Abstract: The invention provides an eye fixation system that allows accurate positioning, stabilization and safe and efficient manipulation of the eye and surgical instrumentation used during procedures and surgeries of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye.

Abstract: A conventional massage table combined with an attachment apparatus including body support straps to maintain a person being treated in a fixed position on the upper surface of the table. The attachment apparatus includes a belt sized to span across the width of the massage table upper surface and a removably attached anchor to engage and fix the spanning belt to the side rails of the table. A movably positioned body strap retainer is integrally formed with the anchors to position and retain the body support straps thereon to support the person being treated on the table.

Abstract: An orthopedic or therapeutic support pillow is provided for use by a patient to support an arm and shoulder while the patient is resting in a generally prone position on a resting surface. The pillow includes a back section for positioning and supporting the pillow on resting surface, the back section having a central memory foam section to adapt to the contour of the body of the patient. The pillow further includes a pair of side arms extending from the back section, each side arm including contoured areas and a plush thickness to support the body, arms, and shoulders. The back section includes shoulder support zones to engage and support the shoulders of the patient when reclining on the pillow.

Abstract: A device and a method for creating and/or maintaining an obstruction free upper respiratory passages. The device is configured to fit under the chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device is capable of exerting negative pressure on the surface of a subject's neck, displacing the soft tissue forward and enlarging the airway.

Abstract: A device for prevention of snoring in the form of a neck collar (1) with a middle section (2) for placement under the chin of a user, side sections (3, 4) connecting to said middle section and end parts (5, 6), optionally connectable to each other, consisting of a core of foam plastic contained in a covering. The foam plastic is a soft foam plastic, an opening (7) is formed in said middle section (2) and resilient means (14; 15; 27; 28) for adjustment of the height of the opening (7) and thereby the height of the middle section (2) are arranged in said opening (7).

Abstract: A heel elevating positioner is provided. The heel elevating positioner includes a foam block. The foam block includes a top surface having a curved portion or curved top edge. Such features can assist with supporting a leg of a patient and hinder dropping or rotation of an associated foot and toes.

Abstract: A hip orthosis, provided with a trunk engaging part and an upper leg engaging part which are intercoupled by coupling means, wherein the coupling comprise at least one resilient element for operatively preventing an adducting movement of an upper leg engaged by the upper leg engaging part by means of spring force.

Abstract: A device and method for enabling an individual located on a bed to sustain a side-sleeping orientation on either a left or right side. The device comprises a light weight, elongate pillow having a longitudinal axis and being configured to concurrently rest at a back side of the individual and an adjacent surface of a bed when reclined in a side-sleeping orientation on the bed. The pillow includes a flexible attachment structure which is positioned along a longitudinal edge of the pillow to secure the pillow to the individual's bed clothing. The attachment structure provides sufficient flexibility to allow the pillow to rotate with respect to and rest against the individual's back to a laterally offset and suspended, partial captured configuration in general alignment with the individual's spine and in concurrent contact with the bed surface to prevent a supine sleeping position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a differential pressure body suit with external support against body suit migration. In its preferred embodiment, such body suit may comprise a close-fitting, multi-layered suit sealed against a mammal's skin to contain the differential pressure, or a looser-fitting suit that bends at the mammal's joints with minimal force. External support means include either fixed or movable mechanical supports attached to the body suit, extraordinary air pressure levels for making the body suit rigid, or exoskeletons attached to the body suit. A cyclic control system can turn the differential pressure condition within the body suit on and off on a selective basis to accommodate the movement of the legs of the mammal. The pressurization reduces the weight of the body to greater or lesser extents, and offloads the weight to the ground through the external support means.

Abstract: A portable massage bed having a plurality of pressure point pads that protrude from a surface of the massage bed and contact one or more key pressure points of a user to relieve pain in muscles and tendons in pain afflicted areas.

Abstract: A device configured to reduce snoring that includes a platform configured to elevate the torso of a user and a pillow mounted to the wedge platform and configured to elevate the head of the user.

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. An air-impermeable top wall can be joined with an air-impermeable bottom wall to define a plurality of chambers. Each of the chambers can include a peripheral edge that extends around the periphery of the respective chamber. The plurality of chambers can include a first shoulder chamber, a second shoulder chamber, and a main chamber.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for restraining a patient's leg during knee surgery or similar procedure features and improved restraining member that is attachable to an operating room table. The restraining member has a lower concave portion that engages the upper portion and sides of the patient's leg. The restraining member has an upper convex portion that is reinforced with a plurality of ridges. The concave portion can be fitted with an inflatable bladder. The concave portion in other embodiments is fitted with a belt arrangement that enables different degrees of constriction to be imparted to the leg.

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. An air-impermeable top wall can be joined with an air-impermeable bottom wall to define a plurality of chambers. Each of the chambers can include a peripheral edge that extends around the periphery of the respective chamber. The plurality of chambers can include a first shoulder chamber, a second shoulder chamber, and a main chamber.

Abstract: A device for keeping a patient's forearm and hand substantially vertically elevated. The device includes a padded body having a base and a vertical supporting region defining a groove. The patient's forearm is positioned such that the forearm is suspended and supported in the groove of the padded body such that the elbow will rest lightly on the base of the padded body. A strap is attached to the vertical supporting region to secure the forearm. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for using a device for keeping a patient's forearm and hand substantially vertically elevated. The method includes the steps of providing a padded body having a base and a vertical supporting region defining a groove and placing the forearm in the padded body such that the forearm is positioned and suspended into the groove and the elbow rests lightly on the base.

Abstract: A sacral support for a surgical table, comprising a plate having two spaced-apart openings formed therein. The openings are aligned along an axis of the plate and disposed adjacent one end of the plate. A pad is attached to the plate. The pad is dimensioned such that the openings in the plate are exposed. A positioning post is attachable to the plate. The post has a lower end dimensioned to be received in the openings in plate, wherein the post is mountable in the plate in one of two different positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrical stimulation therapy comprising a garment and a plurality of electrode pads associated with the garment, wherein the electrode pads are positionable at selectable locations relative to the garment, such that to correspond to a person's body shape and areas that need electrical stimulation therapy, and wherein contact between the plurality of electrode pads and the person's body is achieved by the person resting on top of the plurality of electrode pads and garment, such that the person's weight assists in creating the contact between the plurality of electrode pads and the person's body.

Abstract: A patient support system for a wheelchair is provided. At least a portion of the patient support system components form a no-air-loss patient support surface. At least one fluid pump can supply air pressure to a plurality of no-air-loss air cells, and at least one pressure release valve can release air pressure from the no-air-loss air cells. A computer can compare air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure set point and can modulate the air pressure by actuating the at least one fluid pump and/or the at least one pressure release valve to bring the air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure. After the initial air pressure adjustments are made and the desired air pressure is achieved, no further adjustments during the operation are able to be made by the computer so that the patient positioned thereon the patient support system will not be moved by the patient support system during an operation.

Abstract: A patient support system for an operating room table is provided. At least a portion of the patient support system components form a no-air-loss patient support surface. At least one fluid pump can supply air pressure to a plurality of no-air-loss air cells, and at least one pressure release valve can release air pressure from the no-air-loss air cells. A computer can compare air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure set point and can modulate the air pressure by actuating the at least one fluid pump and/or the at least one pressure release valve to bring the air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure. After the initial air pressure adjustments are made and the desired air pressure is achieved, no further adjustments during the operation are able to be made by the computer so that the patient positioned thereon the patient support system will not be moved by the patient support system during an operation.

Abstract: A device and method that simulates the squatting position for bowel elimination while still sitting on a toilet.

Abstract: The present invention is a device that is configured to secure a patient's head against the force of gravity during surgery (or other medical procedures) while the patient is in an upright, sideways (tilted to the side), or upside down position, or in any other non-horizontal position, for any duration of time. The device is designed to safely secure a patient's head or neck to prevent potential injury to the patient who is unconscious and unable to protect themselves through reflex reactions or otherwise. Without the device, a patient's head would drop forward or sideways by force of gravity, and if it remained in the dropped position, the patient's neck, shoulder, and/or spine regions could suffer temporary or permanent soreness, strain, and/or injury. This device is designed to reduce or eliminate such soreness or injury.

Abstract: A foam positioner device utilized for maintaining resting limb positioning, hand shape and strength therapies, and other modality therapies. Said device, by means of an integrated strap slot base, incorporates a generic strap which wraps around furnishings such as pillows, recliner footrests, beds, chairs, and various medical apparatus exclusively and does not attach to the person.

Abstract: Embodiments for intravenous extremity supports for pediatric and adult patients that allow health care workers to visually assess and/or palpate an extremity during IV therapy without removing the extremity support are disclosed. Embodiments of extremity supports comprise a stabilizer and at least one window. In one embodiment, the window is a transparent portion of the stabilizer. In another embodiment, the window is an opening in the extremity support. In yet another embodiment, a window is an area of the extremity support that does not impede a health care worker's view of the lower part of an extremity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective bandage device and to methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Care units and related methods providing a comfortable environment for a patient are disclosed. A care unit can include a base member and a plurality of petal members. Each petal member can extend from a first end, engaged with the base member, to a second end, spaced from the base member. Inward-facing surfaces of at least two petal members and the base member can collectively define a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the patient. The care unit can further include one or both of a therapy component, configured to provide a treatment to the patient, or a sensor component, configured to monitor a condition of the patient. The therapy component can be coupled to, or integrated with, one or both of the base member or a petal member and can include an optical light source, a thermal energy source, an oxygen or air source, a sound wave source, a sound wave-cancelling source, or a pulsating source, for example.

Abstract: The table for performing breast biopsies is characterized by features that enhance patient comfort and facilitate performance of the biopsy. An opening in the table allowing the breast to extend below the table top is formed in a removable insert. An area of the insert includes padding. An alternate insert having a different diameter opening may be selected based on patient breast size. Another insert having an asymmetrical opening may accommodate the patient's arm when it is desirable to position both the arm and breast of the patient below the table top. The table top is contoured such that symmetrical distal end sections are elevated relative to a central section to support the patient in multiple positions. A removable pad may be placed over the insert. An end portion for padding the hip of the patient is thicker than an end portion for padding the head/neck of the patient.

Abstract: A method, system, and tool for fitting a compression stabilized prosthetic socket for a patient having an amputated limb and a remaining portion that includes a first socket portion for contacting a patient's remaining portion of a limb, and a second socket portion for attachment of a prosthetic device. The first socket portion has compression portions having a radius for compressing portions of the patient's remaining portion of a limb, and relief portions receiving any portions of the patient's remaining limb which bulge upon the compression applied by the compression portions. The relief portions may be formed as openings or as enlarged radius portions. The fitting method, system, and tool can include use of a mechanism to compress bar surfaces against the limb in areas selected to receive compression portions in order to prepare an image for creating the first socket portion.

Abstract: System 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 spring assemblies which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid and/or outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the spring assemblies may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers.

Abstract: A limb support device that includes a vertical support, a base connected to a lower end of the vertical support and a head portion connected to an upper end of the vertical support. The base includes a set of foldable legs that can be positioned upward, where each leg is substantially parallel to the vertical support, or downward, where each leg is substantially perpendicular to the vertical support so that the vertical support is held upright. The head portion has a generally concave saddle that can hold a limb above the vertical support. The saddle can be pivoted so that it can be positioned at a variable angle with respect to the vertical support. The vertical support itself is adjustable in length.

Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus is provided. The patient positioning apparatus includes a positioning table, a transfer plate, which is arranged on the positioning table so as to be moveable relative to the positioning table, and a positioning unit for a positioning of a surgical head securing unit on the transfer plate, wherein the positioning unit exhibits a joint unit with at least one first rotational joint unit, wherein the at least one first rotational joint unit exhibits a predetermined stop position for a rotational movement.

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.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a first section and a second section which can be removably coupled to the first section. The first section is configured for attachment to a positioning system, thereby providing an interface between the removable second section and the positioning system. A combined support surface is formed when the second section is coupled to the first section.

Abstract: The present invention includes a padded substantially planar upper-body surface, having a first end and is pivotally coupled at a pivot point to a floor-base containing a padded substantially planar lower-body surface, and having a second end and is pivotally coupled at a pivot point to a padded substantially planar pelvic surface. The present invention also includes a method wherein hemorrhoidal pain is relieved when a user, face down, positions its abdominal/pelvic area on the substantially planar pelvic surface, its lower body extremities on the substantially planar lower-body surface, and its upper body extremities and head on the substantially planar upper-body surface.

Abstract: A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in the Trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.

Abstract: A surgical positioning aid includes a sheet of foldable material foldable between a flat position and a wrist support position. In the wrist support position, the sheet is folded to form a hump having sufficient strength to support a patient's wrist in a hyper-extended position during surgery. The sheet also includes a coupler situated at a first end region of the sheet. The coupler is operable to engage an opposite, second end region of the sheet and to hold the sheet in the wrist support position. Many other surgical positioning aid embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to relieving neck pain. For example, neck pain relieving devices as well as methods for making and using neck pain relieving devices to provide relief from chronic or acute neck pain by providing support to the back of the head are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a differential pressure body suit with external support against body suit migration. In its preferred embodiment, such body suit may comprise a close-fitting, multi-layered suit sealed against a mammal's skin to contain the differential pressure, or a looser-fitting suit that bends at the mammal's joints with minimal force. External support means include either fixed or movable mechanical supports attached to the body suit, extraordinary air pressure levels for making the body suit rigid, or exoskeletons attached to the body suit, or a counter-force suspension cable adjustment system. A cyclic control system can turn the differential pressure condition within the body suit on and off on a selective basis to accommodate the movement of the legs of the mammal. This differential pressure body suit provides a portable and convenient system for, e.g., rehabilitating a skeletal joint injury or training the mammal for injury prevention or athletic performance or fat burning.

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 limb positioner apparatus includes a stabilizing plate and a movable positioning plate for arrangement about a joint or fracture. The movable plate is movable with respect to the stabilizing plate about three mutually perpendicular planes which intersect at a point corresponding to a center of rotation of the joint or fracture. The positioning plate may also be movable with respect to the stabilizing plate along at least one linear direction. At least some of the available degrees of freedom are selectively lockable. The apparatus is illustrated in the context of the foot and ankle. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a semi-vertical patient positioning, alignment, and/or control method and apparatus used in conjunction with charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. Patient positioning constraints are used to maintain the patient in a treatment position, including one or more of: a seat support, a back support, a head support, an arm support, a knee support, and a foot support. One or more of the positioning constraints are movable and/or under computer control for rapid positioning and/or immobilization of the patient. The system optionally uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a proton beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system. The generated image is usable for: fine tuning body alignment relative to the proton beam path, to control the proton beam path to accurately and precisely target the tumor, and/or in system verification and validation.

Abstract: Systems and methods detect electrical activity in the human brain in the form of the generated magnetic fields and map the magnetic field strength to the surface of the cerebral cortex. By mapping the measured magnetic fields to the sulcal-defined gyrus of the cerebral cortex rather than to its three-dimensional volume, the data complexity and the resulting image are dramatically reduced. The device allows an inventory of brain function, including, but not limited to, vision, sound, sensory, and cognition, with the sensors placed over the corresponding region or regions of interest of the brain.

Abstract: The invention features a desk and recovery system that affords the user the ability to avoid stress and strain on the user's back, head and neck. The system features an upper body support featuring a torso or chest support which receives the stomach of the user for face-down support or face-down recovery. Adjustable arms are provided for an entertainment system, such as keyboard and monitor. The torso or chest, knee and buttocks supports can tilt, rotate and are height adjustable.

Abstract: The “Sway Free Sling Stand” is used to suspend sex slings, swings and bondage gear through the use of D-Rings and Threaded Inserts. The stand is self supporting, transportable via all major airlines, easily storable, assembles without tools or hardware and is virtually free of twisting and sway due to the arrangement of the interlocking top and bottom tubes where one tube uses the corresponding, interlocked tube to provide stability and strength to the next tube. The stand is completely powder coated to provide a durable and attractive finish and features four adjustable, threaded feet that can be adjusted to provide further stability on uneven surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a back or pelvic belt having adjacent pads (15, 16, 17, 18) that are attached to a support element (1) in the back area of the belt, with a respective clasp part (4a, 4b) being attached to each of the opposite edge areas (2, 3) of said support element (1) for applying the belt by joining the ends of the two clasp parts characterized in that two tension belts (9a, 9b) are provided on the support element (1) which are attached at the opposite edge areas (2, 3) of the support element (1) and are each guided across the pads (15, 16, 17, 18) in opposite directions such that the pads (15, 16, 17, 18) will approach each other when both tension belts (9a, 9b) are tightened, and will exert a pressure on the affected body part depending on the tensile force acting on the tension belts (9a, 9b).

Abstract: A patient positioner (100) includes a central portion (102) and a pair of shoulder restraints (105,106) extending distally away from a first side (107) of the central portion. Each shoulder restraint can terminate at an attachment area (108,109). Each attachment area can comprise fastener (114,115). Complementary fasteners (214,215) can be disposed on the central portion (102). The shoulder restraints can then be folded (116) about a patient's shoulders, with the fasteners attaching to the complementary fasteners. A plurality of securement straps (121,122,123,124,125,126) configured to attach the patient positioner to a procedure table (701) can extend distally from the second side (110) and the third side (111) of the central portion, respectively.

Abstract: A leg support pillow apparatus for supporting a lower leg and foot of a person lying in a bed has a base with a first thickness at an upper knee end thereof and an increased second thickness at a lower foot end thereof. Partition walls extend upward from the base and define leg channels extending from the knee end to the foot end of the base. The channels include foot portions at foot ends thereof having a width and depth configured to support the feet in an upright orientation, and upper knee ends of the channels have a width greater than the foot portions. Heel openings in the base under lower ends of each foot portion of the channels are configured such that when the leg is resting on the base inside the channel, the heel extends down into the heel opening and is supported above the bed.

Abstract: A compression band for at least one breast comprises a strap with a pocket integral and one piece therewith filled with a granular material forming a weight of about one to two pounds. The strap and pocket are relatively inelastic fabrics that are soft to the touch such as cotton, polyester velour, flannel or fleece. The strap and pocket are formed from a single sheet of fabric and sewn at seams to form the strap and pocket. One pocket may be dimensioned for a single or both breasts, the strap being attached about the torso by Velcro type fasteners. The weight induced by the force of gravity provides the desired compression.

Abstract: The invention seeks to provide a therapeutic flotation device for use in a pool-based rehabilitation therapy practices for spinal rehabilitation or cervical spine rehabilitation. The flotation device comprises two opposed flotation members configured to contact the lateral sides of the user's head and support it and the neck during rehabilitation practices, which flotation members are connected to each other by means of connecting members positioned across the top of the user's head and across the lower back of the user's head. The flotation and connecting members collectively form a ring that fits generally to the back of the user's head during pool-based exercises.

Abstract: An arm elevation device for lymphedema patients suffering from upper limb swelling. The arm elevation device includes a first and a second base, either of which can be selected by the user for elevating the arm in the proper manner depending on the position of the user's body. A top channel includes a concave and arcuate surface for accommodating the arm of a user. The top channel is straight in order to maintain the arm in a straight orientation and without any bends at the elbow and with minimal bending at the armpit. The arm elevation device includes a foam core surrounded by a fabric cover.

Abstract: A device and method for preventing and correcting abnormal shaping of an infant's cranium by applying external forces over time with the growth of an infant to achieve normal shaping of the infant's head. The device is a cranial orthosis having a depression with a contact surface in the shape of at least a portion of a normal infantile cranium. The orthosis further provides lateral support surfaces creating points of contact to restrict rotation of the infant's cranium and provide additional external forces for normal shaping of the infant's cranium. Because the present invention is non-conforming to the shape of an abnormal skull, the exerted forces cause accelerated expansion of the skull in less prominent areas coincident with brain and skull growth.