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: 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 device for compressing a breast. The device includes a harness able to be releasably secured to a body of a user and a compression member adjustably connected to the harness for receiving the breast of the user. A control module is releasably secured to the harness for providing a pressure to the compression member for applying an equal compression force to the breast. The compression member includes a first compressing element positioned on a first side of the breast; a second compression element positioned on a second side of the breast opposite the first compressing element; and a structural member extending between the first and second compressing elements for retaining the first and second compressing elements on respective sides of the breast whereby an aperture defined by the structural member and first and second compressing elements for receiving the breast therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of a nose bleed, in its preferred form having a pair of laterally spaced elongated arms pivotably connected to be selectively moved toward and away from each other like scissors or the like. A compression spring engages the arms to urge them into a desired position with respect to each other. Removable absorbent sponges are disposed on the upper ends of the arms and are arranged to engage both the septum of a nostril where typical nose bleeds would occur and the non-bleeding septum. The arms are squeezed to separate them and to insert the sponges into the nostrils and released to apply pressure on the bleeding and non-bleeding septums. The sponge engaging the bleeding area may be saturated with a vasoconstrictive agent to control the bleeding. That sponge may be removed and replaced with a sponge saturated with a local antiseptic and applied to formerly bleeding area in anticipation of cauterizing the same area using a sponge saturated with a cauterizing agent.

Abstract: A tool is used to assist in the manual insertion and removal of a needle into a medical device implanted under the skin of a patient. The tool includes an elongated body having a handle section and an enlarged guard section with an elongated slot extending from an edge of the guard section into the guard section, terminating at an internal portion of the guard section. Preferably, the guard section of this tool is transparent, and it has indicia thereon which assist in aligning the tool with the implanted medical device. The guard section may include a depression on its underside which overlies the implanted medical device when the guard is placed in position for accessing or deaccessing the needle.

Abstract: A heart failure treatment method includes administering external counterpulsation therapy sessions to a subject from about 10 to about 80 days. Each counterpulsation therapy session is preferably from about 20 to about 90 minutes. Administering external counterpulsation therapy includes providing pressure devices adapted to be received about the lower extremities of the subject, interconnecting a source of compressed fluid with the pressure devices, interconnecting a fluid distribution assembly with the pressure devices and the source of compressed fluid, distributing compressed fluid from the source of compressed fluid to the pressure devices, providing a controller in communication with the fluid distribution assembly, and inflating and deflating the pressure devices using the controller so as to minimize end diastolic pressure.

Abstract: A device for establishing hemostasis of an open blood vessel in a person's extremity operates by the application of pressure to the open vessel. The device includes a first strip, having first and second ends, that is formable into a curved configuration and defining a length exceeding the width of the extremity by a factor of at least 1.5. A flexible second strip of similar length has third and fourth ends. The first and second strips are connected at the first and third ends through a hinge or cooperating connector elements, the first strip having a first connector element at the second end, and the second strip having a second connector element at the fourth end. An absorbent pad is arranged around the center of one of the strips, and is supported on the strip by a compressible or flexible element that includes or cooperates with an indicator that indicates the pressure applied to the vessel by the pad.

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 suction retractor that provides support to and positions an organ for surgery is provided. This retractor includes a support surface, a plurality of suction elements disposed adjacent the support surface, at least one leash operatively attached to the support surface; and at least one suction tube operatively connected with the suction elements. A method for using the retractor to manipulate an organ during surgery is also provided.

Abstract: A system of performing a medical procedure, such as surgery, is provided. The system comprises a compression member for compressing a body portion and a means for controlling the compression. Methods and devices for performing the medical procedure are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for arresting scalp bleeding includes skull cap having a plurality of inflatable bladders and a pump for inflating the bladders. The methods of the invention include attaching the skull cap to the bleeding victim and inflating the bladders with air using the pump. The inflated bladders exert pressure on the bleeding scalp and result in a hemostasis. According to the presently preferred embodiments, the skull cap has three or four independently inflatable bladders and the pump is a hand pump of the type used to inflate a blood pressure cuff. The pump is preferably provided with a pressure gauge and the bladders are each inflated to about 80 mm Hg.

Abstract: A clamp is positioned in a fleshy area of a person's hand between the thumb and index figure. The clamp has a top and bottom arm with a thumb screw to close a gap between the arms over the fleshy area of a person's hand and is left in place for two to three minutes or until the person's headache is relieved. Thereafter, the clamp is removed and stored for future use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for applying external counterpulsation to a patient, including detecting a blood-flow impedance signal, self-adaptive filter processing the detected blood-flow impedance signal, and adjusting inflation of an inflatable member based on the self-adaptive filter processing in order to optimize counterpulsation timing. The present invention further includes an external counterpulsation apparatus providing a high-frequency current source applied to the patient to produce an electrocardiographic signal and a blood flow impedance signal, as well as an amplifier-filter circuit to operably condition the electrocardiographic signal and a heart impedance signal amplifier receiving the blood flow impedance signal. A computer processes the signals and controls a fluid distribution device to distribute compressed fluid to a plurality of inflatable members based on said processed signals.

Abstract: A series of pressure bandages for wounds in a packaged and hermetically sealed form. A first embodiment has an inflatable linear hollow pressure bandage having one or more sterile bandages freely attached to a mounting strip and with an adhesive strip at one end for initial application. Hook and loop fastening is provided for final attachment. In all the embodiments a carbon dioxide gas and the like gas containing miniature tank with a valve is provided for inflating the bandage on site to apply pressure to the bleeding wound to minimize the loss of blood. A second embodiment is a rectangular pressure bandage lacking any fastening straps. A third embodiment is cone-shaped for maintaining containing pressure on a severed or nearly-severed limb. A fourth embodiment is dome-shaped with a pair of straps for applying on a head wound.

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: A hemostatic compression pad, for use with vascular compression devices, for application of pressure onto an area of a patient generally including a blood vessel and a wound site, such as a blood vessel puncture, during or after a medical procedure, where such procedure may be a cannulating procedure, for the purpose of controlling bleeding and achieving hemostasis. In use, the hemostatic compression pad, which is composed of at least two materials, is detachably connected to a vascular compression device and generally placed proximal to the catheter insertion site and over the blood vessel containing the cannula. The cannula is then removed from the blood vessel and pressure applied and maintained using the vascular compression device and hemostatic compression pad to compress the blood vessel for the purpose of controlling bleeding and, further, to achieve hemostasis. The improvement of this invention is its low propensity to slip laterally relative to the patient's body surface to which it is applied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vein compressing device comprising a pressure hose cuff and a pressure source as well as a pressure adjusting auxiliary means for detecting and/or adjusting the internal pressure of the cuff to a predetermined value. This pressure value causes a compressive force to act via the pressure hose cuff on the upper arm of a patient to be treated, the compressive force being large enough to cause a squeezing off of a vein while the flow area of an artery is maintained at least partly.

Abstract: A breast stabilizing and support device has a generally oval base with a central opening therethrough, a variable diameter cord or band positioned concentrically within the central opening and adapted to be slid over the breast and tightened at the breast base to cause the breast to bulge firmly away from the base, and one or more articulated arms that are adapted to be attached to and adjustably positioned around the base for holding various instruments. The base is semi-rigid and compliant to form around the contours of the torso adjacent to the breast. Attached to the base and lying in the central opening is a loop of cord that is adjustable in diameter and adapted to surround and apply a radially inward, compressive force to the breast. One or more articulated arms have selectively lockable clamps at one end for securing the arms to the base at various positions.

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: A pressure-sensitive adhesive tape for fixing a joint portion includes a support of a generally rectangular shape having a longer side and a shorter side and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on one side of the support in at least a portion thereof. The support is provided with a non-adherent portion or a weakly adherent portion. The tape has a cut line extending from an end of the shorter side to near the non-adherent or weakly adherent portion.

Abstract: A device for compressing a breast. The device includes a harness able to be releasably secured to a body of a user and a compression member adjustably connected to the harness for receiving the breast of the user. A control module is releasably secured to the harness for providing a pressure to the compression member for applying an equal compression force to the breast. The compression member includes a first compressing element positioned on a first side of the breast; a second compression element positioned on a second side of the breast opposite the first compressing element; and a structural member extending between the first and second compressing elements for retaining the first and second compressing elements on respective sides of the breast whereby an aperture defined by the structural member and first and second compressing elements for receiving the breast therein.

Abstract: The orthosis comprises a compressive tubular portion (10) of knitted or woven fabric, of varying section that matches the profile of the lower limb, and in which the knit or weave structure is selected as a function of the peripheral dimensions of the lower limb so as to apply compression pressure of about 30 mmHg to 40 mmHg that is substantially constant along the length of the limb. The tubular portion extends from the foot to the top of the thigh and comprises a stretchable inner region (12) that is highly elastic and that is connected along two generator lines to an outer region (14) that is non-stretchable or poorly stretchable. The top end of the orthosis is also provided with a thigh sleeve (22) that is open along a generator line and that is provided with adjustable closure means (24).

Abstract: Following a catheterisation of the radial artery in the forearm, the flow of blood through to puncture wound has to be stropped. An adjustable radial artery compressor (1) according to the invention comprises a support arm (2) provided with a support pad (5), a compressor arm (3) provided with a compression pad (6), and a pressure-adjusting means (7, 9, 10) for adjusting the distance between the support pad (5) and the compression pad (6). When the adjustable radial artery compressor (1) is arranged on the forearm of a patient, the support pad (5) bears against a well-defined area at the upside of the radius bone while the compression pad (6) presses against a well-defined area at the underside of the radius bone. With the pressure-adjusting means (7, 9, 10) the compression pressure can be adjusted with high precision, and due to the well-defined contact surfaces, which minimize the risk of vein stasis, the compression pressure is constant irrespective of any movement of the hand or forearm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for fixing, compressing or shaping a body, or parts of the body, in particular the human body. The inventive device has a bearing surface (1) for the body, and at least one external element (2) which can be freely positioned on the bearing surface (1). The external element (2) and the bearing surface (1) together form a low-pressure chamber (6) which surrounds the body. The device also has at least one suction opening (3) which is connected to the low-pressure chamber (6).

Abstract: A single use disposable skin and cuff protector in the form of a wrap for surrounding at least a portion of a limb of a patient allows a sphygmomanometer cuff to be applied over the wrap. To prevent spreading of pathogens, the wrap includes a sheet having a non-porous barrier layer and optionally, an absorbent layer. The wrap is secured by a non-reusable fastener which cannot be released once fastened or once fastened, cannot be re-fastened. A line of weakening formed in the sheet facilitates removal of the wrap after use. Once secured to a patient for use, the sheet either must be severed to be removed and/or the re-usable fastener cannot be re-fastened thus preventing re-use.

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, an elongate shaft and a pad. The shaft extends generally downward from the cente of the bottom side of the handle, The pad is connected generally at the center of its top side to the bottom end of the shaft. In use, the pad is generally placed proximal to the catheter insertion site and over the blood vessel containing the catheter. The catheter is then removed from the blood vessel and pressure applied to the gandle by the user in a downward direction to force the pad to compress the blood vessel for the purpode of controlling bleeding and, further, to achieve hemostasis. The entire vascular compression apparatus may then be discarded after use.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air cushion unit (2) of single use type for stopping bleeding. The unit (2) comprises a base plate (4) and an inflatable air cushion (8) attached to the base plate (4). The air cushion (8) comprises a reinforced portion (16), integral with the cushion surface, and extending radially along the inside of the cushion, and corresponding to an area of contact with a wound site.

Abstract: The device comprises a treatment cylinder (1) into which one extremity (E) is placed for treatment of a peripheral circulatory disorder and subjected to hyperbaric and hypobaric phases. Said treatment cylinder has one end (B) that is hermetically closed, and on the other end (A) supports a sleeve (C) that consists of a thick-walled rubber disk (4) which on its flat sides is covered by thin-walled, highly elastic rubber membranes (6, 7).

Abstract: An automatic portable ambulant miniaturized system for applying pneumatic pressure to a body limb including a portable ambulant hand-held fluid source unit, a conduit for delivering fluid generated by the unit, and a sleeve coupled to the conduit and adapted to envelop a body limb. The sleeve contains one or more individually inflatable cells, each cell being subdivided into two or more longitudinally extending confluent compartments along the axis of the body limb. The compartments are inflated and deflated essentially simultaneously by the portable fluid source unit.

Abstract: A device for applying pressure to a body limb comprises a sleeve containing individually inflatable cells, each cell being subdivided into longitudinally extending confluent compartments that are inflated and deflated essentially simultaneously. A messaging sleeve, an inflation unit for intermittent inflation of selected cells of the sleeve, and a detecting unit for detecting a temporo-spatial regime of cell inflation are provided. Applications include immobilization of fractured bones, and messaging of limbs to promote blood flow.

Abstract: A male urinary incontinence control device (10) including a first element (12) for applying preferential pressure to the penis shaft (14) between the lateral superficial veins (18) and the central dorsal vascular group (20), and a second element (28) for applying pressure ventrally to the penis shaft (14) at the urethra (30) and the corpus spongiosum (32) thereby substantially or completely closing the urethra (30) and preventing or limiting the flow of urine through the urethra (30). Both longitudinally and transversely oriented lower bolsters are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is a nasal dilator (1) for dilating a first and a second nasal passage of a nose of an animal, including a first member (2) and a second member (4) for inserting in the nostrils of the animal and maintained in a spaced-apart relationship with attachment arms (8,10) to maintain the dilator in place.

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 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. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

Abstract: The nasal dilator of this invention comprises a truss which includes a resilient spring member secured between a base layer and a cover member. The cover member extends beyond the perimeter of the spring member for maximum adherence of the truss to the outer skin surface of the nose of a wearer. The lateral sides of the dilator are angled to correspond to the line where the nose meets the cheek, and a separation, projection, or other index marker is formed member midway between the end edges of the truss, to assist centering the dilator on the nose. In one embodiment the spring member is formed with end pairs of resilient spring fingers configured to provide dilating force to the vestibule area of the nose, in addition to the valve area.

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 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. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

Abstract: A fracture reduction clamp for the reduction of a fractured bone. The fracture reduction clamp is particularly suitable for surgical procedures wherein a bone having a fracture is to be fixated with a fixation apparatus after reduction of the bone with a strap. The fracture reduction clamp includes a bifurcated strap guiding head for contacting and firmly gripping the fractured bone, and a strap retainer disposed between the strap guiding head and a rotatable strap tensioner for retaining the ends of the strap being used to reduce the fractured bone. The strap guiding head can include a retractable spike for enhancing the grip of the fractured bone by the fracture reduction clamp. Rotation of the strap tensioner will tighten or loosen the strap about the fractured bone.

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 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. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering a medicinal agent to a treatment site within a limb of a patient. An infusion catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and advanced to the treatment site. To prevent blood flow through the treatment site from carrying away the medicinal agent, the blood flow in the limb is stopped by applying external pressure with a constriction device, such as a pressure cuff or a tourniquet, and/or with a balloon on the catheter. The medicinal agent is then injected through the catheter. Optionally, the infusion process is repeated in successive cycles that are separated by a rest period in which blood flow in the limb is allowed to resume. A controller automates the process. Preferably a distal constriction device is used to prevent the medicinal agent from flowing out of the treatment area into tissue distal of the treatment area.

Abstract: The present invention provides an external counterpulsation apparatus and computer-implemented system for recording patient information for a patient who is receiving treatment from an external counterpulsation device. A patient treatment data structure stores treatment information for one or more patients receiving treatment and a computing device connected to the external counterpulsation device controls operation of the external counterpulsation device and receives the treatment information. The patient data structure also may store demographic information for one or more patients receiving treatment. The computing device receives the treatment information and patient demographic information, and stores the received information in the patient data structure. The computing device is able to output and communicate the treatment information and patient demographic information.

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 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. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

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 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. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

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 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. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

Abstract: Limb protection sleeve matches a specific tourniquet cuff for application to limbs having circumferences between minimum and a maximum circumference so that the sleeve, after application to a limb of minimum circumference, stretches elastically and so that the sleeve, after application to a limb of maximum circumference, applies a pressure to the limb that is less than a predetermined maximum pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a belt for fixing a pelvis having a length which is adjustable to a user's physique. The belt suspends patches, made of rubber or soft pliable synthetic resin, on the right and left concavities located between the right and left projecting parts of the ilium and the right and left greater trochanter parts of the femurs.

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 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. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

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 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. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

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 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. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

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: An orthotic device for treating heel pain associated with Plantar Fasciitis is disclosed, comprised of a flexible heel cup shoe insert with a bar-shaped member extending laterally across the bottom sole portion of the device and located under the heel-arch connection of a person's foot when worn by the person in order to apply continuous accupressure to the calcaneus-midtarsal connection area and thus alleviate pain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vein compressing device comprising a pressure hose cuff and a pressure source as well as a pressure adjusting auxiliary means for detecting and/or adjusting the internal pressure of the cuff to a predetermined value. This pressure value causes a compressive force to act via the pressure hose cuff on the upper arm of a patient to be treated, the compressive force being large enough to cause a squeezing off of a vein while the flow area of an artery is maintained at least partly.