Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying compression therapy to an extremity of the human body, such as a portion of the human leg. The device includes a flexible member and an air bladder chamber. The flexible member is adapted to wrap around the extremity to secure the air bladder chamber to the extremity. An air pumping mechanism is operated to inflate the air bladder chamber to a pressurized state. One or more fluid-filled pressurized members are provided, each separate and distinct from the flexible member and the air bladder chamber and thus readily moveable relative to the flexible member and the air bladder chamber. The pressurized member(s) is operably disposed between the extremity and the flexible member whereby it applies increased localized pressure to the extremity during use.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compression devices and, more particularly to a method using air flow to close the exhaust valve in each sleeve, allows air to fill the sleeve to a pretuned pressure, and finally deflating the sleeve by letting the air flow through the outlet valve. This creates a pressure gradient and a pneumatic cycle means that facilitates the massaging movement on the limb towards direction of the heart. The magnetic force in valves is uniquely adapted for controlling low-pressure compression. A magnetically adjustable valve is adapted for use in a compression device to control and regulate low to very low pressures and comprising of a movable magnetic part and a metal part, defining an air gap there between.

Abstract: A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating a wound, which appliance comprises a semi-rigid or rigid wound covering device and a vacuum system to provide a supply of reduced pressure to the wound covering device. The wound covering device may be comprised of an impermeable overlay, a stopper, and a suction drain. Alternatively, the wound covering device may be comprised of an impermeable overlay and a suction drain. The wound covering device may also be comprised of an impermeable overlay that has at least one channel that is a part thereof, wherein the at least one channel is used to provide reduced pressure to the wound and may remove fluid aspirated from the wound. The vacuum system may be comprised of at least a vacuum pump or a suction bulb, or a combination of the same. Finally, methods for using the wound treatment appliance are provided.

Abstract: A wound dressing for a body member including a sealed casing formed of a flexible, air impermeable material configured and dimensioned to accommodate and enclose a body member, a compactible filler material disposed in the interior of the casing, and a valve communicating with the interior of the casing for evacuating air therefrom, whereupon the filler material interengages to combine with the casing to form a rigid structure conforming to a body member.

Abstract: An inflatable exercise belt which is placed around the abdomen and lower back of a user has one inflatable air chamber for the abdomen and two spaced apart inflatable air chambers for the lumbar region of the back. When worn by the user and inflated, the two inflatable chambers exert pressure upon the upper and lower portions of the lumbar vertebrae. The belt also has elastic portions which enable it to better conform to the body of the user.

Abstract: A traction collar includes a body having an axial extension. The body is equipped with inflatable sections and a device for supplying air to the sections or to dispose of air from the sections. The traction collar is manufactured from cellular plastic material, or a material having corresponding properties. Each of the sections has at least one compartment provided in the body and an air cushion is provided in the compartment.

Abstract: A portable and adjustable pneumatic lumbar support is provided having a back section and a leg section adjacent to the back section. A first bladder in the back section inflates to support said user's torso. A second bladder in the leg section supports the user's legs. An air compressor integrally and operatively coupled with the first and second bladders are selectively capable of separately inflating each bladder. A temperature control region integral to the back section provided for administration of hot or cold therapy.

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: A traction adjustable cervical collar transferring weight of the head from the cervical spine to the shoulders. A collar portion releasably encircles the neck and is inflated by inflating apparatus. A bladder of the inflating apparatus is a part of the collar portion and a squeezable hand bulb of the inflating apparatus selectively inflates the bladder. The bladder has a lowermost surface that is flat for preventing slippage along the shoulders of the wearer. The bladder has a pair of side walls and contains a plurality of ribs extending upwardly from the lowermost surface thereof and which have a portion of the pair of side walls of the bladder adjacent thereto being attached thereto so as to provide rigidity to the bladder and prevent it from rolling over onto itself during use.

Abstract: A support device for providing enhanced support to users. In one embodiment, the support device includes a first bladder and a second bladder. Valves may be attached to the bladders to allow inflation and/or deflation of the bladders. In yet another embodiment, the support device is further provided with a pump attached to the bleed valve. In one embodiment, the support device is provided with bladders having a kidney bean shape and the support device has a butterfly shape. In another embodiment, the support device may be implemented with four wing portions configured to define four recesses, each of the recesses being positioned between two adjacent wing portions so that the support device has a shape of a butterfly. In this regard, the support device may include an air bladder, or be made of foam.

Abstract: A massage device for massaging a body part of a person in an unsupervised and unattended setting. The massage device includes a garment, shaped to provide a snug fit and having a plurality of bladders arranged along the garment to massage the body part. An inflation assembly supplies fluid pressure to each of the bladders to inflate the respective bladders. The bladders may have approximately the same inflated volume thereby equalizing the inflation volume of the respective bladders whereby substantially even inflation timing, with substantially even applied pressure, and, thus, overall smooth massage dynamics may be provided without overly complicated inflation fluid control (e.g., an inflation assembly which supplies a substantially constant inflation capacity to each of the bladders). The garment may include a pocket having an opening communicating with the respective bladders and tubing from the inflation assembly extends into this pocket.

Abstract: The vacuum orthopedic brace and method include the use of an inner sleeve or liner, first and second cuffs, and a hinge connecting the cuffs. The cuffs includes a fabric liner or other porous material to act as a wick, and a gasket surrounding the wick material. A valve is preferably provided in the cuff for drawing air from between the cuff and the liner, i.e. to create a vacuum. Furthermore, an external, internal or integrated chamber or rigid reservoir is preferably included, and in communication with the wick filled area between the cuff and liner, to hold a vacuum.

Abstract: The device for massaging a lower leg comprises a base pad (2) arranged in an area of the sole and a bladder (1) arranged in the region of the lower leg. A tubular connection is provided between the inner spaces of the base pad (2) and of the bladder (1). A frame (8) comprising a base part (12) and at least one side part (13, 7) projects upward from the tubular connection. The frame is mountable inside a shoe with the bladder (1) being fastened to the side part and the bladder (1) being positioned on the frame (8) in such a manner that it comes to lie above the perforating vein in the ankle area. A pressure is exerted by the bladder (1) onto the leg through the body weight applied to the base pad (2) when the foot is loaded.

Abstract: A portable, inflatable lumbar belt cushion for providing support to the lower spine and surrounding paralumbar musculature of the wearer while seated. The present invention is for an inflatable belt cushion which adjustably reinforces the small of the back to support the lower spine in a proper lorsdosis, alleviating lower back pain caused by improper posture and fatigue. The belt encircles the wearer's waist and contains a compartment with an inflatable cushion centrally located in the back of the belt which is superimposeable in the small of the wearer's back. The inflatable cushion is of a hemi-elliptical design which is positioned horizontally in the small of the back such that the thicker center portion of the cushion supports the spine and the thinner end portions support the surrounding musculature. The cushion extends outwardly from the outer surface of the belt and thus does not create a compression between the belt and the spine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee brace with straps engageable with the upper and lower leg and disposed above and below the knee, said straps being connected by a hinged rail extending over the knee at the side, said hinged rail comprising a fluid-inflatable padding and a hinged connection in the region of the knee. The padding comprises two optionally inflatable hollow pads connected by a channel, said hollow pads each being so disposed between the knee-distal straps and the hinged connection that, when the hollow pads are inflated, the knee is forced in relation to the straps into a position away from the hinged connection.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating carpal tunnel syndrome in a patient's hand includes a bilateral housing for receiving the patient's right or left hand with two bottom capture regions for capturing and retaining the thenar and hypothenar regions of the patient's hand. The housing also includes a top portion with a pressure element adapted and configured to contact at least a portion of the central longitudinal dorsal region of the patient's hand. The pressure element is connected to a pressure source, such that when the hand is inserted into the housing, the pressure element may be activated to exert pressure on the respective central dorsal region of the hand while the hypothenar and thenar regions of the band are retained by the first and second capture regions, thus exerting forces opposite to the pressure exerted by the pressure element.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional. A first embodiment of the inventive apparatus includes a housing for receiving the patient's hand with pressure elements in contact with the hypothenar, thenar and central longitudinal dorsal portions of the patient's hand. Active pressure sources are provided for the pressure elements and connected to an automatic control unit. The control unit causes the inventive apparatus to delivered therapeutic treatment to the hand by selectively activating the active pressure sources causing the thenar and hypothenar regions of the hand to be pulled apart and upward around the dorsally positioned pressure element in accordance with program instructions indicative of a treatment plan.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic limb covering and an associated method of treating chronic swelling of a limb. The limb covering is uses hydrostatic pressure provided by liquid contained within the covering to apply pressure to the limb. The limb covering comprises a substantially non-distensible flexible outer layer, a distensible flexible inner layer joined together and a liquid tight bladder therebetween. The covering may be adapted for releasable securement about a limb such as an arm or a lower leg and foot of a patient. After placement on the limb, when the bladder is filled with a liquid, such as water, it expands to contact and apply pressure to the limb.

Abstract: An inflatable suspension harness/body jacket and method of use in medical partial weight-bearing therapy. The suspension harness/body jacket is fit onto a patient and has bladders that are inflated sufficiently to achieve a tight conforming fit. Deflating and re-inflating the bladders where necessary to re-achieve the tight conforming fit allows for successful weight-bearing therapy without discontinuing the therapy for an extended period or removing the patient. The suspension harness/body jacket has shoulder straps and jacket portions that may pass through D-rings that, when attached to a frame or other apparatus, provide additional offloading capacity.

Abstract: The forearm support band with direct pressure monitoring provides the ability for patients to optimize treatment of medial or lateral epicondylitis (golfer's elbow or tennis elbow, respectively) with the use of optimal pressure application. Unlike previous forearm support bands, this band allows patients to directly read the pressure of application and appropriately adjust the band's tightness. This results in the correct amount of pressure to the forearm musculature, thereby minimizing risks and gaining optimal therapeutic benefits.

Abstract: A probe for application to a body part particularly a finger of a patent to detect a change in the physical condition of the patient includes a housing defining a compartment closed at one end and open at the opposite end for receiving the distal end of the patient's finger and a medium wholly self-contained within the probe for applying a static pressure field substantially uniformly around the distal end of the patient's finger, of a predetermined magnitude sufficient to substantially prevent distention of the venous vasculature, uncontrolled venous backflow, and retrograde shockwave propagation into the distal end, and to partially unload the wall tension of, but not to occlude, the arteries in the distal end when at heart level or below. A sensor senses changes in the distal end of the patient's finger related to changes in arterial blood volume therein.

Abstract: An inflatable support shoe for enabling an individual with a broken foot encased within a cast to walk without the use of crutches. The support shoe comprises an inflatable footpad having a selectively inflatable air chamber, and a rubber ring. The footpad has a number of elastic cords extending therefrom having hooks at their ends. In use, the circular ring is selectively attached to the cast just above the ankle region of the cast. The user then positions the bottom of the cast upon the upper surface of the footpad, and engages the circular ring with the hooks at the ends of the cords, in order to firmly attach the footpad to the cast. After the user inflates the air chamber, the footpad cushions the injured foot against harmful impacts, thereby enabling the individual with a broken foot encased within a cast to walk upon the foot without the use of crutches.

Abstract: Ankle brace with two arms extending over the ankle bones along the lower leg, said arms being joined under the foot by a flexible connecting member and being provided with cushioning chambers containing a fluid, each arm of the brace being provided with a single cushioning chamber with a longitudinal subdivision, said longitudinal subdivision forming a zone of reduced expandability in the region of the ankle bone and therefore forming opposite the ankle bone a recess which receives the latter, the connecting member being made of a material of such tensile elasticity that, during walking and the accompanying rolling of the foot as well as rhythmic pumping of the cushioning chambers, said connecting member is intermittently lengthened and shortened.

Abstract: A compression garment for selective application for treatment of lymphedema and related illnesses manifested at various locations of the body. The garment includes a pair or series of layers of hermetically sealed material, that can capture pressurized air, when applied therein, and is formed through the patterned sealing of the layers of the garment together, at select locations, to form air pockets that can selectively apply isolated points of pressure to the patient's affected area, without disrupting normal vascular and lymphatic functioning. The garment is design cut, for application to various segments of the body, and applies encompassing pressure over the entire affected area, and includes valves that can allow for the injection of measurable air, to the desired pressure points, or its deflation, after treatment.

Abstract: An inflatable support, kit of parts for forming a system for immobilizing a human leg, and a method of preparing an inflatable bag for supporting a human leg. The inflatable support includes a bag that has a single body having a first surface and a second surface. The body of the inflatable bag is made up of multiple air chambers running generally throughout. Portions of the bag between adjacent air chambers of the body form joined regions, such as notches, that allow the inflatable bag to bend to conform to the contours of a human leg. The inflatable bag body has a valve attached thereto so as to allow an inflation medium to pass into one or more of the air chambers.

Abstract: A device is provided for applying pressure to the human leg for use in conjunction with treatment of varicose veins. The device includes a flexible member and at least one air bladder chamber integral thereto that are adapted to securely wrap around the human leg. A tube in fluid communication with the air bladder chamber(s) extends to an air pumping mechanism that operates to inflate the air bladder chamber(s) to a pressurized state. The flexible member preferably includes an opening at the knee joint level to enable a patella to protrude therethrough. In addition, the flexible member preferably extends below knee joint level and is adapted to securely wrap around a lower portion of a leg to provide stability to the leg.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder position a distance from a joint is attached to an external structural support which crosses the joint but does not support it. By inflating the bladder one limb segment is forced towards the external support thereby increasing the ranges of motion of that joint. Further, the inflatable bladder has an instant release valve which, when pressed, will instantly release the pressure within the bladder. The limb is positioned intermediate the bladder and the external structural support for optimal biomechanical efficiency.

Abstract: A dorsal carpal tunnel splint has an elongated stiff splint element having an upper end, a lower end and a center portion. The splint element is arcuate in cross section and has a length and lateral breadth sufficient to engage the outer surface of the lower forearm, the wrist, and the hand of the wearer. First straps are secured to the upper end and the center portion of the splint for securing the splint to the patient's forearm and wrist. A finger strap extends along the lower end of the splint and forms a loop thereunder to receive the fingers only of the wearer's hand and to provide a space for the wearer's thumb outside the loop. A resilient liner pad is secured to an inner surface of the splint element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for functionally distributing genetic material to mammalian limb muscle cells comprising inserting genetic material into a limb vessel. Delivery efficiency and distribution is enhanced by combining injection of a solution containing the genetic material with the use of an externally applied cuff to increase vascular permeability.

Abstract: The pneumatic Achilles sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve and at least one strap for fastening the sleeve around the ankle. The sleeve assembly positions an arch cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve under a human foot. The arch cell is fabricated from a flexible material and is in communication with a conduit member. Upon application of external pressure to the arch cell, air is expelled from said air cell through said conduit member. The sleeve assembly also positions a tendon cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve against the Achilles tendon. The tendon cell is in communication with the arch cell via the conduit member. The tendon cell is also fabricated from a flexible material. Upon the expelling of air from said arch cell, the air enters through the conduit member into the tendon cell which exerts a greater pressure against the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device and treatment method for chronic venous insufficiency and related medical conditions. The device is an inflatable stocking which, when inflated, applies pressure to the foot and lower leg of a patient. The device has several sections that are inflatable to different pressures so that gradient pressure may be applied. The sections are vertically disposed so that greatest pressure is applied to the foot and lower portion of the lower leg, somewhat less pressure is applied to the middle portion of the lower leg, and the least pressure is applied to the upper section of the lower leg. The device surrounds the entire treatment area so that the treated area will not swell.

Abstract: An inflatable splint comprises a plurality of air chambers divided by latitudinal and longitudinal divisions. The latitudinal division comprises perforated latitudinal welds which divide the splint into portions, or rows of air chambers. Each portion is detachable or separable from an adjacent portion and adapted to wrap around a section of a body part independently of the other portion. The splint is bendable at the latitudinal divisions to accommodate joints and various bends in an injured limb. Each portion is capable of forming a U-structure to retain a section of an injured limb. The latitudinal divisions enable each portion to bend away from each other or toward each other, in which case one U-structure may be disposed at least in part within another U-structure. Adjustable fasteners are provided for each portion. A method for securing an injured limb is also provided.

Abstract: A therapeutic lower extremity device is provided. The device generally comprises a pair of coupling members 10 and 12, interconnected by a tensioner structure 14. The tensioner structure 14 enables an adjustable linear displacement between the coupling members 10 and 12, and may include a goniometer arrangement 16 for angle readings between the coupling members when applied on a patient. A pair of air inflatable elements 30 and 30A are provided in apposition to each other in each of the coupling members. The air inflatable elements are preferably connected to corresponding air pressure gauges 36 to facilitate a reading of the muscle contraction strength.

Abstract: A separable compression sleeve where the fluid inflating portion commonly referred to as bladder, tubing and connector (26) can be separated from the garment or sleeve portion (30) that wraps around the limb or desired substrate to be compressed. The bladder, tubing and connector (26) can be mechanically barrier protected so it can be reused without chemical reprocessing by using a protective flexible covering (32) (barrier), a unique outer or connector coupler shell 10, a membrane barrier (valve) (18), a reusable coupler (12), disposable coupler connector (24) and an easy open heat shrink connection (20) that allows for quick dissassembly of the barrier so the bladder tubing and connector (26) can be reused.

Abstract: The specification and drawings describe and show one or more embodiments of the present invention in the form of a compression glove for selective application for treatment of hand, wrist, forearm and thumb discomfort. Useful for prevention and relief of injuries caused by repetitive motions while handling implements, it has a flexible waterproof glove body with exposed fingertips. The glove includes a pair or series of layers of hermetically sealed material, that can capture pressurized air, when applied therein. It is formed through the patterned sealing of the layers of the glove together at select locations. This forms inflatable chambers that can selectively apply isolated points of pressure and support to the affected area.

Abstract: A protective and pressure normalizing device including a support member having an exterior wall and an interior wall which define a first chamber, wherein the support member comprises a pressure adjustment section movable between a first position and at least one second position to adjust a pressure of a medium within the first chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic limb covering and an associated method of treating chronic swelling of a limb. The limb covering is uses hydrostatic pressure provided by liquid contained within the covering to apply pressure to the limb. The limb covering comprises a substantially non-distensible flexible outer layer, a distensible flexible inner layer joined together and a liquid tight bladder therebetween. The covering may be adapted for releasable securement about a limb such as an arm or a lower leg and foot of a patient. After placement on the limb, when the bladder is filled with a liquid, such as water, it expands to contact and apply pressure to the limb.

Abstract: This device is used for compressing the abdominal wall and colon during colonoscopy so as to facilitate the colonoscopy exam. A vest including inflatable bladders is wrapped around a patient. The bladders are inflated to apply pressure to the patient's abdomen. Particularly, the bladders may apply pressure to the sigmoid, descending and ascending the colon of the patient to aid in a colonoscopy. The bladders may be selectively inflated, and deflated, in order to apply any desired amount of pressure to aid the doctor performing a colonoscopy examination. The bladders are enclosed between two layers of plastic to form the vest. The vest is inserted into a pillowcase-type slip, which is disposable. The vest is secured about the patient by such conventional connectors as hook and loop fasteners, located at the opposing ends of the vest.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder position a distance from a joint is attached to an external structural support which crosses the joint but does not support it. By inflating the bladder one limb segment is forced towards the external support thereby increasing the ranges of motion of that joint. Further, the inflatable bladder has an instant release valve which, when pressed, will instantly release the pressure within the bladder. The limb is positioned intermediate the bladder and the external structural support for optimal biomechanical efficiency.

Abstract: An adjustable abduction apparatus, including a cushion for being received against the torso, a sling pouch attached to the cushion for maintaining a limb and shoulder of the wearer in an abducted position, and a support connected to the pouch for immobilizing the limb and shoulder in the abducted position and distributing the weight of the abducted limb evenly across the torso of the wearer. A waist strap is carried by the cushion and releasaby secures the apparatus against the torso. A back strap interconnects the waist strap and the sling pouch and extends therebetween generally parallel to the spinal column of the wearer for supporting the sling pouch and maintaining the limb and shoulder in the abducted position.

Abstract: A vacuum fixation device to provide semi-rigid head fixation during medical imaging and medical procedures/operations of the face and head is disclosed. The invention addresses the problem of patient movement during medical/imaging procedures. The invention is a vacuum fixation bag that is designed to provide maximum surface area contact with the subject's head creating semi-rigid immobilization while allowing access to the face and cranial vault. The invention is comprised of an airtight flexible bag containing an effective amount of Styrofoam beads and a closable port providing semi-rigid fixation. The bag is especially configured to provide stabilization to the neck, the under surface of the mandible, the lateral head around the peri-auricular surfaces, and the forehead. The current invention is provided as a sterile, single use item that provides semi-rigid head fixation during medical imaging and medical procedures/operations of the face and head.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic limb covering and an associated method of treating chronic swelling of a limb. The limb covering is uses hydrostatic pressure provided by liquid contained within the covering to apply pressure to the limb. The limb covering comprises a substantially non-distensible flexible outer layer, a distensible flexible inner layer joined together and a liquid tight bladder therebetween. The covering may be adapted for releasable securement about a limb such as an arm or a lower leg and foot of a patient. After placement on the limb, when the bladder is filled with a liquid, such as water, it expands to contact and apply pressure to the limb.

Abstract: A mechanism for supporting and relieving pain of an abdominal incision comprises a radially expandable bladder, a rigid waist band and a partial body garment. The expandable bladder comprises a pad, which spans a substantial portion of the abdominal region, is pressurized to apply pressure forces to the abdomen. The encircling and inelastic band overlays the entire inflatable bag and is adjustably closable at the back of the patient by fastener means. In an initial recovery period after the surgical procedure, the radially expandable bladder and the encircling band are both encompassed within a flexible body garment which can encircle at least upper-thigh region, and which compresses all zones above, below and on the sides of the incision zone, limiting the forces in the plane of the tissues that tend to act upon the incision zone, but without interfering with or impeding body movements.

Abstract: An inflatable, elastic fixation device is provided for adjustable orthopedic fixation. The device is adapted for fastening onto a section of a body, to a desired clearance; and inflating to desired levels of stiffness and tightness. Adjustments may be made when the device is first applied, as well as with time and with activity. The fixation device may be removed for washing or treatment and reapplied. When inflated, the device is rigid, and operative as a structural element for redistributing loads to lessen a pressure on the section of body or to prevent it.

Abstract: An ankle brace has first and second semi-rigid shell members for extending over the ankle and the lower leg on the inner and outer sides of the ankle. A sealed bladder pad is mounted to each of the shell members on the side of the shell member facing the ankle. Each bladder pad includes three small-interconnected bladders wherein a first larger bladder is mounted at the lower end of the shell, and two side-by-side upper bladders are mounted on an upper portion of the associated shell member. The three bladders having restricted openings permitting limited flow of air between the bladders. When a patient wearing the ankle brace walks, the lower bladder is compressed, and air is directed through the restricted openings to the upper bladders, thereby intermittently varying the pressure on the ankle and lower leg, and promoting circulation.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel and unique portable and adaptable lumbar stabilization and upper and lower extremities rehabilitation muscle feedback device. The inventive devices and methods allow healthcare professionals as well ass patient to accurately assess the patient during the use of “neutral spine” exercises. A bladder is retained against a portion of the body and pressurized. The bladder pressure is monitored to encourage the user to maintain controlled contraction of the target muscles, thereby increasing proprioception and neuromuscular control.

Abstract: A support device for providing enhanced support to users. In one embodiment, the support device includes a first bladder and a second bladder. Valves may be attached to the bladders to allow inflation and/or deflation of the bladders. In yet another embodiment, the support device is further provided with a pump attached to the bleed valve. In one embodiment, the support device is provided with bladders having a kidney bean shape and the support device has a butterfly shape. In another embodiment, the support device may be implemented with four wing portions configured to define four recesses, each of the recesses being positioned between two adjacent wing portions so that the support device has a shape of a butterfly. In this regard, the support device may include an air bladder, or be made of foam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting and stabilizing an injured person. The device comprises a flexible film element whose two films define an air-tight inner space in between them that can be evacuated and in which loose particle-containing chambers are provided. The inventive device comprises a torso part and a head part that is provided on both sides with shoulder rests.

Abstract: An apparatus for arresting scalp bleeding includes skull cap having a plurality of inflatable bladders and a pump for inflating the bladders. The methods of the invention include attaching the skull cap to the bleeding victim and inflating the bladders with air using the pump. The inflated bladders exert pressure on the bleeding scalp and result in a hemostasis. According to the presently preferred embodiments, the skull cap has three or four independently inflatable bladders and the pump is a hand pump of the type used to inflate a blood pressure cuff. The pump is preferably provided with a pressure gauge and the bladders are each inflated to about 80 mm Hg.

Abstract: Disclosed is expression of zeta negative and zeta positive nucleic acids or nucleic acid complexes using a dystrophin gene in a process for providing nucleic acid expression in a striated (skeletal or cardiac) muscle cell for the purpose of providing a change to the endogenous properties of the cell for cells affected by muscular dystrophy.