Abstract: This invention relates to a device for tightening skin of a human subject to provide a more youthful appearance. The device (10) includes an anchor element (12) that is secured around a part of a human subject. Adhesive elements (18) are provided for releasably adhering to the subject's skin adjacent the area of skin to be tightened. A tensile element (16) extends between the adhesive element (18) and the belt (12). In use, the adhesive elements (18) are adhered to the skin by removing the backing sheet covering the adhesive surface (26), and pressing the adhesive surface (26) to the skin close to the area where the subject wishes to have the skin appear smoother and more youthful. The adhesive elements (18) are pulled towards the anchor element (12) by the tensile elements (16); thereby stretching the skin. The tensile elements (16) are then secured to the anchor element (12).

Abstract: Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress.

Abstract: A device for applying compression treatment to a part of a wearer's body has an inner face for being placed adjacent to the part of the wearer's body in use and an outer face opposite the inner face. The device includes a pressure applicator to apply compression to the wearer's body part when the device is placed on the wearer's body part. First and second fastener elements are mounted on the device. The second fastener element is adapted for releasably connecting to the first fastener element for use in holding the device on the wearer's body part. A visual indicator associated with the second fastener element is adapted to show where to engage the first fastener element with the second fastener element. The visual indicator is adapted to wear upon repeated connection and disconnection of the first and second fastener elements so that the visual indicator fades over time.

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 sciatic relief device comprising a base, at least one reversibly inflatable bladder enclosed in a sleeve, and an inflation device attached to the bladder. A method of use for the sciatic relief device, wherein a user positions his thigh on top of the inflated bladder for at least a short period of time to alleviate the pain and other symptoms associated with sciatica.

Abstract: A pressure assist system for facilitating vascular hemostasis includes a support bar and a midbar extending perpendicularly from a middle portion of the support bar, for supporting a user's thumb when the user grasps the midbar. A base extends perpendicularly from a bottom of the support bar, for supporting the user's knuckles when the user grasps the midbar. A foot for pressing against a wound is configured with a bottom surface of the base. The midbar may be adjustable along the support bar, according to user grip preference. In a related method, a hand-held pressure assist system is provided, having a support bar, a midbar and base extending perpendicularly from the support bar, and a foot beneath the base. A use's thumb and knuckles are positioned over the midbar and base, respectively. The foot is placed over a wound and downward pressure is applied until hemostasis is achieved.

Abstract: A medical pressure applicator device includes an elongate handle and a shaft. The handle has a first end, a second end, and a first axis. The shaft has an offset portion with a second axis and a work portion with a third axis. The offset portion defines a proximal end of the shaft that is connected to the handle at the second end. The work portion defines a distal end of the shaft with the third axis being substantially perpendicular to the first axis. A distance between the first axis and the distal end along the third axis is in a range of about 8.5 to about 15.5 centimeters. The device is configured to transfer a working force from the elongate handle to the distal end of the work portion of the shaft. In some embodiments, a disposable tip body is received over the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: Implantable devices, instruments, kits and methods for treatment of obesity. One or more devices can be implanted adjacent to or in contact with the stomach to occupy a space to prevent the stomach from expanding into that space as food is taken into the stomach. Alternatively, one or more devices may be implanted and expanded to displace at least a portion of the wall of the stomach to decrease the internal volume of the stomach that is available to receive food. Devices may be anchored to one or more internal structures at one or more locations without piercing through the wall of the stomach. Devices can be implanted using minimally invasive methods, such as percutaneous or laparoscopic methods. Delivery instruments are also provided. An intra-gastric sizing device is provided to facilitate implantation of an extra-gastric device in some method embodiments.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing a soft tissue site, and augmenting the soft tissue site, such as the breast(s) of a subject through use of devices that exert a distractive force on the breast(s) and grafting of autologous fat tissue such as domes with sealing rims for surrounding each of the breasts and a regulated pump. The method for preparing the soft tissue site, and enhancing fat graft results, entails application of the distracting force to the targeted soft tissue site for several weeks prior to the graft procedure. A related aspect of the invention includes following the preparation steps by transfer of fat from other areas of the subject to the subject's breast(s), and then reapplication of the distractive force to the breast(s) that received the autologous fat graft. Alternatively, fat from genetically related sources may be used, and the fat may be further processed prior to injection.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for effecting at least one anatomical structure of a body can be provided. For example, at least one first arrangement can be provided which is structured to be at least partially inserted into the body and including an opening. In addition, at least one second arrangement can be provided which configured to increase and/or decrease a size of the opening by a motion thereof in a first direction. Further, at least one third arrangement can be provided which can be coupled to the second arrangement(s), and configured to move at least in a second direction which is at least approximately parallel to the second direction.

Abstract: Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress.

Abstract: A clamping device for therapeutic applications can comprise an extended handle, a powered linear actuator mounted to the extended handle, and a C-shaped clamp attached to the extended handle and including a stationary jaw. The actuator can be configured to provide reversible axial movement of a movable member. The clamping device can further include a pair of applicators attached to the stationary jaw and to the movable member, respectively. The applicators can be made of an hypoallergenic material configured not to cause an adverse reaction when applied to a human skin. The clamping device can further include a switch configured to control the linear actuator. The linear actuator can be configured, responsive to switching the switch, to axially move the second applicator towards and away from the first applicator, thus applying pressure to a targeted body area.

Abstract: An adaptive surgical tourniquet comprises: an inflatable cuff for encircling a limb of a patient; pressurizing means for pressurizing the cuff; pressure relief means for depressurizing the cuff; cuff pressure sensing means for sensing cuff pressure; limb occlusion pressure sensing means for sensing the patient's initial limb occlusion pressure at a selected time; physiologic characteristic sensing means for sensing a physiologic characteristic of the patient; and pressure regulator means for establishing an adapted limb occlusion pressure that is a predetermined function of the initial limb occlusion pressure and the physiologic characteristic, wherein the pressure regulator means is operable after the initial limb occlusion pressure is sensed for selectably activating the pressurizing means and the pressure relief means to maintain the cuff pressure above the adapted limb occlusion pressure for a time period suitably long for the performance of a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An auto-release tourniquet apparatus has a strap, a housing having a first slot therein suitable for receiving a first end of the strap and a second slot suitable for receiving another portion of the strap therein, and a strap releasing mechanism positioned in the housing. The strap releasing mechanism serves to release at least one of the first and second ends of the strap from the housing after a predetermined period of time. A solenoid is positioned in the housing and acts upon the first end of the strap so as to allow for the ejection of the first end of the strap from the first slot after the predetermined period of time. A strap tensioning mechanism is associated with the second slot of the housing for allowing the strap to be suitably tensioned.

Abstract: A spinal brace includes a flexible air injectable band configured to be disposed about a torso of a user and to provide traction to a spine of the user, at least one support panel configured to provide support by compression to at least a region of the torso, the at least one support panel being less flexible than the air injectable band, and at least one means of associating the at least one support panel with the flexible air injectable band.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for reducing hypertension of a subject. A selective circumferential pressure applicator (60) includes at least two surfaces (61) that increase baroreceptor activity of the subject, by applying pressure to an artery (20) of the subject at two or more respective non-contiguous regions around the circumference of the artery, at a longitudinal site of the artery, such that between the non-contiguous regions, at the longitudinal site (a) there is at least one region (22) of the artery that is more relaxed than in the absence of the device, and (b) there is at least one region (21) of the artery that is more tense than in the absence of the device. A joint (63) couples the surfaces to each other. For at least a portion of the subject's cardiac cycle, the joint does not to contact the subject's artery. Other applications are also provided.

Abstract: A device and method for carrying out a dialysis of a patient and a stimulation of said patient at the same time either during dialysis sessions, or between dialysis sessions or both.

Abstract: The characteristics of the utility hemostasis model is that it includes a buckle plate, guide column, color frame, color cap, T-type platen, elastomer, and turn cap; the described buckle plate is composed of buckle plate body and buckle plate wing, the buckle plate body is a tubular structure with internal thread, and is connected to the guide column by a bolt. The guide column is mounted on the outside of color frame, color cap and T-type platen are inserted from the top to bottom of the color frame and fixed-together. The elastomer is also installed between the described color frame and the guide column. The turn cap which is a cyclic structure is disposed at the top of the guide column, the color cap may be extruded from guide column and turn cap.

Abstract: The invention relates to compression clothing (1) for wearing on the skin (2), made of elastically resilient material. The clothing (1) is provided in some regions with means (3, 8) for compression.

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 comprises 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 motion restricting means interposed between the receiving device and the plunger, the motion restricting means configured such that as the plunger moves toward the skin movement of the plunger away from the skin is restricted until the restricting means are released.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for reducing the incidence and/or severity of restenosis through the use of remote ischemic conditioning.

Abstract: The nasal drip cessation or control devices are devices which when strategically placed on the nose, causes the elimination or reduction of the nasal flow of mucus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nasal dilator comprising at least one breathable layer of adhesive-coated high MVTR layer, such as a polyurethane film, one or more adhesive-coated high modulus “spring” elements for dilating the nasal passages by applying a tension force to the skin, and a carrier delivery system. The carrier delivery system comprises a separation line or split through the carrier to allow for easy delivery of the nasal dilator. The carrier aids in the handling and delivery of the thin adhesive-coated high MVTR layer.

Abstract: A laparoscopic disk assembly for a Hand Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery (HALS) procedure includes an exteriorly visible laparoscopic disk (seal cap) attached to a retractor skirt. The laparoscopic disk provides an adjustable exterior opening. A downward annular surface is supported by an attached flexible or resilient (“soft) support member that in turn forms an annular contact upon a patient's abdomen wall surrounding an incision to form a sealing connection, to facilitate improved manipulation or degrees of freedom through the laparoscopic disk without loss of insufflation pressure, to minimize, if not eliminate, bruising, to prevent rotation movement of a retractor skirt in the incision, and to reduce fatigue. Versions include a resilient pad, a resilient skirt that adheres to the patient's skin, a skirt with horizontal pleats, and a toroidal bladder that comfortably depresses into the skin.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing supplemental support to the arm and/or elbow region of an individual. In one exemplary implementation, a brace for a user's arm is provided comprising a rigid element including arm-engaging portions and a strap of flexible material configured to encircle the arm. Moreover, the exemplary rigid element and strap may be further characterized in that the strap comprises an elastic nature or portion that provides a force (such as a compressive or constraining force) to the user's arm, the arm-engaging portions include muscle/tendon-engaging regions that each engage the user's arm along a leading face/edge, with various leading faces/edges corresponding to the muscle/tendon-engaging regions being positioned in relationship with each other to apply a desired pressure or force to the user's arm.

Abstract: A therapeutic compression garment, including: a body portion; and a spine portion, wherein the bands extending from either the body portion and/or spine portion attach the body and spine portions together when the body and spine portions are wrapped around a body limb, and wherein the spine portion is releasably attached onto the body portion such that the spine portion is positionable at different locations on the body portion.

Abstract: Orthopaedic device and a method of use thereof are provided for treating a bone fracture. The orthopaedic device has at least one pressure applying element configured to apply pressure to soft tissue adjacent to the bone fracture and a holder configured to engage, in an engaged configuration, soft tissue adjacent to the bone fracture and, while in the engaged configuration, to permit adjustable positioning and securing the at least one pressure applying element to the holder.

Abstract: A femoral compression device (1) for compressive bearing against the femoral artery of a patient, comprising a base plate (2), an inflatable air cushion (4), and an electronic manometer (8) connected to the inflatable air cushion for measurement of the current pressure difference between the pressure prevailing inside the inflatable air cushion and the ambient air pressure. The femoral compression device can further comprise a mechanical device (11; 46) which prevents an air opening leading to the inflatable air cushion from being closed before the manometer is zeroed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance for diagnosis, performance and/or regulation of physiological functions, in particular in an anaesthetized patient, comprising a pressure device (10) for at least one body region or extremity (55) of a patient (50), wherein pressure-increasing means (21) and pressure-reducing means (22) are assigned to the pressure device (10), and a control device (30) is provided with which the pressure in the pressure device (10) can be controlled via the pressure-increasing means (21) and the pressure-reducing means (22).

Abstract: A method of inhibiting hypotensive symptoms in a patient undergoing treatment or a procedure involves elastically constraining the internal organs within the abdomen of the patient while applying non-pulsating, compressive pressure to the internal organs within the abdomen of the patient. The method may also involve one or more of infusing fluid, applying the compressive pressure using compression device, or applying the compressive pressure based upon bio-indicator measurement parameters.

Abstract: A dressing for applying compression to a wound in a patient includes a bladder having a non-deformable end wall and a deformable membrane. The dressing may include a flexible web having an adhesive layer on one side thereof for securing the dressing to the patient so as to hold the bladder against the patient's skin. Upon inflation, the deformable membrane projects towards the patient's skin and exerts pressure on the wound to reduce the flow of blood from the wound.

Abstract: An improved treatment apparatus and method of using in which the device has plural protruding contact elements, each preferably having an undulating contact surface with one or more peaks. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of contact elements are positioned spaced apart from one another in columns. In another device an elongated single column is provided. Mounting brackets are provided that enable a user to position the device easily and to adjust mounting straps and/or belts to a particular body shape. In one example, the device may include bracket apertures into which mounting brackets can be positioned. In another aspect of the invention, adjustable buckles and/or binders are provided can be used to adjust the length of the straps and secure the device to the wearer in use.

Abstract: A device enables a patient to perform non-invasive punctal occlusion by applying firm pressure to the skin external to the lacrimal canaliculi during the administration of eyedrop medicine, for the purpose of prolonging the medicine retention time. The device of this invention may be adjusted to fit the nasal aspect of the orbital rims where the lacrimal canaliculi are located. The pressure to be applied on the lacrimal canaliculi is adjustable to meet the optimal pressure requirement. The device also has a visual reference attachment that provides visual referencing points for positioning the tip of the eyedrop bottle towards the eyes. This device enables a hands-free operation and does not interfere with the wearing of eyeglasses.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for protecting a patient's limb from tourniquet-related injury, comprising: a tourniquet cuff having a length sufficient for encircling a limb protection sleeve applied to a limb at a location having a limb circumference of not less than a predetermined minimum limb circumference and not more than a predetermined maximum limb circumference; limb protection sleeve adapted for applying to the limb at the location, wherein the sleeve has a tubular shape and a tubular circumference predetermined to be less than the predetermined minimum and wherein the sleeve is formed to allow elastic stretching of the tubular shape sufficient to increase the tubular circumference to be substantially equivalent to the limb circumference at the location when the sleeve is applied to the limb, thereby applying a pressure to the limb that is greater than a predetermined minimum pressure and less than a predetermined maximum pressure; and identification means perceptible to a user for providing an indication to

Abstract: A tissue retractor and guide device for use in securing a spinal fixation plate to a spine is provided. In general, the device includes an elongate member having a guide member formed thereon or mated thereto with at least one pathway for receiving a tool. The guide member is adapted to be juxtapositioned on a spinal implant, while the distal portion of the elongate member is effective to retract tissue disposed adjacent to the guide member.

Abstract: A device for the haemostatic control of bleeding, including a water-tight collecting suction cup, which is able to surround and be tightly applied onto a tissue area to be treated, wherein a haemorrhage or a bleeding episode to be controlled takes place, and wherein this suction cup comes into contact with the periphery of the tissue area and defines an inner volume which is tightly linked through a catheter or a similar linking tube to an outer suction and vacuum-creating device, thus creating in this volume, between the suction cup and the tissue area, a depression having a defined value, wherein the suction cup has the general shape of a dome, whose bottom supports an inner supporting device which is able to be placed opposite the tissue area under the suction cup. The inner supporting device includes a solid obturator or a perforated grid.

Abstract: A first embodiment can be a method to reduce SLOSH energy absorption within an organism by reducing the inelastic collisions. A fluid containing organism can utilize an embodiment of the method wherein one or more of reversibly increasing pressure within the organs or cells, reversibly increasing the volume within the organs or cells, reversibly altering vascular, molecular, or cell wall stiffness, or reversibly altering vascular, molecular, or cell wall configuration within said organism may reduce these collisions.

Abstract: An expansible device of medical use for thorax specific compression including an applicable framework as a belt around a patient's thorax. The belt has a front arc and a back arc faced by concave inner sides and connected on both sides of the thorax by a hinge and by an adjustable side closure. The front arc includes a plate that compresses the deformity, and adjustable suspension for keeping both arcs spaced hanged from the shoulders. The belt also includes at least six joined bent plates, each arc being formed by at least three plates the ends of which overlap connecting the plates by a fixer. The compressing plate includes anchorages for associating an equipment for measuring the pressure made in adjusting the closure between the arcs. The invention includes a device, system, and method to treat a thoracic deformity.

Abstract: An anti-pooling vest to be worn by a patient undergoing a hemodialysis procedure is disclosed for inhibiting intradialytic hypotensive symptoms in the patient during the course of hemodialysis treatment. The anti-pooling vest includes an inflatable bladder for applying a compressive pressure on the internal organs within the abdomen of the patient during the hemodialysis procedure to reduce the pooling of blood within the patient's internal organs. A pump, such as, for example, a manually compressible bulb or an electrically powered pump, in fluid communication with the bladder is operable to inflate the bladder to a predetermined pressure and a pressure relief valve in fluid communication with the bladder is operable to decrease the pressure within the bladder to the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an implantable mechanically adjustable band configured to form a restriction in a patient. The band defines an inner diameter. The mechanical adjustability of the band is configured to permit the inner diameter defined by the band to be selectively varied. The apparatus further comprises an adjustment mechanism in communication with the band. The adjustment mechanism is operable to provide the mechanical adjustability of the band. The apparatus further comprises a sensor in communication with one or both of the mechanically adjustable band or the adjustment mechanism. The sensor is configured to sense a physical parameter associated with operation of the band. The physical parameter sensed by the sensor varies with the inner diameter defined by the band. The band may be used as a gastric band, among other potential uses.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices and methods for reducing the incidence and severity of symptoms related to abnormal neurologic activity within a body part are disclosed. The therapeutic device includes at least one holding implement configured to position the therapeutic device on the body part and at least one therapeutic implement connected to the holding implement and configured to provide light tactile stimulation to a region of the body part that is in the vicinity of the holding implement.

Abstract: The orthosis includes a compressive portion having an ankle portion that, when worn, exerts a nominal textile pressure P0 for an ankle circumference C0. When it is stretched in order to enable it to go past the instep region of the leg, the ankle portion exerts an elastic return force in the circumferential direction corresponding to a nominal putting-on textile pressure P1 for an instep circumference C1. At least one parameter selected from: the natures of the core yarns used for said knit yarn and said weft yarn; any covering of said yarns; and the knitting of said yarns; is selected in such a manner that for C1=1.38C0, said nominal putting-on textile pressure P1 is less than or equal to 120% of said nominal wearing pressure P0. This makes it easier for the patient to put on and take off the orthosis merely as a result of the intrinsic properties thereof and without having recourse to any accessory.

Abstract: An implantable drainage device is provided. The device is adapted to move body fluid from one part of the body of a patient to another part of the body. The invention also extends to a filter adapted to filter particles from a drained fluid.

Abstract: An improved treatment apparatus and method of using in which the device has plural protruding contact elements, each preferably having an undulating contact surface with one or more peaks. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of contact elements are positioned spaced apart from one another in columns. In another device an elongated single column is provided. Mounting brackets are provided that enable a user to position the device easily and to adjust mounting straps and/or belts to a particular body shape. In one example, the device may include bracket apertures into which mounting brackets can be positioned. In another aspect of the invention, adjustable buckles and/or binders are provided can be used to adjust the length of the straps and secure the device to the wearer in use.

Abstract: A set formed of a scleral buckle and an encircling band is provided for use in connection with retinal detachment surgery to enable the implantation of both the scleral buckle and encircling band free of any suture. A self-assembling scleral buckle-encircling band combination is secured in place by surface scleral tunnels operative as belt loops to enable the securing of a scleral buckle and encircling band on the eyeball to exert an intended indentation effect for treatment of retinal detachment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gastroplasty ring formed by a flexible band (2) which comprises a first end part (5) and a second end part (6) and which is intended to be closed around the stomach toward its two end parts by a closure system in order to reduce the diameter of the opening of the stoma by forming a loop, the band comprising an adjustable-volume annular compression chamber (3) connected, at the first end part, by an adjusting catheter (7) to a device for adjusting the internal pressure of said chamber, so as to adjust its diametral expansion, the ring comprising at least one grab tab (11, 12, 13) which projects toward the outside of the loop to make it easier for the two end parts to be brought together and parted. Gastric implant for treating obesity.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device that attaches to a specific area of the neck. The attachment means can be an adhesive, a clip or an implant. The device exerts a predetermined pulling force on this area of the neck, causing this area of the neck to expand outward from its normal position. This expansion opens a blockage in the throat of a sleeping person, thereby eliminating snoring and helping some people with obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: The use of an elastic band across the hand that selectively prevents any outward displacement (subluxation) of the metacarpalcarpal (Trapeziometacarpal) joint of the thumb is described as a method of reducing the symptoms of arthritis of this joint and its attendant atrophy. This method has many advantages over the existing larger hand splints commonly prescribed for thumb arthritis. Specifically, it allows for a greater range of motion of the hand, including the thumb than do the presently commercially available hand splints. It is also ascetically preferable and more hygienic than these alternative splints.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are described for treating venous insufficiency in which the vein is compressed at least partially along a treatment zone. A system can be provided including an injection device, such as a glue gun, that is operably connected to a delivery catheter that can be advanced across a treatment zone in the vein. The delivery catheter can be used to deliver one, two, or more boluses of media (e.g., cyanoacrylate) to occlude the vein along different spaced-apart sections of the treatment zone. External compression can also be applied to the vein by a compression element, such as a hand or multifunctional ultrasound transducer, to occlude portions of the vein along the treatment zone prior to or during the introduction of the boluses of media.

Abstract: A medical device is arranged to provide adjustable, user-controlled, perpendicular compression to soft tissues. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure is adjusted by a threaded bolt or threaded bolt assembly incorporated into the design of a threaded mounting plate.