Abstract: Described are improved apparatus and devices for intermittently and sequentially compressing a body site and methods for using said apparatus and devices, especially for site specific treatment to achieve a desired temperature of the underlying tissue. The apparatus includes a first segment cooperative with a fluid chamber, the fluid chamber adapted for inflation by fluid; and a second segment cooperative with the first segment, the second segment housing a temperature sensitive material, wherein the temperature sensitive material is uniquely compartmentalized in the second segment.

Abstract: A therapeutic device that reduces localized subcutaneous pressure while allowing capillary flow in a medical setting is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are sized and configured to effectively and efficiently augment the flow of fluid within body vessels, not only during conditions in which a patient is bedbound and immobile, but also in conditions when the individual is out of bed, and completely mobile and ambulatory.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are sized and configured to effectively and efficiently augment the flow of fluid within body vessels, not only during conditions in which a patient is bedbound and immobile, but also in conditions when the individual is out of bed, and completely mobile and ambulatory.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are sized and configured to effectively and efficiently augment the flow of fluid within body vessels, not only during conditions in which a patient is bedbound and immobile, but also in conditions when the individual is out of bed, and completely mobile and ambulatory.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are sized and configured to effectively and efficiently augment the flow of fluid within body vessels, not only during conditions in which a patient is bedbound and immobile, but also in conditions when the individual is out of bed, and completely mobile and ambulatory.

Abstract: A support surface system provides alternating pressure therapy and low air loss therapy simultaneously using a single pump. The system includes a plurality of cells. Each cell has a foam-filled lower chamber and an upper chamber. Fluid communication between the lower and upper chambers is controlled by a normally closed valve that opens if the pressure within the lower chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. Pressurized air is alternatingly supplied to the lower chambers of a first subset of cells and the lower chambers of a second subset of cells, thereby providing alternating pressure therapy. When the pressure in the lower chamber exceeds the threshold, the valve opens to allow air from the lower chamber to flow into the upper chamber. Air is expelled from the upper chamber through perforations therein, to remove moisture and humidity and possibly reducing the temperature of the micro-climate beneath a patient.

Abstract: A care system including a medical device, a mobile computing device, and a information system. The medical device configured to generate data graphics to transfer information from the medical device to the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A compression treatment system is provided that detects the number of and type of garments connected thereto. The system includes a plurality of ports, valves connected thereto and a number of garments having one or more bladders. The bladders are in fluid communication with a fluid source in a pneumatic circuit, to provide compression therapy once a user confirms the number of and type of garments connected to the system for use by a patient. A single pressure sensor communicates with a plurality of detected bladders located in the one or more garments.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an inflatable sleeve 6 to be wrapped around a limb, typically a thigh, of a patient. The sleeve 6 comprises three inflatable chambers 3, 4, 5. Inflation is controlled by a pump 1 so that the distal chamber 3 is inflated first to a low pressure to act as a tourniquet, followed by inflation of the central chamber 4 to a pressure to drive fluid flow upwards, and then inflation of the proximal chamber 5 to a low pressure to act as a tourniquet and deflating both the distal 3 and central 4 chambers to produce a negative pressure gradient down-stream in the limb causing fluid to be drawn up the limb. This cycle is repeated a number of times over a period of two minutes before allowing the limb to rest for two minutes, resulting in increased mean arterial blood flow.

Abstract: A vibration and modulation system is provided for an array of air cells. The vibration and modulation system includes an air source, a high-pressure reservoir in fluid communication with the air source, and at least one valve coupled between the high-pressure air source and the array of air cells. A control assembly is coupled with the at least one valve and selectively controls a position of the valve to effect a vibratory action in the array of air cells.

Abstract: A compression garment apparatus includes a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer intermittently pressurizes a therapeutic bladder on the compression garment and pressurizes a support bladder on the compression garment to enhance the fit of the compression garment and maintain the therapeutic bladder in position with respect to a target compression zone on a body part on which the garment is worn. The support bladder may be selectively pressurized when needed based at least in part on sensed physical characteristics.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for generating controlled pneumatic pressure to a human body to achieve mucus clearance from the pulmonary system. Controlled pneumatic pressure consisting of individual vibratory pressure and constrictive pressure variations are generated and applied to the thorax to promote mucus clearance. The vibratory pressure variation is channeled to a pressure receiver secured to the upper thorax of the body, and the constrictive pressure variation is channeled to a pressure receiver secured to the lower thorax of the body. The vibratory pressure variation serves to loosen the mucus, while the constrictive pressure variation provides the motive force that promotes mucus expulsion from the pulmonary system.

Abstract: A HFCWO apparatus includes a housing having a port, a therapy system carried by the housing and operable to deliver HFCWO therapy to a patient in accordance with a set of operating parameters, and a memory device couplable to the port for storing at least a portion of the set of operating parameters. The therapy system may be operable in accordance with the portion of the set of operating parameters stored in the memory device. The apparatus may comprise a wireless transmitter carried by the housing and operable to wirelessly transmit data relating to HFCWO therapy to a wireless device, such as a printer, PC, a PDA, and the like.

Abstract: A limb compression device to which a cuff unit wound around a limb of a patient is connected controls compression and release of the limb by controlling air supply and exhaust of the cuff unit to repeat an compression period and a reperfusion period a predetermined number of times. At the start of the compression period, pressurization using the cuff unit is performed up to a compression pressure value based on a systolic blood pressure of the patient measured by detection of pulsation. During the compression period, the device repeats depressurization of the cuff unit at a low rate until pulsation is detected and pressurization of the cuff unit after the depressurization so as to eliminate pulsation.

Abstract: A compression garment assembly comprises a compression garment adapted for placement on a body part in a self-retaining configuration and for removal from the body part. The compression garment has at least one inflatable bladder for applying compression to the body part. A portable controller unit is adapted for fluid connection to the inflatable bladder and is configured for cyclically inflating the bladder. The compression garment and portable controller unit are configured so that the portable controller unit must be disconnected from the compression garment before the compression garment can be removed from the body part. Loss of the portable controller unit by, for example, accidental disposal with the compression garment is thus prevented.

Abstract: A compression bag having an upper portion for applying a pressure at least to the abdominal area of a patient, and a lower portion for applying a pressure to at least a part of the patient's legs, the bag comprising a back part, a second, front part and a closure means configured for detachably attaching the parts to each other; a separating insert configured for being detachably attached to at least one of the back and front parts of the bag, at least at the lower portion of the bag, to separate between left and right regions of the first and second parts, thereby forming pants in said bag defined by said regions and said insert; and a plurality of inflatable cells in the first and second parts of the bag and in the separating insert, that are sealingly separated from adjacent inflatable cells and configured to be individually inflated and deflated.

Abstract: Apparatus for promoting blood flow in an extremity is disclosed including a gas source and a bladder assembly including a first bladder and a second bladder independently coupled to the gas source. The bladder assembly may be sized to fit within a shoe of a patient and may include a first bladder encircling a second bladder. A controller is operably coupled to the gas source and is configured to control the flow of gas from the gas source to the first and second bladders in order to periodically commence inflation of the first and second bladders in sequence.

Abstract: A device for compressing an extremity of a user includes a wearable support member operable to be worn on the extremity of the user. The device also includes a plurality of chamber members that are arranged across and coupled to the support member. The chamber members each have a respective chamber therein. The chamber is at least partially defined by a base wall that is disposed adjacent the support member, a side wall that is attached to and that extends away from the base wall, and a top wall that is attached to the side wall and that is spaced away from the base wall. Furthermore, a foot pump member is operable to be disposed underneath a foot of the user. The foot pump member is operable to change a pressure inside the chambers as a result of being stepped upon by the user.

Abstract: An external counterpulsation apparatus has an efficient cuff and bladder system. Embodiments of this system generally allow effective treatment at lower pressures and a reduced total body surface area being compressed. An accurate and reliable combination of automatic and preset timing for inflation and deflation of the bladder system is used to simplify use of the apparatus.

Abstract: An adjustable pressure cuff device is provided for the arm or leg of a user for stimulating blood flow and preventing blood clots. The pressure cuff contains a number of bladders which wrap in the direction of the cuff and which are arranged in succession down the arm or leg of a user. An air compressor is connected to the bladders via a multiplicity of tubes, each of which contain a valve. A control module runs the air compressor and sequentially opens the valves to provide air pressure to the bladders in succession along the arm or leg of a user. Further, between the bladders and the valves, additional tubes containing valves are provided to equalize pressure between bladders before exhausting the air from a previously pressurized bladder to save power and allow for increased patterns of bladder pressure. The pressure levels and bladder dwell times may be adjusted by the user or based on predetermined settings. Optionally, the device provides electrical stimulation, pulsations, heating, and cooling.

Abstract: An air vest for supplying successive percussive forces to a patient during a therapy session is described. The air vest includes an air bladder and at least one belt for securing the vest to a patient, with the vest adapted to engage at least a portion of the thoracic region of the patient. The vest may define an inner surface, an outer surface, and one or more extension portions for controlling movement of the inner and outer surfaces relative to each other along at least a portion of the vest. Securement and fitting of the vest to the patient may be achieved with a plurality of releasable straps.

Abstract: A garment based airway clearance system for mobilizing secretions in a patient's airway and related methods are disclosed. The garment based airway clearance system comprises a therapy chamber mounted substantially around the circumference of the garment such that inflation of the therapy chamber causing a compressive force to be applied on the thorax or chest of the wearer of the garment.

Abstract: A high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) apparatus for the purpose of lung airway clearance of people includes an inflated vest type garment worn around the chest of a person. An oscillating pressure generator with reduced power requirements and a power source is integrated with the garment so that the complete apparatus is wearable by the person. Improvements in pressure waveforms, safety and compliance to prescribed use are disclosed.

Abstract: A pneumatic or hydraulic massage sock including a unitary molded insole formed with one or more internal pump chambers for generating fluid pressure throughout the user's gait, and a plurality of interconnected compression pads each containing an array of fluid feed tubes. The compression pads fold up and around the foot and calf substantially enveloping them in a low-profile sock-like configuration. An outer shell is worn overtop to maintain the compression pads against the user's calf. The fluid feed tubes are in fluid communication with the pump insole to provide a self-compressive non-constricting deep-kneading, undulating (wavelike) pattern massage action up the leg in accordance with the full-length heel-to-ball-to-toe foot plant. The massage sock appears as a conventional sock so it can be worn with virtually any conventional pair of shoes. This provides effective unobtrusive relief for individuals with circulatory disabilities, diabetes, arthritis, etc.

Abstract: Pneumatic and therapeutic compression systems are disclosed including treatment protocols that may be used with such systems. A pneumatic compression system may include a source and sink of a pressurizing fluid. The pressurizing fluid may be sourced to a number of valves, each valve controllable by a control device including a computing device. The computing device may control each valve separately to allow any one or more of the valves to connect to the fluid source or the fluid sink. The computing device may include one or more therapeutic protocols that may direct one, two, or more valves to switch between fluid sourcing and fluid sinking, substantially simultaneously or in a sequence. A therapeutic compression system may include the pneumatic system in fluid communication with an inflation sleeve composed of multiple cells. Each cell may be inflated or deflated by a valve according to the therapeutic protocol.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of patients suffering from lymphedema. The apparatus includes a multiple chamber sleeve positioned in a wrap around fashion on a body extremity to be treated. The chambers are sequentially inflated and maintained so until all chambers are inflated and then all the chambers are simultaneously deflated except the proximal end chamber to move edema fluids out of the afflicted area. The apparatus includes the capability of applying interferential therapy either alone or in combination with compression therapy. Advantageously, the sleeve chambers capture pressurized air when applied thereto, at designated locations, so as to form air pockets that can selectively apply isolated points of pressure, and in combination with the application of electrical current to a patient's affected area, provide effective lymphedema therapy without disrupting normal vascular and lymphatic functioning.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and devices for increasing blood flow and controlling the temperature of a mammal. The device generally includes collapsible and pliant body elements, capable of expanding from a first volume into an expanded second volume so which can then be reduced from the expanded second volume into a pressurized third volume. One or more thermal exchange units can be positioned in the one or more collapsible and pliant body elements. Accordingly, the temperature of the extremity of a mammal can be regulated by providing heating or cooling to the one or more thermal exchange units.

Abstract: A system for providing reduced-pressure treatment to a tissue site of a patient includes a reduced-pressure source for supplying reduced pressure, a fluid source for supplying a fluid, and a plurality of inflatable bladders for placing adjacent the tissue site. The inflatable bladders are operable to receive the fluid to expand from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The system also includes a plurality of chambers that are compressible. At least one of the plurality of chambers is disposed between a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder of the plurality of inflatable bladders.

Abstract: A method of selecting and using a compression garment is disclosed. The method may include selecting a garment comprising a compression sleeve including a proximal end and a distal end. The compression sleeve may comprise material having one of short-stretch function and inelastic function. The method may include donning the garment by inserting a limb of an animal or human through an opening in the proximal end and positioning the compression sleeve such that the material extends over at least a portion of a muscle mass of the limb. When the muscle mass is activated, the compression sleeve may augment the venous muscle return produced by the muscle mass.

Abstract: A pneumatic compression garment comprises a flexible member for placement on a limb of a human body. A bladder in the flexible member defines an inflatable chamber. The bladder has an opening through which the inflatable chamber is inflated. A port mounted on the bladder has an air inlet adapted for communication with a source of pressurized air and an air outlet in communication with the inflatable chamber via the opening in the bladder. Pressurized air is delivered from into the inflatable chamber for inflating the inflatable chamber and thereby applying a compression force to the limb when the flexible member is in place on the limb. Noise attenuating means associated with the bladder opening is provided for reducing noise from air flow through the opening into the inflatable chamber.

Abstract: An therapy system is operable to deliver a plurality of respiratory therapies to the patient and has an assessment system operable to assess the efficacy of at least one of the respiratory therapies. The therapy system may be operable to deliver any one or more of the following therapies: a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy, a nebulizer therapy, an intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) therapy, a cough assist therapy, a suction therapy, a bronchial dilator therapy, and the like. The assessment system may comprise any one or more of the following devices: a flow meter, a spirometer, an electronic stethoscope, a tympanic thermometer, a pulse oximeter, a respiration rate monitor, and the like.

Abstract: A device to compress the limb of a living being includes a user interface, a programmable logic controller, a power source, a source of fluidic pressure, valves with ports in fluidic connection with the source of fluidic pressure, other valves, and a first and second inflatable bladders, wherein the programmable logic controller is programmed to cause the repeating sequence of inflating the first inflatable bladder by manipulating the ports of the valves, after a first preset period of time, deflating the first inflatable bladder and allowing the pressure within the first inflatable bladder to inflate partially the second inflatable bladder by manipulating the ports of the valves. The source of fluidic pressure can be a self-contained pump, a connection to fluidic pressure in a health care facility, or a pressurized canister. The power source can be a battery. The device may extend the life of the power source.

Abstract: A system for treating a tissue site of a patient includes a dressing filler adapted to be positioned at the tissue site. The dressing filler is comprised of a porous substrate having at least one compressed region and at least one expanded region. The compressed region of the porous substrate is held in a compressed state by a first coating capable of dissolving in the presence of a fluid, and the expanded region of the porous substrate is held in an expanded state by, a second coating.

Abstract: A blood salvage sleeve comprises an outer surface forming a generally tubular structure with an open end and a closed end and configured for enclosing at least a portion of a patient's limb. An inner membrane is joined to the inner surface of the tubular structure. The inner membrane comprises a plurality of inflatable chambers. The inflatable chambers are disposed along a length of the tubular structure. A plurality of pressure release valves connects adjacent inflatable chambers. A plurality of one-way valves is connected to the inflatable chambers. A vent tubing conducts the released gas. An inlet tubing is connected to at least a first inflatable chamber proximate the open end, in which a pressurized gas, supplied through the inlet tubing, sequentially inflates the plurality of inflatable chambers.

Abstract: A medical vest (2) for High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation treatments (HFCWO), including a compartment configured to be successively inflated and deflated to perform repetitive compressions to a user's body, characterized in that the vest (2) further includes at least one other compartment configured such as the at least two compartments are adapted to be inflated and deflated independent of each other.

Abstract: An inflatable garment for applying to parts of the body such as the calf of the leg as a means of enhancing blood circulation in the body. The garment is of universal application in the sense that it comprises two wrap halves (8, 9) provided with inflatable bladders (4, 5, 6). The two wrap halves can be selectively coupled together in such a way as to provide a variable overall length of garment wrap to suit calf's of differing size while at the same time maintaining the integrity of fluid communication between the bladders on the respective wrap halves.

Abstract: A compression sleeve configured for a conforming fit to a portion of a wearer's body, such as a leg. The compression sleeve includes at least one inflatable bladder. The sleeve has a periphery including at least six edges and is configured to wrap around the wearer's leg so that the bladder encircles the limb for applying compression therapy to the limb. The shape of the sleeve conforms to the limb of the wearer and keeps the sleeve in place on the limb.

Abstract: A compression garment assembly for applying compression therapy to a body part of a person. The compression garment assembly includes a compression garment, a controller, and a strap for mounting the controller on the compression garment. The controller includes structure configured for cooperating with the strap for mounting the controller on the compression garment. In one embodiment, the structure includes a mounting surface and first and second retainers on opposite sides of the mounting surface. A segment of the strap is receivable in an opening on the controller for mounting the controller on the compression garment.

Abstract: A portable sequential compression device mountable to an appendage designed to facilitate blood circulation through the appendage veins of users that remain sedentary whether bed ridden or sitting for extended periods of time whereby the normal blood flow induced by expansion and contraction of the muscles doesn't occur, which can lead to thrombi and edema within the appendage. The device comprises a portable pump and a series of bladders transversely encircling the target appendage whether arm or leg that through. the intermittent compression aids blood flow across the capillaries.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system for DVT prevention and therapy coupled to a person support surface of a person-support apparatus. In one embodiment the system can include at least one bladder, a controller, a fluid supply unit and a valve assembly in one embodiment. The at least one bladder can be configured to provide percussion therapy or sequential compression to the lower limbs of the person supported on the person-support apparatus. The fluid supply unit can be configured to supply fluid to the at least one bladder via the valve assembly. The controller can control the opening and closing of the valve assembly depending on the pressure inside the at least one bladder. In another embodiment, the system for DVT prevention and therapy uses mechanical actuation devices to provide a mechanical stimulus to the patient's limb.

Abstract: A patient interface kit for a system for providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation or circulatory support to a patient, the system including a control unit, the kit including an inflatable abdominal cuff adapted to extend over a patient's abdomen and including an elongated flexible strap, an inflatable bladder and a fastener system to secure the abdominal cuff in position for use on a patient; an inflatable chest cuff adapted to extend over a patient's chest and including an elongated flexible strap, an inflatable bladder and a fastener system to secure the chest cuff in position for use on a patient; a patient platform or backboard configured for disposition against the patient's back during use; and a cuff prepositioning system configured to secure the chest and abdomen compression cuffs to the patient platform in a ready position and to facilitate rapid deployment of the cuffs for use on the patient.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the use of a home-based medical apparatus providing medical therapy to a patient incorporates communication technology to permit communication from the operated component of the medical apparatus to a central station through one or more of Bluetooth® telephone communications, Smart Phone communications, Internet communications through a network, or other known or forthcoming communication devices. The operated medical apparatus can report any operational function to the central station for monitoring by medical professionals or caregivers, including the timing of any operation of the apparatus, the duration of operation, the effectiveness of the therapy, and malfunctions in the operation of the apparatus. The monitoring system is particularly adapted for use with inflation garment therapy and negative pressure wound therapy systems.

Abstract: A circulation facilitating apparatus comprising a pneumatic assembly and first and second leg assemblies. The pneumatic assembly comprises a pump assembly, a control assembly, an air controller assembly and an energizing assembly. The control assembly controls the pump assembly. The control assembly includes a microprocessor and a system for programming the microprocessor. The programming system programs at least a cycle time and at least a hold time. The air controller assembly is coupled to the pump assembly. Each leg assembly includes a bladder, an air passage assembly, a housing, and pulse and/or temperature sensors. A treatment method is likewise disclosed.

Abstract: A massaging apparatus capable of performing rubbing-massage properly with respect to a body part of a user having various shapes is provided. A massaging apparatus of the present invention includes a first massaging unit including a pair of massaging plates which are disposed at both sides of a body part of a user so as to sandwich the body part, a driving force transmission unit configured to cause the massaging plates to reciprocate in a direction along a side surface of the body part, and air bags which are disposed outside the massaging plates and are expanded and contracted by air supply and exhaust, to change a distance between the pair of massaging plates, wherein the massaging plates are reciprocatable along the side surface of the body part in a state where the air bags are expanded.

Abstract: Described are improved apparatus and devices for intermittently and sequentially compressing a body site and methods for using said apparatus and devices, especially for site specific treatment to achieve a desired temperature of the underlying tissue. The apparatus includes a first segment cooperative with a fluid chamber, the fluid chamber adapted for inflation by fluid; and a second segment cooperative with the first segment, the second segment housing a temperature sensitive material, wherein the temperature sensitive material is uniquely compartmentalized in the second segment.

Abstract: A vibration and modulation system is provided for an array of air cells. The vibration and modulation system includes an air source, a high-pressure reservoir in fluid communication with the air source, and at least one valve coupled between the high-pressure air source and the array of air cells. A control assembly is coupled with the at least one valve and selectively controls a position of the valve to effect a vibratory action in the array of air cells.

Abstract: A noninvasive treatment to increase the elasticities of arteries and veins in arms, legs, hands and feet, to reduce heart workload, to increase whole body blood flow, to supply an increased amount of oxygen and nutrients throughout the cardiovascular system and increase the rate of removal of cell waste products, to treat many medical conditions so that symptoms are eliminated or minimized due to improved performance of the body. The noninvasive treatment includes using a vacuum pressure and air pressure system to perform the above, and to passively exercise muscles of arms, legs, hands and feet in a chamber, and is suited for patients who are unable to engage in sufficient exercise on their own.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation device that combines ventilation of a patient's lungs with chest compressions on the patient's sternum area. The device includes a self-inflating bag having a flat top side as a proper position on the self-inflating bag for applying force to the top side of the self-inflating bag, a flat bottom side on the self-inflating bag for properly positioning the bag on the patient's sternum area, an outlet port through which the content of the bag is forced when the flat top side of the bag is pushed toward the flat bottom side of the bag, a connector connecting the bag with a tube extending from the outlet port, a headband face mask for placement over the patient's mouth and nose, and a second connector positioned between the tube and the face mask.

Abstract: A body massage apparatus is provided with a housing. A massage unit is provided in the housing. A pair of laterally spaced apart air bladders is provided on the housing with the massage unit oriented between the air bladders.