Abstract: A method and instruments used to performing an end-to-end anastomosis between two portions of intestinal tissue is disclosed. The method involves drawing a first portion of intestinal tissue over a portion of a bioabsorbable stent. The end of the first portion of intestinal tissue is everted on the stent to create a collar of exposed inner intestinal tissue. A second portion of intestinal tissue is drawn over the stent and over the exposed intestinal tissue. A bandage containing one adhesive compound selected from the group of an adhesive and an adhesive initiator is wrapped about the juncture. The other adhesive compound is applied to saturate the bandage and the combination of an adhesive and an adhesive initiator sets the adhesive to adhere the first portion and the second portion of adhesive to the bandage.

Abstract: A therapeutic compression garment made of flexible, foldable, light weight Velcro-type loop fabric having a central region for wrapping partially around a body part and a plurality of bands integrally connected to the central region and extending outwardly in opposite directions from both sides of the central region to cross each other and encompass the body part.

Abstract: Our geometric devices “best mode” is made of an elastic-like material which can offer multi-directional support as opposed to the majority of the competition in which the support is limited to the material used rather than the design or integration of design and material. These competitive products systematically offer no more support and protection in the area of focus than in the area of non-focus, unless they have various materials, elastic or metal stays, holes and/or straps. Our revolutionary membrane of three, four or more overlapping circular like bodies (in part or whole) are integrated into our products to offer a multi-directional, 360° quadrant support, which may enhance specific support at the medial, lateral, inferior and/or superior part of the joint or body fitted part to assist the individual in reaching his or her optimal performance while offering protection, support, comfort and performance.

Abstract: An orthopedic stockinette includes a preformed sleeve of elastic fabric material. At least a portion of the sleeve is drawn together to form secondary sleeves for receiving digits of a wearer and serving as a divider between the received digits. An orthopedic cast or splint may be formed with the stockinette by providing a layer of overlaying layer of hardenable cast material.

Abstract: A therapeutic sleeve for applying pressure to a body part, having: a tubular semi-elastic body; at least one seam extending along the tubular semi-elastic body, the at least one seam defining a region of narrowed thickness of the tubular semi-elastic body; and an access opening through a side of the tubular semi-elastic body. Optionally, the stitches may be disposed in stitched sections that are separated end to end from one another.

Abstract: Custom footbed devices, methods of constructing the devices and kits for constructing custom footbeds are disclosed that may be particularly advantageous in the treatment of plantar ulcers. The devices offer the advantage of off-loading pressure from the plantar ulcers in a device that is easy to construct, reusable, lightweight, and custom-made to improve patient comfort. The footbeds are constructed using a curable substrate that is formed to the plantar surface of the foot except in the areas occupied by spacers designed to off-load wounds on the bottom of the foot.

Abstract: Soft, tear resistant gel, gel composites and gel articles for various uses formed from one or a mixture of two or more block copolymers with or without one or more selected other polymers and additives in combination with one or more selected plasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom.

Abstract: Bandage 100 for relief of the musculature, comprising an essentially rectangular central portion 1 on whose transverse edges 11, 12 a total of four tensioning straps 21, 22, 23, 24 are secured, the central portion 1 being smoothed on opposite the injured site in the muscle tissue of the limb, the two proximal tensioning straps 21, 22 being guided in a diagonal movement in the distal direction and the two distal tensioning straps 23, 24 being guided in a diagonal movement in the proximal direction in such a way that the two proximal tensioning straps 21, 22 cross each other proximally of the injured site, the two distal tensioning straps 23, 24 cross each other distally of the injured site, and in each case one proximal tensioner 21, 22 and one distal tensioner 23, 24 cross each other laterally of the injured site, so that the injured site is left free, with the ends 31, 32, 33, 34 of the tensioning straps 21, 22, 23, 24 being secured on the bandage 100.

Abstract: The surgical stocking made by knitting a knitting yarn together with an extensible weft yarn is a placebo type stocking suitable for exerting compressive pressure at the ankle of less than 8 mmHg, and preferably less than 5 mmHg. It is intended for double blind tests versus placebo using a product having the same structure, the same visual appearance, and the same feel as an active stocking but compression that is negligible and thigh/ankle degressivity that is close to unity. The weft yarn presents mass per unit length lying in the range 250 dtex to 600 dtex, preferably in the range 350 dtex to 500 dtex, with the proportion of elastic material being less than 25% and preferably less than 20% of the total weight of the thread. Its elongation capacity lies in the range 200% to 350%, preferably in the range 200% to 300%, but its springiness (II) is very different from that of an elastic stocking (I).

Abstract: A garment (1) for providing compressive forces to a torso to help eliminate or reduce swelling caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the torso region. An embodiment of the present invention includes an outer covering (10) of compression fabric, wide shoulder straps (22, 24), front and back panels of compression fabric (12, 14, 16, 18), a non-rolling rib band (72), axilla gussets (82, 84), and both front closure (40) and back closure (50). The garment may also include one or more princess seams (102, 104, 102?, 104?) so as to enable the front panel(s) to encapsulate and hold the user's breasts in place at the same time that compressive forces are applied, as well as one or more front shelves (132, 134) in the front panel(s) for providing upward compressive support to the breast tissue, thereby holding the tissue in a proper neutral position so that inward compressive forces acting on the tissue provide maximum effect.

Abstract: Protective devices, to protect a body part having a bony portion with a soft tissue layer between the bony portion and an outer skin layer, have an inner surface which conforms to the body part to be protected and are applied to the body part to reduce pressure exhibited at the interface between the bony portion and the soft tissue layer, across the soft tissue and outer skin layers and at the interface between the outer skin layer and a support surface. The protective devices may be made of any material suitable for distributing the weight of the body part over an extended area and volume and may include a mushy material, a hard shell, a hydro absorptive material, and a wound dressing with medication. The body part to be protected includes at least one of the heel, trochanter, knee, sacrum, coccyx, ischium, scapula, elbow, ankle, buttocks and occiput; The protective devices may be secured to the body part directly or via a garment or any other suitable securing means.

Abstract: A garment comprising a stretch fabric wherein the garment covers at least a part of the lower body of a wearer, has a crotch part, and is worn by being fitted to the wearer's body, wherein the garment in part has a first portion with a strong straining force; first portion with a strong straining force is a strong straining portion (A); right and left parts of the portion (A) are connected at a second position on the back side of the garment corresponding to any region from os sacrum to vertebrae lumbalis of the wearer's body; and the portion (A) covers a region extending from second position through tops of bulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereof approximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus gluteus maximus at right and left to at least the vicinity of trochanter major.

Abstract: An orthotic device for absorption of heel shock, treating edema and swelling and for lessening pain. It is comprised of an elastic sleeve adapted to fit over the foot and heel of a person. The sleeve includes a shock absorbing heel pad inside of the sleeve in a position to be disposed under the heel when the sleeve is worn around the heel. The sleeve is of elastomeric material providing compression to treat edema and swelling. The pad may be a polymeric plastisol material which can be cooled to provide cold therapy and positioned under the heel to provide cushioning and shock absorption.

Abstract: A formfitting protective footwear apparatus comprising, generally, a protective sheath that envelops all or a portion of the foot from the ankle forward. In all embodiments, the formfitting protective footwear apparatus of the present invention surrounds the forefoot about the instep and arch and extends forward to protect at least the ball of the foot.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating ankle pain, ankle sprains and ankle swelling. The apparatus includes the strategically located pressure imparting pads which are applied over the ankle of the user in a manner to provide focused anterior pain relieving pressure to the ankle. The apparatus when in place about the users ankle, permits substantially full ankle function.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing movement of the patella in the patellofemoral joint comprises in one embodiment a base having an opening, a buttress secured to the base sheet member, a tensioning member secured to the base sheet member, a pair of tensioning arms secured to the buttress, a pair of tensioning arms secured to the tensioning member, a pair of compression members formed from the base, and a stabilizing member secured to an edge of the base. A method of stabilizing movement of the patella in the patellofemoral joint during physical activities comprises in one embodiment the steps of positioning a support brace having an opening against the knee, extending a portion of the brace against the knee to apply a first force against portions of the knee in the opening, and extending another portion of the brace against the knee to apply a second force against the knee.

Abstract: A suspension system for the care and prevention of wounds on the body of a user includes an array of removable suspension devices forming a flexible sheet. Each suspension device is removably coupled to at least on other suspension device. The suspension devices are selectably removable from the array in order to define a space within the sheet which approximates the size of a target area on the body of the user. A disposable garment for the body of a user includes an absorbent portion and a wound are and prevention suspension portion. The absorbent portion has fluid pervious inner sheet, a fluid impervious outer sheet and at least one layer of absorbent material disposed between the inner and outer sheets. The wound are and prevention suspension portion is coupled to the absorbent portion.

Abstract: A splint positionable about a user's hand for treating phalanx fractures includes a flexible body having a first opening for receiving a thumb therethrough and a second opening for allowing selected metacarpals to extend distally therethrough. The present invention further includes a mechanism for maintaining the end portions at selected spatial relationships and a flexible aluminum plate for engaging fractured metacarpals while allowing medial and distal metacarpal phalangeal joints to move along unrestricted paths respectively. The splint further includes a mechanism for adjusting a length of the plate so that the fractured metacarpals can be adapted between mobile and immobile positions.

Abstract: A castliner in the form of a three-dimensionally knitted sleeve comprises a microdenier yarn, and/or a spandex yarn, in particular, a spandex yarn having a flatter stress-strain curve than traditional spandex yarns. The use of the microdenier yarn contributes to the superior cushioning effect. The stretch and recovery properties of the particular spandex yarn contribute to superior fit and reduction of pressure points on the limb or body part to which the castliner is applied. Furthermore, the castliner is rendered water resistant and has significantly improved antimicrobial properties, both of which reduce incidents of skin irritation and unpleasant smell. As a result, the patient wearing the castliner of the invention is able to bathe and get wet without otherwise replacing the hard casting and castliner after such events.

Abstract: A tubular compression bandage of elastic textile material includes a plurality of tightening straps adjacently encompassing the bandage. The tightening straps are fastened by their starting portions to a starting longitudinal strip connected to the outer surface of the bandage and are guided circumferentially in pairs at an oblique angle of up to 30° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bandage to their terminating portions of the side opposite the starting longitudinal strip to pairs of securing eyes arranged in herringbone-like manner and are folded back therein to form Velcro™ fasteners on the bandage, the degree of oblique guiding being adjustable through selectble fixing of the starting and/or terminating portions of the tightening straps in the longitudinal direction of the bandage.

Abstract: A two-ply bandage for treatment of skin while providing orthopedic support having a first layer of gel for contacting the skin and a second layer of an elastic and supportive loop portion of a hook and loop fastener. The product is economically manufactured in the form of long rolls or as a sheet and is easily cut to any desired shape.

Abstract: A close-fitting, compression garment is described for providing adjustable compressive force over a surgical site in the dorsocervical region of the human body below the neck, above and between the shoulder blades of the upper back. The vest body portion of the invented garment has graduated or increasing elasticity encircling the upper torso and shoulder region of the body. Wide adjustable elastic pressure bands pressure anchored at the dorsocervical apex at the back of the vest stretch over the shoulders of the patient and adjustably anchored to anchor strips secured to the front chest surface of the vest for establishing compression over a surgical site in the dorsocervical region during recovery as needed both for rehabilitation and comfort.

Abstract: A protective and insulating cover for an injured limb, especially a foot or a leg, is formed from fleece or other material, which is stretchy and warm with a double layer of material at the toes and hook and loop fasteners at the top, thereby forming a cast cover, which is warm, easily applied and removed, adjustable, and decorative.

Abstract: A suspension system for the care and prevention of wounds on the body of a user includes an array of removable suspension devices forming a flexible sheet. Each suspension device is removably coupled to at least one other suspension device. The suspension devices are selectably removable from the array in order to define a space within the sheet which approximates the size of a target area on the body of the user. A disposable garment for the body of a user includes an absorbent portion and a wound care and prevention suspension portion. The absorbent portion has a fluid pervious inner sheet, a fluid impervious outer sheet and at least one layer of absorbent material disposed between the inner and outer sheets. The wound care and prevention suspension portion is coupled to the absorbent portion.

Abstract: A device for providing support, compression, and warmth to the patellar tendon of a knee, the device including an elastic sleeve, a compressible tubular member secured along the circumferential length of the sleeve; first and second straps secured adjacent the exterior of the sleeve and generally diametrically across the sleeve from the tubular member; and first and second strap closure members for securing the straps in a tensioned state.

Abstract: A garment (1) for providing compressive forces to a torso to help eliminate or reduce swelling caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the torso region. An embodiment of the present invention includes an outer covering (10) of compression fabric, wide shoulder straps (22, 24), front and back panels of compression fabric (12, 14, 16, 18), a non-rolling rib band (72), axilla gussets (82, 84), and both front closure (40) and back closure(50). The garment may also include one or more princess seams (102, 104, 102?, 104?) so as to enable the front panel(s) to encapsulate and hold the user's breasts in place at the same time that compressive forces are applied, as well as one or more front shelves (132, 134) in the front panel(s) for providing upward compressive support to the breast tissue, thereby holding the tissue in a proper neutral position so that inward compressive forces acting on the tissue provide maximum effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal treatment pack that includes a tubular body having a first opening, a second opening, an inner surface and an outer surface. The first opening, the inner surface and the second opening cooperate to define a passage through the tubular body for the limb. The inner surface and the outer surface of the tubular body are defined by a continuous film of flexible material such as a copolymer of polyester and polyurethane. A temperature-retaining fluid such as a water-based gel is received between the inner surface and the outer surface. Optionally, a thermal pack according to the invention can be covered with a fabric layer to provide insulation between the continuous film of flexible material and a user's skin. The diameter of the passage through the thermal treatment pack is preferably smaller than or equal to the diameter of the injured limb, which causes the inner surface of the thermal treatment pack to make contact the limb or an insulating wrap placed over the limb.

Abstract: A foot protective structure includes a main body having a plurality of movable plates, and a coating layer enclosed around the movable plates. Thus, the movable plates are movable relative to the main body and are movable relative to each other so as to fit movement of the shoe sole, so that the foot protective structure will not limit movement of the user's foot, thereby causing a comfortable sensation to the user. In addition, the coating layer covers the movable plates to prevent the melted material of the shoe sole from entering the gaps between the movable plates, so that the movable plates are separated from each other and will not be bonded with each other after the plastic injection process, thereby enhancing the productivity of the foot protective structure.

Abstract: A tennis elbow support comprising a main body having an opening and a tendon pad having a pad base and a raised portion that projects from the pad base. The tendon pad is inserted into the opening so that the raised portion projects outwardly from a bottom surface of the main body. The main body can be releasably secured in a substantially circular configuration so that the support can be placed around the forearm of a user and the tennis elbow support can be tightened around the arm of the user with tendon pad in contact with the arm so that straight-line pressure is applied across the extensor muscle and tendon.

Abstract: An anatomically configured tubular body or ribbon of woven or knitted elastomeric yarn having concentrated pressure support means at one or more areas along said device for pressure support of an ankle, elbow, knee or wrist (hereinafter also “articulating appendage”). The device of this invention can include an anatomically configured tubular composite, comprising an essentially uniform sleeve of elastomeric yarn and a pressure concentrating means corresponding to one or more areas of said articulating appendage (hereafter also “pressure points”), so as to focus or concentrate pressure support at said pressure points. The device thus provides for both ease of attachment to the appendage and of application of differential (increased or focused) pressures to a pressure point of the affected appendage.

Abstract: An adjustable fit athletic supporter in which the length of the waistband, the length of the leg straps, or both, may be adjusted to closely fit a person. According to another aspect of the invention, the waistband, or leg straps, or both, may bear sizing indicia or numbers to indicate the dimensions of an athletic supporter that closely fits a person. According to yet another aspect of the invention, the dimensions of an athletic supporter that closely fits a person may be used to custom tailor an athletic supporter for that person. An adjustable fit athletic supporter and method therefor according to the invention may more closely fit a person, and may reduce inventory requirements.

Abstract: Wrist bandage, consisting of an anatomically shaped section which receives the wrist and the hand and which is formed from a single piece of flexible and elastic material, the section narrowing in the proximal direction, the section having, on the medial edge, a cutout for receiving the thumb, and with at least two straps secured on the medial edge, which straps can be secured on the dorsal side of the bandage, and with a pocket which is secured on the palmar side of the bandage, in particular sewn thereon, in such a way that the centre axis of the pocket forms an inwardly directed arch.

Abstract: The present invention is a wound healing system and method of use to address the healing of wounds found on a foot of a patient. The wound healing system provides an apparatus and method of protecting and healing foot wounds, especially foot ulcers of diabetic patients. The wound healing system can be used on a wound found on almost any area of the bottom of a foot. The wound healing system includes a method of reducing the mechanical load on a wound, allowing the patient to walk while the system is in use, allowing the patient to access and attend to the foot, allowing different methods of treating a foot wound, and providing a kit with which medical personnel can easily fit the patient with the apparatus.

Abstract: A wound dressing for application to a protruding part of a joint of the body which dressing comprises an elongated first part (7) for placing on one side of the protruding part of the joint, and a second part (8) for placing on another side of the joint, and two ear parts (9) extending from the second part, wherein at least the central parts of the first, the second part and the ear parts of the dressing are covered with an absorbent element (11), wherein at least a part of said absorbent element extends to the edge of at least one of the parts of the dressing, and wherein the side edges (12) of the absorbent element of the first part are essentially in an angle of 45-120 degrees to the neighbouring edges of the absorbent element of the ear parts (15).

Abstract: A shoulder protective device for protecting the shoulder and arm of the user when carrying heavy objects upon one's shoulder. The shoulder protective device includes a band of material being adapted to be worn about a portion of a user's upper torso and about a shoulder of a user; and also includes a sleeve being attached to the band of material; and further includes a protective assembly being attached to the band of material and including an outer layer of material and an inner layer of material; and further includes a plurality of pads being attached to the band of material and the protective assembly for providing comfort for the user wearing the band of material.

Abstract: A support (10) worn on a person's foot (F) or hand to correct a deformity to a toe (T2) or finger. A first sleeve (12) of a support material is sized to fit over the adjacent toe (T1). A second sleeve (14) of the material is sized to fit over another toe (T3). A band (16) of material extends between the two sleeves. The band of material fits over the deformed toe when the support is worn and holds the deformed toe in a position in which it does not overlay the adjacent toe but extends generally side-by-side with it. Another embodiment of the support can be worn on a person's hand to treat a deformed finger. The support can be incorporated into a sock (100) or glove (110).

Abstract: A firm-contact apparel prosthesis and method for tremor suppression for applying a consistent and constant pressure around the entire circumference of a part of the body. The prosthesis is made of a band of elastic material that is continuous and firm, or may be made of an article of clothing having one or more bands integrally formed in the article of clothing. Multiple prosthetics may be used at the same time. The method of tremor suppression requires the steps of applying pressure evenly and circumferentially about a part of the body, for extended periods of time or for intervals of time.

Abstract: A medical device for containing body fluids includes an elongate sleeve and at least one closure strap. The elongate sleeve defines a longitudinal axis and has at least one open end. The sleeve is made of a material that has an absorbent layer and a substantially transparent, nonporous layer positioned outwardly of the absorbent layer. Preferably, the material of the sleeve also includes a non-adherent, porous layer positioned inwardly of the absorbent layer. The strap is attached to the sleeve for closing the open end and for positioning and securing the sleeve over a wounded area or over a dressing covering a wound. The strap is made of a flexible, elastic material. The strap is wrapped completely around the sleeve and is affixed to itself, thus positioning and securing the sleeve over the wounded area or the dressing. In one preferred embodiment, the medical device includes an elongate sleeve having a pair of open ends and a pair of straps.

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 present invention is a wound healing system and method of use to address the healing of wounds found on a foot of a patient. The wound healing system provides an apparatus and method of protecting and healing foot wounds, especially foot ulcers of diabetic patients. The wound healing system can be used on a wound found on almost any area of the bottom of a foot. The wound healing system includes a method of reducing the mechanical load on a wound, allowing the patient to walk while the system is in use, allowing the patient to access and attend to the foot, allowing different methods of treating a foot wound, and providing a kit with which medical personnel can easily fit the patient with the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for treating pain in an injured body member includes a wrap having an interior section which can be loaded with medicament. The wrap also includes at least one inwardly extending nodule adapted to exert pressure on and compress a specific area of the injured member, having acupressure like effect in producing pain relief. The wrap has adjustable means for fastening the wrap around the body member, thereby enabling the wearer to extent a specific amount of pressure on the nodule to achieve the desired results. The combination of restricted movement imparted by the wrap along with the medicament and acupressure affords the wearer more rapid pain relief than any of the treatments applied separately.

Abstract: A gel-type adhesive composite bandage (10) is provided which can be used in the treatment of fungus-involved or discolored toe nails, or for general wound treatment. The bandage (10) includes a base (12) having a preformed recess (16), with a humectant-containing gel (18) within the recess (16). An adhesive-coated web (14) is applied over the base (12) and gel (18). The web (14) is strippable from the base (12) with the gel (18) adhered to the web (14). In the use, the web (14) is removed from the base (12), and the exposed gel (18) is applied directly to the affected toe mail or wound. The remaining portions of the adhesive-coated web (14) is then used to maintain the web (14) and gel (18) in place. The gel (18) preferably includes a polymeric matrix having a substantial quantity of water soluble humectant (for example, glycerin) entrapped within the matrix.

Abstract: An elasticized pressure binder and pack positioner comprises a pocket, a pair of elongated elasticized straps, and a pair of elongated extension straps. The pocket has three closed ends and one open end. The open end can be closed by means for closing. The pair of elongated elasticized straps is attached to and extending from one of the three closed ends. There are a pair of hook portions of a hook and loop type fastener structure on the side of the pocket. There is a loop portion of the hook and loop fastener structure at the end of each of the pair of elongated elasticized straps. One side of each of the pair of elongated extension straps is a loop portion of the hook and loop fastener structure. The other side of each of the pair of elongated extension straps is a hook portion of the hook and loop fastener structure.

Abstract: The device is a soft, flexible human body enclosure designed to aid, comfort, protect and prevent Decubitis (bed sores) and skin breakdowns on bedridden or wheelchair bound patients. The advantage of this device is that it covers major bony prominences, e.g. hips, lower back, buttocks, coccyx area and other pressure points from hips to knees. This device is also intended to promote healing of existing inflammations by holding dressings in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite material for use in making orthopedic elastic braces for supporting a body part by compression. One embodiment of the invention is a compression brace material (400) having an elastic outer layer (410), a first fabric layer (420), a spacer fabric layer (425), and a second fabric layer (430). The spacer fabric layer permits and promotes airflow laterally through the brace material. The outer layer may have a plurality of slits (550) therethrough to permit and promote airflow transversely through the composite material. The plurality of slits may be arcuate to further improve transverse airflow through the composite brace material.

Abstract: A method to and apparatus to prevent injury and infection of a health-care recipient as a result of anticipated possible complications associated with any ones of a predetermined plurality of health-care procedures. The invention provides specific unambiguous warning indications prohibiting one or more of the aforementioned procedures on the outer surface of a physical barrier which is placed onto said health-care recipient in such a way that the indications are clearly visible, or alternatively affixed as a decal to the skin of the patent. The presence of said barrier is designed to significantly interferes with any reasonable application said plurality of procedures on said recipient.

Abstract: A compression glove formed from a composite fabric of approximately 80% nylon and 20% spandex which is stretchable in all directions to continuously apply pressure to the hand of a wearer for long periods of time to treat or relieve symptoms of various medical conditions.

Abstract: A thumb sleeve for use in playing a thumb wrestling game includes a head member having a generally cylindrical configuration and constructed of a resilient material for fitting snuggly on the thumb of a player. The thumb sleeve includes a sheath having a generally cylindrical configuration connected to the head member. The sheath is constructed of an interwoven mesh material defining a diameter that increases when ends of the sheath are urged toward one another and decreases when ends of the sheath are urged away from one another. The sheath anchors and stabilizes the head member during vigorous game play and facilitates removal when relaxed.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an elevated concentration of interstitial fluid in a body area of a patient includes a pad constructed and arranged to be placed in pressure-applying, conforming relation to the body area. The pad includes inner and outer liners connected at marginal edges thereof to one another, and a foam pad having a multiplicity of resilient protrusions is encased between the inner and outer liners. A plurality of channels are formed in areas between the protrusions by securing the inner liner in close proximity to the outer liner along each channel. The channels and protrusions are constructed and arranged such that when the pad is placed in pressure-applying, conforming relation to the body area, localized pressure generated on the body area at each protrusion is greater than localized pressure generated on the body area along the channel.