Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring neural response and/or providing treatment includes an electrical stimulator configured to apply electrical stimulation, and one or more processors configured to analyze stimulation response. The one or more processors can be further configured to operate the electrical stimulator, adjust the electrical stimulation, and determine one or more wound characteristics based at least in part on at least one of the electrical stimulation or the stimulation response, e.g. a movement of a patient, a color absorption characteristic, or other physiological responses. An indication of the one or more wound characteristics can be provided.

Abstract: A medical splint securing system and method particularly suited for emergency medical care applications is disclosed. The system comprises three elongated fabric strips, each preferably measuring 5½ inches by 100 inches, permanently joined at their respective midpoints to form a unified structure with a central junction preferably measuring 5½ inches by 50 inches. This quick tie system simplifies and expedites the process of securing blanket roll splints in emergency situations, replacing traditional multiple-cravat methods. The unified design ensures adequate length for secure attachment while maintaining professional appearance during application. The system's versatility extends to use in sling and swathe immobilization techniques. The invention addresses key deficiencies in conventional splinting methods, including time consumption and inadequate securing length, while providing a more efficient and reliable solution for emergency medical responders.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an expandable compression bandage. The expandable compression bandage includes: an adhesive bandage part; and a pressing part including a solvent storage part and an expandable part. The solvent storage part is configured to be attached to a part of an adhesive surface of the adhesive bandage part and to store a swelling solvent, and the expandable part is configured to be disposed beneath the solvent storage part. The expandable part is swollen and expanded when the swelling solvent stored in the solvent storage part is absorbed thereinto.

Abstract: A pressure system and method for managing post-operative swelling. The pressure system has a balloon with a quadrilateral basal skirt that surrounds a surgical site on a patient. A plurality of strap-receiving slots is located in the skirt. Adhesive pads are affixed to the patient outside the skirt. One or more tensioning straps are deployed between the strap-receiving slots and the adhesive pads so that tension can be applied to the straps and to the skirt in order to press the balloon upon the surgical site. Optionally, the pressure system provides visual feedback cues to enable the operator to determine appropriate compression and assess skin recoil feedback. Such visual feedback cues may signify swelling reduction and skin turgor.

Abstract: Connection pads for coupling fluid-instillation and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) apparatuses to wound dressing, and methods and wound dressings for breaching a drape after coupling a wound dressing to a fluid-instillation and/or NPWT apparatus.

Abstract: A compression device includes an adhesion sheet including an adhesion surface; and a compression member mounted on the adhesion sheet and configured to compress a biological surface. The compression member includes a fixing portion fixed to the adhesion sheet on a side of the sheet opposite the adhesion surface in a thickness direction, and a compression main body portion provided in a portion of the compression member, in a plan view seen along the thickness direction, that does not overlap the adhesion sheet. The compression main body is configured to protrude or be protrusible further toward one side in the thickness direction than the adhesion surface. The adhesion sheet includes a first portion to which the fixing portion is fixed and a second portion to which the fixing portion is not fixed. The second portion is provided on at least a compression main body portion side of the adhesion sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for skin tightening after incising or excising tissue portions from a subject. Exemplary methods and devices include tunable dressings having an adhesive layer and a regulatable layer or an un-stretched layer that responds to one or more external stimuli to contract or expand the dressing, where the contraction or expansion can be uniform or non-uniform.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to ion-exchange systems and devices that can monitor key parameters related to the performance of the ion-exchange device. Specifically, the ion-exchange systems and devices disclosed herein can provide real time voltage drop across groups of membrane pairs using diagnostic spacer borders between the pairs. In addition, the ion-exchange systems and devices disclosed herein can monitor the compression force applied by the compression plates holding the ion-exchange systems and devices together.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of tightening skin and/or reducing scar tissue is described herein. The method comprises performing a fractional laser ablation in a treatment area of the skin, thereby removing a column of the skin and forming a columnar vacancy in the skin, the columnar vacancy having a perimeter defined by a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side and the second side each comprising an epidermal layer, a dermal layer, and a subcutaneous layer of skin. The first side of the columnar vacancy is contacted to the second side of the columnar vacancy, thereby closing the columnar vacancy.

Abstract: An appendage massaging device that includes an appendage wrap having an inner band and an outer layer and one or more artificial muscles disposed between the inner band and the outer layer of the appendage wrap. Each of the one or more artificial muscles include a housing having an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, a dielectric fluid housed within the housing, and an electrode pair positioned in the electrode region of the housing. The electrode pair includes a first electrode fixed to a first surface of the housing and a second electrode fixed to a second surface of the housing. The electrode pair is actuatable between a non-actuated and an actuated state such that actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region, expanding the expandable fluid region thereby applying pressure to the inner band of the appendage wrap.

Abstract: An adhesive sheet with flexibility for attaching a health appliance to a skin, including: a health appliance sticking portion which is a portion on which the health appliance is stuck; an adhesive portion for making the adhesive sheet adhere to the skin; first release paper stuck on the health appliance sticking portion in a peelable manner; and second release paper having an outer edge nearly identical to an outer edge of the adhesive portion in shape and size and stuck on the adhesive portion in a peelable manner so as to surround the first release paper, wherein the second release paper has stiffness that allows the second release paper to support the adhesive sheet and maintain a planar state in a state in which the first release paper is removed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems, methods, devices for performing thought-controlled neuromuscular stimulation. Also described are methods for producing a neuromuscular stimulation cuff. The systems and methods generally relate to receiving and processing thought signals indicative of an intended action, and then delivering stimulation to effectuate the intended action through a neuromuscular stimulation cuff. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff includes a flexible printed circuit board having at least one finger and a plurality of electrogel discs disposed on the at least one finger. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff may be produced by providing a layer of polyimide, etching a conductive copper circuit including a plurality of electrodes into the layer of polyimide to form an etched circuit layer, adhering a cover layer onto the etched circuit layer to form a flexible printed circuit board (PCB), and cutting at least one finger from the flexible PCB.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring neural response and/or providing treatment includes an electrical stimulator configured to apply electrical stimulation, and one or more processors configured to analyze stimulation response. The one or more processors can be further configured to operate the electrical stimulator, adjust the electrical stimulation, and determine one or more wound characteristics based at least in part on at least one of the electrical stimulation or the stimulation response, e.g. a movement of a patient, a color absorption characteristic, or other physiological responses. An indication of the one or more wound characteristics can be provided.

Abstract: A dressing for applying pressure to a patient target site is provided. The dressing includes an elastic spacer longitudinally extending between first and second substrates. The elastic spacer is configured to be selectively moved between the first length and a second length. The second length is longer than the first length. A triggering element, when present, selectively maintains the elastic spacer at the second length and selectively prevents the elastic spacer from moving toward the first length. Portions of the triggering element are sequentially removable such that as each portion of the triggering element is removed, the elastic spacer sequentially moves from the second length toward the first length. The sequential movement of the elastic spacer from the second length toward the first length responsively urges the first and second substrates longitudinally toward one another to apply a predetermined amount of longitudinal force to the patient target site.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments may relate to dressings configured to provide negative-pressure wound therapy to a tissue site, while simultaneously shielding a portion of the tissue site from the negative pressure. For example, dressing assembly embodiments may comprise an outer dressing configured for applying negative-pressure wound therapy to a tissue site, and an underlying isolation patch configured for use under the outer dressing. The isolation patch may be configured to seal the portion of the tissue site so that it does not experience the negative pressure. Additionally disclosed are other apparatus, dressings, systems, and methods.

Abstract: A therapeutic device includes a generally rigid but elastically deformable sheet body including a bridge portion, first and second support portions extending outwardly from the bridge portion in opposite directions along a longitudinal dimension, and adhesive or an adhesion member on a first surface along the bridge portion that is adapted for adhesion to skin of a user above a target site. The therapeutic device also includes first and second projections on the first surface proximate to lateral edges of the sheet body. The sheet body is configured to assume a neutral configuration in which the first and second projections space the bridge portion and the adhesive or the adhesion member apart from the target site by an air gap, a depressed position during affixation of the first surface to the target site, and an adhesion configuration after affixation of the first surface to the target site.

Abstract: Inflatable compression devices are disclosed. In some embodiments the devices provide compression to the torso of a patient, including at a pocket configured to receive a pacing device. In some embodiments at least one securing strap is displaceable with respect to a compression member. In some embodiments a compression member is displaceable relative to at least one securing strap.

Abstract: A wound dressing for use in the application of negative pressure to a wound, comprising a support member and a cover member positionable over the wound in use. The support member can have a first support element having a first portion aligned with a first axis and a body portion coupled with and extending away from the first portion, and a second support element having a first portion aligned with the first axis and a body portion coupled with and extending away from the first portion of the second support element. At least the body portion of each of the first support element and the second support element can be independently rotatable about the first axis. The support member can support at least a middle portion of the cover member above a surface of the wound so as to define a space between the wound cover and the wound.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure treatment system for debriding a treatment area of a tissue site and applying reduced pressure is disclosed. The reduced-pressure treatment system includes a hydrogel having a blocked acid debriding agent. The hydrogel is adapted to cover the treatment area and enhance autolytic debridement at the treatment area. The reduced-pressure treatment system includes a manifold that is adapted to cover the hydrogel and distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site. The reduce-pressure treatment system also includes a sealing drape for forming a fluid seal over the tissue site and manifold. Other systems, methods, and dressings are presented.

Abstract: Dressing for skin care, having a main compress covered by a membrane with an adhesive contour which extends beyond this compress and which is designed to be applied to the skin, this dressing having an inlet port for a treatment liquid on the main compress, and the membrane having, on at least part of the surface opposite this compress, a permeability that permits exchange of gases.

Abstract: A radial compression band employs a substantially rigid U-like cuff that fits over a patient's arm and then snaps onto a tightening band. A movable bubble member is positioned for movement along the band separate from the attachment to the patient and is inflatable to provide pressure to an incision or the like to accomplish hemostasis. A plural bubble member version provides multiple pressure application positions.

Abstract: A wearable medical bandage is provided having an energy harvesting generator that harvests mechanical energy from the user's natural body and muscle motions to produce electrical energy. The electrical energy induces an electric potential across the wound opening producing accelerated skin wound recovery under the voltage fluctuations produced by the power generator.

Abstract: A manifold for treating a tissue site may include a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second side of the manifold may be configured to face the tissue site, and to contract a greater amount than the first side of the manifold when exposed to a compressive force. In some illustrative examples, the manifold may be configured to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site, and to contract when exposed to the reduced pressure. The manifold may be suitable for use with dressing assemblies, treatment systems, and methods for treating a tissue site.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a vibration apparatus can augment and enhance negative-pressure therapy systems. The apparatus can be attached to an external surface of a dressing, fluid conductor, or other components. The apparatus can generate low-amplitude vibrations, which can be transmitted through the components. Kinetic energy of the oscillations can agitate fluid in the components, which can lower the viscosity of the fluid and reduce the frequency of blockages in fluid conductors. Vibrations may also agitate a tissue site, which can encourage blood flow and granulation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a wound treatment apparatus employing hydrophobic and hydrophilic dressing materials and/or coating of the layers of a wound dressing. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic and hydrophilic dressing materials and/or coating controls the migration of fluid within the wound dressing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a negative pressure appliance and methods of using the same in the treatment of wounds. Some embodiments are directed to improved fluidic connectors or suction adapters for connecting to a wound site, for example using softer, kink-free conformable suction adapters.

Abstract: Scar formation is inhibited by simultaneously applying a vertical force and a lateral compression to the wound site during the healing process. Apparatus for applying such simultaneous forces can include a backing and a tissue displacement device. The backing holds the tissue displacement device over the wound. The tissue displacement device may be expanded to both apply the vertical force against the wound and to draw the backing radially or laterally inward to apply the desired compression forces to the wound.

Abstract: Connection pads for coupling fluid-instillation and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) apparatuses to wound dressing, and methods and wound dressings for breaching a drape after coupling a wound dressing to a fluid-instillation and/or NPWT apparatus.

Abstract: A reduced pressure dressing for applying reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site includes an interface layer adapted to be positioned at the tissue site. An absorbent layer is in fluid communication with the interface layer to absorb liquid from at least one of the interface layer and the tissue site. A pump is in fluid communication with the absorbent layer to deliver a reduced pressure to the tissue site. A cover is positioned over the pump, the absorbent layer, and the interface layer to maintain the reduced pressure at the tissue site, and a liquid-air separator is positioned between the absorbent layer and the pump to inhibit liquid from entering the pump.

Abstract: A hemostatic device has a band for being wrapped around a puncture site of a wrist, securing means for securing the band in a state where the band is wrapped around the wrist, and an inflation portion that interlocks with the band, and that is inflated by injecting gas. The inflation portion includes a first region which stretches when the gas is injected into the inflation portion, and a second region which is less likely to stretch compared to the first region and which is formed of a rigid material. The second region has a micropore which discharges the gas contained in the inflation portion with the lapse of time, in a state where the inflation portion is inflated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, a liquid impermeable, gas permeable filter layer over the absorbent layer, a cover layer comprising at least one orifice and a first liquid and gas permeable transmission layer underlying the absorbent layer. The transmission layer is in fluid communication with the filter layer.

Abstract: Dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed that, in some embodiments, relate to treating a tissue site. In one embodiment, a dressing may include a manifold, a retention pouch, a sealing member, and a conduit interface. The manifold may be adapted to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site, and the retention pouch may be adapted to retain and manage fluid extracted from the tissue site. The sealing member may cover the retention pouch and the manifold to provide a sealed space with the tissue site. The conduit interface may be in fluid communication with the sealed space and an exterior surface of the sealing member. The dressing may be utilized with a therapy device operable to control reduced pressure in the dressing and fluid flow over the sealing member.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment.

Abstract: A radial compression band employs a substantially rigid U-like cuff that fits over a patient's arm and then snaps onto a tightening band. A movable bubble member is positioned for movement along the band separate from the attachment to the patient and is inflatable to provide pressure to an incision or the like to accomplish hemostasis.

Abstract: A toroidal compression bandage includes: a soft fibrous material, defined by an absorbency of a predetermined amount; a compression bandage form comprised of soft fibrous absorbent material in a rolled, wrapped form and of a shape defined by a circle revolved in three-dimensional space about a circular axis coplanar with the circle, wherein the axis of revolution does not touch the rotated circle, to define a torus ring compression bandage; an aperture defined within a center area of the torus ring compression bandage as it is formed, the aperture having a predetermined diameter and configured for placement directly over a trauma wound to avoid contact with the trauma wound; and a compression surface defined on an underside of the torus ring compression bandage, the compression surface configured for circumferential placement around the trauma wound to avoid direct contact of the trauma wound, and for absorption placement around the trauma wound.

Abstract: A device (1) includes a first web of soft material (5), a projecting structure integral with the web and including multiple discrete projecting elements. The projecting elements include pieces of foam (3) spaced apart form one another and integral with the first web (5). The pieces of foam are compressed between the first web (5) and a second web (7) of soft material, the two webs mutually adhering between the projecting elements. The device is useful for treating various types of edemas and excessive tissue infiltration, as well as for repairing sports injury.

Abstract: A pressure-sensing compression bandage having a plurality of pressure sensors provided to indicate the pressures applied by and/or the pressure gradient created by, the applied bandage at various locations along its length when the bandage is applied to a limb or other extremity.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure treatment system for debriding a treatment area of a tissue site and applying reduced pressure is disclosed. The reduced-pressure treatment system includes a hydrogel having a blocked acid debriding agent. The hydrogel is adapted to cover the treatment area and enhance autolytic debridement at the treatment area. The reduced-pressure treatment system includes a manifold that is adapted to cover the hydrogel and distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site. The reduced-pressure treatment system also includes a sealing drape for forming a fluid seal over the tissue site and manifold. Other systems, methods, and dressings are presented.

Abstract: A bandage for use at an aggressive bleeding site of a patient is disclosed. The bandage includes a stretchable wrap, an auxiliary strap, a primary absorbent body, and at plural secondary absorbent bodies. The primary absorbent body is located on the inner surface of the wrap. The wrap is arranged to be wrapped about and tightly encircle a portion of the body of a patient at which the bleeding site is located to cause the primary absorbent body to apply pressure thereto. The auxiliary strap is secured to the wrap and is normally held in stowed position on the wrap, but arranged to be moved to an extended position whereupon the secondary absorbent bodies overlies said primary absorbent body and apply pressure thereto and to the underlying aggressive bleeding site.

Abstract: A reduced pressure dressing for applying reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site includes an interface layer adapted to be positioned at the tissue site. An absorbent layer is in fluid communication with the interface layer to absorb liquid from at least one of the interface layer and the tissue site. A pump is in fluid communication with the absorbent layer to deliver a reduced pressure to the tissue site. A cover is positioned over the pump, the absorbent layer, and the interface layer to maintain the reduced pressure at the tissue site, and a liquid-air separator is positioned between the absorbent layer and the pump to inhibit liquid from entering the pump.

Abstract: A reduced pressure dressing for applying reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site includes an interface layer adapted to be positioned at the tissue site. An absorbent layer is in fluid communication with the interface layer to absorb liquid from at least one of the interface layer and the tissue site. A pump is in fluid communication with the absorbent layer to deliver a reduced pressure to the tissue site. A cover is positioned over the pump, the absorbent layer, and the interface layer to maintain the reduced pressure at the tissue site, and a liquid-air separator is positioned between the absorbent layer and the pump to inhibit liquid from entering the pump.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic apparatus includes: a battery; at least one pressure sensor provided on a surface of the battery; and a controller electrically connected with the at least one pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor samples a pressure parameter on the surface of the battery. The controller acquires the pressure parameter, detects a magnitude relation between the pressure parameter and a predefined threshold value, and generates a control instruction for protecting the battery based on the detected magnitude relation.

Abstract: The devices, kits and methods described may be used for wound healing, including the treatment, amelioration, or prevention of scars and/or keloids by applying and/or maintaining a pre-determined strain in an elastic skin treatment device that is then affixed to the skin surface using skin adhesives to transfer a generally planar force from the bandage to the skin surface. Applicators are used to apply and/or maintain the strains, and some of the applicators are further configured to provide at least some mechanical advantage to the user when exerting loads onto the skin treatment device.

Abstract: The composite wound dressing apparatus promotes healing of a wound via the use of a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump applies a vacuum pressure to the wound to effectively draw wound fluid or exudate away from the wound bed. The vacuum pump is tethered to the wound dressing and is portable, preferably, carried by the patient in a support bag, which permits patient mobility. Moreover, the patient does not need to be constrained for any period of time while exudate is being removed from the wound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for treating a wound by applying reduced or negative pressure to the wound. The apparatus can include a wound cover, a fluid collection container, a vacuum pump, an inflation pump, and one or more conduits. The wound cover can be configured to move between at least a relatively rigid, generally raised position and a relatively flexible, generally collapsed position according to a predetermined program or in response to input from a user or one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the wound cover can be configured to move between at least the relatively rigid, generally raised position and the relatively flexible, generally collapsed position by adjusting the air pressure in one or more channels in the wound cover or by adjusting the length of piezoelectric or other length changing material supported by the wound cover.

Abstract: Tissue compression devices having pressure indicators and methods of using the same. The tissue compression devices provide feedback to a user with respect to the pressure being applied to selected tissue at a selected location such as a radial artery to assist the user in applying the desired amount of pressure to the tissue (such as the pressure needed to achieve hemostasis at an access site). The pressure indication may be provided by a ring indicator that moves between two configurations (e.g., a concave configuration and a convex configuration), a bellow chamber in a housing, a bladder located below a bladder window, etc.

Abstract: Suture clip deployment devices for applying suture clips to sutures are described. Some embodiments can include a generally tubular main body and a vacuum port located at the distal end, a hollow inner body longitudinally slidable within the main body and extending from the main body at its distal end, and a suture recess located in the generally tubular main body. At least one suture clip configured to frictionally fit on an outer surface of the inner body is deployed during use. Clip deployment can occur after a vacuum source is applied to the device so as to draw the suture into the device. The suture lines can be retrieved through the suture recess, and the device can be actuated so as to deliver the suture clip off the delivery device and onto the suture, locking the suture in place.

Abstract: A dressing device has a device body, a bore extending into an inner surface of the device body, and a biasing element positioned within the bore for biasing the dressing element against the ulcer. The device body functions to offload pressure from an ulcer of a patient. The biasing element functions to support a dressing element against the ulcer to medicate the ulcer, and to prevent the formation of proud flesh.

Abstract: A therapeutic compression apparatus having a primary wrap, a foot wrap and a stirrup is provided. The primary wrap encircles a first portion of a leg and applies compression thereto. The foot wrap encircles at least a portion of the foot and applies compression thereto. The foot wrap may be integrated with the stirrup, detachably connected or provided separately. The compression apparatus may be configured such that one or more bladders are provided therein. The compression apparatus may include a pressure gauge and pump for controlling an amount of pressure applied to the treatment site. A bladder assembly with a number of fluid bladder configurations is also provided for use within a compression apparatus. The bladder may be configured to provide a gradient pressure profile to the treatment site when filled.

Abstract: The invention relates to knit fabric having zones having normal stress-elongation behavior and having predefined zones having increased stress-elongation behavior, for example, knitted fabrics of this type, in particular knit fabric of this type used as medical aids or sport aids, and methods for producing this knit fabric.