Abstract: A self-powered compression device for use in promoting circulation, said device embodying a plurality of inflatable sleeves arranged sequentially for applying compression to a body or limb and which further comprises a pump, a piping system and a bandage or boot to enclose the device in its entirety. A method for using self-generated pressure in promoting circulation in conditions including but not limited to, lymphatic and traumatic edemas, venous disorders, limb ulcers, varicose veins, muscle fatigue, sports medicine, cellulite treatment, diabetic feet, feet massage for recreation or cosmetic enhancements.

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: Exercise orthoses are described that include a frame, a fluid bladder held by the frame, a pressure sensor attached to the fluid bladder and a microprocessor receiving the pressure measurements. The microprocessor monitors variations in pressure and determines differences between the measured pressures and predetermined target values. The frame can be designed to support a hinge joint or at least one vertebra. Furthermore, corrective back orthoses are described that include a frame, force applicators connected to the frame to apply force to the patient's spine, a sensor that measures forces associated with the force applicators and a control unit that monitors forces measured by the sensor. The corrective back orthosis can include fluid bladders as force applicators. The control unit can include a microprocessor.

Abstract: An inflatable exercise belt (20) for placement around the abdomen of a user includes a substantially belt-shaped body (22) having a first end portion (24) and an opposite second end portion (26). A selectively inflatable air chamber (32) is disposed at first end portion (24). Backing (36) is disposed adjacent to the inflatable air chamber (32), so that when the inflatable air chamber (32) is inflated, the inflatable air chamber (32) expands in a direction away from backing (36) thereby exerting pressure on the abdomen of the user.

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: An inflatable cast system for immobilizing a lower extremity of a human. The system includes a pair of outer shell members shaped to conform to the lateral and medial sides of the lower extremity, respectively. A base member is fastened to the shell members to form a substantially U-shaped stirrup member. The upstanding sidewalls of the shell members are maintained in position relative to the lower extremity by a plurality of elongated, circumferentially extending, longitudinally spaced, flexible fastening straps. A pair of inflatable air bags are attached to inside surfaces of the shell members. The air bags include at least one chamber and a valve that is sealed along one edge of the air bag and is adapted to allow the chamber to be automatically sealed once the brace is attached to the extremity of the user. A unidirectional air pump is provided to allow the chamber of the air bag to be selectively inflated and deflated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air cushion unit (2) of single use type for stopping bleeding. The unit (2) comprises a base plate (4) and an inflatable air cushion (8) attached to the base plate (4). The air cushion (8) comprises a reinforced portion (16), integral with the cushion surface, and extending radially along the inside of the cushion, and corresponding to an area of contact with a wound site.

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: A soft medical boot mounted in a splint. A soft liquid filled cushion is disposed in the ankle portion of the boot and positioned in an adjusted position with respect to a heel opening in the boot.

Abstract: A medical wrap for the promotion of diabetic and like wound healing generally comprises a multi-layered sheet structure for removable application to a patient's foot, said sheet structure having interposed therein an integral bladder; an inlet for fluid inflation of said bladder; and said sheet structure being adapted and said bladder being shaped to produce a non-shearing compressive force in the area of the patient's first and fifth metatarsal heads upon fluid inflation of said bladder. The multi-layered sheet structure may comprise a first sheet and a second sheet, said first sheet forming the exterior of said structure and said second sheet forming the interior of said structure, said second sheet being more extensible than said first sheet. A padding layer of ester foam, or the like, may also be incorporated into each sheet.

Abstract: A cervical collar that will hold the chin, neck and head of the wearer in an anatomically neutral position when the wearer is in an upright or nearly upright position.

Abstract: A device for applying pressure to a body limb comprising a sleeve containing individually inflatable cells each cell being subdivided into longitudinally extending confluent compartments that are inflated and deflated essentially simultaneously. A device for applying pressure to a body comprising the massaging sleeve, means for the intermittent inflation selected cells of the sleeve; and means for determining a temporo-spatial regime of cell inflation. A method for immobilizing a fractured bone in a limb comprising inserting the limb into the sleeve and inflating all the cells in the sleeve. A method of massaging a limb of the body of an individual, comprising inserting the limb into the sleeve and inflating the cells of the sleeve according to a predetermined temporo-spatial regime.

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: 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 apply 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: 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: A brace has a number of flexible compression bags filled with liquid disposed around the injured body part. The liquid is pressurized by a pump, which may be driven by muscle contracting or weight-bearing activities. The pump may provide a dynamic, oscillatory pressure, or a constant pressure, which pressure may be equal to the normal resting liquid pressure in the injured limb. The bags are segmented with valves allowing the liquid to flow in a controlled manner through the bags. The bags may be containing bags, or may be selectively placed to create pressures to resist specific injury effects and potential deformations when healing.

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: A non-radio frequency energy sensitive sheet shaped to cover a palm and wrist is wrapped over a radio frequency energy sensitive sheet, a splint, attachment strap first ends, and a rod configured to receive the other ends of the attachment straps around the rod, and radio frequency energy is injected into the wrap by a mold having non-radio frequency energy sensitive press walls kept below sheet melting temperature until the second sheet is fused to itself around the splint and around the rod and bonded to the first sheet by the radio frequency generated heat provided by the second sheet.

Abstract: A medical device for physical therapy treatment to enable patients confined to a bed to increase upper and lower extremity strength and promote a quicker return to standing and walking activities. The medical device can be a generally wedge-shaped article constructed of a resiliently compressible material designed to consistently return to its original shape after repeatedly being compressed. The medical device can have an expansive front support base, an expansive, taller rear support base, a generally flat bottom surface, left and right sides and a top surface which slopes from the expansive front support base to the taller rear support base at an angle designed to provide a proper range of motion for a patient's legs when performing a certain therapeutic exercise. The left and right sides can be provided with opposing indentations therein at about the mid portion of the medical device.

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 apply 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: A method and system for an inflatable, adjustable back support is disclosed. Preferably, the back support resembles a fanny pack. The fanny pack includes an inflatable bladder which is encased in the fanny pack pouch. A pump is provided for inflating the bladder. A deflation device (e.g., release valve) is provided for deflating the bladder. The pump may be encased in a small pouch.

Abstract: A pelvic compression splint for splinting support and compression of the pelvis. The pelvic compression splint includes: right and left plates to be positioned on the right and left sides, respectively, of the pelvis; right and left inner shells positioned between the right and left plates, respectively, and the right and left side of the pelvis; and a support member for supporting the right and left plates and right and left inner shells compressively against the right and left sides of the pelvis.

Abstract: The pneumatic Achilles wrap comprises a wrap including at least one strap for fastening the wrap around the foot and around the ankle. The wrap positions an arch cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the wrap 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 wrap also positions a tendon cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the wrap 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: 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 apply 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: Exercise orthoses are described that include a frame, a fluid bladder held by the frame, a pressure sensor attached to the fluid bladder and a microprocessor receiving the pressure measurements. The microprocessor monitors variations in pressure and determines differences between the measured pressures and predetermined target values. The frame can be designed to support a hinge joint or at least one vertebra. Furthermore, corrective back orthoses are described that include a frame, force applicators connected to the frame to apply force to the patient's spine, a sensor that measures forces associated with the force Applicators and a control unit that monitors forces measured by the sensor. The corrective back orthosis can include fluid bladders as force applicators. The control unit can include a microprocessor.

Abstract: A therapeutic ankle support brace bladder pad member having a pair opposed surfaces defining an inflated air support pocket and a second support pocket containing gel material and filler apparatus materials, is disclosed. An overlay fabric material is integrally attached to the bladder, provides additional support and enables removable attachment of the bladder to side support members of a therapeutic brace.

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 inflatable support for lower legs including a knee support adapted for receiving a knee therein. A lower leg and foot support is secured to the knee support. The lower leg and knee support is comprised of a tubular member capable of being filled with a selected material. The tubular member is arranged to define an upper shin support, a lower floor support, and a bend positionable within an arch between a foot and an ankle. The tubular member is positionable along the lower leg and foot to evenly distribute the weight thereof as applied when in kneeling position. A heat retaining bladder is coextensive with the tubular member to impart heat the the lower leg directly and indirectly through the tubular member.

Abstract: A health appliance comprises a fitting member fittable in between toes or fingers and having in an interior thereof a pressurized medium charging portion. This portion is expanded in a direction so as to widen a space between the toes or fingers when the pressurized medium is charged therein. A pressurized medium charging port is provided at a location of the health appliance so as to communicate with the fitting member, for charging the pressurized medium into the pressurized medium charging portion.

Abstract: An force generator includes an elongate force generator body that has a longitudinal dimension and has a fluid chamber defined therein. The force generator body exhibits a dimensional extension responsive to an increase in fluid in the fluid chamber and a dimensional retraction responsive to a decrease in fluid in the fluid chamber. A restraint apparatus channels the dimensional extension/retraction into the longitudinal dimension and restrains dimensional extension in a dimension transverse thereto.

Abstract: A heel locking, energy absorbing, support and cushioning device adapted to fit around at least a portion of a user's foot and ankle, comprising, a sleeve having one or more pockets at least partially fixed to the walls of the sleeve which are at least partially filled with a compressible, polymeric material, flowable at room temperature, capable of absorbing impact energy, and comprising a plurality of microspheres.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective and pressure normalizing device for a body extremity. The device has a three-dimensional gelastic member, and a cover. The three-dimensional gelastic member has a predetermined shape to conform to the body extremity and a plurality of openings. The opening are at least positioned on the top side of the gelastic member. The cover encases the gelastic member and is removable therefrom. The cover also has an upper side, a underside, and a plurality of edges which correspond to the shape of the gelastic member. The underside contacts the body extremity, while the upper side has a plurality of connectors designed to bring one edge of the cover to a predetermined distance from another edge of the cover. Thereby, the protective and pressure normalizing device supports the body extremity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure bandage for hip joint prosthesis operated patients and including a portion which may be enclosed around the hips of said patient. The enclosing member is formed by a cloth-shaped inelastic girdle which exhibits Velcro® closing means at their connectable end parts, turned away from each other and towards each other. A pressure bladder to which means are connected for pressure control and fluid level filling, respectively, may be received inside said enclosing and connected girdle, wherein filling and emptying, respectively, of said pressure bladder enables producing the desired pressure upon the operated hip.

Abstract: A brace for supporting a user's lower back and hips has a front belt portion and an enlarged rear portion with a molded depression formed inside. A packet has a plurality of separately sealed liquid chambers interconnected to each other by at least one channel for allowing flow of liquid therebetween whereby equal pressure is applied to the user's lower back and hips wherever there is contact with the packet. This packet is attachable to and detachable from the molded depression so that the liquid may be replaced or cleaned by removing the plug before the packet is refilled with fresh liquid.

Abstract: A method and appliance for treating carpal tunnel syndrome has a splint with dorsal, thenar and hypothenar portions for applying pressure to the respective dorsal aspect of the hand and to thenar and hypothenar areas of a palmar aspect of the hand to induce stretching of the carpal ligament and flexor retinaculum. The thenar and hypothenar portions of the splint are connected to opposite sides of the dorsal portion and are spaced from the dorsal portion to allow for the insertion of the hand to be treated. The splint is preferably formed from a unitary piece of substantially rigid material and is sized and shaped to closely receive the hand with the dorsal, thenar and hypothenar portions substantially aligned with and covering the respective dorsal aspect, and thenar and hypothenar areas of the palmar aspect of the hand.

Abstract: A device to treat the temporomandibular and maxillomandibular region of patient with cryo, thermal and/or compression therapy is disclosed. The device comprises a fabric layer anatomically designed to contact the temporomandibular joint and the maxillomandibular region, an inflatable layer, and a heater for heating the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint and temporal regions. In an alternative embodiment, a device comprises a fabric layer designed to contact the maxillomandibular region, an inflatable layer, a hard plate placed on said fabric layer to resist bulging of said inflatable layer when inflated, and a conductive layer covering said inflatable layer. Methods to use the device to treat the maxillomandibular region and temporomandibular joint of a patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ventilation system is disclosed for a cast of the type which encompasses a limb with a rigid material such that an inside surface of the cast faces the limb while an outside surface of the cast is spaced outwardly from the inside surface. The ventilation system includes a tube insertable through the cast so that one end of the tube is open to the limb while the other end of the tube is open to the outside surface of the cast. A source of pressurized air is then fluidly connected to the other or outside end of the tube thus forcing air flow through the tube and into the area between the inside surface of the cast and the limb.

Abstract: A portable, adjustable, pneumatic, lumbar support is provided, designed to allow a user with chronic or acute back pain to select and lie in a neutral lumbar position so as to decrease the pain in the lumbar area. When a user is positioned on the present invention, the inflatable bladder extends from the upper portion of the hamstring region of the leg to approximately the L-5 vertebrae, and is constructed such that inflation in the hamstring region causes a displacement greater than that of the buttocks region, allowing for more tilt of the lower spine.

Abstract: A support for inguinal hernia is disclosed wherein a corset garment having elasticized walls is provided with a pocket or pockets on the inside wall of the portion of the garment that is adjacent the abdomen of a wearer. A plurality of pads are provided for insertion in the pocket or pockets to provide pressure against the underlying inguinal area. The pockets are placed in a location to accommodate the location of a hernia or hernias suffered by a particular user. The number of pads placed in the pocket or pockets is selected to obtain a combined thickness of pads that affords optimum wearer comfort so that the support is thereby customized for the wearer.

Abstract: An air inflated sealed rubber padding cushioning protective device for use in contact sports and worn underneath traditional shoulder pads. The air inflated sealed rubber padding has a smooth, flat surface that changes to a modular configuration when the protective padding is donned; effectively conforming to the contour of the body area covered at creases that constitute flexible joints. The air inflated sealed rubber padding uses the cushioning power of air to displace the force of impact, such as impacts delivered to the shoulder, clavicular, and scapular areas. The protective padding not only prevents injuries, but is also capable of protecting injured players from further injury. Alternatively, the air inflated sealed rubber padding can additionally have a plurality of air filled openings that form an array of air filled pockets having a honeycomb appearance.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for the surroundive fixation of extremities in which a double-walled cuff-forming cushion is used which can be deformed into a sleeve, which can be made vacuum-tight and which is provided with a evacuation valve. A plurality of loose particulate filling bodies is provided in the inner space of the cuff-forming cushion between the two walls and the cushion can be consolidated by evacuation into a stiff stable structure.

Abstract: A method for anatomical reduction of the bones of the pelvis includes a belt having a clasp or other fastening member. The device also includes at least two inflatable bladders slidingly positionable along the belt. Operationally, the device is positioned to encircle the hips of a patient with a bladder positioned over each of the patient's hip bones. The clasp is fastened to hold the belt in place and a pump is used to selectively inflate each of the bladders. Inflation of the bladders applies a compressive force in excess of five hundred pounds to the pelvic bones of the patient reducing the intra-pelvic volume, thereby minimizing blood loss attributable to fractures or diastasis of the pelvis.

Abstract: A cervical collar for lifting the skull of a wearer. The collar includes a core, a pair of bladders, and inflating apparatus. The core replaceably encircles the neck of the wearer. The pair of bladders are inflatable and disposed on the core. The inflating apparatus is in fluid communication with the pair of bladders, and when the pair of bladders are inflated to a predetermined pressure by the inflating apparatus, the skull of the wearer is gently pushed off the shoulders of the wearer, which relieves downward pressure on the cervical spine of the wearer by forming intrinsic neck traction, whose early and continued use relieves pain and weakness and prevents major and sometimes non-reversible deterioration of the cervical spine of the wearer.

Abstract: An inflatable support device for supporting the lower back of a user especially when the user is sitting. The device includes an elongate flexible belt adapted for wrapping around the waist area of a wearer. An inflatable waist bladder is coupled to the belt such that the waist bladder is wrapped around the waist area of the wearer when the belt is wrapped around the waist area of the wearer. An elongate lower support bar downwardly depends from the belt. The lower support bar is designed for positioning adjacent the spine region of the lower back area of the wearer to provide support to the lower back area of the wearer. The lower support bar has opposite top and bottom ends, and a pair of side edges extending between the top and bottom ends of the lower support bar. The top end of the lower support bar is attached to the belt. A flexible flap is extended from the bottom end of the lower support bar. The flexible flap is designed for sitting on by the wearer.

Abstract: An inflatable wrap for promoting venous or arterial blood flow enhancement in the human hand. The wrap comprises an inflatable bag fastened to a backing material. The bag is shaped to fit against the palm of the hand and portions of the back of the hand. The backing material comprises a base portion substantially corresponding to the palm of the hand and two or more interengageable lobes that may be fastened together across the back of the hand to retain the inflatable bag securely against the hand such that upon inflation of the bag a pumping pressure is applied positively to the hand to promote the venous or arterial flow enhancement.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective and pressure normalizing device for a body extremity, that has a topside, an underside and two other sides. The device has an inflatable member, a non-inflatable member, a heel aperture, releasable securing means and a nozzle. The inflatable member has a lower portion, an intermediate portion, and an upper portion. Each portion contacts at least a portion of the other sides of the respective lower, intermediate, and upper region of the extremity. The heel aperture exposes the underside of the intermediate region. The non-inflatable member contacts at least a portion of the underside of the lower region. The inflatable member and heel aperture surround at least a portion of the non-inflatable member. The releasable securing means secures the device at least about the lower portion. The device engages and partially encloses in a cradling fashion the extremity. Thereby, the inflating member applies a uniform interface pressure where it is applied to the extremity.

Abstract: A field splinting device that can also be used instead of a fiberglass or cardboard cast for injured limbs, particularly severe sprains and fractures is proposed. The device is waterproof and is radiotranslucent. The device utilizes two sets of multi-layer formable materials, such as fiberglass shims located in pouches in first and second members having re-sealable bladders or sheaths to provide structural support on each side of the limb. Pressurizable-bladders are located to the inside of the formable materials to provide cushioning for the limb, and may be inflated by attaching a small inflation bulb to an inlet/outlet port located at each end of the bladder. Each bladder can be independently inflated or deflated to a desired inflation level. A further embodiment is shown having a single sheet of formable material and a single bladder.

Abstract: A two-component post-operative compression garment for use in enhancing fluid drainage from a plurality of open micro-incisions in breasts after liposuction surgery has been performed on the breasts. The compression garment includes a first garment component positionable on a person to cause a first magnitude of compression pressure upon the breasts, and a second garment component adjustably positionable in concert with the first garment component to cause an adjustable second magnitude of compression pressure greater than the first magnitude. This second magnitude of pressure is adjustable to thereby provide a pressure adequate to force fluid from the open micro-incisions of the breasts. Methodology of liposuction mammoplasty includes infiltrating each breast tumescently with a fluid that includes a local anesthetic. Thereafter, a plurality of micro-incisions are provided to the breasts and fatty tissue is withdrawn suctionally with operating microcannulas inserted within the micro-incisions.

Abstract: An ambulatory, wearable support to be worn by a person for applying an extending force to a portion of the human anatomy while being worn, the portion of the human anatomy having an anterior portion and an opposed posterior portion, includes a first anchor member substantially encircling a first portion of the human anatomy, A second anchor member is spaced apart from the first anchor member, the portion of the human anatomy that is to be subjected to the extending force being disposed substantially between said first and second anchor members. A plurality of extender sets have at least one selectively inflatable bladder. The at least one bladder has a first end operably coupled to the first anchor member and a second end operably coupled to the second anchor member, the plurality of extender sets being spaced apart and disposed both anteriorly and posteriorly with respect to the portion of the human anatomy that is to be subjected to the extending force.

Abstract: A garment for use by a patient after surgery for breast removal which alleviates post-operative pain and discomfort and facilitates normal activities during the recovery period. A padded vest-like garment is adapted for applying comforting pressure to the sites of removal of breast and other tissues and for holding pain relieving packages. A detachable arm support provides further comfort in a similar manner.