible portion of the pillars are adjustable during the operation of the device.

Abstract: Method and devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include one or more individual fluid filled pods which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid pad localized along a central portion. Both the one or more pods and inner fluid pad are then enclosed entirely by another layer of fluid within an outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the fluid layers may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers and may restrict or limit the expansion or movement of the fluid pods and/or fluid pads.

Abstract: A tissue retention system to assist in maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient includes a flexible anchor pad having a pad length and a pad width. The anchor pad may include a pad body with an adhesive surface thereon, the adhesive being configured to selectively adhere to a patient's skin. The anchor pad also may include an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface. The tissue retention system also may include a flexible tension member having a second attachment surface.

Abstract: A modular sling and pillow system for setting an appropriate abduction angle and external rotation angle in a shoulder joint. The patient's forearm is secured in a sling. An abduction pillow is fastened to the patient's side, just above the waist and facing the elbow contained within the sling. An appropriate external rotation wedge is then attached to the abduction pillow. The external rotation wedge is preferably fastened to the abduction pillow using VELCRO fasteners so that it can be easily removed and replaced. The abduction pillow pivots the upper arm outward. The external rotation wedge rotates the upper arm by moving the wrist out away from the body. The sling is attached to the external rotation wedge so that an integral brace comprising the sling, the external rotation wedge, and the abduction pillow is created.

Abstract: A breast separator is provided that may comprise a top side; a bottom side; and a pair of lateral sides extending between the top side and the bottom side, the pair of lateral sides having concave edges partially surrounding openings, the openings adapted to receive a pair of breasts of a user; wherein the top side, the bottom side, and the pair of lateral sides are adapted to prevent the pair of breasts of the user from substantially moving outside of the openings when the user is laying on at least one of their side and their stomach.

Abstract: An arm tucking device for use with an operating room table. The arm tucking device includes a structural member and an elongate arm support member that is pivotally attached to the structural member. An angular locking mechanism adjustably fixes the angle between the arm support member and the structural member. The arm support member can be rotated toward the table from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes rehabilitation devices for physical therapy for injuries, and more particularly to a rehabilitation device for rehabilitating certain injuries or pathological conditions of the lower extremities of the hip, knee, ankle, foot, upper leg, lower leg, or other area.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device is disclosed. The exercise device can include a flexible substrate having a first end and a second end. At least one of the first end and the second end can be configured to move with respect to each other. The exercise device can also include a curved portion between the first end and the second end. The curved portion can be configured to flex upon application of a force to the flexible substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical fixture device, comprising a C- or U-shaped retaining bracket (2), which extends on a part of the outer circumference from a body part, is spaced apart therefrom and has at least one single pressure element (3) on the end of its first leg (21) and at least two pressure elements (3) on the end of its second leg (22). All pressure elements are pressed against or are partially pressed into the surface of the body part. According to the invention, the pressure elements are fastened to at least one of the two legs by means of in each case one head plate (4) which has at least two threaded bores (5) with in each case an internal thread, a hollow profile (41) which is oriented approximately transversely to the pressure elements being formed into said internal bores. Various types of retaining plates (6) can be slided or plugged into said hollow profile and are provided in each case with at least two threaded holes (5).

Abstract: A fixture for immobilizing an arm of a patient for insertion of a catheter for heart investigation and intervention. The fixture comprises a first portion (41) intended to be arranged at the upper arm (3), a second portion (42, 44, 45) intended to be arranged along the forearm and a third portion (43) intended to be arranged at the wrist with the wrist in an opened and twisted position. The second portion is divided into a first part (44) connected to the first portion (41) at an angle of about 150 degrees and a second part (45) connected to the third portion (43) at an angle of about 210 degrees. The first part (44) and the second part (45) are interconnected by a semi-bracelet (46) or a flexible strap (63). In this way, the first portion may be arranged at the inside of the elbow and the third portion may be arranged at the hand back at the opposite side of the arm. The fixture is attached to the arm via several flexible straps.

Abstract: A support and cushioning structure is disclosed. The support and cushioning structure is capable of supporting and cushioning the ankles in crossed-ankle positions. It includes a lower channel sized and positioned to allow a lower leg to pass through, and a top face with an elongate concave support for the calf of the upper leg and a symmetrical pair of concave ankle rests for the ankle of the upper leg. The support and cushioning structure may be comprised of a block of foam, such as urethane foam, and may be covered by a flexible cover.

Abstract: Realized is a pedal mechanism that does not lock and does not provide an operation feeling unless operated in a determined order. The pedal mechanism has first and second pedals 105 and 106, first and second plates 108 and 109, and a locking bar 115. The radius of the second plate 109 is smaller than that of the first plate 108, and the second plate does not come into contact with the locking bar in a state where a circular-arc region of the first plate supports the locking bar 115. Therefore, the second pedal does not give an operation feeling even when stepped on, and the second plate cannot be locked. In a locked state where the locking bar is located in a cutout region of the first plate, the locking bar contacts the second plate, the second pedal provides an operation feeling, and the second plate can be locked.

Abstract: The invention relates to a head support for stopping a snoring of a sleeping individual, comprising an arrangement of neighbored deforming elements for setting a height of the head support section by section, wherein the deforming elements are arranged to allow a tilting of a head resting on the head support in two directions perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A sitting tool includes a seat panel, which includes a first seating face and second seating face extending contiguously from the first seating face toward front of the sitting tool. The second seating face forms a step higher than the first seating face with its end face disposed on the side of the first seating face. When the first seating face supports the hips and the second seating face supports the upper thighs of sitting person, the step suppresses forward displacement of the ischiums of sitting person. The first seating face extends over the entire length of the seat panel in left-right direction of the sitting tool without interrupted by the step.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying the flexor retinaculum of the carpal tunnel, injecting an effective amount of an agent into at least a portion of flexor retinaculum or tissue adjacent thereto, wherein the agent is configured to weaken the flexor retinaculum. The system may further include means for increasing the tensile stress in the flexor retinaculum post-injection using hand exercises, thereby weakening its structural integrity and decreasing the pressure within the carpal tunnel that impairs median nerve function.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for use with a head fixation device allows for a stabilizing fixture, such as a rocker arm having a pair of skull pins, to be selectively secured so that the stabilizing fixture can be adjustably rotated to a desired position. In some version the locking apparatus includes a connector that is retained within an opening in a portion of the head fixation device. The connector can translate within the opening and is restricted from rotation. The translating of the connector permits the connector to engage an arch member that retains the stabilizing fixture. The engagement of the connector and arch member is accomplished, in some versions, by way of matching axial oriented toothed portions or starburst features. In some versions the teeth on the starburst features include a chamfer surface.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for maintaining a patient in a position in which the patient's torso can be moved during surgery, for example by which the sternum can be closed after open chest surgery. The device comprises two contact members for contacting a respective scapula and support means for maintaining the contact members in a grip position in which, in use, each contact member imparts a force on the respective scapula to close the patient's sternum.

Abstract: A method includes placing a patient's foot in a boot comprising a cam buckle, a pad, and a retention strap. The retention strap is placed over the top of the foot, and the pad is arranged relative to the top of the foot. Pressing on the pad positions the foot within the boot. While pressing on the pad, tension is applied on the retention strap to advance the retention strap through the cam buckle. The cam buckle is configured to automatically limit movement of the retention strap through the cam buckle when tension on the retention strap is released. Tension on the retention strap is released to cause the cam buckle to impede the retention strap from receding through the cam buckle.

Abstract: An extended flexible meshed enclosure is arranged between a patient's hand and a grooved support plate upstanding from the associated operating table to support the patient's hand during surgery of the patient's associated limb. To assist in holding the patient's fingers within the meshed enclosure, a hooked and looped strap is wrapped around the patient's finger and surrounding meshed enclosure.

Abstract: A patient interface system for scanning a volume of tissue protruding from a patient, the system comprising: a base including a planar portion configured to support the patient in a prone configuration, and a frustoconical portion extending from the planar portion and defining a base aperture configured to receive the volume of tissue; and a support assembly configured to couple to the base, including a frame and a membrane retained in tension within the frame at a peripheral portion of the membrane, wherein the membrane defines a membrane aperture configured to align with the base aperture, and wherein the membrane is configured to deflect into the frustoconical portion of the base in response to the patient's weight. The system can further include an electrical subsystem including a pressure sensor array configured to generate signals in response to a pressure distribution resulting from the patient's weight at the patient interface system.

Abstract: An apparatus for cochlear endoscopy is provided, comprising a noninvasive head holder with a frame to attach to a head, an otologic tool for examining or operating on an ear, and a manipulator for moving the otologic tool with a translation precision of better than or equal to 0.5 mm. The otologic tool comprises an endoscope.

Abstract: A pelvic therapy support device and method of supporting a patient's legs therewith while performing pelvic support therapy are provided. The device includes a center support, a support member coupled to the center support, and a pair of leg supports carried by the support member. Each of the leg supports is disposed on an opposite side of the center support. The leg supports are moveable independently from one another toward and away from the center support.

Abstract: Embodiments of a collagen-based ophthalmic interface for reducing patient eye movement are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ophthalmic interface serving as a partial barrier between a patient's eye and a surgical laser system includes an annular-shaped collagen-based shield configured to overlay the anterior surface of the eye. The shield is applied directly to the eye with an eyelid speculum, and reduces eye movement by adding friction to the surface of the eye. In another embodiment, a collagen-based material coats an attachment ring of a conical interface for coupling a patient's eye to a surgical laser system. The collagen-based coat glues the surface of the eye to the conical interface, reducing eye movement, and simultaneously eliminating the need for vacuum suction to hold the device in place. The gap in the middle of the annular-shaped collagen-coated attachment ring is filled with a liquid whose refractive index matches that of the cornea.

Abstract: A patient warming apparatus includes a compressible patient support pad and an electrically-resistive heating film disposed in conjunction with the compressible patient support pad that is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of a patient that is supported atop the compressible patient support pad. By one approach the electrically-resistive heating film comprises a substantially non-resilient, dead-foldable film substrate. By one approach the substantially non-resilient, dead-foldable film substrate comprises a polyimide cloth-like film having a conductive coating permanently adhered to one side thereof. This conductive coating can form two physically-separated electrodes. By one approach these electrodes need not be electrically coupled by conductive traces.

Abstract: A treatment system for a patient includes a treatment couch to position the patient. The treatment couch includes a couch top and one or more stages to pitch the couch top about a lateral axis and/or roll the couch top about a longitudinal axis, translate the couch top along lateral directions and/or longitudinal directions, rotate the couch top about a vertical axis, and translate the couch top along vertical directions.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and devices for reducing shoulder impingement for a person in a lying position. The device may comprise a generally tubular cuff having an inner radius defining an open passage through the cuff and extending from a proximal end to a distal end, an outer radius defining a sidewall thickness between the inner radius and the outer radius, and a length from the proximal end to the distal end. The outer diameter may be selected to provide a sidewall thickness that restricts movement of the arm such that shoulder flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, lateral rotation, and medial rotation are each limited.

Abstract: A perinatal care device provides a shield that is placed over the mother's lower thorax. The shield is generally in the shape of a part dome, with its rim extending towards the mother's head. Warm air is delivered to a manifold in or on the shield, from which it is distributed to the space between the shield and the mother's thorax. Thus, a region of warm air can be provided within which the baby and mother are comfortable, and the baby is physically separated by the shield from an continuing surgical activity on the mother's abdomen.

Abstract: A clamping bracket which can be used to clamp an armboard on the side rail of an operating table. The clamping bracket has an attachment assembly connected to a base, the base being attached to the armboard. The attachment assembly includes a locking assembly to selectively lock the attachment assembly at a desired location along the length of the base and a clamping assembly to receive and compressively grip the side rail, thereby forming a rigid attachment of the armboard assembly to the side rail of the operating table. In a preferred embodiment, there are two attachment assemblies and, accordingly, two locking assemblies and two clamping assemblies.

Abstract: A device for fixating and/or supporting a wrist and hand of a patient during a radial artery procedure includes a frame. The frame includes a wrist frame member having a wrist support surface to receive the wrist of the patient. The frame includes a hand frame member having a hand support surface to receive the hand of the patient. The hand support member is pivotally connected to the wrist support member. The hand frame member is movable relative to the wrist frame member between a first position to a second position. In the first position, the hand support surface is at a first angle relative to the wrist support surface to hyperextend the wrist to promote access to the artery for the procedure. In the second position, the hand support surface and the wrist support surface are generally aligned to straighten the wrist and promote hemostasis after the procedure.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support structure, such as a bed frame or mattress or both, that is configured to support a patient in a recumbent position. The patient support structure is configured to provide at least one therapy to a patient. A therapy enabler token is coupleable to the patient support structure. The at least one therapy is disabled when the therapy enabler token is decoupled from the patient support structure and the at least one therapy is enabled in response to the therapy enabler token being coupled to the patient support structure.

Abstract: In a retention device, a medical robot and a method to set the tool center point of a medical robot, the retention device has a fixing device to fix the head of a person held by the retention device. The fixing device provides an indication of the position of the openings of the auditory canals of the ears of the person relative to the retention device based on the relation between the fixing device and the head of the person and the relation between the fixing device and the retention device.

Abstract: A system including a support panel and a fixation device for use in radiation therapy is disclosed. The support panel comprises a generally planar member that is arranged to be disposed adjacent an apparatus for producing a radiation beam to support a portion of the patient to which the radiation beam will be directed. The fixation device is arranged to be releasably secured to the support panel to hold the portion of the patient's body at a desired position. The fixation device includes attachment components which enable the releasable securement of the fixation device to the support panel without creating any attenuation discontinuities of a radiation beam passing therethrough.

Abstract: To improve the precision of ophthalmic surgical procedures by reducing corneal wrinkling, a patient interface for an ophthalmic system can include an attachment portion, configured to attach the patient interface to a distal end of the ophthalmic system; a contact portion, configured to dock the patient interface to an eye; and a contact element, coupled to the contact portion, configured to contact a surface of a cornea of the eye as part of the docking of the patient interface to the eye, and having a central portion with a central radius of curvature Rc and a peripheral portion with a peripheral radius of curvature Rp, wherein Rc is smaller than Rp.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus a frame, an emergency switch, and a controller. The frame is movable from an operating position to one of a plurality of emergency switches as a result of engagement of the emergency switch. The controller is configured to determine a time interval in which the frame is in one of the plurality of emergency positions as a result of engagement of the emergency switch.

Abstract: The invention concerns a relaxant device of the cervical spine muscles of a human being, consisting of counterweight (c) and relative support (10, 11, 12) on a skull, suitable to arrange the counterweights in the rear part of the skull, the counterweights being such as to substantially balance the weight of the skull with respect to the rotation fulcrum thereof.

Abstract: A device for use with a bed having a frame and a supporting surface includes a flexible sheet with a tether strap connected to the sheet and extending from the sheet. The flexible sheet has opposed top and bottom surfaces, with the top surface having a high friction material with a higher coefficient of friction as compared to the bottom surface, which includes a low friction material. The tether strap is configured for connection to the frame of the bed to secure the sheet in place. A system incorporating the flexible sheet may also include an absorbent pad configured to be placed on the top surface of the sheet, where the high-friction top surface resists sliding of the absorbent pad, as well as one or more wedges having a base wall that the wedge rests on and a ramp surface configured to confront the sheet when the wedge is placed under the sheet. The base wall and the ramp surface may also contain high friction and low friction materials, respectively.

Abstract: A flexible undergarment that is worn prior to a date under a normal undergarment. The flexible undergarment has a front portion connected with a back portion, forming a hip portion and two leg portions. The flexible undergarment covers at least a portion of the wearer's lower body. The flexible undergarment includes an integral front extension or an integral middle extension. The flexible undergarment has an integral back extension. The flexible undergarment provides protection from diseases associated with contact of bodily fluid, other people's skin, or the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the position of a user of a wearable positional therapy device are provided. The wearable position therapy device can be configured to monitor and store physiological signals that can be used to assess sleep quality and sleeping position of a user. The device can be configured to be worn around the head, the neck, or body of the user. The device can be configured to provide feedback to a user if the user is sleeping or is positioned in a target position to induce the user to change positions. The feedback can be provided by one or more haptic motors that can be configured to provide various levels of feedback and the level of feedback can be customized based on the user's reaction to the feedback.

Abstract: Method and devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include one or more individual fluid filled pods which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid pad localized along a central portion. Both the one or more pods and inner fluid pad are then enclosed entirely by another layer of fluid within an outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the fluid layers may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers and may restrict or limit the expansion or movement of the fluid pods and/or fluid pads.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an air traction belt structure, which includes an inner inflatable traction belt having an air valve thereon for communicating with an inflatable space therein and, and an outer solid support belt having a smaller width than the inner inflatable traction belt and movably surrounding outside of the inner inflatable traction belt. Since a first end of the outer solid support belt can pass through a through hole formed on the inner inflatable traction belt and extend to an inner side of the inner inflatable traction belt, a second end of the outer solid support belt can easily pass through a fixing ring provided on the first end of the outer solid support belt and be pulled by a user, for firmly tightening both the inflated inner inflatable traction belt and the outer solid support belt onto the user's waist at the same time.

Abstract: Devices and methods for supporting and elevating the pelvis of a patient in a supine position during surgery are disclosed. The device comprises a generally flat main body configured to extend from the patient's lower back to the patient's upper legs, a proximal upper surface with a downward slope towards the proximal end, a distal upper surface with a downward slope towards the distal end, and vertically extending ridges on an upper surface of the device for partially containing one or more portions of the patient's body. In use, the device is positioned on a surgical platform beneath the iliosacral region of the patient.

Abstract: An orthopedic support device includes a body pillow that supports and biases the head, the neck, and the torso in a recumbent side position to help relieve pressure on the neck, hip, spine, and shoulders. The support device utilizes a bisected body portion that forms a channel. The channel runs along a longitudinal axis of the body portion, enabling at least partial entry of the torso in a sideways position. The channel terminates at a cavity at a body upper end. The cavity also helps retain the torso in the side position by enabling entry of an upper arm, such as a shoulder, when the arm extends down the sides of the torso. Further up along the device, at the head portion, an elevated contour portion slopes gently downward to create an angle efficacious for reducing stress on the neck. A side pouch can hold a heating pad.

Abstract: A lateral limb support system and a method of using the same to facilitate healing of the limb or an appendage thereof are disclosed. The lateral limb support system can include a base; a stanchion, having a first leg and a second leg, wherein the first leg is removably and adjustably coupled to the base; and a limb stabilizing plate removably and adjustably coupled to the second leg. A longitudinal axis of the limb stabilizing plate can be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second leg. The system can include both a stationary base and a portable, or wearable, base. This arrangement allows a great deal of flexibility for positioning the wearer's limb in a comfortable position, while still maintaining the proper positioning of the limb to facilitate healing.

Abstract: A surgical positioning system includes a flexible air-impermeable shell filled with beads that is wrapped against the patient and subjected to a vacuum to hold the patient in place. The shell includes rounded shoulder portions, on either side of a separately inflatable pillow, to envelop portions of the patient's neck and shoulders, tapered waist portion to provide easy access to a patient's forearms and lower lateral abdomen, and expanded wrist hand portion to cradle the patient's hands and thighs.

Abstract: A device (1) and a method for improving the posture of a user are provided. The device (1) comprises a first armband (2) and a second armband (3) intended to be worn at the uppermost portion of a left arm (4) and a right arm (5), respectively; at least one first strip (6) fixed to a front part of the first armband (2) and to a back part of the second armband (3); and at least one second strip (7) fixed to a front part of the second armband (3) and to a back part of the first armband (2).

Abstract: A wireless sleep apnea treatment system comprises a garment having at least one ECG monitor, a wireless signal acquisition board in communication with the ECG monitor and the computer and providing the electrical reading from the ECG monitor to the computer, and a patient stimulator controlled by the computer through the wireless signal acquisition board.

Abstract: A patient immobilization apparatus includes an inflatable shell having a patient receiving area and defines an interior volume. A fill material is arranged within the interior volume. At least one control valve located on the inflatable shell and coupled to the interior volume. The at least one control valve operates to control air introduction and evacuation into and from the interior volume. At least one is pocket located on the patient receiving area. The at least one pocket has a pocket opening and supplemental padding is arranged in the at least one pocket and is removable through the pocket opening. The inflatable shell and the fill material conform to the shape of a patient laying on the patient receiving area with the control valve open, and closing the control valve locks the inflatable shell and the fill material into their conformed shape.

Abstract: A support structure for fixating a patient to a treatment unit, and especially a support structure for fixating the patient to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation unit. An embodiment of the support structure comprises a back plate for positioning behind the patient's back posterior to the patient's heart and a front part for positioning around the patient's chest anterior to the patient's heart. Further, the front part can comprise two legs, each leg having a first end pivotably connected to at least one hinge and a second end removably attachable to the back plate. The front part can further be devised for comprising a compression/decompression unit arranged to automatically compress or decompress the patient's chest when the front part is attached to the back plate.

Abstract: A pediatric headrest for skull stabilization and a method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a horseshoe shaped head support includes first and second wings pivotally coupled to a body to adjust the angle therebetween. A gel pad is superposed on the horseshoe shaped head support. First and second arcuate base members are coupled to the first and second wings, respectively, to accept a plurality of placement subassemblies, which are circumferentially adjustably positioned and secured within the channels. Each placement subassembly is configured to receive a skull pin and provide adjustable horizontal, vertical, and angular positioning of the skull pin with respect to the arcuate base.