Abstract: This surgical device uses a laser beam to coagulate tissue. The elongate device carries the beam through an optical fiber that has a chamfered end for deflecting the beam out of a distal end of the device at an angle. Tissue coagulation is monitored using a magnetic resonance imaging system that provides periodic tissue temperature data. A small fluid supply duct provides cooling fluid that expands to a gas near the distal end of the device, thereby cooling the tip.

Abstract: A method for accelerating orthodontic treatment of malocclusion by noninvasively altering a condition of bone in a patient's jaw so that teeth held in generally fixed positions in the bone are able to be relatively easily and rapidly repositioned using orthodontic appliances. The alteration may be fracturing the medullary and/or cortical bone around the teeth and/or altering vascular, nerve and/or cellular characterisitics of the medullar and/or cortical bone. Once this has been accomplished, typical appliances are used for treatment of malocclusion. Because the medullary and/or cortical bone has been fractured, and/or vascular, nerve and/or cellular characterisitics of the medullary and/or cortical bone have been altered, the appliances used to move the teeth to correct for malocclusion are capable of moving the teeth more rapidly, thereby enabling the process of treating malocclusion to be significantly accelerated in comparison to typical processes used for treatment of malocclusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and method for ultrasonically stimulating cartilage growth. The apparatus includes at least one ergonomically constructed ultrasonic transducer configured to cooperate with a placement module or strip for placement in proximity to an area where cartilage growth is desired. The apparatus also utilizes a portable, ergonomically constructed main operating unit constructed to fit within a pouch worn by the patient. In operation, at least one ultrasonic transducer positioned in proximity to an osteochondral site is excited for a predetermined period of time. To ensure that at least one ultrasonic transducer is properly positioned, and to insure compliance with a treatment protocol, a safety interlock is provided to prevent inadvertent excitation of the at least one ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: For medicine, sports and cosmonautics, a method of biomechanotherapy massage and therapeutic action on a human body performed both by heat and light waves and by mechanical waves which are sequential and parallel combinations of longitudinal and transverse modulated solitary waves of length from 0.005 to 0.1 m propagating along the body with speed from 0.01 to 12 m/s, where the solitary waves are formed on the body due to an impulsive action of separate thermovibratodes interconnected with a controlled link and acting on a human body with a temperature from 0 to 90° C., a specific pressure from 0.5·105 to 4·105 Pa and a shear thrust from 0.1 to 100 N. The proposed method of biomechanotherapy allows to increase efficiency of the therapeutic and sports massage and to improve results of an integral treatment of various diseases. Wave biomechanotherapy increases 1.

Abstract: Methods of medical treatment and diagnosis using mediators released by endothelial cells stimulated by external addition of pulses to the circulation are disclosed. The external pulses produce circumferential shear stress in body fluid channels that subsequently stimulates the endothelial cells to produce mediators that become available for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. The preferred means of adding external pulses is the mechanical inducement of periodic acceleration of the body or parts of the body by a reciprocating motion platform.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polymers derivatized with at least one —NOx group per 1200 atomic mass unit of the polymer. X is one or two. In one embodiment, the polymer is an S-nitrosylated polymer and is prepared by reacting a polythiolated polymer with a nitrosylating agent under conditions suitable for nitrosylating free thiol groups. The polymers of the present invention can be used to coat medical devices to deliver nitric oxide in vivo to treatment sites.

Abstract: An electrokinetic delivery or diagnostic device for personal use and self-administration of a medicament to a treatment site is provided. The device includes a housing containing a power supply, a first active electrode and a ground tactile electrode. An applicator includes a pad for containing medicament for overlying the first electrode of the device. The medicament may be applied by the user to the pad, contained within the pad or contained in rupturable capsules within the pad, together with a hydrogel if necessary for imparting electrical conductivity whereby, upon application of the applicator to the treatment site, the medicament is electrokinetically transported into the treatment site.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation device and method that combines artificial, emergency ventilation of a patient's lungs with chest compressions on the patient's sternum area. The device includes a self-inflating bag having a top side, a bottom side, and an outlet port through which the content of the bag is forced when the top side of the bag is pushed toward the bottom side of the bag; target indicia on the self-inflating bag to indicate the proper position of the self-inflating bag on the patient's sternum area and to indicate the proper location on the self-inflating bag for applying force to the top side of the self-inflating bag; a face mask for placement over the patient's mouth and nose; and a tube extending from the outlet port of the self-inflating bag to the face mask.

Abstract: Steerable electrophysiology catheters for use in mapping and/or ablation of accessory pathways in myocardial tissue of the heart wall and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The catheter comprises a catheter body and handle, the catheter body having a proximal section and a distal section and manipulators that enable the deflection of a distal segment of the distal tip section with respect to the independently formed curvature of a proximal segment of the distal tip section through a bending or knuckle motion of an intermediate segment between the proximal and distal segments. A wide angular range of deflection within a very small curve or bend radius in the intermediate segment is obtained. At least one distal tip electrode is preferably confined to the distal segment which can have a straight axis extending distally from the intermediate segment. The curvature of the proximal segment and the bending angle of the intermediate segment are independently selectable.

Abstract: A therapeutic ultrasound delivery system, comprises: a catheter body, a plurality of axially spaced-apart hollow cylindrical vibrational transducers disposed along a length of the catheter body, a first spring connector wrapped around the outer surfaces of the vibrational transducers, where the first spring connector exerting an inward pre-stress on the outer surfaces of the vibrational transducers; and a second connector disposed in contact with the inner surfaces of the vibrational transducers. The second connector may comprise a spring coil, particularly a spring coil having multiple deflection points which contact an inner surface of the cylindrical vibrational transducer.

Abstract: The invention provides a massage machine for health care which comprises a living body information sensor 5 for detecting living body information of the autonomic nervous system of the person to be massaged, a control circuit 6 for judging the psychological state of the person based on the living body information detected, and a memory 61 for holding histories of psychological states of persons to be massaged. The machine is adapted to judge the physical condition of the person based on the history of psychological states of the person, and to judge whether the condition of the person's health is improved by massage so as to utilize the result of judgement as guidelines for health care.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for therapeutically treating bone fractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions. A platform supports a body to be treated. An oscillator is positioned within the platform and is configured to impart an oscillating force on the body. A capacitor assembly is positioned adjacent the platform for automatically determining the mass of the body being supported on the platform. Once the mass of the body is determined, an amplitude of the frequency of the oscillating force is adjusted to provide a desired therapeutic treatment to the patient. Also, the capacitor assembly is configured to turn the oscillator on and off as a function of whether or not a body is being supported on the platform.

Abstract: A glove that when worn by a user quickly, comfortably, conveniently and effectively applies a specific amount of pressure to a particular point on the wearer's hand, thereby relieving and/or eliminating pain of the wearer such as from a type of headache. A glove worn by the person with pain, such as a headache, includes an internal pressure point applicator and an inflatable bladder to apply pressure to a desired point on the wearer's hand.

Abstract: An exercise and massage apparatus has a pair of elongate handles, each of the handles providing a curved distal end and a plurality of interchangeable massage heads. Each of the massage heads includes a massage plate supporting plural massage fingers. The massage plate is in face-to-face contact with a handle plate supporting the handles. A releasable engagement means enables the plates to be mutually secured and released so the handles are able to control the massage fingers with the massage fingers forming an acute angle with the handles whereby the massage fingers are positionable in contact with a user's back with the handles manipulated from over the user's shoulders.

Abstract: For the wide-ranging treatment of pathologies of the edematous fibroscleotic panniculopathy (EFP) type, such as cellulitis, a single apparatus, designed to make contact with the skin, comprises means for providing mechanical massage, means for extracting heat from the skin, and laser systems for biostimulation.

Abstract: A chain treatment method reduces muscle tonus, reduces joint contractions, acquires body symmetry, and improves motor function and coordination in patients having problems of motor functions, such as cerebral palsy or scoliosis. The method comprises a routine having three interrelated and interdependent states: relaxation, stretching, and then fixing the results obtained after the relaxation and stretching. The relaxation state comprises applying pressure on all points of influence on the body of the patient. The stretching state comprises stretching the body of the patient by hanging the patient on a horizontal bar with the arms in a substantially vertical position. And the fixing state comprises hydrotherapy where the patient is suspended in a pool of water at about 34°-36° C. with the therapist holding the patient under the head and coccyx. The method is performed in sequential order from relaxation to stretching and then to fixing.

Abstract: A Stretching, Strengthening and Massage Apparatus is disclosed. Also disclosed is a device that employs a spherical device for aiding in Massage of bodily areas. The device further has an elongate strap defined by several loops along its length to be used as handholds when stretching or exercising. The device is further usable as an exercise device by simple engagement with a conventional door. The spherical member is preferably formed with bumps on its outer surface to further improve its utility as a massage device.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as compression sleeves, containing at least one water-soluble component are disclosed. Methods of making, using and disposing of medical devices containing at least one water-soluble component are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating a living body or tissue with shock waves originating from at least two sources to a focal area on or within said living body or tissue. The apparatus is particularly for treating an illness or fragmenting stones or concretions. The sources of shock waves are at different angles from one another. An objective of the invention is to induce a localized effective shock wave treatment area and at the same time to minimize or abolish the unwanted tissue damage effects outside the treatment area.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating osteoarthritis in humans with acoustic pressure or shock waves. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for applying acoustic pressure or shock waves to normalize the increased molecular activities within the joint, reduce its inflammation, and thereby stop and/or reverse the osteoarthritic process.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing therapeutic vestibular stimulation in a patient, structurally comprising a platform for supporting a human body with body restraints attached to the platform, a pair of mutually parallel and coaxially disposed wheels respectively attached to the opposing sides of the platform, where the axis of the wheels defines a center of rotation of the platform and where rotation of the platform about its lateral axis of rotation simulates in the patient either a somersaulting or logrolling type of body activity.

Abstract: A dynamic method of breaking up fibrous adhesions or scar tissue in muscles is disclosed. The dynamic method results in the fibers replacing the scar tissue oriented longitudinally with respect to stress in the muscle, so that the muscle heals having improved function—flexibility, coordination and tensile strength. The method of comprises the steps of: locating fibrous adhesions in the muscle; and, applying and slidingly moving pressure along the length of the muscle over the fibrous adhesions therein to break down those adhesions. In a preferred aspect of this method the sliding movement along the length of the muscle coincides with body motion moving the muscle from a contracted to an elongated position so that the muscle is massaged in a repetitive cycle of body motion. If the step of injecting an anesthetic into the adhesions prior to massage is included then adhesion breakdown is promoted, and pain associated with adhesion breakdown is relieved.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for therapeutically treating bone fractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions. A platform supports a body to be treated. An oscillator is positioned within the platform and is configured to impart an oscillating force on the body. A capacitor assembly is positioned adjacent the platform for automatically determining the mass of the body being supported on the platform. Once the mass of the body is determined, an amplitude of the frequency of the oscillating force is adjusted to provide a desired therapeutic treatment to the patient. Also, the capacitor assembly is configured to turn the oscillator on and off as a function of whether or not a body is being supported on the platform.

Abstract: An electrokinetic delivery or diagnostic device for personal use and self-administration of a medicament to a treatment site is provided. The device includes a housing containing a power supply, a first active electrode and a ground tactile electrode. An applicator includes a pad for containing medicament for overlying the first electrode of the device. The medicament may be applied by the user to the pad, contained within the pad or contained in rupturable capsules within the pad, together with a hydrogel if necessary for imparting electrical conductivity whereby, upon application of the applicator to the treatment site, the medicament is electrokinetically transported into the treatment site.

Abstract: Non-invasive therapeutic treatment of bone in vivo using ultrasound in conjunction with application of a biochemical compound or bone growth factor is performed by subjecting bone to an ultrasound signal supplied to an ultrasound transducer placed on the skin of a bony member, and involving a repetitive finite duration signal consisting of plural frequencies that are in the ultrasonic range to 20 MHz. Concurrent with application of the ultrasound is the utilization of a bone growth factor applied to the skin of a bony member before stimulation with ultrasound. Ultrasonic stimulation is operative to transport the bone growth factor to the bone and then to synergistically enhance the interaction of the bone growth factor with the bone, whereby to induce healing, growth and ingrowth responses. In another embodiment, a vibrational or mechanical input together with a biochemical compound enhances both bone fracture healing and treats osteoporosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of manual treatment for assessing, diagnosing and treating dysfunction, abnormality or injury associated with soft tissues and joints.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing lysis of adipose tissue underlying the skin of a subject, by: applying an ultrasonic transducer to the subject's skin to transmit therethrough ultrasonic waves focussed on the adipose tissue; and electrically actuating the ultrasonic transducer to transmit ultrasonic waves to produce cavitational lysis of the adipose tissue without damaging non-adipose tissue.

Abstract: A method and device for preventing RMI (Repetitive Motion Injury). Studies in adult monkeys have shown that RMI is accompanied by remodeling of the primary somatosensory cortical areas of the brain. The results of this is degradation in the sensory feedback from the cerebral cortex which appears to block normal adjustments by the subject in position and frequency that would prevent RMI. A variable amplitude, variable frequency generator and mechanical transducer contained in a small package and housed in a bracelet is applied to the extremity of a subject to transmit varying frequency signals that prevent the degradation in sensory feedback and as a result also prevent the development of RMI.

Abstract: High intensity focused ultrasound heating is provided by applying therapeutic ultrasonic waves using an array of transducers. Cavitation is detected by using some or all of the transducers in the array to detect ultrasonic waves emanating from or reflected from the patient's body or the interface. A feedback signal is generated based on such detection. If the feedback signal indicates the presence of cavitation, the therapeutic ultrasonic waves are terminated or altered. Obstacles to ultrasound transmission, such as bony structures or bubbles at the interface between the transducer array and the patient can be detected using the same transducers.

Abstract: A focused ultrasound system includes a plurality of transducer elements disposed about and having an angular position with a central axis. Drive signals drive respective transducer elements that include phase shift values based upon the angular position of each respective transducer element. The phase shift values are based upon an oscillation function that oscillates about the central axis between minimal and maximal phase shift values such that a first on-axis focal zone and a second off-axis focal zone are created. An amplitude and frequency of the oscillation function are controlled to adjust relative acoustic energy levels of the first and second focal zones, and to adjust a radius of the second focal zone, respectively. In addition, the drive signals include an additional predetermined phase shift based upon a radial position of each respective transducer element to adjust a focal distance of the focal zones.

Abstract: A computer input device configured to provide massage stimuli to a user is disclosed. Characteristics of the massage stimuli may be manually controlled by the user. In some cases, characteristics of the massage stimuli may be automatically controlled by a microcontroller or computer.

Abstract: A sanitary article to be worn in contact with the skin of a user that is adapted to provide metallotherapy effects, comprising a knitted part that has, at least on a side thereof adapted to be directed toward the user's skin, rows of knitting or portions of rows of knitting formed by yarns that comprise a metal or metalloid adapted to provide metallotherapy effects.

Abstract: An electrokinetic delivery or diagnostic device for personal use and self-administration of a medicament to a treatment site is provided. The device includes a housing containing a power supply, a first active electrode and a ground tactile electrode. An applicator includes a pad for containing medicament for overlying the first electrode of the device. The medicament may be applied by the user to the pad, contained within the pad or contained in rupturable capsules within the pad, together with a hydrogel if necessary for imparting electrical conductivity whereby, upon application of the applicator to the treatment site, the medicament is electrokinetically transported into the treatment site.

Abstract: A massaging shoe device for providing vibrating massage to the bottom portion of a wearer's foot. The massaging shoe device includes a sole having a cavity positioned therein. A vibrator is positioned in the cavity. A power supply for powering the vibrator is electrically coupled to the vibrator. An actuator for selectively turning the vibrator on and off is electrically coupled to the vibrator. A perimeter wall is integrally coupled to a perimeter edge of the sole and extends upwardly therefrom for substantially covering a foot of a user.

Abstract: A body stroking apparatus having a housing with a channel extending longitudinally therealong, an arm extending outwardly from the housing through the channel and vertically upwardly therefrom, a crossbar extending outwardly transversely to the arm, a plurality of flexible members affixed to the crossbar and extending downwardly therefrom, and a translation mechanism for moving the arm back and forth along the channel. The plurality of flexible members can include a plurality of flexible strips, a plurality of beaded lines and a plurality of flexible strands. A mat can be provided with a surface suitable for receiving a human body thereon such that the mat is positioned against a side of the housing with the crossbar extending over a top of the mat.

Abstract: The use: medicine, particularly psychotherapy, correction of psychoemotional and psychosomatic disorders. The essence: in order to consolidate the desired alterations anchoring is used, in so doing basic suggestion formulae are related by way of association to the patient's feeling of pulsation. Using patient's own feeling of pulsation as a stimulus increases the efficiency of the treatment because pulsations are always felt by patient, they intensify in frustration and, being semantically linked to suggested alterations, they can unconsciously evoke and produce new patterns of behaviour. Before inducing trance squeezing bands are applied on patient's right and left fingers and/or toes, the extent of squeezing is adjusted until the patient can feel the pulsation under the bands, in the process of suggestion before pronouncing a formula the patient's attention is drawn to the feeling of pulsation and the alteration being suggested is verbally linked to the feeling of pulsation.

Abstract: A device and procedure for self-treating the bony architectural alignment of human feet in a non-standing position. The methodology utilizes a known biomechanical adjustment device called the Activator Adjustment Instrument 30 when performed by a caregiver, or new self administered devices. The non-standing version of this previously unknown device provides a surface board 40 with a at least one rubber, or similar material, stylus tips or stimulating members 46 connected to an automated impulse based mechanism for delivering the impulses necessary to adjust the foot's bony architecture. Whether applied through the Activator Adjustment Instrument or the self-administered device, preferably the stylus tips are sized and employed to adjust a succession of regions of the arches of the a person's medial longitudinal arches, lateral longitudinal arches, and transverse arches including the longitudinal center, thereby to assist in restoring and maintaining the natural architecture of the foot.

Abstract: An automatic portable ambulant miniaturized system for applying pneumatic pressure to a body limb including a portable ambulant hand-held fluid source unit, a conduit for delivering fluid generated by the unit, and a sleeve coupled to the conduit and adapted to envelop a body limb. The sleeve contains one or more individually inflatable cells, each cell being subdivided into two or more longitudinally extending confluent compartments along the axis of the body limb. The compartments are inflated and deflated essentially simultaneously by the portable fluid source unit.

Abstract: In a method for locating a measurement and/or treatment catheter in a vessel or organ of a patient relative a fixed catheter, also positioned within the patient in the vicinity of the measurement and/or treatment catheter signals are transmitted from one of the catheters and received at the other one. The position and direction of the measurement and/or treatment catheter relative to the fixed catheter is then determined from the received signals. An arrangement for locating a measurement and/or treatment catheter, intended to be positioned in a vessel or organ of a patient, also includes a fixed catheter, also intended to be positioned within the patient in the vicinity of the measurement and/or treatment catheters. One of the catheters has a signal transmitter and the other one has a signal receiver for receiving signals from the signal transmitter. A signal processor determines from the received signals the position of the measurement and/or treatment catheter relative to the fixed catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in the clearing of secretion from the lungs of a patient utilizes sonic pressure waves applied to the chest by an appropriate sound-generating transducer. A control unit allows the generation of a plurality of electrical signals at separate audio frequencies, which signals are combined and intermixed and amplified for driving the transducer. In general, the frequencies are in the range of 100-300 hz. A first frequency is chosen to coagulate the lung secretions, while the application of subsequent frequency signals breaks the secretions and facilitates their migration from the lungs. The use of sonic pressure waves minimizes trauma to the patient.

Abstract: Since the electrical impedance of an ultrasonic vibrator may vary according to the contact or non-contact of an application member with the skin, a detection circuit detects the contact or non-contact of the application member with the skin by converting the current the ultrasonic vibrator current into a voltage, and a comparator compares this voltage with a reference voltage. When contact is detected by the detection circuit, a constant-voltage circuit sets the level of the constant voltage output to the ultrasonic oscillation circuit at a standard voltage, but when non-contact is detected, the constant voltage is switched to a lower-level constant voltage. Thus, when non-contact is detected, the level of the ultrasound emitted from the ultrasonic vibrator via the application member is lowered, so that an unnecessary rise in the temperature of the application member is be prevented.

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: The intraoperative calibration of an arbitrary surgical instrument relative to a surgical navigation digitizing system is achieved by a calibration guide. The calibration guide is established in position and orientation relative to the digitizing system coordinate system. The surgical instrument is aligned to the calibration guide during calibration to establish its probe and end orientation in the digitizer coordinates. The instrument carries a marker structure which is trackable in the digitizer coordinates to enable tracking by rigid-body transformation of the instruments probe and end position after calibration in the calibration guide.

Abstract: An active compression/decompression CPR device includes two pressure members mounted on a common beam. When placed on the victim with one member on the chest and the other on the abdomen, pressure on one end of the beam causes compression of the thorax and decompression of the abdomen. Conversely, when pressure is applied to the other end of the beam, the abdomen is compressed and the thorax is decompressed.

Abstract: A multifunctional tissue dissecting instrument for use in a surgical procedure includes a blunt dissector, a probe disposed within the blunt dissector and a handle coupled with the probe at a proximal end of the blunt dissector and operable to move a tip of the probe between a retracted position within the blunt dissector and an extended position protruding from the blunt dissector. The blunt dissector preferably includes an elongate tubular member and an absorbent body of material disposed on the distal end of the tubular member. The absorbent body at the distal end of the tubular member is configured to contact tissue for blunt dissection and, when other functions are desired or required as part of the surgical procedure, the probe tip can be moved from the retracted position to the extended position, for example to cut or penetrate tissue for sharp dissection, to transmit energy, to manipulate or pull the tissue or to otherwise treat the tissue.

Abstract: An exercising method for stretching the spinal column and strengthening the spinal muscles. The user suspends his body on crutch-like supports and performs a series of exercises by positioning his body and/or the crutches in various angular positions relative to the floor. The crutches may be conventional crutches, or crutches which extend to a level higher than the user's shoulders, straps being provided for holding the body in suspension by the armpits.

Abstract: A blower pressure source has been integrated into a vest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) system. The vest includes a bladder that cyclically inflates and deflates to provide automatic CPR to a patient in cardiac arrest or needing circulatory assistance to a patient with a beating but weakened heart. The blower continuously provides air at relatively low pressure to inflate a bladder in the vest. The maximum pressure of the blower corresponds to the desired peak vest pressure. A relatively simple valve, solenoid and timing controller is used to apply the blower air in cycles to inflate the bladder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing cardio-plumonary resuscitation with active reshaping of a patient's chest are disclosed. A piston positioned near a patient's sternum is intermittently activated to produce cycles of direct compression on the patient's heart while an annular collar is simultaneously placed securely around a patient's thoracic cavity to limit the circumferential changes in the thoracic cavity. The combination of the annular collar and piston combine to direct blood flow both by direct cardiac compression/decompression and by varying the intrathoracic cavity pressure. The annular collar can be formed by a single non-extensible membrane or by a non-extensible outer membrane and an extensible inner membrane with a bladder therebetween filled with a substantially non-compressible fluid.

Abstract: An active compression/decompression CPR device includes two pressure members mounted on a common beam. When placed on the victim with one member on the chest and the other on the abdomen, pressure on one end of the beam causes compression of the thorax and decompression of the abdomen. Conversely, when pressure is applied to the other end of the beam, the abdomen is compressed and the thorax is decompressed.

Abstract: A system for application of electromechanical energy to generate full cycle linear oscillations imposing soft tissue strains which activate natural biochemical mechanisms whereby wound healing is enhanced through reduced scar tissue formation, swelling, pain, healing time, and increased wound strength is thereby provided. In essence, the device and method of this invention provides such enhanced wound healing by utilization of an applicator head which is mounted on the skin adjacent to a wound site, a cable for attachment to opposite ends of an incision's longitudinal axis which is coupled to the applicator head, a motor means for driving the cable in linear oscillations in opposite directions through alternating half cycles of a predetermined span, and an actuator means for regulating the timing and breadth of the predetermined span of each half cycle.