Abstract: A thermal blanket particularly suitable for post-operative therapy and a thermally-conductive, fluid-absorbing interfacing pad for use therewith. The pad includes an intermediate or core layer of a pliant, liquid-absorbing, hydrocolloid-containing skin barrier material having both wet and dry tack, a thin backing layer on one side of the intermediate layer, and a porous, fluid-transmitting (and preferably fluid-absorbing) facing layer on the opposite side of the intermediate layer. One or more adhesive patches detachably secure the blanket and pad together, such patches being formed of a pressure-sensitive adhesive material preferably having greater affinity for the surface of the blanket than for the surface of the backing layer of the pad. In one embodiment, the pad's facing layer is provided with openings that expose areas of the adhesive intermediate layer for direct contact between the intermediate layer and a patient's skin.

Abstract: A patient warming method and apparatus including a catheter which mixes relatively hot intravenous fluids with the patient's blood without excessive tissue damage, by monitoring the temperature of the mixed blood and the core temperature of the patient. The fluids are heated to about 50.degree.-100.degree. C. The catheter is surrounded by a relatively large diameter introducer sheath, and is spaced from the sheath by a cooling jacket. Unheated fluid is passed through the cooling jacket to thermally isolate the heated infusate from the patient, to prevent entry site and endothelial burning. An external computer control system monitors and controls both the body core temperature of the patient and the temperature and flow rate of the infusate.

Abstract: A heated bra is arranged to relieve engorgement in a lactating mother, wherein the bra structure includes a heated wire member directed coextensively in surrounding relationship relative to each cup member in electrical communication with an electrical energy source. The bra structure is further arranged to include a fluid impermeable chamber to accommodate heated water and other fluids to assist in relieving pressure to an individual.

Abstract: A sterile bag (10) is provided for containing an irrigation container (20). The bag (10) has an interior (12) for receiving the container (20) and an opening (14). The opening (14) has a tubular member disposed about the opening (14) for receiving a string (16). The string (16) is operable to be tightened to constrict the opening (14) to a size that will receive an irrigation cannula (26).

Abstract: Use of CCl.sub.2 F.sub.2 or CHClF.sub.2 to perform cryogenic surgery on a variety of skin lesions is described.

Abstract: Pain relief apparatus including an applicator containing salts and insulating elements, the container being in the form of a pad and permeable by a portion of the salts for application to a body area affected by pain. An insulating sleeve may be used to enclose the applicator and retain it on a limb of the user.

Abstract: A method of treating a wound site wherein a porous, adhesive backed dressing is utilized. A vacuum and/or heat is applied to the wound site through the dressing so as to draw the tissue adjacent the wound site to the dressing so as to minimize trauma to the wound and increase the adherence of the adhesive.

Abstract: A medical compress for hot or warm moist heat treatment. The compress is a multi-layered structure having a body of absorbent material sandwiched between a porous, liquid permeable layer and a liquid impermeable, heat-retentive layer, and a plurality of adhesive tabs disposed about the periphery of the compress. The heat-retentive layer maintains the compress at a desired temperature for the period of a treatment cycle. The compress is preferably biodegradable and microwavable to eliminate the bulky equipment now used in hydroculator therapy.

Abstract: Device and method for treating tissue inside a patient's body, the device including an endoscopically introducible catheter shaft. The endoscope is constructed for insertion into the patient's body, and has a channel passing through it. The channel terminates at an opening in the distal end of the endoscope. The channel enables the catheter shaft to pass through the endoscope and beyond the distal end of the endoscope. A chamber is mounted on the catheter shaft. The chamber is defined by a flexible wall. The chamber is associated with a first lumen defined by the catheter for fluid flow between the chamber and a fluid source outside of the patient's body. The chamber is fillable with fluid after placement in the patient's body. When the chamber is filled with fluid it has a diameter greater than the diameter of the transverse cross-section of the endoscope channel.

Abstract: A steaming device includes a reservoir for containing a predetermined quantity of water, a heater for heating the water and producing the steam, a nozzle for exhausting out the steam, and a conduit for connecting the nozzle with the reservoir. The nozzle includes a pivotable flow adjusting mechanism for selectively varying the direction of steam flowing out therefrom.

Abstract: A new application system and method for curing or reducing the pain and discomfort associated with warts is achieved by employing exothermic pads and applying the exothermic pad directly over the wart. In the preferred embodiment, the exothermic pads are constructed to provide long-lasting, continuous heating of the skin surface for at least several hours at a temperature level which will not burn or otherwise injure the skin. In addition, softening agents may be incorporated into the pad to further enhance the efficacy of the exothermic pad.

Abstract: A disposable body warmer comprising a flat bag and in a flat form having a thickness of 2 to 5 mm, comprising a heat generating agent comprising iron powder as a main ingredient and mixed therewith 9 to 11% by weight of a water-retaining agent, 18 to 22% by weight of water, an oxidation promotor and sodium chloride. The flat bag is provided with an air-permeable surface having an air permeability per unit of 5,000 to 10,000 sec/100 cc so as to bring about a reduction in the pressure accompanying oxidative heat generation of the heat generating agent packed in the flat bag. The other surface of the flat bag is provided with a nontransferable self-adhesive layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating burn and scald wounds and localized disorders on portions of the human body which involves rapid cooling thereof by spraying a liquid from a first hand-held container onto the human body portion to be treated to form thereon a film of the liquid. Thereafter, a refrigerant is sprayed onto the film of liquid from a second hand-held container, the refrigerant being at a temperature low enough and at a flow rate high enough to freeze a substantial portion of the film of liquid. The human body portion is thereby rapidly cooled by heat absorbed by the frozen film.

Abstract: An economically fabricated trigger for initiating crystallization of supercooled solutions in flexible plastic containers, the trigger comprising a thin substantially imperforate metallic strip having a perimeter bounding a generally dish-shaped or concave portion, the strip further having a plurality of spaced, generally parallel, generally V-shaped elongated grooves formed inwardly from the perimeter, the strip being imperforate at the groove, with the centermost portion substantially free of grooves, the strip having two configurations between which it is distortable or bendable with snap-displacement causing the initiation of progressive exothermic crystallization of said salt in the solution, the strip metal being typically impacted during fabrication to impact orient the molecular structure so as to aid the functioning of the disc or strip to produce or initiate crystallization.

Abstract: A warm bath for simultaneously soaking and warming the hands and feet in a bathing agent consisting mainly of wax includes an upper and lower container each containing the bathing agent, the upper and lower container each having a bottom wall and a peripheral side wall which is generally upright. The bottom wall and peripheral side wall of each container comprises a base structure and an inner layer on the base structure, the inner layer being made of a corrosion-resistant material. The base structure has a bottom outer surface juxtaposed to the bottom wall and a side outer surface juxtaposed to the side wall. A first electric heater is provided on the bottom outer surface and a second electric heater is provided on the side outer surface.

Abstract: A thermo pack for heating or chilling body portions comprising a mixture of water, salt, cellulose and flour sealed in a pliable bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a depilating apparatus of the type with which the fluid wax is provided on the skin, the wax after solidification being removed together with the hairs, the apparatus comprising a housing having a reservoir for the wax, the reservoir communicating with an outflow aperture in the wall of the housing. The housing also comprises structure to heat the wax and to transport the wax from the reservoir to the outflow aperture.

Abstract: A double ended compressible tubular swab applicator comprising a length of tubular material containing a charge of a treating liquid in an innermost lumen and a heat generating material having microencapsulated water spheres embedded in an outermost lumen, for delivery of heated treating liquid upon compression of the microcapsules and rupturing of sealing members.

Abstract: A system for circulating hot or cold liquid through a pad placed in thermal contact with a patient for thermal therapy. The system includes a flexible thermal pad with an internal channel for carrying the liquid and a pump assembly for circulating and optionally heating the liquid. The patient-contacting surface of the pad comprises a foam having a cushioned surface to reduce the risk of ischemia and enhance patient comfort. An open-cell foam structure absorbs and retains moisture for applying moist heat. The system is microprocessor controlled and includes a heater to warm the liquid to a selectable temperature for heat therapy. A display selectively indicates set-point or actual liquid temperature in either .degree. F. or .degree. C. as desired. Safety features include three separate over-temperature sensors, a tilt switch and a float switch which de-energize both the heater and the pump when an abnormal temperature is sensed, the unit is tipped or a low liquid level is sensed, respectively.

Abstract: A disposable tourniquet having a plastic strap and a windowed plastic pad defining a pair of liquid storage reservoirs mutually separated by a frangible wall. Bending of the pad breaks the frangible wall, comingling liquid solutions of water and hydrochloric acid and causing exothermic reaction heating on the order of 105-107 degrees F. When the pad is forcibly secured by the strap in contact with a patient's skin and with a portion of the patient's blood vessel lying within the window of the pad, then the skin is mechanically puffed up through the window and the blood vessel is mechanically stabilized. The blood vessel is simultaneously locally vasodilated. After venipuncture of the dilated vein through the window, the pad body is severable by a ripcord for quick removal from the venipuncture site.

Abstract: A method of treating burns and scald wounds on the human body by rapid cooling which includes spraying liquid from a hand-held container and directing the liquid to the portion of the human body to be treated to form a film of liquid and then spraying and directing onto the film of liquid from a second hand-held container a refrigerant at a temperature low enough and a flow rate high enough to freeze a substantial portion of the film of liquid so that the human body is rapidly cooled by the heat absorbed from the frozen film. An apparatus accomplishing the method includes a portable hand-holdable support with two containers, one having sprayable liquid and the other having a refrigerant.

Abstract: A medical tube is used in an insertion portion of an endoscope and is inserted in a body cavity. The medical tube includes an outer tube having a front section, and a drive member arranged at the front section of the outer tube and having an elongated shape memory alloy adapted to have a transformation temperature such that a memorized shape is restored at the temperature higher than a temperature of heat applied to the shape memory alloy during sterilization of the medical tube.

Abstract: Liquid loaded pads useful as wound and burn dressings are prepared from pellicles of microbially-produced cellulose obtained, for example, by culturing Acetobacter xylinum. A pellicle having a thickness from about 0.1 to 15 millimeters or greater is processed to replace the culture medium with water or other physiologically compatible liquid. The liquid-loaded pellicle is sterilized prior to its use as a dressing or in other medical applications.

Abstract: A double ended compressible tubular swab applicator comprising a length of tubular material containing a charge of a treating liquid in an innermost lumen and a heat generating material having microencapsulated water spheres embedded in an outermost lumen, for delivery of heated treating liquid upon compression of the microcapsules and rupturing of sealing members.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for applying at least one active substance to the skin simultaneously with the production of a cryogenic treatment effect. A liquefied refrigerant gas is released from a pressurized aerosol-type container simultaneously with or in sequence with the application of an active substance. The impregnated absorbent pad is then applied to the skin with the refrigerant gas evaporating slowly to produce the desired cryogenic effect while leaving a film of the active substance on the skin.The absorbent element may be provided on an applicator which itself may be mountable to the pressurized container to act as a control for the container and also to permit the directing of the stream of liquefied gas from a valve at the container outlet to either the active or to the reverse surface of the absorbent pad. The container may be carried by a base which also comprises a reserve of absorbent pads. The applicator can hold the absorbent pad in a required configuration such as a domed configuration.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for moxibustion comprising feeding air to a heat generating compositon in contact with a herb material comprising moxa, wherein said heat generating composition comprises a pyrogen and said herb material is located adjacent to a skin surface, wherein said feeding causes said pyrogen to generate heat by oxidation, whereby said herb material is heated and vaporized and the generated heat and vapor act on the skin, causing moxibustion effect.

Abstract: An improved moxibustion case also performs acupressure. The moxibustion case is constructed with a cylindrical body having a moxa holder attached to its end portion to hold a cylindrical moxa slidably in its longitudinal direction and a cap member having a rear end portion fitted rotatably to the front end portion of the cylindrical body and a front wall having a discharge opening for a moxa combustion gas to treat a desired part of the body. Air supply openings at the circumference and along the length of the cylindrical body near its middle to control the moxa fire-force.

Abstract: A patch having good transdermal property which utilizes a suppository base e.g. triglyceride of a vegetable saturated fatty acid having 12 to 18 carbon atoms together with a penetration enhancer.

Abstract: A device for burning, utilizing and enhancing the therapeutic effect of moxa, comprising a cover, a base and a moxa container. The cover is shaped like an upside-down bowl with an opening on its top center. The cover is disposed on the base and has an opening on its top to receive and engage with the moxa container. The base has three legs which stabilize the moxibustion device on human body. The container has a plunger which has an enlarged end and a head to press the moxa contained therewithin together so as to increase its therapeutic effectiveness.

Abstract: Improved therapy members useful for treating of sprains, muscle aches, orthopedic and skin injuries such as burns and other wounds are provided which make use of a pliable, self-sustaining, moisture sorbing gel including a humectant such as glycerin entrapped within a synthetic resin polymer matrix (e.g., a matrix containing acrylic acid or acrylamide monomer moieties). In one preferred embodiment, a body of the gel is encased within heat and moisture-permeable stretch fabric, and securing ties or the like are provided to permit the composite to be conformed to a body part and held in place. In use, such therapy wraps are either heated (as in a microwave oven) or refrigerated, so as to provide appropriate thermal treatment; it has been found that the preferred gel of the invention retains its pliability and other physical properties over a very broad temperature range, such as -20.degree. to 305.degree. F., and therefore the wraps of the invention can be used in many treatment contexts.

Abstract: A therapeutic heating apparatus for use in treating portions of the human body which comprises an electrical heater, a heat-conducting plate, a cotton pad and a cotton cover. The pad contains mugwart extracts and/or medicinal ingredients.

Abstract: The applicator comprises a portable hand-held blower including a fan, a motor and heating wires to provide a stream of heated air out of an exhaust opening. A porous support element may cover the exhaust opening. A fabric material can be arranged to be draped about the motor housing in hooded fashion. Another fabric is arranged about the porous support element to provide a cushioned surface for engaging a body portion. This latter fabric material is impregnated with a medicant so that the heated air from the blower opens up the pores of the skin of a portion of the human body engaged by the fabric. The medicant is then easily absorbed thereby bringing relief to victims of arthritis and other aches and pains. The hood keeps the hot air generated by the blower in proximity to the body portion.

Abstract: The applicator comprises a portable hand-held blower motor with heating wires to provide a stream of heated air out an exit opening. A porous support element covers the exit opening and a fabric material is arranged to be draped about the porous support element to provide a cushioned surface for engaging a body portion. This fabric material is impregnated with a medicant so that the heated air from the blower opens up the pores of the body portion engaged by the fabric and the medicant is easily absorbed thereby bringing relief to victims of arthritis and other aches and pains.

Abstract: A single casing houses first and second blowers for expelling air through first and second outlet passages. One of the outlet passages incorporates a heater so that hot air can be expelled. The other passage is free of any heater so that cool air is expelled from the second passage. By alternately actuating the blowers, a person can be treated to hot air and then cool air.

Abstract: A heat producing apparatus includes a plastic container having flexible walls which are interconnected along a linear zone or zones; a supercooled salt solution is in the container, to be triggered and crystallized, to produce heat; and a trigger floats in the solution relative to the linear zone, and includes a bendable trigger strip, and a multiple member frame confining the strip, the frame and trigger movable together, relative to the linear zone or zones.

Abstract: A flexible mask includes a container for triggering of salt crystallization. The mask is manipulated to prevent stiffening, so as to be closely fitted to a human face to transmit heat thereto for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The present device includes a primary coil wound on a spool having an opening at one end for receiving the nozzle of a container. The coil is connected to an alternating current source. The nozzle of the container has a conductive portion which functions as a secondary inductor having internal resistance. Current is induced and dissipated in the conductive portion thereby heating the portion and the substance contained therein.

Abstract: A device for patient therapy in the use of wet dressings comprising, a device for generating heated moist air, and a sheet of substantially air impervious material to cover the wet dressing. Spaced portions of the sheet are secured to the patient. The generating device is coupled to the inside of the sheet intermediate the sheet and the patient to permit passage of the heated moist air onto the wet dressing.

Abstract: A heater for wet dressings comprising, a case having a base with sidewalls defining a cavity, and an insert connected to the base and defining at least one recess in the cavity to receive the wet dressings. The heater has an electrical heating element in close proximity to the insert recess for heating the wet dressings, and the temperature of the heating element is controlled in the desired range of temperature of the wet dressings.

Abstract: The device comprises a dressing made from a porous material (11) intended for placing against tissues, for example skin, the material being synthetic or organic and being distinguished by communicating cavities in the form of open pores, interdigitating gaps in particle material or communicating cavities in capillary structures. The dressing (11) can, by layers, have different cavity qualities and is provided with a dense, sealing shell (10) or layer in which is disposed at least one fluid supply connection (12) and at least one fluid removal connection (13) in spaced apart relationship. Conduits are coupled to the connections (12, 13) and permit the establishment of treatment fluid flow from the supply connection (12), through the cell material dressing (11) in contact with the tissue, to the removal connection (13). Fluid supply can be effected under pressure and/or fluid removal under suction.