Abstract: A surgical sterilization system includes a surgical table and a sterilization member disposable with the surgical table and including a dispenser configured for alignment with a selected surface of a body disposed with the surgical table. The surface and the dispenser are relatively movable. In some embodiments, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a splash shield incorporating a clear viewing area, a vacuum manifold, the vacuum manifold adapted to releasebly engage the splash shield, and a link emanating from the vacuum manifold, the link configured to attach to a vacuum system wherein application of a vacuum creates a laminar flow to draw vapor away from the splash shield.

Abstract: A system for reducing aerosols emitted from a patient on which a medical procedure is being performed. The system comprises a transparent dome and an adapter assembly configured to releasably support the dome. The system additionally comprises a support assembly configured to support the adapter assembly and the dome. The support assembly is adjustable such that the dome can be selectively positioned over an intended body area of the patient and block aerosols emitted from the intended body area.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a splash shield incorporating a clear viewing area, a vacuum manifold, the vacuum manifold adapted to releasably engage the splash shield, and a link emanating from the vacuum manifold, the link configured to attach to a vacuum system wherein application of a vacuum creates a laminar flow to draw vapor away from the splash shield.

Abstract: A device and a method of making and using the device for preventing sedimentation of airborne particles on a surface. The device includes a pad comprising with top surface, where openings are formed in the top surface, where a plurality of nozzle is situated in the openings such that a portion of the nozzle is an outlet for directing a stream of gas in an essentially perpendicular direction away from the top surface. The device also includes a hose connected to the nozzle such that the hose supplies the nozzles in the pad with the gas and a conditioning source that brings the gas into the hose after cleaning it. The flow requirements are automatically adjusted by the system (e.g., based on characteristics of the particle load).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for providing a volume of sterile air. The device comprises: a radial fan, at least one particle filter, at least one UV-light generator, and a housing, the housing at least partly enclosing the radial fan, the radial fan being arranged to provide a flow of air in a radial direction towards the housing, the housing being arranged to direct the flow of air in an axial direction, the at least one UV-light generator being arranged to radiate the flow of air with UV-light, and the at least one particle filter being arranged to filter the flow of air, thereby creating the volume of sterile air between the device and the surface.

Abstract: The bandage assembly includes a panel that may be positioned over a wound. An adhesive layer is coupled to the panel. The adhesive layer engages a user's skin. The panel is retained on the wound. A button is coupled to the panel. The button is engaged by the user. The button transfers direct pressure to the wound. The button stops bleeding of the wound.

Abstract: A medical drape has at least one suction port disposed. By one approach the medical drape includes a fenestration and the suction port is disposed within the fenestration. By one approach the fenestrated area includes an incise film (which may itself be fenestrated if desired) and the suction port is disposed through that incise film. Suction applied to this suction port facilitates maintaining the incise film in place on the patient. This suction port can have a first end configured to attach to suction tubing. The medical drape can include a patient-side spacer and this spacer can comprise a compressible, resilient material that is substantially permeable to liquids. If desired, such a spacer can be disposed over a patient-side suction opening of the suction port.

Abstract: A pet grooming assembly is provided having a table top, a support frame, a blower motor, and a light source. The table top is used to support a pet being groomed thereon, whereby the pet is maintained by a grooming arm and grooming loop extending above the table top. The blower motor is supported under the table top and connects to a conduit and a manifold. The manifold is disposed along the lower surface of the table top and directs air through a plurality of outlets extending through the table top. The outlets direct air upwards and towards the pet standing on the table top for drying purposes. Additionally, the light sources are integrated within the table top and are disposed below a transparent upper surface thereof. In one configuration, strips of LEDs are provided and used to project light upwards from the table top for inspection of the pet.

Abstract: A method for providing purified air to an occupant of a seat in a mask lacking corporeal features that is generated by an apparatus. The apparatus includes a contaminant conditioning system that delivers purified air to a first and a second laminar flow generator. Each laminar flow generator produces a respective laminar flow that combines to form and fill a breathing space with purified air that envelopes an inhalation sphere of the occupant and inhibits air other than the purified air from entering the breathing space.

Abstract: A saliva collector comprises a reservoir and a flow path from an inlet to an outlet on the reservoir. Air aspirated from the patient's oral cavity passes through an antechamber before reaching the reservoir. The antechamber is shaped to promote the collapse of any bubbles, allowing liquid saliva to drop from the antechamber to the reservoir.

Abstract: A dental oral appliance to open the airway for a sleeping individual who suffers with snoring or obstructive sleep apnea comprising, a body, structure configured to removably affix the appliance to the upper or lower teeth, structure to prevent occlusion of the upper and lower teeth, a transpalatal member that extends from the lingual of the right molars to the lingual of the left molars, a posterior tongue restrainer attached to the transpalatal member, and one or more tubes extending from the anterior of the appliance to the posterior of the appliance for the delivery of oxygen into the oropharyngeal airway.

Abstract: Acoustic shielding system and method for protecting and shielding non-targeted regions or tissues that are not intended to be treated by ultrasonic procedures from acoustic energy using a shield. In some embodiments, the shield comprises multiple layers made of one or more materials with one or more acoustic impedances. In some embodiments a multilayered shield includes materials with relatively different acoustic impedance levels. In some embodiments, the shield includes active components such as energy diversion devices, heating, cooling, monitoring, and/or sensing. In some embodiments, the shield is configured to protect an eye, mouth, nose or ear while allowing the ultrasound to treat the surrounding tissue. One embodiment of an eye shield is configured to fit under at least one eyelid and over a portion of the eye.

Abstract: A training device for treating snoring and apnea is creates positive pressure within a user's nasal passages during exhalation. Exhaling through a breathing tube inflates a primary inflation chamber and a secondary inflation chamber. The secondary inflation chamber is positioned in proximity to the user's nose while inflated, blocking the majority of any nasal exhalations and controlling nasal airflow and pressure.

Abstract: A saliva collector comprises a reservoir and a flow path from an inlet to an outlet on the reservoir. A heating element is disposed along the flow path. The heating element applies heat to force bubbles and foam present in the air aspirated from a patient's oral cavity to collapse. The collapsed bubbles and foam evaporate or drain into the reservoir bottom as liquid saliva.

Abstract: A portable, rechargeable, discontinuous positive airway pressure (DPAP) device for use by an individual as a breathing assist device. The DPAP device comprises a sensor for tracking an exhalation phase of a respiration cycle of the individual relative to a stimulation period, E0. A stimulation source responsive to a sensor determination that the exhalation phase has entered the stimulation period, E0, to discontinuously deliver a stimulation, during the stimulation period, E0. A controller regulates the delivery of the stimulation by the stimulation source. A rechargeable power cell for power the controller. The rechargeable power cell includes a Seebeck element that is placed in contact with the individual's body for thermoelectrically converting the individual's body heat into an electrical current that recharges the power cell.

Abstract: An eye cover is provided that attaches to an air pump that provides a constant high humidity environment to the eyes, and protects the eyes especially during periods of anesthesia.

Abstract: A mouth guard including a top mouth piece for engaging the top teeth and a bottom mouth piece for engaging the bottom teeth. The mouth guard also includes a central section having one or more ports for receiving an endotracheal tube, oral gastric tube, and/or oral suction tube. In a first preferred embodiment, a top portion of the central section is attached to the top mouth piece, and a bottom portion of the central section is attached to the bottom mouth piece. In a second preferred embodiment, the entire central section is attached to the bottom mouth piece. The top and bottom mouth pieces are capable of interlocking via male engaging members and female recesses.

Abstract: A compression garment for applying compression to a part of a wearer's body includes a flexible member, an inflatable bladder defining an inflatable chamber, and a port for communication between a source of pressurized air and the inflatable chamber. The garment also incorporates noise attenuation. The noise attenuation can include noise attenuating members on an air impingement surface of the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A dental oral appliance to open the airway for a sleeping individual who suffers with snoring or sleep apnea comprising, a mandibular structure configured to removably affix the appliance to the upper and lower teeth, structure attached to said mandibular structure to advance the lower teeth forward, and one or more tubes extending from the anterior of the appliance to the posterior of the appliance, the tubes being connected to a supply of 21% to 100% oxygen.

Abstract: The subject devices and methods retain surgical instruments and sterile portions of any accompanying cables within sterile surgical fields. One such surgical device includes a surgical instrument for performing surgical procedures within a sterile field. A cable is attached to the surgical instrument for connecting the surgical instrument located within the sterile field to support equipment located outside the sterile field. A self-retracting coil is operatively connected to the surgical instrument. The self-retracting coil is adapted and configured to be anchored within the sterile field to ensure that the surgical instrument and the sterile portion of the cable remain within the sterile field during performance of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of their use are described herein. In an aspect, an apparatus includes: a structure defining an aperture at an engagement surface configured to reversibly seal to a surface on an individual body, and further defining an isolation field; at least one gas port; one or more gas inlets operably attached to the at least one gas port, the one or more gas inlets oriented to maintain a non-turbulent gas flow traversing at least a part of the surface on the individual body; one or more gas outlets distally positioned on the structure from the one or more gas inlets, the one or more outlets configured to release a gas from the isolation field while maintaining a positive pressure in the isolation field relative to the outside environment of the structure; and at least one sealable access site.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of their use are described herein. In an aspect, an apparatus includes: a structure defining an aperture at an engagement surface configured to reversibly seal to a surface on an individual body, and further defining an isolation field; at least one gas port; one or more gas inlets operably attached to the at least one gas port, the one or more gas inlets oriented to maintain a non-turbulent gas flow traversing at least a part of the surface on the individual body; one or more gas outlets distally positioned on the structure from the one or more gas inlets, the one or more outlets configured to release a gas from the isolation field while maintaining a positive pressure in the isolation field relative to the outside environment of the structure; and at least one sealable access site.

Abstract: A compression garment for applying compression to a part of a wearer's body includes a flexible member, an inflatable bladder defining an inflatable chamber, and a port for communication between a source of pressurized air and the inflatable chamber. The garment also incorporates noise attenuation. The noise attenuation can include noise attenuating members on an air impingement surface of the inflatable bladder, or at least one air flow aperture in a delivery tube that delivers air into the inflatable chamber.

Abstract: A surgical table for infants and small animals has a bed assembly that is rotatable. The bed assembly includes a stationary plate and a rotating plate with a brake that controls rotation. The bed assembly may be connected by a clamp to the frame of a conventional operating table and supported alongside or above. The bed assembly may also be permanently mounted on its own vertical support. The bed assembly may also be permanently mounted to the operating table by an articulated clamp that allows the bed assembly to be stored alongside. A central opening is present in both plates so that hoses and wires connected to the patient will pass through this opening to permit rotation of the patient with the table with no stress on the hoses or wires where they connect to the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of their use are described herein. In an aspect, an apparatus includes: a structure defining an aperture at an engagement surface configured to reversibly seal to a surface on an individual body, and further defining an isolation field; at least one gas port; one or more gas inlets operably attached to the at least one gas port, the one or more gas inlets oriented to maintain a non-turbulent gas flow traversing at least a part of the surface on the individual body; one or more gas outlets distally positioned on the structure from the one or more gas inlets, the one or more outlets configured to release a gas from the isolation field while maintaining a positive pressure in the isolation field relative to the outside environment of the structure; and at least one sealable access site.

Abstract: A surgical table for infants and small animals has a bed assembly that is rotatable. The bed assembly includes a stationary plate and a rotating plate with a brake that controls rotation. The bed assembly may be connected by a clamp to the frame of a conventional operating table and supported alongside or above. The bed assembly may also be permanently mounted on its own vertical support. The bed assembly may also be permanently mounted to the operating table by an articulated clamp that allows the bed assembly to be stored alongside. A central opening is present in both plates so that hoses and wires connected to the patient will pass through this opening to permit rotation of the patient with the table with no stress on the hoses or wires where they connect to the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent and/or treat pressure ulceration of the skin notably in the sacral area, but also other pressure-sensitive areas of the body as well. The apparatus includes a garment configured for placement about a region of a person, the garment having at least one bladder and at least one corresponding support surface configured to be maintained in a substantially fixed relationship relative to a portion of the region of the person and configured to provide controllable support to the person in this portion of the region. The at least one bladder is controllably inflated/deflated with a fluid. The apparatus can be configured to off-load the sacrum and reposition weight distribution in the sacral area to avoid skin ischemia and skin breakdown leading to pressure sores know as decubitus ulcers.

Abstract: Wearable Drinking Garment is a series of inner skeletal tubes lined together and attached to form an X that straps flat around the chest, back and under arm area, with sipping tube at top end and airflow stub tube at bottom end; covered and protected by inner insulated lining to lock in temperature of water/liquid in extreme weather conditions; outer mesh lining for heavy resistance against rough and extreme activities. These three together form the X-shape Vest that locks onto the body, can go under or over clothing, is hands free and lightweight with water flowing through a series of flat tubes, giving an evenly balanced comfortable glove-tight fit to the body, with easy slip on/off convenience. Compete at higher levels while never stopping to get a drink. Second generation has oxygen tubes, mini tank for better breathing, ie: medical purposes, diving, space travel, short/long term mining and more.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses include applying a biting force to a bite-piece, the biting force is applied by a user's teeth, wherein the bite-piece is held inside of the user's mouth. Closing the mouth and the biting force suppress the user's gag reflex and the user's Tonsils and adjacent Throat structures can be treated by spraying fluid onto the Tonsil or manipulating the surface of the Tonsil and related structures. The Tonsils can be cleaned thereby.

Abstract: An examination unit having walls of substantially transparent plastic material coupled to an air tube frame that, when inflated, supports the walls to define an enclosed chamber. Access to the chamber is gained through a resealable port that facilitates easy entry and exit, as well as good sealing of the air within the chamber. Built into at least one wall of the chamber is a pair of sleeved-gloves that allow: a user of the examination unit to insert his or her hands into the chamber to handle an object therein without skin contact. The examination unit may be collapsed for space-saving storage and transport, and then readily inflated to provide a suitable environment for any number of treatments or investigations requiring that an object remain isolated from the user.

Abstract: Hollow eyeglass frames are combined with a wearable distributed air pump to form a portable positive pressure powered air purifying delivery system for inconspicuously supplying respirable air to the nostrils of an individual. Ambient air is pressurized by combining the outputs of a plurality of piston compression tubes arranged and connected to form a thin flexible pump that can be worn around the waist. This pressurized air is passed through filter and conditioning modules to form respirable air, which is then piped to air inlet ports on the hollow frame eyeglass temples using small diameter tubing. Nose tubes on the hollow eyeglass frames near the nose inconspicuously direct the respirable air into the nostrils at a rate that exceeds the peak inhalation rate of the individual, thereby preventing the inhalation of unfiltered air.

Abstract: A light weight, portable thermal rescue/recovery system for mammals up to 300 lbs. In in weight, comprising of a mummy bag which contains a circulating liquid which is either heated when the mammal needs to be warmed as in the case of, for example, a mammal suffering from hypothermia, or cooled when the mammal's body temperature or skin temperature needs to be lowered as in the case of a burn, stroke and some heart attack victims. The mammal is placed into the mummy bag of the portable thermal rescue/recovery system which also has a pump to circulate the liquid and a heat exchanger to cool or heat the liquid. This portable thermal rescue/recovery system is suitable for all rescue vehicles including helicopters, boats, EMS ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, avalanche rescues, ice rescues and air cushion vehicles, as well as stretchers and other manual transport means, among others.

Abstract: A method for excluding infectious agents from the site of an incision into the tissue of a patient. Air is the vicinity of the patient is filtered through an ionizing filter, such that any infectious agents in the air are electrically charged with a specified polarity. A region surrounding the site of the incision is thus characterized by an electrostatic charge of the same specified polarity as the infectious agents such that the infectious agents are repelled from the site of the incision. Infectious agents may be excluded from the site of an incision by creating a pressure field of air having a gradient along at least one path running from a zone including the incision to a neighboring zone so that air flows in the direction in the direction of decreasing pressure.

Abstract: A method for creating an atmosphere in an area which adjoins an outwardly open, inner portion of a body of a human being or an animal, where the portion is uncovered and has direct contact with a surrounding atmosphere, the method including the steps of supplying a gas to the area, wherein the gas forms a main component in the atmosphere and includes a substantial amount of carbon dioxide. The gas is supplied to the area in a substantially laminar, substantially continuous flow and in such manner that the gas forces air away from the open portion and prevents air from penetrating the area of the open portion. The atmosphere prevents growth of microorganisms including bacteria and viruses in the area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical drape support useful in head, neck or ophthalmic surgery, which supports the drape above and off the patient's face while actively removing exhaled air thus reducing carbon dioxide, heat and moisture levels from the space surrounding the patient's head and face. This device provides greater comfort to the patient during surgery by actively reducing the likelihood of claustrophobia from face-drape contact, reducing heat and moisture, and decreasing the risk of hypercarbia by removing exhaled air. The drape support additionally may reduce the risk of intra-operative fire under the surgical drapes resulting from a build up of supplemental oxygen under the drapes.

Abstract: A device for allowing visual examination of the swallowing of fluids by an infant which includes a nipple mounted housing, a feeding tube for feeding fluid into the nipple, openings in the nipple to allow the fluid to pass or be sucked therethrough, a further opening centrally located in the nipple through which an endoscope is passed to allow for such visual examination.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for the surroundive fixation of extremities in which a double-walled cuff-forming cushion is used which can be deformed into a sleeve, which can be made vacuum-tight and which is provided with a evacuation valve. A plurality of loose particulate filling bodies is provided in the inner space of the cuff-forming cushion between the two walls and the cushion can be consolidated by evacuation into a stiff stable structure.

Abstract: A surgical drape apparatus that incorporates means to alleviate a patient's "suffocation anxiety" by providing for continued circulation of air to the patient's nose and mouth while the patient is draped for surgery, especially the field of surgery is the eye, is described.

Abstract: An orthosis for providing abduction to a patient's legs comprises first and second leg engaging portions configured for operatively engaging first and second legs of the patient and at least one inflatable bladder generally between and operatively attached to the leg engaging portions. The bladder has at least one port for introducing fluid into and removing fluid from the bladder thereby to inflate and deflate the bladder. The bladder is positioned relative to the first and second leg engaging portions so that the bladder resists movement of the leg engaging portions toward each other when the bladder is inflated to maintain the first and second leg engaging portions spaced apart and thereby to maintain the legs of a patient wearing the orthosis spread apart.

Abstract: A metal basin includes a grid of metal rods for supporting a limb extremity above irrigation fluids collected in the bottom of the basin. A free standing, transparent plastic enclosure is removably attached to the basin through fasteners along the lower edge of the side walls of the enclosure. The disconnecting of fasteners along one side of the enclosure allows pivoting the enclosure off of the extremity. Hand access openings in the side walls of the enclosure accommodate hands and allow the extremity to extend into the enclosure chamber.

Abstract: A device adapted to support the head of a seated user relative to a generally upstanding portion of a seat, stroller, or the like, has a strap adapted to encircle the head of the user and the generally upstanding portion. The strap contains a plurality of inflatable balloons having generally flat rear surfaces and expandable frontal surfaces, whereby upon inflation the generally flat rear surfaces of the balloons remain flat, and the frontal surfaces bulge outwardly from the rear surfaces to contact and support the user's head.

Abstract: A smoke aspirating device is provided for eliminating smoke generated during electrocautery surgery which is simple to use and includes a substantially flat and flexible panel structure having spaced upper and lower panel members with a closed area therebetween, the upper panel member having a plurality of spaced apertures arrayed over substantially the planar area thereof connecting with the closed area, the lower panel member have a pressure sensitive adhesive coated over its lower surface for attachment to a patient and the panel structure having a connector projecting from one end which is adapted for connecting with a vacuum source for drawing smoke and air from an electrocautery surgery site over the surface of the panel structure and inwardly through the apertures and closed area within the panel structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to treat head injury. The apparatus includes a cephalic expansion reservoir to allow a swollen brain to expand without increasing intracranial pressure. The apparatus has a port for fluid exchange and for the attachment of monitors of physical, chemical and electrical activity. The method includes attaching the apparatus to the skin with biological adhesives, removing the bone for replacement after treatment, treating the injured patent with appropriate therapy including filling the expansion reservoir with an appropriate fluid.

Abstract: An attachment for use with medical tools to aid in isolating a medical practitioner from infectious materials found in a patient. The attachment includes both a physical barrier and means for providing a vacuum barrier around the tool to trap aerosols and the like developed by the tool during an operation. The barrier is flow connected to a vacuum source for drawing a vacuum, and gases drawn in by the source are collected by a filter. The barrier is transparent with radial spokes which form a ring-shaped passage or air channel to allow the practitioner to see the site of the operation and is disposable after each operation.

Abstract: A disposable surgical apparatus for removing potentially harmful vapor and airborne particulate, especially AIDS virus, from an operating zone, including an environment occupied by a surgeon during an operation comprises a vacuum generating system that draws the potentially harmful vapor and airborne particulate through a suction manifold mounted on the surgeon's wrists and outside the protective apparel donned by surgeons during operations. The apparatus further includes a suction conduit routed beneath the surgeon's protective apparel connecting the suction manifold cuff to a high efficiency filter and vacuum pump. The protective cuff is designed so as not to appreciably impair the movement or vision of the surgeon.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for preventing the exchange of harmful substances between an area isolated by the apparatus and the environment for use in medical, laboratory, and industrial application. The apparatus includes a physical shield, a vacuum barrier, and an adjustable support frame. The apparatus further includes a vacuum connector for connecting the apparatus to a vacuum source, a vacuum conduit for flow communicating with the air around the perimeter of the physical shield such that the vacuum source draws air along with solid and liquid matter entrained in the air into the vacuum conduit, and a plurality of vacuum apertures located along the vacuum conduit for communicating the vacuum source with the air. The apparatus is designed so as to provide protection for persons in proximity to a source of harmful substances such as aerosols produced by surgical procedures at a surgical incision on a patient infected with the AIDS virus or the like.

Abstract: The surgical correction is carried out with the aid of thermocoagulation of the cornea along the lines appropriately oriented with respect to the minimum refractive power meridian and to the distal points of the eyeball central optic zone. Two of such lines are essentially circular arcs, while two other lines are the sides of two angles the bisector of which is the minimum refractive power meridian. Provision is also made for a device for preliminary marking out of the eyeball, aimed at carrying out thermocoagulation along said lines. The device is in fact a cylinder-shaped housing which accommodates special elements adapted to be brought in contact with the corneal surface upon placing the housing on said surface in order to obtain the impressions of the lines along which thermocoagulation is then carried out.

Abstract: A layer of plastic, either in film or coating form, is bonded to a sheet of non-woven material to form a base. When film is used, it is preferably smaller in size than the non-woven material and affixed to the top surface thereof by an acrylic adhesive. The plastic film is coated, on its exposed surface, with a layer of acrylic adhesive. When the plastic is in the form of a coating, it is bonded to the bottom surface of the non-woven material. A superabsorbent pad, smaller in size than the base, is wrapped in non-woven material and affixed to the base by the exposed adhesive layer. The remaining portion of the exposed adhesive layer forms a border around the superabsorbent pad for adhering the bandage to the skin.

Abstract: A foldable, wrappable envelope sleeve orthopedic cast immobilizes and conforms to the shape and configuration of a limb. The cast conforms to the limb through the use of airtight pouches which encapsulate open cell or fiberglass matrices impregnated with a water-activated urethane polymer. After the tightening of the cast around the limb, the injection of water into each pouch activates the urethane polymer which conforms to the configuration of the limb encased. Supplemental bendable ribs may be employed to splint the limb prior to activation of the hardenable material. The soft goods type cast is held in place by straps, and may be removed or adjusted by releasing or tightening the straps. The splinting elements may be removed and replaced.