Abstract: An air flow sleeve system for injecting air flow from an air producing mechanism into a cast system preferably includes an air flow sleeve having at least one aperture through which air may flow. A separator is preferably positioned within the air flow sleeve such that it is at least partially longitudinally coextensive with the air flow sleeve. The air flow sleeve may be used with a coupler that may be integrated with the cast system. Preferred embodiments of the cast system include casting material, a comfort layer, and a backing/padding layer. When air from the air producing mechanism flows into the air flow sleeve, the air flow sleeve expands. The backing/padding layer compacts to allow the expansion of the air flow sleeve. The present invention also includes a method for creating a cast structure including the air flow sleeve.

Abstract: A flexible drape useful for warming a patient during surgery includes a base film defining a target region, where the base film is attachable to a body surface of the patient, and an evacuation port in fluid communication with the target region. In this regard, the evacuation port is configured to negatively pressurize the target region and vasodilate the body surface of the patient adjacent the target region.

Abstract: The inventive fitness device is embodied in the form of an article of clothing, consisting of a pair of trousers, for example, consisting of an airtight outer skin (1) made of an elastic plastic material, and a distancing layer (2) which is arranged thereunder and made of a distancing knitted fabric consisting of monofilament fibres. Sealing edges (6) are produced by wrapping the outer skin (1) over the distancing layer (2). A vacuum tube (4) can be connected to a connection piece (3). A portable vacuum pump (5) produces a medically and advantageously indexed negative differential pressure in relation to atmospheric pressure, which extends into the entire article of clothing as a result of the distancing layer (2). The vacuum pump (5) is fastened to a strip (7) which can be worn on the shoulders or in an otherwise appropriate position.

Abstract: A portable closed wound drainage system that uses a pouch shaped dressing which is inserted into a wound. At least a portion of the outer surface of the pouch is porous to allow exudates to enter. Exudates are removed from the pouch by flexible tubing which is secured inside the pouch at one end and secured at the other end to a portable drain/suction unit. The pouch contains porous material. The tubing can have a single or multi-lumen structure. The pouch and the tube are sealed by a flexible sealing material which is applied to the outer surface of the skin. A cosmetic cover sheet is attached to the patient's skin over the closed wound drainage system.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of a failing heart by reducing the wall tension therein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tension member for drawing at least two walls of a heart chamber toward each other. Methods for placing the apparatus on the heart are also provided.

Abstract: A sub-atmospheric pressure treatment device may include a chamber, a vacuum source, a pulse sensor, and a controller.

Abstract: A compact and lightweight electromagnetic valve with a check valve is provided. In the electromagnetic valve, a plunger 16 is moved toward an end wall 22 of a housing of the electromagnetic valve by applying a voltage to a solenoid 14. Then, an annular valve seat engaging portion 64 of a valve member 48 attached to the plunger is urged against a valve seat around a fluid outlet 26 formed in the end wall 22 while being elastically deformed, thereby closing the fluid outlet 26. At the same time, a valve pressing member 46 attached to the plunger is separated from a valve member 52 disposed at a fluid opening 24 of an end wall 20 of the housing. Thus, the valve member 52 disposed at the fluid inlet 24 of the housing functions as a check valve to allow pressurized air to flow in from a pump. In a case where a voltage is not applied to the solenoid 14, the plunger 16 is biased toward the fluid inlet by means of a compression spring 60.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods develop pressure forces to fixate or brace tissue in targeted pharyngeal structures and individual anatomic components within the pharyngeal conduit.

Abstract: A system is provided by applying pressure to a portion of a body of an individual in a chamber having an aperture along a vertical axis for receiving the portion of the body of the individual. A pressure sensor is coupled to the chamber for measuring a pressure inside the chamber. A negative feedback control system, calibrates, adjusts and maintains the pressure inside the chamber.

Abstract: Noninvasive angioplasty using momentary vacuum therapy (MVT) is applied to treat erectile dysfunction, peripheral artery disease, and deep vein thrombosis. MVT is a noninvasive angioplasty technique which momentarily increases blood pressure to flatten arterial plaque and increase arterial elasticity for peripheral artery disease and deep vein thrombosis. The workload on the heart will be reduced by the flattening of plaque and the increase in elasticity of the peripheral arteries. The reduction in workload may be a treatment for congestive heart failure (heart failure). For treating erectile dysfunction, MVT increases the elasticity of penile arteries but does not flatten penile plaque; when treating erectile dysfunction with MVT, only an increase in arterial elasticity is required.

Abstract: A device for treating patients who suffer from skin lesions distributed on their body surface. A body cover has one or more cover elements, the cover elements having a gastight layer and being flexible to fit to body parts in a tight manner. Advantageously at least in the areas with skin lesions there are provided open-pored sponge-like bodies on the side of the gastight layer facing the patient's body as well as connection ports for the exchange of fluids, especially for the generation of low pressure. By making at least one of the cover elements in the form of a tube, they are easy to handle and applicable to extensive lesions.

Abstract: A method and device for treating wounds 10 of tissue 11 is disclosed. The method has the steps of applying a porous pad 12 upon the treatment surface of the tissue 11; covering the treatment surface and the porous pad 12 with a foil or sealing cover 14 for isolating the treatment surface and the porous pad 12 from the atmosphere; filling the volume under the foil or sealing cover 14 with fluid 100 and purging air from the volume under the foil or sealing cover 14 thereby fluid 100 saturating said porous pad 12: applying an acoustic shock wave treatment through the foil or sealing cover 14 or surrounding tissue 11 or a combination thereof sending acoustic shock waves 200 through the volume to the treatment surface and underlying tissue 11 and thereafter pulling a vacuum to create a sub-atmospheric pressure under the foil or sealing cover 14 wherein the combination of the applied acoustic shock waves 200 and sub-atmospheric conditions stimulates healing of the treatment surface and underlying tissue 11.

Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically ventilating a patient is provided to have two separate components movably arranged with respect to one another within a flexible, air-tight covering fit about the torso of a patient. When the components move away from one another within the air-tight covering, negative pressure is generated which causes the patient to draw air into the lungs. Conversely, when the components stop moving away from one another within the air-tight covering, the patient's natural exhalation recoil takes over to allow the patient to expel the air from within the patient's lungs.

Abstract: A method and device for treatment of a varicose vein is provided which includes the step of applying to the skin of a subject superficial to the vein to be treated a device including: (a) an element for securing the device to the leg of a subject superficial to the vein to be treated such as a carrier tape; and (b) a one-way valve element such as a cantilever element biased by a spring for applying a selected amount of pressure to the skin superficial to the vein to be treated in a manner such that blood-flow toward the heart is permitted during peripheral venous pumping but wherein backflow away from the heart as a result of gravity is substantially reduced; and applying sufficient pressure to the skin superficial to the vein to be treated in a manner such that blood-flow toward the heart is permitted during peripheral venous pumping but wherein backflow away from the heart as a result of gravity is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing concurrent applications of intermittent pneumatic compression therapy and vacuum assisted closure therapy generally comprises a wound dressing for introduction of a negative pressure into a wound on a patient's foot and a foot wrap for application of positive, compressive forces to substantially all of the patients foot. A suction pump, having an associated vacuum sensor and first feedback mechanism, supplies negative pressure to the wound dressing. A ventable source of pressurized gas, having an associated pressure transducer and second feedback mechanism, supplies positive force to the foot wrap. At least one control system is operably associated with the suction pump and ventable source of pressurized gas for controlling the negative and positive applications of pressure to the patient's foot. Controlled modes for operation include continuous or intermittent application of one or both therapies and simultaneous or cycled application of the therapies.

Abstract: An apparatus for massaging the human body, for use in particular in performing an assess/press/pull type massage, includes a working head (1) open in its lower part and containing elements for forming a skin fold. The elements forming a skin fold comprise two pinching skin-pinching jaws (11, 12) pivoting about an axis (13) parallel to the plane of the skin and at the ends of which are fixed massaging fingers (11b, 12b), the apparatus comprising elements for pivoting the two jaws (11, 12) towards each other and inversely. Additionally, the elements forming a skin fold advantageously comprise a suction cup (19) mounted mobile between the two jaws (11, 12), connected to a vacuum source by a flexible conduit (27) and elements (22, 24, 25) for moving the suction cup (19) vertically.

Abstract: Provided is a device for massaging eyes comprising a mask received in a compartment and comprising annular left and right guards surrounding rear portions of left and right eye portions respectively, and left and right diaphragms in the eye portions respectively; a pneumatic-powered cylinder assembly for converting rotating motion into reciprocating motion; and a plastic tube interconnected the mask and the cylinder assembly. In operation, air having positive or negative pressure is built in the cylinder alternately prior to communicating to the eyes for massaging. There are provided protrusions around a rear portion of each guard. In another embodiment, there are provided left and right soft spacers attached to rear surfaces of the diaphragms respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an electronic penile aneurysm enhancer and more specifically, a portable electronic penile aneurysm enhancer having a small size to be easily carried around, and by electronically performing expansion and contraction movement of penile muscles, the enhancer invigorates the blood flow movement of spongy body so as to recover the narrowed blood vessels to be normal or so as to penetrate the blocked blood vessels.

Abstract: The cardiac assist device includes a sealed tubular housing for externally applying positive and negative relative pressure to a limb in counterpulsation with heart function. The applicator is assembled, in situ, to provide customized fit. It includes a fabric or sponge-like inner layer cut to size and situated around the limb. Initially deformable material is sized, sealed around the inner fabric layer and then secured by straps or the like to form a relatively rigid, non-expandable tubular shell. The shell may include an interior wall composed of a sheet of hard plastic or articulated sections of hard plastic or metal. The interior wall has a plurality of openings to the sealed shell interior. The exterior shell wall is positioned around the interior wall. The shell walls are spaced apart by radially and/or longitudinally extending spacer elements defining a multi-section air flow chamber between the walls. The interior shell wall and spacer elements may be integral.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing a change in the core body temperature of a mammal under cold conditions are provided. In the subject methods, a requirement for thermal energy input in said mammal is first detected. In response to the detection of this requirement for thermal energy input, a surface of a portion of the mammal is contacted with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions for a period of time sufficient to introduce thermal energy into the core body of the mammal. The subject devices include at least a means for detecting a requirement for thermal energy input and a means for contacting a surface of the mammal with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in maintaining the core body temperature of a mammal substantially constant under cold conditions for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the healing of damaged skin of a patient. The method including: isolating the damaged skin in an enclosure having an air-tight seal between a portion of the enclosure and adjacent skin, the enclosure and skin forming a chamber; and applying cycles of positive and negative pressure in the chamber to enhance blood flow to outer layers of the damaged skin and inhibit the formation of edema in the damaged skin. Preferably, the method further includes: detecting a cardiac cycle of the patient; and wherein the applying comprises synchronizing the application of the positive and negative pressure in the chamber to the detected cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A method and device for treatment of a varicose vein is provided which includes the step of applying to the skin of a subject superficial to the vein to be treated a device including: (a) an element for securing the device to the leg of a subject superficial to the vein to be treated such as a carrier tape; and (b) a one-way valve element such as a cantilever element biased by a spring for applying a selected amount of pressure to the skin superficial to the vein to be treated in a manner such that blood-flow toward the heart is permitted during peripheral venous pumping but wherein backflow away from the heart as a result of gravity is substantially reduced; and applying sufficient pressure to the skin superficial to the vein to be treated in a manner such that blood-flow toward the heart is permitted during peripheral venous pumping but wherein backflow away from the heart as a result of gravity is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A system for providing prophylaxis against thrombosis comprises in combination a vehicle and a plurality of inflatable compression sleeves. The vehicle has a pneumatic pressure source for supplying a predetermined flow of pneumatic fluid to a plurality of passenger positions. The pneumatic pressure source has a plurality of leads, which extend to a connection port located in each of the passenger positions. Each of the inflatable compression sleeves has a plurality of inflatable chambers therein. The sleeves are constructed to be engaged to a connection port, thereby providing fluid communication between the pneumatic pressure source and the plurality of chambers. The sleeves may be worn by a passenger to help prevent the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis. Individual sleeves comprise at least two inflatable chambers wherein a second inflatable chamber is subsequent to the inflation of a first inflatable chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying an adaptable pressure waveform to a patient's limb for augmenting venous blood flow in the limb comprises: an inflatable sleeve for positioning onto a limb to apply a pressure to the limb beneath the sleeve when inflated with gas; pressure transducing means for sensing the pressure of gas in the sleeve and for producing a sleeve pressure signal indicative of the sensed pressure; pressure waveform application means responsive to the sleeve pressure signal and a reference pressure waveform signal for controlling the supply of pressurized gas to the sleeve so that the sensed pressure in the sleeve is maintained near a varying pressure indicated by the reference pressure waveform signal; and waveform register means for producing the reference pressure waveform signal indicative of a reference pressure waveform during a cycle time period wherein the reference pressure waveform includes a maximum pressure at a time within the cycle time period and a rate of pressure increase in an interval le

Abstract: A venous pressure gradient support device to be worn over a surface portion of the human body to prevent or remedy varicose veins. The device includes a container configured for receiving and retaining a plurality of beads. Preferably, the beads are glass spherical beads and the container is an envelope having a flap which may be folded over to retain the beads in the envelope. The envelope of beads may be worn underneath a support garment such as support hose so that the envelope filled with beads is pressed to the surface portion of the human body. The envelope of beads conforms to the irregular shape of the human body and the beads take on a pressure gradient to balance the blood pressure at the surface portion of the human body.

Abstract: An abdominal decompression apparatus reduces intra-abdominal pressure in patients by application of negative pressure to the patient's abdomen. Preferably, the negative pressure is applied continuously at low negative pressures (e.g., -20 to -40 mm Hg) for extended periods of time (e.g., 6-12 hours). Changes in the patient's intra-abdominal pressure can be monitored using measurements of the patient's bladder pressure, and treatments can be designed to achieve desired decreases in bladder pressure. To alleviate pain and permit maximum decrease in intra-abdominal pressure, a countertraction mechanism is connected to the shell which encloses the patient's abdomen, and counters the negative pressure induced downward movement of the shell on the patient's chest. The countertraction mechanism is sufficient to reduce or eliminate the negative pressure induced downward movement but is less than an amount which would cause loss of vacuum pressure within said shell.

Abstract: An abdominal decompression apparatus is used to treat a variety of disorders including acute abdominal compartment syndrome, increased intra-abdominal pressure related morbidity in severely obese persons, and pre-eclampsia and other complications associated with increased abdominal pressure in pregnancy. The abdominal decompression apparatus is worn for an extended period of time (e.g., 6-12 hours at a time), with relatively low levels of pressure being applied (e.g., -20 to -45 mm Hg). Preferably, abdominal decompression is performed on a continuous basis with the final pressure being gradually achieved. In a preferred embodiment, the patient's urinary bladder pressure is used as a measure of intra-abdominal pressure. The sensed urinary bladder pressure can be used to gauge the effectiveness of treatment as well as to control parameters of the abdominal decompression device (e.g., time of use, pressure utilized, etc.).

Abstract: This invention relates to a manual pressing and automatic air breathing cardiopulmonary resuscitation first-aid device, mainly comprising a manual pressing shaft, a pump, an air storage tank, a height-adjustable stand, an air control valve and a mouth-nose breather. In operation, the manual pressing shaft is pressed to cause the pump to compress downwards such that air is compressed into the air storage tank and temporarily stored therein. Each time the manual pressing shaft is pressed downwards, the air control valve is activated to rotate a one-fifth revolution. When the manual pressing shaft is pressed five times continuously, that is, the air control valve rotates a complete revolution, the air temporarily stored within the air storage tank will be released and breathed into the patient's mouth via the mouth-nose breather. Such an action must be repeated continuously until the patient is revived.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for healing open wounds through enlargement of soft tissue surrounding said wound is comprised of a dome configured to fit over the wound and at least a portion of the surrounding soft tissue. The dome has a rim with a surface area equal to or greater than the normal area of the dome opening to prevent medical complications caused by excessive pressure to the skin. A gasket or other cushioning material may be provided about the periphery of the dome for patient comfort and improved seal. The dome also includes a vacuum pump with a power source, pressure sensor, and servomechanism for regulating the pressure within the dome to any one of several protocols using pressures which might temporarily exceed non-damaging levels.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for maintaining a substantially uniform partial vacuum about a lower extremity of a wearer suffering from poor circulation in the feet includes a lower member (A) defining a boot for containing the foot of the wearer and being attached to an upper member (B). The boot is sealed at the top for maintaining the partial vacuum in the space between the boot and the wearer by a suitable sealing member (C) while a connection (D) is provided for receiving a vacuum pump for producing a partial vacuum within the boot preferably of about 1-2 psi below atmospheric pressure. A mold for custom making boots includes a mold core (E) constructed essentially of plaster about which plastic is injection molded followed by breaking away of the plaster.

Abstract: There is provided a tampon applicator, particularly an applicator barrel, comprising a unique compound to provide a soft, flexible applicator barrel that is more comfortable and has improved ease of insertion. The polymeric compound primarily comprises a thermoplastic resin and a block copolymer that exhibit unique load, energy and modulus of elasticity properties. The polymeric compound should also include a plasticizer and a compatibilizer/flow modifier, and may include a slip/mold release agent, and antioxidants, and even a pigment. There is also provided a method for making the polymeric compound that will be formed into an applicator or applicator barrel in which all of the above ingredients, except for the thermoplastic resin, are combined and formed into soft pellets. The soft resin pellets are then dry blended with pellets of the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A massage appliance has a container which is moved in contact with the body of the massaged person and a handle connected with the container by a fork and pivot bearing arrangement such that the container can pivot about one axis with a swinging movement and rotate about another axis. A torsion spring restores the position of the container relative to the handle and a suction pipe is connected to the container so that suction can be applied concurrently with massage.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding erection in men comprising an open tubular vacuum cylinder sufficiently large to contain an erect male penis and an integrally mounted electrically powered vacuum generating unit which mounts to an end of said cylinder and supplies a limited vacuum at a relatively high leakage rate and a large, sensitive, vacuum controlling valve which may be used to accurately limit the vacuum produced by the vacuum generating unit to a point safe for a user.

Abstract: An air massaging device having at least one inflatable air bag adapted to be laid against a portion of the human body. The device includes an air pump generating a pressurized air and a distributor valve which has an open position of feeding the pressurized air to the air bag and a closed position of allowing the pressurized air to be discharged from the air bag to the atmosphere in order to repeat inflating and deflating the air bag. A single pressure sensor is disposed upstream of the distributor valve to monitor a pressure level developed on the side of the air pump. A control circuit is included to activate the air pump on a time-period basis in order to give a desired pressure level to which the air bag is inflated. The control circuit operates to provide one or more initial inflation cycle and subsequent inflation cycles alternated by deflating cycles.