Abstract: An expansion mechanism for minimally invasive lumbar operation has a support member, a plurality of sliders movably assembled on the support member, at least a couple of outside muscle hook members mounted on adjacent sliders, an inside muscle hook member assembled on the slider, and a nerve hook member assembled on the slider. The expansion mechanism for minimally invasive operation makes small suture and hurts less tissues. Furthermore, the expansion mechanism protects nerve tissues from repeated stirring. Muscles can be drawn apart without the need of removing ligament, obtaining clear and large operation vision.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system includes a processing unit, a reduced pressure source, and a conduit fluidly connected between the reduced pressure source and a tissue site of a patient. The reduced pressure source is configured to operate at a target power level to apply a reduced pressure to the tissue site. A canister is provided to collect fluid drawn from the tissue site. A sensor is provided in communication with the reduced pressure source to determine a source pressure at the reduced pressure source, and an alarm indicator is provided in communication with the processing unit. The processing unit communicates a leak alarm signal or a canister disengaged alarm signal to the alarm indicator when an actual power level of the reduced pressure source exceeds the target power level for a selected period of time.

Abstract: The vein holder has an upright wall forming a central opening. The central opening is large enough to allow easy access by a needle. A bottom flange extends outwardly from the wall and rests against the patient's skin. It is the bottom surface of the flange 14 which holds the skin tight to prevent movement of the vein relative to the skin. In addition, pressure applied by the vein holder closes the vein at an end away from the syringe opening.

Abstract: A male sexual impotence treatment apparatus comprises a constriction device implanted in an impotent male patient and engaging the patient's penile tissue. The constriction device includes an elongate adjustable constriction member extending in a loop around the penile tissue or the prolongation thereof. A connection device releasably connects the end portions of the constriction member to each other and an adjustment device adjusts the longitudinal extension of the constriction member in the loop to temporarily constrict the penile tissue or the prolongation thereof to restrict the penile exit blood flow to achieve erection. The connection device includes a female part and a male part fitting into the female part to lock them together. The design of the connection device facilitates laparoscopic surgery for implanting the constriction member.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way of a handle located at the proximal end of the shaft or remotely, for example, via robotic controller. Articulation joints may be provided along the shaft, between the shaft and end effector or handle, or elsewhere. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention permits multiple axis instrument articulation, miniaturization and simplified instrument fabrication.

Abstract: An embolic protection device for removing emboli from a blood vessel in a patient's body. The device comprises a mesh element being expandable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration and an elongate tubular element having a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a lumen between the proximal and distal openings. The lumen has a diameter large enough to slideably accommodate a standard guidewire. The mesh element is disposed on the elongate tubular element.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for implantation into the walls of an organ such as the stomach. Deformable or inflatable anchors with a connector between are used to pull the walls of the organ together, or to implant devices in the wall of the organ. Also disclosed are surgical instruments useful in practicing the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for implantation into the walls of an organ such as the stomach. Deformable or inflatable anchors with a connector between are used to pull the walls of the organ together, or to implant devices in the wall of the organ. Also disclosed are surgical instruments useful in practicing the disclosed methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying pressure to a body part comprising: a first sleeve comprising a multiplicity of pressure-applying resilient protrusions configured to apply a therapeutic pressure to a surface of the body part of a patient; and a second sleeve slidably received over the first sleeve, the second sleeve configured to apply a pressure to the first sleeve, thereby increasing the therapeutic pressure applied by the first sleeve on the limb.

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 connector assembly includes first and second mating connectors that can be joined to make a fluid connection. The connectors are constructed to discriminate improper connectors so that no fluid tight connection can be formed with improper connectors. The connector assembly can be used with a system for compression therapy to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Abstract: One aspect relates to limiting treatment to prescribed regions of an individual based at least in part on positioning a treatment limiter mechanism relative to the individual at least partially allowing treating at least some desired or planned location that is desired or planned to be treated, but not allowing treating other locations that are not planned or not desired to be treated from being treated. Another aspect relates to configuring at least a portion of a treatment limiter mechanism at least partially in response to attempting to treat at least a portion of an individual associated with the treatment limiter mechanism.

Abstract: A fire cupping jar includes a cup portion and a lamp that is provided in the cupping jar. The cupping jar can be repeatedly used without needing to be replenished with alcohol and can use fire capable of providing uniform flame.

Abstract: A device for exerting a compression force on a breast implant located within a user's breast. The device includes a support member adjustably connect to a compression member, the compression member comprising a positioning element on one side of the compression member such that the positioning element is aligned with medial side of the breast and a compression element on the second side of the compression member such that the compression element is positioned on lateral side of the breast, and means extending between the positioning element and the compressing element for retaining the positioning element and the compressing element on opposite sides of the breast, and means for providing pressure to the compressing element causing the compressing element to apply a compression force to the breast implant within the user's breast. Additionally a method for preventing capsular contracture after breast implant surgery is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a femoral compression device (11; 21) for compressing a femoral artery of a patient. The femoral compression device (11; 21) comprises a pressurizing means (12; 22), a compression plate (13; 23) for compressive bearing against a puncture site, a base portion (14; 24) provided with two opposing extensions (15, 16; 25, 26), to the ends of which a belt, which is adapted to be arranged around the patient's body, can be fixed. According to the invention, the pressurizing means is in the form of a spring (12; 22), such as a coil spring (12; 22), the first end of which is connected to the compression plate (13; 23) and the second end of which is operatively connected to a handle (19; 29), which can be operated to adjusting the compression of the spring (12; 22).

Abstract: A device for generating an artificial constriction in the gastrointestinal tract comprises a band, which can be placed annularly about a particular portion of the gastrointestinal tract, and, by means of a piston-cylinder unit, the size of the passageway opening of the portion of the gastrointestinal tract encompassed by the band is variable, and the band, in the proximity of its first end, is connected with the cylinder of the piston-cylinder unit. The band is connected in the proximity of its second end with the piston of this piston-cylinder unit.

Abstract: The vein stabilizer is a small device that: 1) isolates the vein, so it cannot roll from side to side when penetrated; and 2) causes the vein to bulge toward the surface of the skin making it more apparent. The vein stabilizer includes a sterile, two-piece disposable plastic device that isolates the vein in between two plastic tabs which are similar in shape and size. One tab is fixed on the skin on one side close to the vein. The other piece is mobile and slides on an elastic band. The tabs are adjusted to the preference of the IV initiator or the situation on the other side of the vein (big vein, small vein, tortuous vein, collapsed vein, sclerous (hardened) vein, obese patient, etc.).

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: The invention provides an air cushion unit (4) for use in conjunction with a compression device for stopping bleeding from puncture wounds. The air cushion unit (4) comprises a base plate (5), an inflatable air cushion (6), which is attached to the base plate (5), and an internal telescopic guide (7), the first end of which is attached to the base plate (5) and the second end of which is attached to the top of the air cushion (6). Throughout the pressurizing of the inflatable air cushion (6), the length of the telescopic guide (7) corresponds to the degree of expansion of the air cushion (6), thereby providing an internal support for the air cushion unit (4), which eliminates undesired, irregular movements of the air cushion (6).

Abstract: A femoral compression device includes a pressure applying device for compressive bearing at a puncture site at a femoral artery of a patient and for applying pressure on the puncture site, a belt adapted to be fixed around the patient's body, and a base plate provided with first and second extensions, with the end of the first extension being closer to the pressure applying device than the end of the second extension and being provided with a fastener in the ends thereof for fastening of an end of the belt. The compression device also includes a support plate, which is attached to the second extension and which is adapted to bear against the patient's body, thereby compensating for the imbalance, which originates from the different extents of the two extensions, that otherwise would be present.

Abstract: An external counterpulsation apparatus and method for minimizing end diastolic pressure includes a fluid distribution assembly interconnecting a plurality of inflatable devices adapted to be received about the lower extremities of the patient and a source of compressed fluid to be distributed by the fluid distribution assembly to the inflatable devices. The controller in communication with the fluid distribution assembly controls inflation and deflation of the inflatable devices to minimize end diastolic pressure. The controller controls deflation of the inflatable devices without reducing venous return and then minimizes energy spent in ventricular isovolumetric contraction. Further, the controller controls inflation of the inflatable devices to inflate a distal inflatable device prior to inflating a proximal inflatable device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sheath based puncture locator and depth indicator. The present invention provides for locating a blood vessel puncture site and determining the depth of the puncture of the blood vessel extravascularly using the introducer sheath that is already in place within the tissue tract. The present invention also provide for positioning the introducer sheath extravascularly or outside the blood vessel, controlling the blood vessel puncture site, and delivering a hemostasis promoting material to a blood vessel puncture site.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for applying graded compression to the hand to remedy the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The device is a passive therapy device which receives the palm of the hand and applies graduated pressure to the top of the hand to relieve carpal tunnel region of the hand by spreading the area of the carpal tunnel. There are also disclosed a centralizing means which allows for accurate placement of the means for apply pressure to the top of the hand and also a means for further spreading and fixing the spread in the carpal tunnel region.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for applying graded compression to the hand to remedy the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The device is a passive therapy device which receives the palm of the hand and applies graduated pressure to the top of the hand to relieve carpal tunnel region of the hand by spreading the area of the carpal tunnel.

Abstract: A tourniquet system having a strap, a clamp for selectively engaging the strap in which once the clamp engages the strap, the clamp permits the strap to pass substantially freely in a direction away from the clamp and substantially prevents the strap from passing in a direction towards the clamp and securing structure attached to the strap for securing the strap.

Abstract: A system for performing ECP and recording ECP system data, patient cardiac parameter data, and other data, and presenting the data in displays that are accessible to the operator in formats that assist in consistent treatment, interpretation of treatment data, and confirmation of therapeutic effect.

Abstract: A medical master/slave manipulator is excellent in operability and capable of reducing burden on the operator. The medical master/slave manipulator includes a master unit provided with an operation control portion, a slave unit provided with a working device, an interlocking mechanism interlocking the slave unit with the master unit, an orientation difference measuring mechanism for measuring the orientation difference between the orientation of the master unit and that of the slave unit, and a control mechanism for controlling the slave unit to adjust the orientation of the slave unit to that of the master unit so that the orientation difference is reduced to zero in a transient master/slave operation mode in which an operation mode changes from an unrestricted operation mode to a master/slave operation mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue within a patient's body cavity. In one embodiment, the tissue immobilized is heart tissue to thereby permit surgery on a coronary vessel in that area without significant deterioration of the pumping function of the beating heart. The local area of heart tissue is immobilized to a degree sufficient to permit minimally invasive or micro-surgery on that area of the heart.

Abstract: Following a catheterisation of the artery, the flow of blood through the puncture wound has to be stopped. With the method according to the invention, the time for achieving haemostasis can be reduced by combining the normal clotting mechanism with a chitosan induced clogging mechanism. A compression device (1; 8; 16) for achieving haemostasis in a puncture wound comprises a compressor (2; 9; 17) and a pressure element (3; 10; 18) connected to said compressor (2; 9; 17) so that the bottom side of the pressure element (3; 10; 18) is in contact with the puncture wound, characterized in that the bottom side of the pressure element (3; 10; 18) is provided with chitosan, so that the chitosan and the external compression pressure are applied simultaneously on the puncture wound when the compressor (2; 9; 17) applies an external compression pressure on the puncture wound via the pressure element (3; 10; 18).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for facilitating air flow in the nasal passage of a domestic animal. The nasal support device (NSD) disclosed herein is useful for facilitating air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. The NSD secures to the nose of a domestic animal to support the unsupported lateral vestibular walls of the nasal passages by lifting or stenting.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as compression sleeves, containing at least one water-soluble component are disclosed. Methods of making, using and disposing of medical devices containing at least one water-soluble component are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pressure insert are disclosed for assisting in slowing and stopping nose bleeds. The insert is preferably a firm or non-compressible insert with contours that match or come close to matching the contours of a human's upper gum line and inside surface of the upper lid, which define the buccal cavity. The insert is curved rearward and has generally rounded and smooth edges, and preferably has notches, trough, or contours for conforming over and around the user's frenulum. Preferably, the front surface and the rear surface are generally parallel and both curve around to match, in general, the curvature of the row of front, upper teeth. Alternatively, the insert may be planar prior to use, but may flex to conform to the upper anterior gums after insertion into the buccal cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for facilitating air flow in the nasal passage of a domestic animal. The nasal support device (NSD) disclosed herein is useful for facilitating air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. The NSD secures to the nose of a domestic animal to support the unsupported lateral vestibular walls of the nasal passages by lifting or stenting.

Abstract: A femoral compression device (1; 41; 51; 61) for compressing a femoral artery of a patient is provided. The femoral compression device (1; 41; 51; 61) comprises a pressure device (7; 21; 31; 42; 55; 62), a compression member (8; 43; 56; 65) for compressive bearing against a puncture site, a base portion (3; 44; 52) provided with two opposing extensions (4, 5; 45, 46; 53, 54), to the ends of which a belt (6), which is adapted to be arranged around the patient's body, can be fixed. According to the invention, the pressure device (7; 21; 31; 42; 55; 62) is characterized by non-uniform overall action constants, such that when a low compression pressure is applied, the pressure device (7; 21; 31; 42; 55; 62) exhibits a small action constant, and when a high compression pressure is applied, the pressure device (7; 21; 31; 42; 55; 62) exhibits a large action constant.

Abstract: A shielded pressure placement device for the reduction of bleeding or edema and exposure to radiation is disclosed, including a flexible medium for receiving an application of pressure, a radiation shield operatively engaged to the flexible medium, and wherein the radiation shield transmits the application of pressure to a patient to reduce bleeding or edema and wherein the radiation shield reduces radiation exposure to a user.

Abstract: The invention is a gel pad which is placed in a pocket or sleeve in an understocking. The understocking can be a compression stocking and the stocking may have a plurality of pockets or sleeves in which the gel pad(s) may reside depending on the treatment plan of the doctor or the clinician. The sleeve enables positioning of the pad where treatment is needed Pressure is applied to the affected area without having the pad in contact with the area or its dressing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical controller for segmental spinal cord reflex points that has metal pressure protrusions formed in a horizontal linear arrangement in such a manner as to be clipped at the segmental spinal cord reflex points on the middle finger or the back of the hand for a certain time period, thus to control an excited signal transferred to the spinal cord reflex points from the cerebrum, so that various kinds of diseases can be prevented or cured well.

Abstract: A hemostasis device includes a pressure applicator and a dressing sheet in stacked relation whereby a pressure source bears the combination against an access site.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for facilitating air flow in the nasal passage of a domestic animal. The nasal support device (NSD) disclosed herein is useful for facilitating air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. The NSD secures to the nose of a domestic animal to support the unsupported lateral vestibular walls of the nasal passages by lifting or stenting.

Abstract: A method for restoring speech functions in patients having various forms of dysarthria by way of successively carrying out the cosmetic massage of the face, the point massage of biologically active points of the face, cervical-collar region, arms and articulation organs, articulation-mimic gymnastics followed by voice exercises. The point massage is carried out by successively pressing, pricking, stroking for 1-5 seconds 3-5 times for 3-5 points, by sequentially alternating same and by adding 1-2 points. Pair points are massaged with two probes simultaneously. Dysarthria probes for carrying out a method for restoring speech functions by way of exerting a reflex action on the patient's biologically active points, which comprise a rod and an operating part whose configuration is varied in relation to the patient's clinical profile, for example, in the form of a ball, a sphere, an oval, a two-prong unit or a three-prong unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for facilitating air flow in the nasal passage of a domestic animal. The nasal support device (NSD) disclosed herein is useful for facilitating air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. The NSD secures to the nose of a domestic animal to support the unsupported lateral vestibular walls of the nasal passages by lifting or stenting.

Abstract: The invention provides a femoral compression device (11; 21) for compressing a femoral artery of a patient. The femoral compression device (11; 21) comprises a pressurizing means (12; 22), a compression plate (13; 23) for compressive bearing against a puncture site, a base portion (14; 24) provided with two opposing extensions (15, 16; 25, 26), to the ends of which a belt, which is adapted to be arranged around the patient's body, can be fixed. According to the invention, the pressurizing means is in the form of a spring (12; 22), such as a coil spring (12; 22), the first end of which is connected to the compression plate (13; 23) and the second end of which is operatively connected to a handle (19; 29), which can be operated to adjusting the compression of the spring (12; 22).

Abstract: An apparatus for applying pressure to a body part comprising: a first sleeve comprising a multiplicity of pressure-applying resilient protrusions configured to apply a therapeutic pressure to a surface of the body part of a patient; and a second sleeve slidably received over the first sleeve, the second sleeve configured to apply a pressure to the first sleeve, thereby increasing the therapeutic pressure applied by the first sleeve on the limb.

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 femoral arterial and/or venous haemostasis device is disclosed. The device is a femoral haemostasis clamp (1), it allows direct pressure to be exerted onto the femoral artery and/or vein when removing femoral sheaths from post diagnostic or interventional surgery. The clamp includes a base plate (2) for providing a first clamping surface for the limb of a patient; a support post (4) extending upwardly from the base; an arm (5) extending between a first end mounted to the post and a second end distal from the post; and a pressure pad (13) having a notch at one end to accommodate either an arterial and/or venous sheath, the pressure pad (13) being displaceable relative to the second end and to the base for moving the surfaces into and out of clamping engagement with the limb. Preferably at the second end of the arm a rod (29) is slidably and rotatably mounted by means of a ratchet mechanism, the pad being fixedly attached to an end of the rod.

Abstract: A choking assistance device includes a head specially designed for placement against the abdomen of a choking victim for performance of the Heimlich Maneuver. The head has lateral extensions and, in the preferred embodiment, a central bulge. The choking assistance device also has a spacing rod attached to the head with appropriately located handles and a non-slip base pad.

Abstract: A clasp for securing a piece of jewelry around a wrist of a wearer and for relieving symptoms of motion sickness has a base member. A protrusion is formed on a bottom surface of the base member. The protrusion will apply pressure to a wrist area of a wear to relieve symptoms of motion sickness. A locking arm is hingely coupled to the base member. The locking arm is used for securing the clasp around the wrist of the wearer.

Abstract: A therapeutic bandage including a therapeutic surface having massage projections for contacting and massaging the body part to be treated. The therapeutic bandage is removably secured to the wearer by way of a closure element.

Abstract: A splint (2) for a radial artery compression system (1) or an arterial wrist support, which is provided with one or more longitudinal reinforcement profiles (10a, 10b) on the bottom surface thereof. Whereby the reinforcement profiles (10a, 10b) form a support structure (11), such that the splint (2) when placed on a flat surface is supported in one position without wobbling. The splint (2) may further be comprised of a non-rigid material such as polystyrene, paper (preferably recycled) and the like, such that a disposable splint (2) may be achieved.

Abstract: System for withdrawing body fluid from a body part in particular the finger pad, comprising a compression unit that is deformed when the body part is pressed against it and increases the internal pressure in a region of the body part, and a withdrawal device. Deformation of the compression unit partially converts the primary pressing movement into a secondary movement which leads to an increase in the internal pressure in a region of the body part. The invention also comprises a system for stimulating the outflow of body fluid using a deformable compression unit.