Abstract: Tourniquet assemblies are provided including a pressure applicator adapted to be secured around a limb and a tensioning mechanism for applying a working tension to the pressure applicator. The tensioning mechanism may include a platform, a clip and a tensioning member. The tensioning mechanism may be configured to apply the working tension via rotation of the tensioning member, and the clip may be configured to receive, and at least temporarily inhibit rotation of, the tensioning member. A tension indicator may also be provided including a base configured to attach to a tourniquet strap, a platform configured to move relative to the base when subjected to a tourniquet working pressure, and one or more tactile or visual indicators configured to provide a variable tactile or visual indicator based on the tourniquet working pressure.

Abstract: A system for providing reduced-pressure treatment to a tissue site of a patient includes a reduced-pressure source for supplying reduced pressure, a fluid source for supplying a fluid, and a plurality of inflatable bladders for placing adjacent the tissue site. The inflatable bladders are operable to receive the fluid to expand from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The system also includes a plurality of chambers that are compressible. At least one of the plurality of chambers is disposed between a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder of the plurality of inflatable bladders.

Abstract: A pelvic-abdominal support garment including a waist encircling band having shorts secured to the lower edge thereof, the shorts having a receptacle for receiving an ice pack, and a strap member secured at one end thereof to the back of said waist encircling band and the other end thereof attachable to the front of the waist encircling band after passing under the crotch region of the shorts to apply pressure to the crotch area of the wearer.

Abstract: A method and device of reducing and preventing snoring and sleep apnea is disclosed. The device includes a belt of sufficient length to wrap around a person's torso and of sufficient width to overlap the person's abdomen and a fastening and tightening mechanism, such as a strap and buckle, attached to the belt configured and arranged to tighten the belt. The belt is positioned around a person's abdomen. The belt is then tightened with the fastening and tightening mechanism, sufficiently to apply pressure to the person's abdomen, applying specific pressure beneath a person's diaphragm. The fastening and tightening mechanism is then fastened to prevent loosening of the belt.

Abstract: A plurality of structures that resiliently attract one another are provided for implanting in a patient around a body tissue structure of the patient. For example, the body tissue structure may be the esophagus, and the plurality of structures may be implanted in an annulus around the outside of the esophagus, the annulus being substantially coaxial with the esophagus. The attraction may be between annularly adjacent ones of the structures in the annulus, and it may be provided, for example, by magnets or springs. The array of structures is preferably self-limiting with respect to the smallest area that it can encompass, and this smallest area is preferably large enough to prevent the apparatus from applying excessive pressure to tissue passing through that area.

Abstract: A muscle building tool 1 is used to build, by applying a predetermined pressure to at least one of a user's four limbs to restrict blood flow, a muscle of the limb, and includes: a belt 10 that is wrapped around the at least one of the four limbs and applies the pressure to the muscle; a fastener 40 that maintains a loop shape of the belt 10 in a state of applying the pressure to the muscle; a tension sensor 60 that measures a tension acting on the belt 10 when wrapping the belt 10; and a pressure sensor that is configured to automatically start an operation when the tension measured by the tension sensor 60 exceeds a predetermined threshold, and measures the pressure applied to the muscle.

Abstract: A pressure supplier including an actuator that may be selectively expanded and contracted by applying a voltage, an elastic board being transformed in a predetermined direction to apply pressure upon a body part of a user when the actuator is contracted, and a guide member connecting with the actuator and the elastic board, and guiding the elastic board to be transformed in the predetermined direction while applying the pressure when the actuator is contracted.

Abstract: A radial artery compression device configured to be secured to a wrist or other portion of a patient to provide adjustable and consistent compression pressure in the area of a radial artery access site or other physiological portion of a patient to achieve hemostasis either during or after a medical procedure such as a percutaneous coronary procedure. The radial artery compression device includes a rotatable member and a compression pad adapted such that rotation of the rotatable member does not affect the rotational orientation of the compression pad. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a single rotation of the rotatable member results in complete extension or retraction of the radial artery compression device. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the rotation of the rotatable member results in a compounding of the extension or retraction of the compression pad relative to the body of the radial artery compression device.

Abstract: An implantable device monitors a pressure of fluid within an inflatable portion of a gastric band. The implantable device comprises a tube defining a lumen, and a pressure sensor positioned within at least one of the lumen or the tube. The pressure sensor is configured to sense the pressure of the fluid within the inflatable portion of the gastric band. The pressure sensor is also configured to transmit a pressure signal based on the pressure to a microcontroller, which transmits the pressure signal to a remote control device. The pressure sensor confers strain relief upon at least a portion of the tube, and the pressure sensor shields at least a portion of the tube from puncture by a needle.

Abstract: A method and device for reducing the damaging effects of radiant energy, blast, or concussive events includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during or before the incidence of the imparting event. Reducing blood outflow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial volume and/or pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood outflow further increases the intracranial pressure and volume, and thereby increases the pressure and volume of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column.

Abstract: We report a method of treating an epileptic seizure in a patient, comprising: detecting said epileptic seizure, based on body data from said patient; and reducing a flow of blood to a brain of said patient in response to said detected seizure; wherein said reducing is effected by at least one of: applying a pressure, applying a cooling, or administering a vasoconstrictive agent to a vessel supplying blood to at least a portion of the brain. We also report a medical device system configured to implement the method. We also report a non-transitory computer readable program storage unit encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method.

Abstract: A vascular compression apparatus and method for applying pressure onto an area of a patient generally including a blood vessel and a wound site, such as a blood vessel puncture, after a cannulated procedure for the purpose of controlling bleeding and achieving hemostasis. The vascular compression apparatus includes a handle, a shaft and a pad. The shaft extends generally downward from the center of the bottom side of the handle. The pad is connected generally off-center of its top side to the bottom end of the shaft. The bottom side of the pad is convex to allow the vascular compression device to be rocked back and forth. In use, the pad is generally placed proximal to the catheter insertion site and over the blood vessel containing the catheter. The device is rocked proximally to control blood flow while removing the catheter. After the catheter is removed from the puncture site, the device is rocked distally to the puncture site, where pressure is applied until hemostasis is achieved.

Abstract: A therapeutic patch for treating pain capable of compressing a tender area up to a boundary thereof and/or an entire induration with metallic grains or crushed stones by a treatment method in accordance with a classification determined after clarifying a site of pain by pressing a skin with a pressing bar or fingers (first to fourth fingers) to classify the cause of pain, thereby finding the presence of a geographical tender area and/or the presence of an induration on a skin as the cause of pain.

Abstract: A method for protecting at least one gonad from a blood borne cytotoxic drug, the method comprising reducing blood flow to at least one gonad of a patient undergoing cytotoxic treatment for an occlusion time interval, and allowing blood flow to the at least one gonad to resume after the occlusion time interval. Optionally the method is performed to protect an ovary during chemotherapy treatment.

Abstract: A therapeutic pressure strap for applying pressure across a muscle or muscle groups on a mammalian limb is described. The strap is particularly well suited for treating “tennis elbow”. The strap contains an adjustable fastening means for securing and tightening the strap around a limb. The strap also possesses a plurality of pressure members (e.g., elongated rubber tubes) that apply separate and discrete areas or points of pressure in a line across a muscle or muscle group and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the limb.

Abstract: A method and device for reducing gag reflex by applying pressure to a pressure point in the palm of the hand. A splint that holds the hand relatively immobile has a rigid member and an actuating pressure system, such as a solenoid, at the pressure point. The rigid member at least partially immobilizes the human user's palm and fingers. The actuating pressure system is mounted at an inner side of the volar side of the enclosure adjacent to a pressure region of the palm. A power supply is connected to the actuating pressure system to apply an electrical current to the pressure system, which exerts pressure to the pressure region of the user's palm in order to diminish or normalize the user's gag reflex response.

Abstract: A system for remote ischemic preconditioning that includes a cuff, and actuator, and a controller that operates the actuator according to a treatment protocol. The treatment protocol includes a plurality of treatment cycles that each comprise cuff actuation, an ischemic duration, cuff release, and a reperfusion duration.

Abstract: A patient in whom blood diversion due to cerebral venous steal is present, and abolishment of the cerebral venous steal is indicated, is treated by increasing the cerebral venous pressure in the patient. This increase in cerebral venous pressure restores the collapsed cerebral vasculature, thereby increasing cerebral blood flow. The increase in cerebral venous pressure may be achieved using an occluding catheter in the superior vena cava or the internal jugular veins, using external compression of the cervical veins, or any other suitable mechanism. The occlusion may be controlled precisely during treatment, possibly as a function of cerebral blood flow, and after treatment the patient may experience a persistent effect because the cerebral vasculature is no longer collapsed.

Abstract: A device configured to apply a compressive force to a patient's skin at the site of a wound to assist in hemostasis. The device includes a footplate configured to adhere to the patient's skin, a receiving device positioned on the footplate, a plunger positioned within the receiving device and configured to move through both the receiving device and the footplate such that a downward force applied on the plunger toward the patient's skin results in the plunger moving through the receiving device and the footplate until the plunger contacts the patient's skin, and the plurality of motion restricting components interposed between the receiving device and the plunger, the plurality of motion restricting components configured such that as the plunger moves toward the skin movement of the plunger away from the skin is restricted until the restricting components are released.

Abstract: A power management system provides wireless power to operate components of a remotely adjustable gastric banding system. The power management system comprises an external power component transmitting power, and an implantable power management component receiving power and converting the power for use in powering one or more components of the remotely adjustable gastric banding system, such as a pump. The internal power management component and the external power component may be tunable. By utilizing the power management system, implantable batteries may be eliminated.

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: Single- or dual-bladder devices for remote ischemic preconditioning and blood pressure monitoring are disclosed along with various oscillometry-based and other methods for detecting systolic and diastolic blood pressure while the ischemic preconditioning treatment is in progress. The devices and methods of the invention provide for delivery of ischemic preconditioning at the lowest effective cuff pressure while closely monitoring patient's hemodynamics. Advantageously, the device of the invention allows both ischemic preconditioning and blood pressure monitoring to be done on the same limb. Disposable battery-powered version of the device of the present invention is especially useful for emergency use with patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction, acute stroke, or acute trauma. Additional device configurations are described for use in a percutaneous intervention and vascular sealing settings.

Abstract: A compression garment apparatus including a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer intermittently pressurizes a therapeutic bladder on the compression garment and maintains a baseline pressure in the therapeutic bladder to maintain the therapeutic bladder in position with respect to a target compression zone on a body part on which the garment is worn. The baseline pressure is adjusted in response to sensed physical characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enhanced adhesive bandage sandwich (FIG. 1) for compressing blood vessels and a kit for assembling said bandage sandwich. Moreover, the invention relates to a bandage or kit for use as a medicament, particularly, for use in treating varicose veins. The invention also relates to the use of a bandage sandwich or kit for compressing veins or arteries and a method to produce said bandage sandwich. Furthermore, the invention relates to a bandage sandwich obtainable by the inventive method.

Abstract: A device or system useful for temporarily reducing the appearance of cellulite and increasing local circulation, including a base with an array of protrusions having a size, shape, durometer and spacing selected to indent a user's skin under pressure. A user may position the device such that the protrusions are in contact with skin or separated from the skin by thin fabric, and then apply pressure to cause the protrusions to indent but not penetrate the skin.

Abstract: A hemostatic compression system facilitates patent hemostasis of an arterial access site on the arm of a wearer. The system includes a radial compression band and a Doppler probe. The radial compression band includes an elongated arm band sized to receive the arm. The compression band also includes a pressure surface coupled to the arm band and facing radially inward for compressive engagement with the access site. The Doppler probe is coupled to the arm band adjacent the pressure surface and is configured to sense blood flow through the artery. Hemostatic compression applied by the radial compression band is variable in response to the sensed blood flow so as to ensure patency of the artery during hemostasis of the site.

Abstract: A band for preventing wrinkles is provided, and includes a band and a preprinted portion adhered to the band. The band has a band shape of which both end portions have a width wider than a width of a central portion of the band. The central portion forms a non-bonding portion on which an adhesive is not applied. Each of the end portions forms a bonding portion having a surface on which the adhesive is applied. The preprinted portion adheres to each of the bonding portion through the adhesive.

Abstract: Methods and a device for improving wound healing and for improving the effects of rehabilitative therapies in patients with cognitive and motor deficits are provided. Repeated regimens of remote ischemic conditioning are performed. Markers of ischemia are monitored in the tissue. The remote ischemic conditioning regimen may be adjusted based on the monitoring results. The remote ischemic conditioning regimen can be performed at a hospital, medical clinic, healthcare facility, or at a subject's home.

Abstract: A therapy-wrap device comprises a casing and at least one pressure-applying device. The casing comprise at least one sleeve, and the at least one pressure-applying device is disposed in the at least one sleeve and is adapted to apply pressure to a selected portion of a body of a user when the casing is placed in contacting proximity with the body of the user, such as a muscle trigger point. In one exemplary embodiment, the pressure-applying device is selectably positionable in the at least one sleeve. In use, the pressure that is applied to a muscle trigger point is selectably variable by the user. In one exemplary embodiment, a heat-applying device is disposed in at least one cavity of the casing so that heat can be applied to the selected portion of the body of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a menstrual pain treatment device, which is used bu being brought into close contact with a menstrual pain treatment area of the body or by being attached to a color light treatment area of the body using a double-sided adhesive tape or a hydro gel pad, and which comprises a pad- or patch-shaped main body for accommodating a battery and a PCB having a light source, a light source operation controller, and a treatment device operation button. The present invention treats menstrual pain by concentrating a colored light for treats menstrual pain by concentrating a colored light for treating menstrual pain on the menstrual pain treatment area of the body through the light emitting outlet in the patch-shaped main body.

Abstract: A radial artery compression device configured to be releasably secured by a strap or band to the underside of a wrist of a patient and to provide adjustable and consistent compression pressure in the area of a radial artery access site to achieve hemostasis either during or after a medical procedure such as a percutaneous coronary procedure. The radial artery compression device includes a body configured to engage and secure a knob while allowing the knob to rotate with respect to the body. Rotation of the knob can cause a threaded shaft to move. The threaded shaft mechanically couples the knob to a disk-shaped compression pad. The compression pad can include one or more notches adapted to at least partially surround a sheath and/or a catheter inserted into the radial artery at the access site. The compression pad can also include a step on the surface to provide a desired amount of contour to a portion of a device within the radial artery during a procedure.

Abstract: A method of making a compression device having a pressure applicator for applying a compression to a wearer's body part when the device is placed on the wearer's body includes applying a colorant having a first color to at least a portion of a loop material having a second color that is different than the first color. The step of applying colorant includes applying colorant to loops of the loop material so that repeated connection and disconnection of hook material attached to the device with the loop material causes loops having the first color of the colorant thereon to break so that the second color of the loop material is revealed by breakage of loops of the loop material having the colorant applied thereto.

Abstract: A new connecting mechanism for the Valtchev® uterine mobilizer, model VUM-6 having a straight tube with a locking wheel attached close to one end of the tube pivotally mounted in a housing of the space bar and maintained by a spring loaded pin in realizable way. The another end of the tube is attached to a piston pivotally mounted and maintained within a hole in the head of the uterine mobilizer via the tube engaging a connecting slot in the head, and adapted to be disassembled by first releasing the locking wheel of the tube from the space bar and second, by rotating the tube in a prescribed degree which will align the tube with the vertical slot allowing removal of the tube with attached piston from the head. The distal end of a rod is bended 15°, which allows retroversion of the head at the same degree.

Abstract: A chamber or vasculature of a heart may be accessed via the pericardial space of the heart. Initially, the pericardial space may be accessed via a transmyocardial approach or a subxiphoid approach. A lead or other implantable apparatus may thus be routed into the pericardial space, through myocardial tissue and into the chamber or vasculature. The lead or other apparatus may be used to sense activity in or provide therapy to the heart.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and assemblies are provided for treating a patient by: making an incision or puncture though the patient's skin over the abdominal cavity; establishing an initial tract through an opening formed by the incision or puncture; advancing an instrument through the tract; contacting a distal end portion of the instrument against an inner surface of the abdominal cavity; driving at least one stitching needle through the inner surface of the abdominal cavity; continuing the driving until the at least one stitching needle exits the inner surface of the abdominal cavity; anchoring a suture carried by each of the at least one stitching needle to a suture anchor at an exit location, respectively; and applying tension to each of the sutures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable tension chest support for use by patients having undergone thoracic surgery. The chest support may be worn directly on the skin of a patient and comprises a band of stretchable material and one or more grips which are wholly or partially concealed within pockets with which the patient may alter the tension of the chest encircling band. The device allows a patient to modify the level of tension applied to the chest, thus managing the recovery process, while providing a basic level of support at all times the support is in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for estimating central systolic blood pressure based on oscillometric signals from brachial artery by the use of a pressure cuff.

Abstract: A compression garment for use on a limb includes a stocking, a first fastening device, and a second fastening device. The stocking has upper and lower portions configured to apply compressive forces to the limb. The upper portion of the stocking is configured to at least partially wrap around the first fastening device during rotation thereof, and the lower portion of the stocking is configured to at least partially wrap around the second fastening device during rotation thereof whereby rotation of the first and second fastening devices adjusts compressive forces applied by the upper and lower portions of the stocking to the limb.

Abstract: A hemostasis device is disclosed. The hemostasis device includes a stem portion including a top end and a bottom end, a handle portion connected to the top end of the stem portion, and a base portion connected to the bottom end of the stem portion. A method for utilizing the hemostasis device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for compressing, cutting, incising, reconfiguring, remodeling, attaching, repositioning, supporting, dislocating or altering the composition of tissues or anatomical structures to alter their positional or force relationship to other tissues or anatomical structures. In some applications, the invention may be used to improve patency or fluid flow through a body lumen or cavity (e.g., to limit constriction of the urethra by an enlarged prostate gland).

Abstract: Disclosed is gastric restrictor assembly. The gastric restrictor assembly includes a housing having a base portion, a waist portion and head portion. The gastric restrictor assembly further includes a base having a plurality of pins extending therefrom. The base is configured for being lockingly received within the housing. When the base is received in the housing the plurality of pins extend across the waist portion. The gastric restrictor assembly further includes a restrictor member configured to be received within the throughbore. The base may be releasably received within the housing. The waist portion of the housing may define openings configured for receiving suction therethrough. The base portion may define openings for receiving the plurality of pins therethrough. The head portion may define openings for receiving the plurality of pins. The waist portion may be configured to receive a portion of stomach wall thereagainst. The housing may be configured to be received within the stomach of a patient.

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: An implantable system comprises a housing that includes a flexible reservoir. The flexible reservoir is coupled to an inflatable portion of a gastric band via a fluid inlet/outlet. The flexible reservoir contains a fluid and has an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration. An access port may be coupled to the flexible reservoir and/or the gastric band to facilitate filling and draining the reservoir and/or the gastric band. A movable wall is slidably positioned around the flexible reservoir to move the flexible reservoir between the expanded configuration and the contracted configuration to move the fluid into and out of the inflatable portion of the gastric band. A driving mechanism is positioned around the movable wall and is capable of changing the size of the movable wall to compress or expand the flexible reservoir. A motor, coupled to the driving mechanism, may actuate the driving mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a head-rest pillow that aids the user in sleeping by relieving their sinus congestion discomfort and snoring that may be associated with such congestion. The pillow comprises a core layer that has plurality of firm balls sewn in it forming compartmentalized section. The core layer is covered with a batting layer that is sewn all around the core layer for purposes of cushioning and providing comfort to the user. This combination of core and batting layer and inserted in a hollow pillow case that covers the core and batting layer, providing a head-rest pillow for a user to use.

Abstract: A therapeutic garment for treatment of over-shunting headaches and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the therapeutic garment includes a waistband and an abdominal portion that extends from the waistband to encircle the abdomen and hips from the groin to the costal margin of a person wearing the therapeutic garment. A binder portion, having open and closed positions, is coincident to the abdominal portion. In the closed position, the binder distends the epidural venous plexus of the person wearing the therapeutic garment. A closure mechanism is configured to selectively alternate the binder between the open and closed positions. The therapeutic garment may further be fashioned into a brief, a tank top, or include leg extensions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided, including a sensor, configured to sense a cardiac cycle of a patient and to generate a signal in response thereto. A pressure mechanism is coupled to a site of an artery of the patient, and, in response to the signal, enhances blood flow of the patient in a downstream direction by compressing the artery. A valve is implanted upstream of the site, and inhibits blood flow in an upstream direction due to operation of the pressure mechanism. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying pressure to the abdomen of a patient to facilitate the insertion of a colonoscope is characterized by the use of a tensile compression device in the form of an elastic band which is wrapped around the patient's abdomen and secured in place. The tension of the band is adjusted to apply a desired degree of pressure to the patient's abdomen to reduce loops in the patient's colon so that the colonoscope can be fully inserted into the colon with minimal discomfort to the patient. The ends of the device are connected together when the desired degree of tension is obtained so that constant pressure and support are provided to the patient's colon. Addition pressure can be manually applied simultaneously with the pressure from the tensile device to reduce or eliminate more distal loops in the colon.

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 method to stop bleeding at a puncture site of an artery on a wrist of a patient comprises wrapping a flexible band of a hemostatic device around the wrist of the patient, wherein the hemostatic device also includes a curved plate, a balloon and a marker used to position the balloon at the puncture site, and wherein the flexible band, the curved plate and the balloon are substantially transparent. The wrapping of the flexible band around the wrist of the patient involves wrapping the flexible band around the wrist of the patient while the balloon is in an uninflated state. The wrapping can also take place while an introducer sheath is in place at the puncture site. The method also involves using the marker to position balloon relative to the puncture site such that the balloon overlies the puncture site, introducing a fluid into the balloon and inflating the balloon, and maintaining inflation of the balloon and compression against the puncture site.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising a sealed enclosure having at least one compartment; a plurality of spaced apart pillar-like structures positioned within the at least one compartment; and means for evacuating air from the at least one compartment, wherein the evacuation of air from the at least one compartment causes a reduction in the distance between at least two of the pillar-like structures.