Abstract: A device for the application of oxygen to promote wound healing and tissue repair. The device includes a portable oxygen generating device (18), which includes a cathode (10), an anode (16), and a phosphoric acid treated ion conducting membrane (14).

Abstract: An orthopaedic compress support is used on the leg, including the knee and the various muscle groups of the leg. The support has a panel of flexile material including a concave main body and two wings projecting from one side of the main body. The main body is shaped to cover that portion of the limb to be treated while the wings wrap around and encircle the limb. The inner surface of the panel is a pile fabric. Two elastically stretchable straps are fastened to respective ones of the wings. Each strap has an outer surface of pile fabric and a tab of hook material at the free end to engage the pile fabric when the strap is wrapped around the leg under tension to provide compression and also joint support where used on the knee. Two flat pouches of a textile fabric have openings for the insertion and removal of a thermal treatment medium, e.g. gel packs or ice.

Abstract: An orthotic device for a leg of an animal is disclosed. The orthotic device includes a flexible base, which is conformable to an exterior surface of the leg, and a stabilizing member, which can be selectively formed to substantially match an exterior contour of the leg. The stabilizing member can be attached to and removed from the flexible base.

Abstract: A method of treating a wound or preventing injury to a region susceptible to injury comprising the steps of placing a pair of electrodes placed spaced apart in the region of a wound and applying a predetermined sequence of current waveforms across the electrodes. The sequence of current waveforms comprises a first waveform comprising a series of current pulses having an amplitude in a range of from 80 to 300 ?A, having a frequency in a range from 0.5 to 1.5 pulses per second and a pulse width in a range from 333 to 1000 ms, a second waveform comprising a series of current pulses having an amplitude in a range of from 20 to 60 ?A, having a frequency in a range from 2 to 4 pulses per second and a pulse width in a range from 125 to 250 ms and a third waveform comprising a series of current pulses having an amplitude in a range of from 250 to 640 ?A, having a frequency in a range of from 80 to 120 pulses per second and a pulse width in a range from 4 to 6 ms.

Abstract: A pulse generating apparatus has two like output channels that apply generated pulse signals of selected characteristics to two electrodes attached to a strap, each electrode receiving a different signal. The strap is attached to the foot so that the electrodes are positioned to stimulate with an electrical signal the abductor hallucis muscle of the foot to correct an imbalance due to overpowering by the adductor hallucis muscle. The signal strengthens the abductor hallucis muscle so that eventually it regains strength sufficient to counter balance the imbalance effect of the stronger adductor hallucis muscle and alleviate the bunion condition. The electrical signal generator generates signals that are pulses that are adjustable in frequency, modulation, pulse width and amplitude with modified square waves.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermal covering that delivers consistent therapy to a portion of a user's hand-wrist area, is easy to use and apply to the body, and is securely positionable on the body. The thermal covering can be entirely disposable after one use. The thermal covering can also have a disposable component and a reusable component that can be packaged individually together as a kit.

Abstract: A surface neuroprosthetic device for functional electrical stimulation (FES) having a locating system for locating the device on to a limb segment of a user, and a method therefor, the device including: (a) an at least semi-rigid exoskeleton shell for encompassing at least a portion of the limb segment; (b) at least one electrical stimulation electrode operatively connected with the shell, for making electrical contact with a surface of the limb segment, so as to effect FES of at least one muscle of the limb segment; and (c) a locator, operatively connected with the shell, for determining a positioning of the shell relative to the limb segment, such that the electrode is positioned near an activating point, the locator including: (i) means for determining rotational positioning of the exoskeleton shell on the limb segment, and (ii) means for determining longitudinal positioning of the exoskeleton shell on the limb segment.

Abstract: A bandage assembly includes a panel that is flexible and has a first end edge, a second edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The panel has a first side and a second side. An adhesive is attached to and covers the second side of the panel. A housing has a gel therein and defines a gel pack. The gel pack is attached to a central portion of the second side of the panel. The gel pack is positioned between the first and second end edges. The gel is selectively cooled. The panel may be attached to a portion of skin and the gel pack aligned with a wound.

Abstract: A rectifier circuit for converting an AC voltage to a DC voltage has a first MOS transistor having a source connected to a first input terminal of an AC power supply, and also having a drain connected to an output terminal thereof, a first parasitic diode formed between the first input terminal and the output terminal, a first detection circuit, connected to the first input terminal and to the output terminal, for detecting a difference in voltage between the first input terminal and to the output terminal, a second MOS transistor, adapted to be reverse in polarity to the first MOS transistor, having a source connected to a second input terminal of the AC power supply and also having a drain connected to a ground terminal, a second parasitic diode formed between the input terminal and the ground terminal, a second detection circuit, connected to the second input terminal and the ground terminal, for detecting a difference in voltage between the second input terminal and the ground terminal, and a capacitor co

Abstract: Ultrasound bandages (10) and ultrasound transducer array bandages are provided herein to accelerate the healing of wounds by positioning the ultrasound bandages (10) and ultrasound transducer array bandages adjacent to a wound and generating ultrasonic pulses. The ultrasound bandages (10) generally include (a) a backing layer (12), (b) an adhesive layer (14) applied to, and substantially coextensive with the backing layer (12), and (c) a transducer material (16) disposed on at least a portion of the adhesive layer (14). The ultrasound transducer array bandages generally include (a) a backing layer (13), (b) an adhesive layer applied to, and substantially coextensive with, the backing layer, and (c) an array comprising a plurality of transducer materials arranged in adjacent relation to define spaces therebetween, the array being disposed on at least a portion of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A brace compliance monitor is disclosed that includes a compliance sensor, a signal processor, and a display. Compliance data is displayed on the display to provide the patient or subject with immediate compliance information on whether they have been wearing the brace for the specified period and in the specified manner. The brace compliance monitor may also include a secondary sensor such as a tilt sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a velocity sensor. The secondary sensors may provide additional compliance data to the patient and health car provider.

Abstract: A therapeutic system comprising a therapeutic applicator for treating living tissues and an observation unit for determining the position of the applicator. The therapeutic energy applied from the applicator to the living tissues is controlled in accordance with data representing the position of the applicator, determined by the observation unit. It is therefore easy to operate the system even if the applicator and the observation unit (e.g., an MRI apparatus) are used at the same time. The image of the living tissues remains clear during the use of the therapeutic applicator.

Abstract: A treatment device having a first portion in a first plane, a treatment portion with a cover in a second plane that defines a treatment volume extending between the first and second planes, and a flexible transition portion that connects the first portion to the treatment portion. The treatment portion including a polymeric foam ring having interior and exterior walls extending from the first plane to the second plane. The cover spanning the interior wall thereby forming a closed treatment volume. The polymeric foam ring may be impregnated with a medicament selected from the group including an antibiotic material, an antifungal material, an antimicrobrial material, a deodorant material and nitric oxide. The cover may include a pocket for use with an accessory, such as a heater or mapping grid. A method of treating a treatment area on a patient's skin with the treatment device. The treatment device includes a closed treatment volume having polymeric foam ring impregnated with a medicament.

Abstract: A low level laser therapy (LLLT) system. The laser therapy apparatus comprises a laser head and a detachable battery section. When the laser head is mounted to the battery section the apparatus assumes the shape of a penlight or flashlight and can be used as a handheld laser therapy apparatus. The detached laser heads can be placed and held in apertures of a bandage that is applied to a joint of a patient to be treated for use of the apparatus as a patient worn device.

Abstract: A self-contained heating and cooling orthopaedic brace is described. The brace generally includes a main body having straps to support the brace on the desired area of the body. These areas can include the back, knee, elbow and shoulder. The brace further includes inner pockets having heating and cooling pads connected to a temperature controller that allows manual adjustment of the desired temperature. The heating and cooling elements in the pad typically utilize the Peltier Effect. The temperature controller can include a rechargeable battery for prolonged use. In addition, the brace is a material that allows temperature retention for further prolonged use. The user's own body moisture is also retained for moist heat applications.

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 substantially planar wound cover and a support member supporting the wound cover, and a transition portion with a membrane connecting the wound treatment portion to the attachment portion, the membrane extending around the outer perimeter of the support member and attached to the attachment portion between the inner and outer perimeter of the attachment portion.

Abstract: A modular bandage for treating wounds located on highly contoured, non-planar regions of a person includes a standoff for placement near the wound, and a sheet of material for forming a sealed environment over the wound in conjunction with the standoff. The modular bandage may further include a heater to thermally regulate the sealed environment formed by the standoff and the sheet of material. A sheet of material for such a bandage may include various uniform or compound structures.

Abstract: A therapeutic wrap is disclosed for applying a thermal pad to a human body portion. The wrap includes an elongated flexible strip of disposable and reusable material. The strip has first and second side surfaces, first and second end portions and a mid portion therebetween. A sheet of the disposable and reusable material is secured to the first side surface of the strip to form a pocket which has at least one end opening. The pocket is adapted to receive a prepackaged thermal pad therein through at least one end opening. Finally, a plurality of attachment elements are adapted to releasably secure the first end portion of the strip to any other selected surface portion of the strip in order to conform and secure the strip to a human body portion which requires thermal treatment.

Abstract: A thermal treatment garment of the present invention includes an outer structure layer formed of a pliable material, an interior lining formed of a gel material which directly contacts the wearer skin and a thermal treatment layer to thermally treat and control temperature of the interior lining. The thermal treatment layer heats and/or cools the gel material to a desired temperature and is typically disposed between the structure and gel layers. The thermal treatment layer is controlled by a controller that receives a user-specified or desired temperature. An intervening layer can be disposed between the thermal treatment and structure layers. The intervening layer secures the structure, thermal treatment and/or gel layers to each other and can be an elastomeric material to which the gel and/or thermal treatment layers readily adhere. The garment may be adjustable in size to snugly fit body parts of users in a range of body sizes.

Abstract: A bandage cooling apparatus has a bandage, a container, a casing, a valve and an actuator. The bandage has a first temperature. The container contains a gaseous fluid and has an exit. The casing comprises a chamber which contains the bandage, an inlet and outlet which both defines passages from the chamber and through the casing. The outlet has a removable lid. The valve connects the inlet of the casing to the exit of the container. The actuator operates the valve whereby a portion of the gaseous fluid expands from the container into the chamber through the valve upon operation of the actuator such that the bandage gets to a second temperature which is different from the first temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating tissue in a tissue treatment area includes a heater that does not contact the tissue. The apparatus may be attached to the skin of a person to form a treatment volume about the tissue to be treated. The heater, supported at the layer, is held near the tissue to be treated, out of contact with the tissue. The apparatus includes a controller to cause the heater to raise the temperature of tissue in the tissue treatment area to a temperature in a range from a pretreatment temperature to 38° C. The controller may include means that cause the heater to operate over a therapeutic sequence, that cycle the heater on and off, that provide selectable average temperature values, that cause the heater to operate over an average temperature range, that cause the heater to operate at an average temperature over a therapy cycle, or that cause the heater to operate at an average temperature over a therapeutic sequence.

Abstract: An LED fixation device that is secured to a patient's face and covers the patient's fellow eye during eye surgery to provide a lighted fixation target. The fixation device includes an eye shield, a battery, a switch and an LED light source secured to the eye shield. The light source is switched on, and the patient is directed to look at the light source during the surgical procedure. The eye shield can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic and paper, and can be disposable.

Abstract: A flexible surgical plaster and an associated dermatological method of use for promoting healing of skin injuries and scars includes a flexible base layer having a window. The base layer is flexibly attachable to skin surface surrounding a skin injury or scar such that the window is flexibly placed above and exposes the skin injury or scar to light when the base layer is attached to the skin surface. The surgical plaster further includes a flexible translucent light-polarizing film placed in the window of the base layer such that the light-polarizing film is flexibly placed above the skin injury or scar when the base layer is attached to the skin surface. The light-polarizing film transforms ambient light received by the light-polarizing film into polarized light and transmits the polarized light through the window to the skin injury or scar when the base layer is attached to the skin.

Abstract: A non-contact controllable heater wound covering and method having a peripheral sealing ring covered by a layer to which is attached a heater and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive so that the heater is held proximate the wound area in a non-contact position. The layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume proximate the wound. The wound covering includes a programmable active heater control and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is an electrical resistive filament in variable geometric shapes providing versatility in application of heat to different types of wounds and wound area geometries. Another form of active heat is the transfer of a heated gas to the wound covering.

Abstract: An absorbent pad has a cavity formed by a first flexible sheet of a liquid impermeable material and a second flexible sheet of a liquid permeable material. An opening defined by at least one of the first sheet and second sheet. An interior sheet of a liquid absorbent material forms a gel upon contact with a liquid.

Abstract: A system and method are particularly valuable to performing invasive surgical procedures. In terms of apparatus, a marker in the form of a housing including a reservoir filled with a substance which, when dispensed, is x-ray visible; that is. radiopaque. The substance is preferably also visible to the unaided eye. The substance may be capable of marking on human skin and/or commercially available surgical film. To make the substance radiopaque, a metal or heavy metal such as barium may be used. The substance may be dispensed primarily as a liquid or powder and may be erasable. In all embodiments, the substance is preferably biocompatible and non-toxic. A basic method of preparing for surgical procedure, includes the steps of providing a marker according to the invention, indicating an operative site using the marker, and subjecting the site to x-ray/fluoroscopic exposure for the purpose of comparing the indication to one or more internal structures associated with the procedure.

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: The present invention teaches novel articles of apparel and protective equipment including light-cure materials having a permanent memory capability. Accordingly, the present invention can be used to make shin-guards, knee pads, thigh pads, hip pads, rib guards, shoulder pads, elbow pads, biceps pads, forearm pads, gloves, neck guards, face guards, chin straps, wrist guards, helmets and prosthetic devices.

Abstract: An improved device for attaching thermal dressings—using essentially any type of source of heat or cold employs a novel adhesive that permits firm attachment of the dressing to essentially any portion of the human anatomy with no need for wrapping around the limb or other anatomical region. The adhesive is sufficiently weak that the dressing can be peeled from the skin—even in the presence of body hair—with no pain. The adhesive, a hypoallergenic hydrophilic gel, is thick and soft and adheres by molding itself to the skin surface, and into and around hair shafts. The material contains essentially no elastomers and does not grip hair or pull strongly on hairs when the dressing is removed. When the gel becomes dehydrated, it loses most, if not all, of its adhesive properties. The gel is sufficiently crosslinked so as to resist dissolution by additional water.

Abstract: A tissue treatment apparatus is provided which includes a thermally conductive bandage, a heater in thermal contact with the bandage over a tissue 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 dressing having exothermic materials that undergo a chemical reaction to generate heat to produce a desired temperature to promote healing at a wound site, and a phase-change material having a phase-change temperature to absorb heat and maintain the wound dressing at said desired temperature.

Abstract: A multi-layer wrap, and method of use, for providing more comfortable gel treatment to skin and pressure therapy for underlying skin, the wrap allowing for migration of moisture away from the skin while providing compressive musculo-skeletal support to the treatment site.

Abstract: The present invention is a device that allows electrical stimulation to an anatomical site that is covered by a cast. The electrode is applied to achieve a desired physiological response (e.g., bone growth), treatment of pain, or the prevention of muscle atrophy.

Abstract: An apparatus applies heat to tissue from a level that does not contact the tissue, in order to elevate the temperature of the tissue being treated toward normothermia. The apparatus may be attached to the skin of a person to form a treatment volume about the tissue to be treated. A heater, supported at the layer, is held near the tissue to be treated, out of contact with the tissue. The heater is for operating in a near-hyperthermic temperature range in order to treat the tissue. An example of a near-hyperthermic temperature range is 38° C. to 46° C. A controller may include means that cause the heater to operate over a therapeutic sequence, that cycle the heater on and off, that provide selectable average temperature values, that cause the heater to operate over an average temperature range, that cause the heater to operate at an average temperature over a therapy cycle, or that cause the heater to operate at an average temperature over a therapeutic sequence.

Abstract: A non-contact controllable heater wound covering and method having a peripheral sealing ring covered by a layer to which is attached a heater and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive so that the heater is held proximate the wound area in a non-contact position. The layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume proximate the wound. The wound covering includes a programmable active heater control and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is an electrical resistive filament in variable geometric shapes providing versatility in application of heat to different types of wounds and wound area geometries. Another form of active heat is the transfer of a heated gas to the wound covering.

Abstract: A hospital type of bandage integrates an absorbent pad and non-stick layer with a fluid-impermeable outer layer and an adhesive in a single composite structure. In a preferred embodiment the invention further includes means which may be used to turn the bandage inside out upon removal, so that surfaces once contacting a patient are no longer externally exposed. A bandage according to the invertible embodiment preferably includes a pocket formed on the side of the bandage facing away from the patient after application, this pocket being large enough to accommodate at least a portion of a human hand, and inside this pocket and located opposite the entrance is a means for grasping which may be pulled outwardly through pocket opening, thereby inverting the entire structure. Various forms of devices for grasping are possible as alternatives, including a string, a tab and a tab with one or more finger-receiving holes.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus is provided which includes a heater, a thermally conductive structure such as a bandage to support the heater against tissue, and chemical, phase-change, or hot water means causing the heater to maintain the temperature of the tissue in a range of about 36° C. to 38° C.

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: 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 substantially planar wound cover and a support member supporting the wound cover, and a transition portion with a membrane connecting the wound treatment portion to the attachment portion, the membrane extending around the outer perimeter of the support member and attached to the attachment portion between the inner and outer perimeter of the attachment portion.

Abstract: A warmable bandage for promoting wound healing includes: (a) phase change material having a melting point of between about 42 and 65 degrees Centigrade; (b) a gel or viscous fluid carrier in which the phase change material is substantially evenly distributed; (c) a fluid-impermeable, conformable envelope surrounding the phase change material and the gel or fluid carrier; and (d) at least one layer of thermal insulation covering an upper, upper surface of the envelope. A system and method for warming a warmable bandage are also included herein.

Abstract: A therapeutic slipper for retaining heat or cold, and that is comfortable and permits normal and comfortable walking, comprises a sole, and an upper portion disposed in overlying relation above the sole. The upper portion has compartments comprising an outer layer of material and an inner layer of material, and containing a granular temperature retentive material. Preferably, the sole is void of granular temperature retentive material. Alternatively, a pouch contains temperature-retentive granular material and is disposed within a corresponding compartment of the upper portion. A method of fabricating a therapeutic slipper is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tissue treatment device suitable for use on an extremity, such as a hand or foot, includes a cover formed as a bag, sac, or pouch, and a support member disposable within the cover to support a portion of the cover off of, and out of contact with, tissue to be treated. The cover has an open end with one or more attachment portions disposed thereon for attachment to a limb whose extremity is received in the cover.

Abstract: A tissue treatment apparatus includes a bandage that is transparent to, or transmissive of, energy in a predetermined range of the infrared (IR) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The bandage includes a layer that acts as a bandpass filter, permitting IR radiation in the range of wavelengths between 3 and 30 &mgr;m to pass through the bandage to tissue against which the bandage is disposed. A heater is used to generate heat, including IR radiation, and an attachment device retains the heater over or on the bandpass bandage layer. 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 subdermal regions of the wound treatment area.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrode kit for muscle stimulation to be used in conjunction with a splint, the kit including an electrode carrier attachable to an interior surface of the splint and consisting of a relatively thin, flexible, tray-like member; a thin, flexible electrode member fixedly attached to the electrode carrier, and a skin-contacting pad member consisting of a piece of medium-absorptive material fixedly mounted on a rigidifying frame attachable to, and removable from, the electrode carrier.

Abstract: A therapeutic joint wrap device for strained, sprained, or inflamed wrists has a triangularly shaped piece of material having a truncated apex with an elastic piece of material attached to the truncated apex at its corners and a base that is attached to a rectangularly shaped piece of material at one end on the longest dimensional side where the rectangularly shaped piece of material is of a sufficient length to completely encircle a person's wrist. This device also has a smaller piece of material attached to the rectangularly shaped piece of material on three sides thereof to form a pocket on one side thereof for receiving either a heating pack or a cold pack therein, and attaching means for securing the device around a person's wrist, and an elastic band attached to the base of the triangularly shaped piece of material.

Abstract: A headband for the treatment or relief of headaches having a means for attaching said headband to the head thereby producing variable pressure to the head, said headband having one or more pockets for the insertion of treatment elements including cold, heat, vibration, and magnetism; wherein said headband is attached to the head in an annular fashion and headaches are treated or relieved by applying pressure, cold, heat, vibration, or magnetism, or any combination thereof intermittently or continuously.

Abstract: A therapeutic wrap is disclosed for applying a thermal pad to a human body portion. The wrap includes an elongated flexible strip of disposable and reusable material. The strip has first and second side surfaces, first and second end portions and a mid portion therebetween. A sheet of the disposable and reusable material is secured to the first side surface of the strip to form a pocket which has at least one end opening. The pocket is adapted to receive a prepackaged thermal pad therein through at least one end opening. Finally, a plurality of attachment elements are adapted to releasably secure the first end portion of the strip to any other selected surface portion of the strip in order to conform and secure the strip to a human body portion which requires thermal treatment.

Abstract: A pliable contact bandage for placement over a wound site located on any skin surface, is provided. The apparatus includes a re-openable, flexible enclosure adapted to receive a source of heat or cold, and an adhesive for mounting the pliable contact bandage on a skin surface. The source of heat or cold is temporarily placed within the flexible enclosure and the pliable contact bandage is placed over the wound site in a heat conducting relationship. Typically, a hypo-allergenic adhesive is located along at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible enclosure. The periphery of the flexible enclosure surrounds the wound site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region through a bandage. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method, comprising acts of determining the transmissivity of at least a portion of a bandage to ultraviolet light, and selecting an intensity of ultraviolet light to be applied through at least a portion of the bandage. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of sterilizing or disinfecting a region underneath a bandage on a patient. A further embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region of tissue of a patient. The apparatus comprises an ultraviolet light-emitting lamp and a bandage adapted to transmit at least some of the ultraviolet light emitted by the lamp. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a bandage, comprising an ultraviolet light-transmissive film, and a color-changing material coupled to the film to indicate an exposure of the film to ultraviolet light.

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° C. to 38° C. The controller operates the heater by turning it on and off in a manner that cycles the heater's temperature.