Abstract: One example embodiment includes a device for use in the removal of a tick from a host. The device includes a sheet of material and a hole in the sheet of material, where the hole is configured to be placed around a tick. The device also includes a narrow projection, where the narrow projection is configured to grasp and hold the tick during removal, and a transition region. The transition region is configured to connect the hole to the narrow projection and self-center the tick within the device as the device is moved from a position where the tick is in the hole to a position where the tick is in the narrow projection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a finger-assisted device for hygienic extraction of an acne related skin impaction, and methods and kits for hygienic extraction of acne related skin impaction.

Abstract: An electric-powered device includes (1) a skin-contactable surface and (2) a body having a water-resistant switch assembly. Preferably, the electric-powered device is useful in skin treatment and delivers mechanical forces on the skin. The switch assembly preferably includes, a substantially planar mount having an aperture, a rotatable shaft extending through the aperture, and a seal lining the aperture to restrict water movement along the shaft.

Abstract: The invention is a device that generates a cool fluid stream that has properties adequate to remove superficial layers of tissue. The stream is generated to render the target tissue much more brittle in its mechanical behavior than it would otherwise be; principally by temperature and pressure rise and decay rates. The primary intended use is for dermatologic skin resurfacing, though it may be used to remove superficial layers of tissue anywhere in the body.

Abstract: A system and method for debriding callus foot tissue is disclosed. The method may include applying a chemical peel to callus foot tissue and using a debriding tool to remove the chemically treated callus foot tissue. In certain embodiment, the method may include preparing the chemical peel, including customizing at least one attribute of the chemical peel based on at least one attribute of the callus foot tissue. The system may include a debriding tool having a cutting head that may be easily removed for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: Cells present in processed lipoaspirate tissue are used to treat patients. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of stem cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the stem cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Compositions that are administered to a patient include a mixture of adipose tissue and stem cells so that the composition has a higher concentration of stem cells than when the adipose tissue was removed from the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus for abrading skin and simultaneously delivering a liquid topical solution to the skin includes a vacuum source, a hand-held applicator wand including a skin abrading brush, and a collection canister for collecting exfoliated skin particles and any liquids associated therewith entrained by an air flow between the hand-held applicator wand and the collection canister. The vacuum source also creates a flow from a container containing the liquid topical solution to the skin abrading brush.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided as a system to enhance skin appearance and health, in which skin is cleaned (or exfoliated) and conditioned by use of microelements affixed to a base element or hand-held patch. The dimensions of the microelements are controlled so as to remove a certain number of layers of skin cells and to accumulate those skin cells, along with other foreign substances, into areas between the microelements. In addition, a conditioning compound or therapeutic active can be applied to the exfoliated skin to enhance the skin. Moreover, the amount of accumulated skin cells represents a self-limiting maximum quantity that cannot be substantially exceeded regardless of the number of attempts by a user to re-use the microstructure apparatus. Some of the microstructures are designed with very close-packed microelements, which in some cases have flexible substrates.

Abstract: Cells present in processed lipoaspirate tissue are used to treat patients. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of stem cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the stem cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Compositions that are administered to a patient include a mixture of adipose tissue and stem cells so that the composition has a higher concentration of stem cells than when the adipose tissue was removed from the patient.

Abstract: An article useful for mechanical skin resurfacing techniques is suitable for transferring mechanical energy from a handheld device to skin placed in contact with the article. The article may be characterized by its Durable Abrasiveness, Compressibility, Displacement, and/or surface roughness. The article may be formed of a fibrous structure having a first major surface having associated therewith an adhesive system and a second major surface, generally opposite the first major surface. The second major surface is arranged and configured to reversibly engage a fastener of a motion-generating unit. The invention also relates to a coupling device for coupling a motorized apparatus to a disposable skin-contactable element. The coupling device includes a water-resistant first attachment and a second attachment for releasably affixing said article to a surface of the motion generation unit.

Abstract: A device 10 for removing an external parasite from a host comprises a substantially rectangular plate 11 having a projection 13 from a minor or major edge thereof The projection 13 is of a width less than half a length of the edge and comprises two prongs 134, 135 defining a first inward tapering V-shaped notch 131 between the prongs. The V-shaped notch 131 has a longitudinal axis aligned with an axis of the substantially rectangular plate 11. Opposed inner engagement faces of the prongs 134, 135 are chamfered for engaging substantially opposed sides respectively of the external parasite. One or more similar additional V-shaped notches 14, 15, smaller than the first V-shaped notch 131, may be provided on an edge opposed to the edge on which the projection 13 is located.

Abstract: A microdermabrasion hand piece includes an elongated body portion having a particle supply channel and a waste removal channel extending lengthwise, parallel to a longitudinal axis, through the body portion; a removable tip attachable to a proximal end of the body portion, the removable tip defining a treatment orifice; the particle supply channel being oriented to direct a stream of abrasive particles, which are drawn into and guided through the particle supply channel, substantially toward a center of the treatment orifice; and an automatic vacuum relief valve assembly oriented centrally in the hand piece and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hand piece, the vacuum relief valve assembly being responsive to skin contact, wherein the hand piece provides automatic limitation on skin extension, wherein extension of the skin in the treatment orifice, beyond a predetermined limit, is prevented and excessive extension of skin of various thicknesses is eliminated.

Abstract: A PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) method is presented for cosmetic rejuvenation, which is exemplified by a two phase approach for treating facial and neck skin aging while minimizing damage to the underlying region of skin being treated. To obtain best results a combination of treatments are used. This includes applying photosensitizer and light energy for stimulating the collagen within the skin, thereby restoring the elasticity of skin. The treatment procedures take about six weeks consisting of impair(damage) and repair (recovery) sessions involving skin preparation by peeling, skin detoxification, application and distribution of photosensitizer to the skin, irradiation of pre-sensitized skin followed by removal of mask. Results of long lasting improvement, especially in comparison with most cosmetic treatments, are obtained upon completion of the series, with marked changes being observed after individual sessions, which provide added incentive to complete a treatment program.

Abstract: Apparatus for abrading skin and simultaneously delivering a liquid topical solution to the skin includes a vacuum source, a hand-held applicator wand including a skin abrading brush, and a collection canister for collecting exfoliated skin particles and any liquids associated therewith entrained by an air flow between the hand-held applicator wand and the collection canister. The vacuum source also creates a flow from a container containing the liquid topical solution to the skin abrading brush.

Abstract: An epilator with an improved structure is provided. The epilator may comprise a main shaft passing through epilating leaves, and a motor device that drives the main shaft. The epilating leaves may comprise a single structure and the two epilating leaves may form a gap therebetween in which hair may be trapped.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for extracting a biosubstance from a root of a hair, including the step of using as the hair a hair that has pulling force of at least a predetermined reference value to pull out the hair.

Abstract: A unique device that has two sides, one gauze, one cotton, to allow the cleaning and exfoliating of skin. The device can clean makeup, exfoliate, clean wounds, while changing surfaces, remove makeup around the eyes, face and perform all functions normally serviced by a single sided pad or applicator with a stronger secondary surface that increases the number of uses, and makes the item in issue long lasting for comparable price. The cotton is absorbent, the gauze side strong enough to remove all dirt without deteriorating, and do so faster and more efficiently than cotton alone. It is essentially a potentially two-step device, the delicate side for usage first, followed by the stronger gauze covering as deemed necessary. There is no comparable prior or present art.

Abstract: A wound care instrument to be used for measuring, probing, suctioning, cleaning, mechanically debriding, and applying creams or ointments in or onto acute and chronic ulcers or wounds, including but not limited to undermining or tunneling, surgically dehisced wounds, penetrating wounds, and burns.

Abstract: An instrument and technique for the removal of epidermal layers in a controlled manner utilizing a hand-held instrument with a working end that (i) a vacuum aspiration system, (ii) a source for delivery of a sterile fluids or pharmacological agents to the skin; and (iii) a skin interface surface in the working end that has specially shape structure for abrading surface layers of the patient's epidermis as the working end is moved over the patient's skin while at the same time causing rapid penetration of the fluids into the skin for therapeutic purposes. Movement of the working end across the skin causes abrasion of the surface layers in a path over the patient's skin. The method of the invention may be used in a periodic treatment for the removal of superficial skin layers that enhances the synthesis of dermal collagen aggregates by inducing the body's natural wound healing response.

Abstract: An improved tool for coring a portion of one or more hair follicles incorporates a mechanism that translates distal pushing forces that are applied to its handle to concomitant rotational movement of a hollow coring needle. Preferably, the force translation mechanism is realized by a helical threaded interface or a helical square rod interface between a handle and a rotating member that supports the needle. In another aspect, the tool includes a member that supports the hollow coring needle, the member having a cut-out that provides user access to the open proximal end of the needle. The tool can be made disposable by the use of injection molded plastic materials. The hollow coring needle is preferably realized from stainless steel and an anti-wear coating (such as a titanium nitride coating, a zirconium coating, or a diamond coating). In disposable applications, the tool is packaged in a sterilized manner, which avoids the need for the practitioner to sterilize the tool before use.

Abstract: Regenerative cells present in adipose tissue are used to treat patients, including patients with musculoskeletal diseases or disorders. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of regenerative cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the stem cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Accordingly, in a preferred method, regenerative cells present in adipose tissue are placed directly into a recipient along with such additives necessary to promote, engender or support a therapeutic musculoskeletal benefit.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with methods and equipment for the treatment of the eye and more particularly with an instrument to increase eye filtration and treat glaucoma. The instrument is surgical tool operated entirely by the surgeon's hands and is composed of a hand-piece and an eye-penetrating intraocular segment each having two opponent and reciprocally operating fork-like arms and blade-sharp leaves, respectively. The eye-penetrating segment is a rigid embodiment of a size to create a limbus-pointing tunnel in the cornea, penetrate the eye of a patient through a water tight incision and, in a five step dissect and extract procedure, remove from within the eye a trabecular tissue block leaving the incision to self-seal by intraocular pressure. In the same “modus operandi”, a sample tissue can be extracted from any other hollowed or parenchimatous organ.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for removing a parasite from the skin of a host, wherein the device comprises engaging means for engaging the parasite and removing the parasite from the skin of the host, and wherein the device comprises fixation means for fixing the device on the skin of the host, wherein the engaging means are adapted for movement. The device is preferably provided with administering means for the purpose of supplying a cooling medium to at least the parasite. The invention also relates to a method for removing a parasite from the skin, comprising of engaging the parasite, removing the parasite from the skin of the host, supplying a cooling medium to the parasite, fixing the device on the skin of the host and moving the engaging means for the purpose of engaging the parasite.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is disclosed to provide vacuum therapy to a wound associated with a patient. The wound treatment apparatus comprises a control unit comprising an alarm and a display displaying an alarm log providing information associated with each activation of the alarm. The display also displays information to instruct a user how to operate the wound treatment apparatus. A method of calibrating the control unit is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for removing hair employs two overlapping thread portions (14) and (16) wherein one thread portion is helically wound or coiled around the other to form at least one hair trap (18) to grasp and pull strands of hair. A motorized oscillation arm (32) alternately tightens and loosens each side of one thread portion to manipulate the hair trap. The thread is held in tension in a readily removable and replaceable yoke (12) to facilitate disposal of the used thread and replacement with unused thread. A housing (20) contains a battery-operated motor (24) to move the oscillation arm which has hooks (36) to engage the thread.

Abstract: A sanitary device for removal of blackheads and pimples. According to the invention, the sanitary device comprises two elongated sticks held in respective hands of a user, each stick formed of an elongated body having a handling portion and a treatment portion, the treatment portion being rounded and having a suitable surface roughness.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the permeability of a biological membrane, including the skin or mucosa of an animal or the outer layer of a plant to a permeant is described utilizing microporation of selected depth and optionally one or more of sonic, electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal energy and a chemical enhancer. Microporation is accomplished to form a micropore of selected depth in the biological membrane and the porated site is contacted with the permeant. Additional permeation enhancement measures may be applied to the site to enhance both the flux rate of the permeant into the organism through the micropores as well as into targeted tissues within the organism.

Abstract: An apparatus of effectively and easily eliminating horny substances on the sole of a foot that has the most severe symptom of horny substance among various parts of a human body is provided.

Abstract: One embodiment having features of the invention is directed to a guide block for an MRI device which has a block body with a proximal face, a distal face, and four parallel passageways extending between the two faces. The first passageway is centrally disposed, the second passageway is disposed vertical or horizontal to the first, the third passageway is located diagonal to the first and has a longitudinal opening in fluid communication with the first passageway, and the fourth passageway is diagonal to the first and in an opposite side of the body from the third passageway. In an alternative embodiment the guide block has at least one passageway that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Reduced-pressure treatment systems and methods are disclosed that employ debridement mechanisms to remove unwanted tissue. In one instance, a reduced-pressure treatment system for treating a tissue site on a patient includes a manifold member for distributing reduced pressure to the tissue site, a support member for disposing proximate the tissue site and the manifold, and a debridement mechanism coupled to the support member. The debridement mechanism is for debriding the tissue site. The system further includes a sealing drape for placing over the tissue site and manifold member. The sealing drape is operable to form a fluid seal over the tissue site and manifold member. The system also includes a reduced-pressure subsystem for delivering a reduced pressure to the sealing drape. The system may further include a chemical-debridement subsystem. Other systems, manifolds, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment having features of the invention is directed to a guide block for an MRI device which has a block body with a proximal face, a distal face, and four parallel passageways extending between the two faces. The first passageway is centrally disposed, the second passageway is disposed vertical or horizontal to the first, the third passageway is located diagonal to the first and has a longitudinal opening in fluid communication with the first passageway, and the fourth passageway is diagonal to the first and in an opposite side of the body from the third passageway. In an alternative embodiment the guide block has at least one passageway that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A callus rasp is provided that includes a rasp body and an abrasive surface. The rasp body has a handle portion and a blade portion. The rasp body is formed of a nonporous metal, glass or glazed ceramic and amenable to sterilization. The abrasive surface has particulate grit exposed therefrom and with an adhesive intermediate between the abrasive surface and the blade portion, the abrasive surface selectively secured to the blade portion for use as a callus rasp. The abrasive surface is pre-adhesed with the adhesive and a peelable backing layer over the adhesive together form a foil. The foil and rasp body are sterilized before joinder. This callus rasp is amenable to removal of the abrasive surface and sterilization of the rasp body for reuse with a new sterile abrasive surface.

Abstract: A scrubber mitt comprising a backing, a plurality of loops and a cavity. The backing may have an inner side and an outer side. The plurality of loops may be attached to the outer side. The cavity may be defined by the inner side. The cavity is adapted to fit around the hand of a person. There is also disclosed a process comprising disposing the scrubber mitt around a hand of a person and introducing a liquid cleanser into a reservoir defined by the backing.

Abstract: A method and a composition for removing a tattoo present on a skin area after prior depilation, disinfection and a treatment to at least partially ablate the epidermis in the area of the tattoo is described, the composition having a liquid to gel-like consistency and comprising a mixture of a) water, b) ethyl lactate, c) 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and/or d-erythro-2-aminooctadec-4-ene-1,3-diol and/or trihydroxypalmitamidohydroxypropyl myristyl ester, d) 4-hydroxybutyl-propionic acid, e) 2-hydroxybutyl-propionic acid, f) 2-trihydroxypurine and g) hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for surface processing or surface treatment by means of dry ice granulate, with a reservoir for receiving a dry ice medium, in particular dry ice pellets, an inlet for the feed of a propellant medium, an outlet for the supply of a mixture of propellant medium and dry ice granulate to a blast gun, and an outflow chamber lying therebetween, there being arranged in the path between the reservoir and the outflow chamber a grinding mechanism, which is formed so as to comminute the dry ice medium to dry ice granulate with a particle size in a prescribed range, and a transport roll (4) being arranged between the grinding mechanism (3) and the outflow chamber (59), the transport roll (4) being operable with a variable speed so as to vary the quantity of the particles of the dry ice granulate per unit time. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method and the use of the method.

Abstract: A wound bed preparation device for delivering a fluid jet to tissue includes a handpiece having a deck height in the range of ?0.0254 mm to 0.2032 mm, a channel width in the range of 0.8636 mm to 1.1684 mm, and a nozzle diameter in the range of 0.10668 mm to 0.12192 mm. The handpiece may have a constant channel width over a majority of a tissue impacting section of the handpiece.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid supply manifold for use with various surgical instruments, such as, electrosurgical instruments. The fluid supply manifold includes two or more connection ports for receipt of sources of fluid supply by either bulk sources or sources contained within canisters. The manifold may include a mixing chamber for mixing the various sources of fluids within the manifold or may include flow tubes for providing the sources of fluid directly to the surgical instrument to be mixed within the surgical instrument. Control valves are associated with each of the connection ports to control the flow of fluids through the manifold. The manifold may also include a gas inlet to facilitate drawing the fluids out of the various sources as well as mixing the fluids within the manifold.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for use in connection with an operating table rail is disclosed. The clamp assembly includes a top clamp member, a base clamp member and an operating lever to move the top clamp member relative to the base clamp member. The base clamp member and the top clamp member include complimentary V-shaped channels that allow the clamp assembly of the present invention to be installed on the sterile side of the surgical field. The base clamp member is provided with dual guide pins and an actuator pin, extending upwards from the base clamp member and through the top clamp member. The actuator pin is affixed with a fastening means to engage the top of the actuator pin and the base clamp member together. Further, the base clamp member includes apertures for receiving various surgical support fixtures.

Abstract: Cells present in processed lipoaspirate tissue are used to treat patients. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of stem cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the stem cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Compositions that are administered to a patient include a mixture of adipose tissue and stem cells so that the composition has a higher concentration of stem cells than when the adipose tissue was removed from the patient.

Abstract: An instrument and technique for the removal of epidermal layers in a controlled manner utilizing a hand-held instrument with a working end that (i) a vacuum aspiration system, (ii) a source for delivery of a sterile fluids or pharmacological agents to the skin; and (iii) a skin interface surface in the working end that has specially shape structure for abrading surface layers of the patient's epidermis as the working end is moved over the patient's skin while at the same time causing rapid penetration of the fluids into the skin for therapeutic purposes. Movement of the working end across the skin causes abrasion of the surface layers in a path over the patient's skin. The method of the invention may be used in a periodic treatment for the removal of superficial skin layers that enhances the synthesis of dermal collagen aggregates by inducing the body's natural wound healing response.

Abstract: A novel device and method for use in providing multiple cosmetic treatments is disclosed, where a sanding tool is provided with sanding surfaces for use in imparting exfoliation, depilation, and cellulite treatments on the skin of a person. Select sanding surfaces are use for each of the exfoliation, depilation and cellulite treatments with the sanding action being generated by the orbital sanding effects of a palm sander. Specifically, a 100 grit (CAMI) sanding paper is used for exfoliation, a 180 grit (AMI) sanding paper is used for depilation, and the sander pad of the sanding tool of the present invention is used directly on the skin for cellulite reduction.

Abstract: Cellulite is treated by severing septae, which interconnects the skin with the underlying muscle. The septae may be severed in connection with a liposuction procedure or independent of a liposuction procedure.

Abstract: A microdermabrasion system offers a combination of other skin therapies in conjunction with microdermabrasion. In an implementation, the system applies light therapy, photodynamic therapy, radio frequency and microwave energy therapy, massage therapy, or combinations of these while exfoliating the skin.

Abstract: A microdermabrasion system upgrade kit includes a plurality of couplers from which a user may choose one or more couplers in order to connect the upgrade kit to a vacuum source of an existing microdermabrasion system. In an implementation, the upgrade kit includes a power socket that the user can plug the vacuum source into.

Abstract: A kit for removing stratum corneum includes a grip body and a ceramic plate. The grip body has an exterior part defining a gripping section, an interior part defining a reception chamber and a clamping structure disposed around the periphery of the reception chamber. The ceramic plate is clamped by the clamping structure in such a manner that the ceramic plate is disposed securely above the reception chamber. The ceramic plate has a plurality of through holes communicating spatially with the reception chamber and one protrusive element projecting outward from a certain peripheral portion of a respective one of the through holes away from the reception chamber while the protrusive element cooperates with a remaining peripheral portion of the respective one of the through holes to define a gap therebetween. Scrubbing action of the stratum corneum of a living thing against the protrusive element results in waste, which falls into the reception chamber through the gap in the ceramic plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides skin grafting and devices that comprise a systematic approach to the process of skin grafting, i.e., harvesting, post-excision processing and application of donor skin and pre and post-graft treatment of the recipient site.

Abstract: A volumetric stainless steel structure is provided by punch pressing a single blank and results in a volumetric presentation of alternating bands of stainless steel material. The spacing of the bands is sufficient to provide (1) an interruption in the surface to surface contact which might entrap organic species and (2) a space which allows the epidermis to be scrubbed, manipulated and massaged by the rounded edge of the bands as the hands manipulate it in a way similar the manipulation of soap. Further, the alternating bands provide internal surface area, in the form of the inside of the bands which are protruding, for additional adsorptive area.

Abstract: A device, a system employing the device and method of performing skin treatment are provided for skin treatment. The device includes a vacuum head base defining a chamber therein and having a substantially smooth treatment tip attached and extending from an end thereof or integral therewith. The tip has at least one central opening that is open to the chamber, and is adapted to contact the skin and traverse the skin in a substantially non-abrasive manner. A vacuum access opening is provided through a side wall of the vacuum head base and adapted to connect with a source of vacuum. A tissue stop member is located within the chamber. It may have an abrasive surface for exfoliating skin cells, or a smoother surface for traversing the skin without substantial abrasion.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for removing ticks from animals and humans, comprising an elongated grip (2) having a longitudinal axis; a first bifurcated tip (3) located at one end of the elongated grip; and a second bifurcated tip (4) located at a second end of the elongated grip, wherein in the first and second bifurcated tips extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated grip. The first and second bifurcated tips are preferably curved towards the elongated grip and extend from the longitudinal axis of the elongated grip in opposing directions.