Abstract: A heel protection device for protecting a portion of the heel of a user's foot from developing sores from prolonged contact with bedding during a period of bedrest. The heel protection device includes a cap member for receiving the heel portion of the user's foot, and a securing strap assembly for securing the cap member on the heel portion of the user's foot. The cap member comprises a base portion for positioning adjacent to a sole of the user's foot, a back portion mounted on the base portion at a rearward location of the base portion that extends substantially perpendicular to the base portion, and a pair of laterally spaced side portions mounted on lateral side locations of the base portion and the back portion, with the side portions being oriented substantially perpendicularly to the base portion.

Abstract: A method of exposing, ligating, and dividing perforating veins endoscopically using balloon dissectors to gain access to the perforating veins thereby avoiding large incisions required in the Linton procedure and similar open surgical procedures.

Abstract: An elbow protection device for an elbow of a bed patient includes a body having a base, first and second elevation pads connected to the base, respectively, and a strap connected to the device and configured to secure the body to the elbow. A covering is connected to an outer surface of the body, the covering including a friction reducing material for permitting free sliding movement of the device over the bed surface with minimal resistance. The elbow protection device is made of a flexible, compressible, breathable foam material, the body including an inner surface having a plurality of flat areas spaced apart from each other in two dimensions by a plurality of dimples extending into the body from the flat areas, and a strap connected to the body and configured to secure the body to the elbow.

Abstract: A foot protector including a generally tubular foot portion for surrounding a portion of a wearer's foot. The foot portion has a front opening for receiving the wearer's toes. An ankle strap is coupled to the foot portion and the ankle strap and foot portion define an access opening and a heel opening for receiving the wearer's heel. An ankle cover is coupled to the ankle strap for encompassing the wearer's ankle.

Abstract: A laminated elbow brace made of a unique blend of material combining Airpreene.TM. material with Coolmax.TM. material as a liner having a movable support. Airpreene.TM. material affords the properties of heat retention, compression and breathability, while Coolmax.TM. material wicks perspiration away from the skin and dries the area quickly. The combination of these materials provides compression and heat retention to the patient while providing wearing comfort.

Abstract: An inner ankle protector device 10 including a protector member 20 having an outer shell element 21 and an inner padded liner element 25 dimensioned to receive the user's inner ankle bone on one foot, a strap unit 12 including main 30 and auxiliary 33 strap members adapted to cooperate with one another and the protector member 20 to encircle the user's ankle and arch. The strap members 30, 33 also provide a thin, cushioned layer on the outside of the protector unit 11.

Abstract: A protection and treatment device for ankle, heel and elbow prominences of bed ridden patients in the form of a topically applied pressure resilient cushion adapted to be positioned on the skin adjacent the bony prominence in which a pad having a relatively flat surface conformable to the skin area at which it is applied contains a recess essentially to embrace the bony prominence and includes a perimeter section around the recess that abuts the skin around the bony prominence and supports the cushion against the body tissue adjacent the prominence. The cushion includes multiple sections having differing cross-sections and may be provided in adhesive and medicated configurations maintained in place by a.

Abstract: A protection and treatment device for ankle, heel and elbow prominences of bed ridden patients in the form of a topically applied pressure resilient cushion adapted to be positioned on the skin adjacent the bony prominence in which a pad having a relatively flat surface conformable to the skin area at which it is applied contains a recess essentially to embrace the bony prominence and includes a perimeter section around the recess that abuts the skin around the bony prominence and supports the cushion against the body tissue adjacent the prominence. The cushion includes multiple sections having differing cross-sections and may be provided in self-adhesive and medicated configurations.

Abstract: A device which is installed onto an ingrown nail of a human toe to correct the ingrown nail, includes a support member affixed to the ingrown nail, and a correcting member supported by the support member and effecting force on the ingrown nail toward the correcting direction for the ingrown portion of the nail. The correcting member may be formed of a superelastic material which is shape-memory-treated to memorize a first shape, and which is deformed to a second shape different from the first shape so as to be installed onto a surface of the ingrown nail of the human toe in the second shape.

Abstract: A device for reducing the curvature of a toe nail so as to deter ingrowing of the toe nail comprises an upper member and a lower member interconnected by an interconnecting portion interconnecting the members only at the center. The upper member includes an elongate tab which extends rearwardly from a front portion. The front portion of the upper member and the whole of the lower member includes a center section attached to the interconnecting member and a pair of wings which are curved rearwardly and downwardly for engaging the upper and lower surfaces respectively of the nail. The device is held in place by engagement of the wings with the upper and lower surfaces and by the binding of the tab into place on the top of the toe nail with an adhesive bandage.

Abstract: An ankle/foot orthosis is provided including a generally "L" shaped frame secured to a person's ankle region with Velcro.RTM. straps or tape. The frame includes an aperture located over the person's heel such that this ulcer prominent area is unobstructed by the frame. A cover, pivotally mounted to the frame, may be positioned over the aperture thereby protecting the heel from inadvertent contact. The cover may also be opened thereby providing access to the heel and enabling treatment of any ulcerous lesions on the heel while the frame is secured to the ankle region. The cover may also be latched with a cover latch in an over-center open position to thereby provide a support for elevating the foot above a supporting surface.

Abstract: A soft, tacky polysiloxane elastomer characterized as having: a tackiness of 10-450 grams as determined by a polyken probe tack tester or 0-10 cm (0-4 inches) as determined by a rolling ball tack tester and a tensile strength of 0.14-5.52 mega Pascals (20-800 pounds/square inch), a minimum elongation of 250-1100 percent and a tear strength of 0.88-35.2 kN/m (5-200 pound/square inch) The soft, tacky elastomer can be made into various cushioning devices, with or without a topcover. Representative cushioning devices include an arch support pad, a metatarsal pad, a heel cushion, sheet padding, a full-length insole, a three quarter length insole, a half insole, a toe-crest pad, a heel liner, an elbow pad, a corn pad, a callus pad, a blister pad, a bunion pad or a toe pad.

Abstract: A method of preventing skin abrasions and the like in patients whose legs are substantially locked together in juxtaposition. The method comprises the taking of an elongated flexible planar pad with a length extending from above the patient's knees to the bottom of the patient's foot. The width of the pad is approximately one-half of the girth of one of the patient's legs. The pad is placed between the patient's legs so that the opposite sides of the pad cover the inner surface of at least one leg from a point above the knee to a point substantially to the bottom of the foot of one leg. The pad is affixed to one leg of the patient at points above the knee and above the ankle of one leg to hold the pad against any substantial movement with respect to the one leg. The apparatus of this invention comprises a pad for the foregoing method. The pad is a flexible planar pad having a top, bottom, side edges, and opposite leg engaging surfaces.

Abstract: A custom fit body part guard or shield is disclosed which includes a thin shell formed from an ionomer resin which has a softening temperature within the range of 60.degree.-80.degree. C. The shell material of approximately 1-6 millimeters thickness is partially molded to fit the area of the body where the device is intended to be used. A layer of perforated foam material can be adhered to the inside surface of the guard to further protect the user's skin and absorb or distribute impact energy during use. By holding the guard under ordinary hot tap water it can be softened to a moldable consistency. By firmly applying and holding the guard on the surface of the area of the body where it is intended to be used and allowing the guard to cool to ambient temperature the guard will take a permanent set to a custom shape which follows the exact shape and contour of the body part.

Abstract: A soft medical boot having an articulated splint bar for adjusting the angle of the foot of a patient disposed in a supine position.

Abstract: A flexible planar pad having a top, bottom, side edges, and opposite leg engaging surfaces. The leg engaging surfaces comprises a soft resilient material so that the skin and flesh of the inner portion of a patient's legs will be protected from abrasive action. A first strap means is secured to the pad adjacent its upper end for securing the pad to a patient's leg just above the knee. A second strap means is secured to the pad adjacent the bottom thereof for securing the pad to the patient's leg just above the ankle. A third strap means can be used alternately and it is secured to the pad just below the knee portion to again secure the pad to the leg of the patient just below the knee.

Abstract: A protective boot for patients with arterial disease. The boot includes a separate fluid-containing cushion which can be attached in a variety of positions on or in the boot to provide support for the patient's foot and leg when bed-ridden.

Abstract: A medical dressing comprising an embossed, thin polymeric film coated on one side with a medical grade, pressure-sensitive adhesive. The embossed film has a low coefficient of friction, preferably less than about 0.6, on the outer adhesive free surface which makes the film particularly resistant to unintentional removal by rubbing forces. The film is intended primarily for use as a blister dressing, but may also be provided with an absorbent pad for use as a wound dressing.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a plastic foot splint having a horizontal foot portion, a contoured upstanding leg portion and a heel portion connecting the foot and leg portions. The heel portion has a rearward side portion with an aperture therein to permit visual examination of the rearward portion of a patient's heel when the foot splint is mounted on one of the patient's feet. A stabilizer bar is pivotally secured by one of its ends to the leg portion. Ratchet teeth are located on one end of the stabilizer bar and on the leg portion at the location of its pivotal connection to the stabilizer bar to permit the stabilizer bar to be selectively held in a fixed position with respect to the leg portion.

Abstract: A selective body portion protecting means for use on an elbow, knee, leg, calf, or the like, to prevent friction on a wound, burn, bed sore, or the like. The protector includes a first non-woven fabric which contacts the body portion, and a second frictionless fabric which contacts the first non-woven fabric, and a third frictionless fabric which contacts the second frictionless fabric and which rests on a support. The first and second fabrics typically are formed and joined so as to envelop the selective body portion.

Abstract: A personalized sock self made by a patient for relief of foot discomfort and which includes a plurality of corrective components each having a shape formed for a specific correction, a sock which has a surface that contains a plurality of shapes each disposed for a specific correction and each shape of the plurality of shapes that are contained on the surface of the sock are substantially component of the plurality of corrective components, hooks and loops for affixing the plurality of corrective components to the surface of the sock so as to allow the patient to modify the sock by affixing a corrective component for the specific correction of the plurality of corrective components to a substantially equivalent shape of the plurality of shapes that are contained on the surface of the sock so that a personalized sock can be self made by the patient for the relief of foot discomfort.

Abstract: A configured pad for use on a body part of a patient to provide cooling is dimensioned to conform to multi-shapes for enhanced versatility in use. The configured pad is a substantially flattened member having a main section with generally oblong-shaped branches extending forwardly on each side and a generally circular-shaped branch extending forwardly from the main section. A cooling zone portion of the pad has an internal flow channel which extends from a lower center half area of the main section along divided halves of the first generally oblong-shaped branch, generally circular-shaped center branch and the second generally oblong-shaped branch to a second lower center half area of the main section. The configured pad has an inlet port tube and an outlet port tube positioned in the lower center area of the cooling zone portion of substantially flattened member for the flow of cooling water through the internal flow channel.

Abstract: A combination pad and strap assembly that is secured to a part of the body such as an arm, leg, or torso of a convalescing individual to prevent sleep disturbance includes a covered foam block having a first patch of fastener material on its rear side, an elastic strap having a second patch of fastener material between its ends, a tape strip fastener material that extends from one end thereon to the near vicinity of the second patch, and a tab of fastener material on the other end thereof, so that the strap can be positioned around the body part under slight tension and the tab secured to the tap strip, and then the patch on the covered foam block pressed against the patch on the strap to firmly secure the pad to the strap in any desired orientation and in a manner such that the pad will not come off as the individual tosses and turns during sleep.

Abstract: A pad for preventing skin abrasions at the joints of persons having impaired mobility is disclosed comprising a substantially round pad means having a concave shape and inner and outer sides, a peripheral edge, and a central portion. The outer side of the pad means is comprised of a canvas-like material, and a pad element having the texture of wool fleece and having a central portion comprises the inner side of the pad means and is secured to the canvas-like material. A second pad means is secured to the central portion of the pad element. Elongated strap portions extend in opposite directions from the pad means with outer ends terminating beyond the periphery of the pad means. Suitable fasteners are secured to the outer ends of the strap portions. The strap portions and the second pad means are comprised of foam rubber. A plurality of ventilation holes are provided in the pad means and the pad element.

Abstract: A protective body appliance to prevent injury from external force to the underlying region of the wearer's body. The body appliance comprises a generally dome-shaped rigid shield secured to a flexible, compressible pad. The pad has an inner section that is adhered to the wearer's body, and an outer section to which the rigid shield is attached. The inner pad section has two lateral wings separated by a center region all of which form an exposed surface which is placed against the wearer's body. The inner pad section is mated to the outer pad section along the center region so that the wings are movable relative to the outer pad section. The wings permit the shield and outer pad section to shift or rock relative to the inner pad section in response to body movements and external forces, thus increasing the appliance's ability to remain adhered to the wearer over time.

Abstract: The method of this invention pertains to preventing skin abrasions and the like in patients whose legs are substantially locked together in juxtaposition. The method comprises the taking of an elongated flexible planar pad with a length extending from above the patient's knees to the bottom of the patient's foot. The width of the pad is approximately one-half of the girth of one of the patient's legs. The pad is placed between the patient's legs so that the opposite sides of the pad cover the inner surface of at least one leg from a point above the knee to a point substantially to the bottom of the foot of one leg. The pad is affixed to one leg of the patient at points above the knee and above the ankle of one leg to hold the pad against any substantial movement with respect to the one leg. The apparatus of this invention comprises a pad for the foregoing method. The pad is a flexible planar pad having a top, a bottom, side edges, and opposite leg engaging surfaces.

Abstract: A device for protecting limb joints which is generally in the form of a tubular member that can be easily slipped onto a limb joint. The tubular member includes upper and lower sections connected to each other so as to form an open ended cavity therebetween. The lower section is generally hourglass shaped and is made of a stretchable elastic material. The upper section includes crossover pieces and is also made of a stretchable elastic material. A protective cushion corresponding in size to the lower section is disposed in the cavity. Only the ends of the cushion are stitched to the lower section so as to create a pocket between the cushion and the lower section. A resilient reinforcing pad is removably secured in the pocket.

Abstract: An isothermic protective boot designed particularly for patients with arterial disease. The boot has a complete inner lining and outer cover of a soft, non-allergenic material, a double layer of a soft, flexible, compressible isothermic protective material between the outer cover and inner lining, and a body of flexible, compressible weight-bearing material at the back of the boot in a position to extend along the heel cord and lower aspect of the calf of the patient's leg.