Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided which includes a thermally conductive bandage, a heater in thermal contact with the bandage over a wound treatment area, a heat spreading means acting between the heater and the bandage for laterally spreading heat transferred from the heater to the bandage in order that heat be substantially uniformly distributed across the bandage.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided which includes a bandage that absorbs energy in the infrared (IR) range of the electromagnetic spectrum, a heater that generates heat, and an attachment apparatus for retaining the heater over or on the bandage. The bandage and heater together have a low profile so as to be convenient for a patient and are flexible so as to conform to the shape of a wound and to contours of the skin near the wound. The bandage is provided with an adhesive pattern for maintaining moisture at the wound site. The heater may maintain a normothermic condition at the wound treatment area. A controller may be provided for cycling the temperature of the heater in order to maintain the normothermic condition.

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: A system for regulating a core body temperature of a person includes a pressure applicator configured to apply negative or cyclical positive pressure to a portion of the person to vasodilate blood vessels of the person within the portion, a heating device configured to supply heat to the portion of the person, and a control apparatus. The control apparatus is coupled to the heating device and includes a controller configured to vary the amount of heat supplied by the heating device. The amount of heat supplied by the heating device is varied in response to a difference in temperature between a preset temperature programmed into the controller and an actual core body temperature of the patient received by the controller from a temperature sensor on the person such that the controller maintains the actual core body temperature of the person at substantially the preset temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for relieving carpal tunnel syndrome is comprised of a support plate adapted to be mounted on the wrist of a wearer. An elevated bridge is mounted on the support plate out of contact with the wrist of the wearer. A soft, flexible patch is adhesively secured to the skin of the wrist opposite the support plate and an elastic device is adjustably connected between the patch and the bridge for applying a negative pressure to the carpal tunnel area.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device suitable for releasable attachment to a patient's skin surface over a selected wound area in a non-contact position relative to the selected wound area, the wound treatment device comprising an attachment portion suitable for releasable attachment with the patient's skin surface, having an inner perimeter for defining the selected wound area, a wound treatment portion with a wound cover and a support member supporting the wound cover, and a transition portion with a joint connecting the wound treatment portion to the attachment portion.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided which includes a thermally conductive bandage, a heater disposed against the bandage, aligned with a wound treatment area, an adhesive attachment device acting between the heater and the bandage, and a controller that controls the operation of the heater in order to provide a normothermic therapy to a wound. The normothermic therapy includes maintaining the temperature of tissue at the wound and/or near the wound in a range of about 36.degree. C. to 38.degree. C. The controller operates the heater by turning it on and off in a manner that cycles the heater's temperature.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided which includes a bandage that is transparent to, or transmissive of, energy in the infrared (IR) range of the electromagnetic spectrum, a heater that generates heat, and an attachment device for retaining the heater over or on the bandage. The bandage and heater together have a low profile so as to be convenient for a patient, and are flexible so as to conform to the shape of a wound and to contours of the skin near the wound. The bandage is provided with an adhesive pattern for maintaining moisture at the wound site. The heater may maintain a normothermic condition at the wound treatment area. A controller may be provided for cycling the temperature of the heater in order to maintain the normothermic condition.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided which includes a thermally conductive bandage, a heater in contact with the bandage over a wound treatment area, and an adhesive attachment device for maintaining thermally conductive contact between the heater and the bandage. The bandage and heater together have a low profile so as to be convenient for the patient and are flexible so as to conform to the shape of the wound and to the contours of the skin surrounding the wound. The attachment device is fashioned so as to have less pull strength than an adhesive holding the bandage to the person's body so that the heater can be easily removed without disturbing the attachment of the bandage to the person's body. The bandage is provided with a polymeric film for maintaining moisture at the wound site as well as enhancing the utility of the attachment device.

Abstract: The invention is a ventilation sleeve for reducing skin irritation and odor associated with broken limbs which are immobilized for significant periods of time by casts or the like. The ventilation sleeve is an elongated flexible bag which is positioned between the cast and skin. One side of the bag has a plurality of ventilation openings through which pressurized air aerates the cast.

Abstract: A therapeutic support glove for providing relief for such things as hand fatigue, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tendinitis and other known ailments associated with the human hand including a cuff portion having two pockets defining corresponding cavities at the opposite interior surfaces thereof. The pockets are positioned in opposing relation to each other so that when the glove is worn on the user's hand, one of the pockets is adjacent the outer portion of the user's wrist, and the other pocket is adjacent the inner portion of the user's wrist no matter which of the user's hand the glove is worn on. An elongated opening extends along the top edge of the pockets for insertion of a selected therapeutic pack within the pocket cavity. The arrangement is such that the therapeutic pack may preferably be positioned adjacent the inner portion of the user's wrist for implementation of the desired therapeutic process.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device having a flexible portion to accommodate patient motion without peeling off. A removable wound heater may be used to treat the wound area.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device having a flexible portion to accommodate patient motion without peeling off. A removable wound heater may be used to treat the wound area.

Abstract: A bootie is provided including a sleeve having a tubular configuration and adapted to be slid onto a foot of a user. At least one pocket is mounted on the sleeve. At least one thermal pack is included to be removably situated within the pocket.

Abstract: A tennis elbow band with a body having an end tab at one end, a strap portion, a thermal packet pocket secured to the strap at a position remote from the end tab, and a combination leverage loop and shield at the far end remote from the end tab to give mechanical assistance in tightening the band prior to securement by the end tab overlapping a portion of the strap. The thermal packet pocket is positioned immediately at the leverage loop at the end of the strap and removably receives a thermal packet. The method of the present invention is directed primarily to determining the condition of the patient, and thereafter removing the thermal packet and conditioning it to the desired temperature of either cold or heat and thereafter inserting the same into the band pocket.

Abstract: A non-contact wound covering for covering a wound. A peripheral sealing ring is covered by a barrier layer and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive. The barrier layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume over the wound. The barrier layer may include active and passive heaters and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is the transfer of a heated fluid to the wound covering.

Abstract: A non-contact wound covering for covering a wound. A peripheral sealing ring is covered by a barrier layer and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive. The barrier layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume over the wound. The barrier layer may include active and passive heaters and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is the transfer of a heated fluid to the wound covering.

Abstract: A device for applying therapy to a human foot having a plantar and a dorsum. The device includes a flexible member adapted to extend around the plantar and dorsum of the foot. The flexible member is formed from a flexible material and has at least one first pouch formed integral therewith for engaging a substantial portion of the plantar of the foot and at least one second pouch formed integral therewith for engaging a substantial portion of the dorsum of the foot. Each of the at least one pouches has a liquid therein for applying heating or cooling to the foot.

Abstract: A hot/cold digit pack is provided having a molded unit with hollow chambers, dimensioned to accommodate a thumb and different sized fingers, and a heat transferring substance encased by the external walls of the molded unit. The unit has a body formed from a durable and resilient plastic material, capable of withstanding heat and cold, and is adapted to be collapsed upon application of slight hand pressure and a face where the openings to the chambers are located.

Abstract: An inflatable boot and method for its manufacture, in which the boot includes a bladder for encasing at least a portion of a human foot and at least a portion of an ankle. The bladder is defined by an inner and an outer layer of substantially gas-tight material, and includes fluidically interconnected wall and sole portions. The wall portions are sized and shaped for collectively encasing a human ankle and the sole portion is sized and shaped for encasing a sole of a human foot. A structural interconnection joins the inner layer of the bladder substantially directly to the outer layer at a location interposed the sole portion and one of the wall portions to create a foot-supporting contour for the sole portion of the bladder when the bladder is inflated. The bladder for the boot is manufactured in a flattened condition, and then folded over and joined at seams to define a boot.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device having a flexible portion to accommodate patient motion without peeling off. A removable wound heater may be used to treat the wound area.

Abstract: Improved lumbar spine support including a posterior and an anterior panel for supporting the corresponding torso areas. These panels are connected by flexible fabric support belt arrangement for tightly surrounding the torso. The posterior panel preferably includes an elongated upright forwardly facing protrusion having a laterally extending wider lower portion for centering and securing the posterior panel over the lumbosacral area of the spine. The anterior panel, preferably slightly arcuate as seen from above, supports the abdominal musculature of the torso. A tightening strap arrangement connected to the support belt provides increased independent right and left side tightening of both panels against the torso.

Abstract: A brace for a joint, such as a knee, is used with an underlying pad that extends continuously under the entire length of the brace. In use, the brace is secured to the pad such that a proximal portion of the brace engages an underlying proximal portion of the pad and such that a distal portion of the brace engages an underlying distal portion of the pad. A pouch with the pad removably receives one or more temperature packs to provide heat or cold therapy to the joint. The resulting assembly is such that access to the temperature pack(s) is available without removing either the brace or the pad from either the joint or the limb where the joint is. The pad forms part of a convertible therapeutic wrap which also includes indicia designating where the pad is to be cut to provide the pouch as a separate, smaller therapeutic wrap when the overall pad is not needed.

Abstract: A body part immobilizer is disclosed. The device comprises an arm, leg, or head cast, each having a cavity means for receiving the respective body part therein. Securement straps are provided for securely holding the body part in the appropriate cast member while tie-down straps can be used to secure the device to a table, bed, etc. Drains means are located within each cast member for draining fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing fibrillation, particularly atrial fibrillation or flutter. In response to detection of an atrial premature beat at any given site in the atrial chamber, a low energy pulse burst is delivered to multiple sites of at least one chamber of the atrium for a time period sufficient to depolarize the entire atrium. Preferably, multiple pairs of sense electrodes are distributed about an atrial chamber or both atria to define discrete sensing sites and to widely distribute the simultaneously applied pacing energy pulse burst. Bradycardia pacing between the multiple electrode pairs is also preferably provided.

Abstract: An external cranial protective device which provides a protective and aesthetically pleasing function in protecting the brain of an individual where a section of the bone has been removed from the skull or face.

Abstract: A single-chambered static pressure device and method for supporting and protecting a human lower extremity and for normalizing the pressure and forces acting thereon includes an inflatable wrap or boot-like device having a single internal air chamber and including an interior plastic sheet and an exterior plastic sheet joined peripherally together forming said air chamber therebetween, a nozzle valve for admitting air into the air chamber, and fasteners for releasably securing the inflatable device about the lower extremity. The plastics sheets forming the single air chamber have a plurality of aligned openings extending therethrough and the sheets are joined about the circumference of each hole for providing heat and moisture dissipation, ventilation and visibility therethrough.

Abstract: A tubular support for positioning about a body joint is made of closed-cell neoprene and has an opening with an insert therein of a thinner elastic material to provide breathability and avoid bunching when flexing the joint. The thinner material of the insert is preferably attached to a frame that is then secured in the opening prior to forming the panel into the tubular shape.

Abstract: A multisection composite material useful in forming compression braces for orthopedic support of a body part includes a user contacting fabric section, an outermost fabric section formed from bonding two dissimilar fabrics and an intermediate section formed from a closed cell foam. The user contacting fabric section is a fabric having multidimensional stretch properties formed from hydrophobic fibers and bonded to a surface of the intermediate foam section. The outermost section includes a first fabric layer having multidimensional stretch properties formed from hydrophilic fibers and a second fabric layer having multidimensional stretch properties formed from hydrophobic fibers. The intermediate foam section has a first surface and a second surface and a multiplicity of perforations therethrough from the first surface to the second surface. The foam has multidimensional elastic properties sufficient for providing compressive strain useful for supporting the body part.

Abstract: A misting apparatus for the treatment of injured areas and method therefor is disclosed having at least a containment portion for enclosing a patient's injured area, a plurality of misters located within the containment portion for atomizing medicinal type fluids for application to the injured area, flushing portion coupled to the containment portion for admitting cleaning fluids to the containment portion, and a drainage portion coupled to the containment portion for removing fluids located within the containment portion.

Abstract: A wearable therapeutic brace having strategically located pockets that receive and contain reusable, alternatively insertable hot and cold pods which can be tailored to a specific injury management program of use. The brace body portion which may be a hand/wrist, neck/cervical collar, knee/elbow/ankle brace has a main section of elasticized material construction with adjustable fastening means and fitted pockets formed from breathable, four way stretch nylon (LYCRA) spandex for receiving the hot or cold gel filled reusable pods to be held adjacent the appropriate body part area.

Abstract: The brace includes one or more air inflatable bladders equipped with an automatic, regulated, and removable air pressure regulation valve, where different valves have different release settings. In addition, a removable, thermally responsive material for hot and cold therapy may be placed in a pocket between the outer and inner material for the brace. The inside surface of the brace is comprised of an absorbent material that absorbs body perspiration, and then releases it to the atmosphere. The brace is placed around the injured area of the patient so that the air bladder(s) lies against the injured area. Air is then introduced into the air bladder via an air inlet valve, forming a compressive force on the body part in contact. In another embodiment of the brace, pneumatic compression is obtained by the use of two or more overlapping air inflatable bladders, each having an air regulation valve with a different pressure release level, wherein the pressure is higher distally and lower ventrally.

Abstract: A pressure sock for the ambulatory treatment of venous ulcers about the ankle and lower portion of the leg of a patient. The sock has a lamina provided with a network of spaced apart, interconnected chambers which can be inflated by the introduction of fluid to exert pressure on the foot and lower leg. The sock has and an inner lining of a relatively soft, non-allergenic material and a non-distensible outer jacket.

Abstract: A modular apparatus comprising a neck band and a variety of inserts to provide different functional capabilities useful and beneficial for the treatment of an injury to the neck and the rehabilitation associated therewith. The neck band is provided with a pocket for receiving the interchangeable insertion of the various inserts. One of the inserts in conjunction with the neck bank provides an apparatus for immobilizing or limiting movement of the neck. A cylindrical insert in conjunction with the neck band provides an apparatus beneficial for improving articular motion of the joints of the neck. An insert filled with a medium that may be either heated or cooled in conjunction with the neck band provides either a hot pack or a cold pack. The neck band is of an elastic material and has formed loops on each of its ends to facilitate utilization of the neck band for exercise routines, either by using the band by itself or using the band with one of the inserts inserted in the pocket.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a shoulder restraint having a series of pockets therein that is wrapped around the user's shoulder to apply hot or cold packs to the affected area. This restraint comprises a main body portion and two extensions, one short and one long, extending from the same side of the main body portion. Each extension is secured to the main body portion (after being wrapped around the user's body part) by closure means that comprise the "hook" portion of a typical hook and loop closure system. The pockets are closed in a similar manner to retain the hot or cold packs therein, and to provide a means to remove and/or replace these packs without the need to remove the restraint.

Abstract: An adjustable ankle compress (10) in the shape of a boot (12) with an ankle portion (18) and a foot portion (16) for receiving the ankle and foot and having a sole (14) on the boot (12) that is adjustable in width for varying the size of the boot (12) to accommodate a foot and ankle of various sizes. The boot (12) has a fluid-tight compartment (36) formed therein for substantially surrounding the ankle and the top of the foot.

Abstract: A taping supporter of the invention is worn around a joint and a surrounding portion of a user for tightly support the same. The taping supporter is formed of a cylindrical body having a size slightly smaller than a size of the joint and the surrounding portion to be worn. The cylindrical body is made of a resilient material to tightly hold and support the joint and the surrounding portion. Signs or wrapping marks are printed on the outer surface of the cylindrical body to apply tapes thereon along the signs. When used, the cylindrical body is worn and the tapes are applied along the signs. Consequently, the joint and the surrounding portion are well supported by the cylindrical body and the tapes.

Abstract: The finger splint an elastic sleeve for enclosing a finger with an injured joint includes. The sleeve is tapered slightly to conform to the shape of the finger. A gel pack is incorporated into the sleeve to either heat or cool the injured joint. A strap is attached at each end of the sleeve, to be wrapped around the adjacent uninjured finger to hold the injured finger to the adjacent finger, while permitting normal active motion of the fingers. Velcro (.TM.) patches are provided to secure the straps to hold the two fingers together.

Abstract: An orthopedic rigid splint-plate orthosis comprises a splint-plate which is provided in one of a combination of different shapes and sizes corresponding to different body members which may have to be treated. The splint-plate has at one of its edges a non-stretchable linking ribbon which at the end thereof opposite to the end joined to the plate includes locking means which are complementary with corresponding locking means provided in the edge of the plate opposite to that edge joined with the ribbon. The plate is provided presterilized and isolated inside an impervious bag which may be filled with boiling water to make the rigid splint-plate soft, whereafter the water is drained and the softened plate applied and moulded to the body member and then left to harden back to its rigid state. For use in an operating theatre, the bag with the plate may be closed inside a second bag and sterilized with gas or radiation; thereafter, the plate may be softened by submerging the sealed outside bag in hot water.

Abstract: The back support is constructed from a back brace of elastic material which carries a gel pad and an air bladder. The brace supports the pad against lower back of the user in firm engagement. The air bladder is juxtaposed and generally co-extensive with the pattern containing the gel-like material. The air bladder has three individually inflatable chambers, including left, right, and overall areas, so that the user may adjust the pressure exerted on the pad and hence the support of the lower back. The gel pad may also contain an adjustable heating element to electrically heat the gel-like material. The main .[.portion.]. .Iadd.body member .Iaddend.of the back brace has two wide belt portions which extend forewardly and upwardly from the main lower back support area, and which are secured together by overlapping Velcro members at the lower stomach area; and the centerlines of these two wide belt portions may make an angle of about 30 degrees to 60 degrees with one-another.

Abstract: An orthopaedic gel pad assembly includes a layer of gel, with a backing layer behind it, an apertured pad extending around the layer of gel and a thin plastic film extending over the front surface of the gel. The plastic film controls the configuration of the front face of the gel, and the gel may be recessed, or indented, and may protrude forwardly out from the apertured pad. Stiff orthopaedic supports may be provided to back up the gel pad unit.