Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the patency of tubing in a pneumatic medical device including: an inflatable appliance for positioning onto the surface of a limb and adapted to apply pressure to the limb beneath the appliance when inflated with gas; tubing for establishing a pneumatic conduit between the inflatable appliance and a pressure control system. The pressure control system for supplies the tubing with gas at a controlled pressure. The pressure control system includes a pulse generating system for generating a pneumatic pulse at a sensing location in the tubing by producing a variation in the pressure of the gas at the sensing location during a finite time interval. A tubing patency monitoring system is adapted to sense the variation of pneumatic pressure at the sensing location and produce a tubing obstruction signal when the variation of pneumatic pressure sensed after the finite time interval exceeds a reference level.

Abstract: To control the reflex response of a muscle or muscular group articulating a joint of a living body, the method and device apply an external pressure to the mechano-receptors guiding the natural reflex mechanism of the muscle or muscular group. The mechano-receptors include skin mechano-receptors and deeper joint mechano-receptors. To increase the reflex response of the muscle or muscular group, a light pressure intensity.ltoreq.200 mmHg is applied to stimulate only the skin mechano-receptors and thereby increase the reflex response of the muscle or muscular group. To inhibit the reflex response of the muscle or muscular group, a high pressure intensity.gtoreq.400 mmHg is applied to stimulate the deeper joint mechano-receptors such as the Golgi tendons to thereby increase the reflex response of the muscle or muscular group.

Abstract: An injection clamp for lifting and holding skin on an upper arm comprising: a pair of mating parallel elongated jaw members; a pair of mating arm members hinged together at one end, each arm member having a hinge end portion which carries an elongate jaw member extending laterally therefrom, each arm member having a rounded central portion adapted to extend around one side of the upper arm, and a spring end portion, said spring end portion being the end of the arm member opposite the hinge end; and, tension spring extending between the spring end portions of the pair of mating arm members is disclosed. The unique design of the clamp allows one to single handedly slide the clamp over the upper arm, open the spring end portion thereof with one's fingers, and then while pulling the elongate jaw members towards the arm--allow the spring end portion to close so that the skin is pinched between the elongate jaw members.

Abstract: A cupping instrument comprises a vacuum cup integrally comprising an outlet hole at one end thereof, an annular socket concentrically surrounding the outlet hole, and a cylindrical tubular extension extending from the one end and surrounding the outlet hole and the annular socket. A suction valve for opening and closing the outlet hole is disposed in the annular socket and comprises a sealing disk, a centrally disposed die-cut valve disk, an annular outer portion surrounding the valve disk, and at least one bridge integrally connecting the annular outer portion to the valve disk. An aspirator is connected to the vacuum cup, the aspirator comprising an aspirator cylinder detachably mounted in the cylindrical tubular extension and having a forward end wall facing the outlet hole and defining an aspirating opening concentrically surrounding the outlet hole.

Abstract: A nasal dilator that prevents the outer wall tissue of the nasal passages of the nose from drawing in during breathing comprises a truss member. The truss member includes a flexible strip of material having a first end region, a second end region and an intermediate segment. The first and second end regions are adapted to engage the outer wall tissue of first and second nasal passages of the nose. The intermediate segment is configured to traverse a portion of a nose located between the first and second nasal passages, and a pad can be provided to prevent adhesion of the intermediate segment to the nose. The truss member further includes first and second resilient bands secured to the strip of material adjacent opposite edges of the intermediate segment. The resiliency of the first and second resilient bands acts to stabilize the outer wall tissue and thereby prevents the outer wall tissue of the first and second nasal passages from drawing in during breathing.

Abstract: This invention introduces a system which allows a low level of pressure to be applied to the wound site in order to prevent bleeding during a stable period. Some models of this unit also give the option of allowing the unit to be inflated in order to increase the pressure in the area and stop bleeding if it occurs later. Automatic ways of recognizing bleeding are also introduced that utilize a computerized means of recognition and/or application of a set of proper reactions after bleeding, and an automated pressure application as well. It is believed that this unit will help human beings significantly.

Abstract: A device for localized bone manipulation in the pelvic area of the human body includes a base member. Structure is included within the base member for generating a laterally directed force on each ilium. The structure is disposed substantially parallel to the sacroiliac joints to direct a force generally perpendicular to the sacroiliac joints to thereby spread the pair of ilia apart.

Abstract: The present invention provides a male urethral closure pad or clamp device that is designed to stop or minimize the involuntary loss of urine in men. The male urethral closure pad or clamp device of the present invention consists of a first strap and a second strap. The first strap includes a first end and a second end. Centrally located on the inside surface of the first strap is an inclusion pad. The second pad is fabricated from an elastic like material and is secured to the outside surface of the first strap. Utilization of the device occurs when the inclusion pad is placed under the urethra canal. This will enable the first end and the second end to wrap around the penis to render for the first end to overlap the second end. The second strap is wrapped completely around and is secured to the first strap via a securing member.

Abstract: A rolling tourniquet is provided including releasably connected ends. The tourniquet is longitudinally elastic, flexible and circular in cross section. Further, the tourniquet is highly resistant to radial deformation and the releasably connected ends include releasably joined end connecting members which may be quickly releasably jointed together against separation and quickly disconnected, when desired.

Abstract: A configuration register is incorporated into an electrically powered tourniquet apparatus for enabling an operator to change the values of parameters initially employed at the time of the next use of the apparatus, such as the initial pressure settings and elapsed time limits. These changed initial values of parameters are stored in memory and remain there despite inadvertent or intentional interruption of electrical power to the apparatus. An event register provides capability for recording the occurrence of events (cuff inflation, cuff deflation, etc.) and for relating the occurrence of the events to hazards and undesirable outcomes such as nerve damage associated with tourniquet usage.

Abstract: A haemostatic pressure pad is described which includes a plinth-like body having a first finger portion and a second finger portion. The first finger portion has a first end and a second end. The second finger portion has a first end and a second end. The first finger portion and the second finger portion are conjoined at the respective second ends. The first finger portion is larger than the second finger portion. The plinth-like body has a contact face and an attachment face. A boss is positioned on the attachment face of the first finger portion for attaching the plinth-like body to an haemostatic compression device. A channel is positioned between the first finger and the second finger. The channel extends inwardly from the respective first ends of the first finger and the second finger, terminating at the conjoined respective second ends. The channel passes through the plinth-like body from the contact face to the attachment face.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a wheeled base, a vertical pole mounted on the base, and upper and lower, elongate, horizontal arms extending from the support member. The apparatus can be rolled up to a surgical bed so that the outer end of the upper arm is positioned over the patient on the bed and the outer end of the lower arm is located beneath the bed below the patient. Each arm is slidably mounted on the pole. Each arm carries quick-acting first means for disengagably locking the arm to the support member to prevent sliding movement and quick-acting second means for temporarily disengaging the first means and incrementally advancing the arm along the support member. Thus the arms can be quickly moved to bracket the patient and bed underside, then locked and advanced incrementally to clamp against the bed and patient. The apparatus is useful for clamping open arterial incisions to stop bleeding.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating edema by applying pressure to a patient's limb includes a sleeve that is surroundingly engageable with the limb, and the sleeve includes a plurality of flexible open-ended cells for holding respective individually inflatable replaceable bladders. Also, a fluid pump is in fluid communication with each of the bladders. The apparatus also includes a plurality of electrically-operated bladder valves, and each valve is disposed between the pump and a respective one of the bladders for selectively establishing a respective pathway for fluid communication between the pump and the associated bladder. A computer individually controls each valve to variably pressurize the bladders in a variable sequence. The computer also includes means for determining the girth of the limb being treated, and to periodically monitor the apparatus for fluid leaks.

Abstract: Acupressure clamps include a U-shape band having opposite end portions respectively provided with a pressure applying screw and a spherical counterabutment. The end portions can be parallel with a line of action of the screw extending through the protuberance for application of pressure to precisely opposite portions of a foot or, the end portions can diverge for simultaneous application of pressures along non aligned axes at two locations on a back of a hand. Another device for the leg below the knee or the sole of the foot has a body engaging, arcuate plate carrying a pressure screw and mounted on a fastening strap. A device for the big toe is a socket with a pressure screw and a device for smaller toes is a clip.

Abstract: Limb surgery and intravenous regional anesthesia are facilitated with a tourniquet cuff apparatus that includes an inflatable member constructed in a way that restricts the tendency of the cuff to roll along the limb to which it is applied. The locating strip is included for permitting a user to accurately and consistently apply the cuff at a fixed distance from an anatomical reference site. In one embodiment two overlapped inflatable cuff bladders are used for distributing pressure over a greater length along the limb for lowering the maximum pressure needed to be applied to the limb.

Abstract: An overlapping occlusive cuff has an inflatable bladder and a sheath for containing the inflatable bladder, wherein the sheath has a length sufficient to encircle a limb and overlap on itself in a substantially circumferential direction around the limb. First and second means are provided for securing the overlapping sheath in a substantially circumferential direction around the limb such that the sheath remains overlapped and secured by the second means if the first means does not engage or becomes ineffective while the bladder is inflated to a pressure sufficient to occlude flow in blood vessels in the limb encircled by the overlapping sheath.

Abstract: A compression apparatus for synthetic induction of bloodlessness at an extremity of the patient or for intravenous local anesthesia can have automatic blood pressure measurement controlling a microprocessor which regulates the valve leading to the compression sleeve automatically. Upon a failure of the automatic control system, a manual pressure control valve is brought into play and allows manual adjustment of the compression pressure in the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compression device for selectively applying compressive force to a localized area of interest on the surface of a body that is readily positioned and fastened in place. The device includes a resilient compressible element positioned on a relatively rigid member associated with a clamping frame that at least partially surrounds a limb or other body area of interest. An adjustable closure means is provided for adjustably completing the clamp arrangement to completely enclose said bodily region of interest in a manner that enables the compressible element to be applied to the precise site of interest. The adjustable closure element permits accommodating bodily parts such as limbs of various size and facilitates adjustment of the compressive pressure applied. The device may take a variety of embodiment forms.

Abstract: The arrangement comprises a head which is mounted displaceably in the vertical direction on a swing arm on an upright member which can be fastened to the bottom frame of a hospital bed. The head is equipped with two pressure rods to whose lower end a pressure shoe is attached with a limited amount of swing and covered on the underside with a skid-proof material. The pressure rods can be moved from a starting position to a working position in which the pressure shoes rest against a compress in which position the pressure shoes exert equally large pressures in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction of one pressure shoe towards the other. The arrangement can replace the manual work of closing an operation wound after a stab insertion into arteria femoralis or vena femoralis, and it is consequently labor-saving.

Abstract: A single-use disposable phlebotomy venous tourniquet formed from a strip of elastic fabric material. Such fabric may be initially selected or treated with a polymeric or elastomeric material to provide surfaces having predetermined frictional characteristics to minimize slippage and discomfort to the patient and to facilitate ease of use in knotting and releasing the tourniquet.

Abstract: Apparatus in the form of a trocar adapted for penetration of the wall of a blood vessel, such as the ascending aorta, contains an inflatable diaphragm carried in a collapsed condition within the interior of the trocar and an appropriate fluid connection of the diaphragm to a source of inflating fluid effects the expansion of the diaphragm and release from the trocar into occluding relation with the blood vessel wall to obstruct the flow of blood through the occluded passage.

Abstract: A method and device for nasolacrimal duct occlusion during eye medication provides a device having a pair of joined legs terminating in angled elements for fitting into the medial canthal area and compressing the nasolacrimal ducts. The device is placed over the nasal bridge during, and for a short time after, eye medication.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures. The instrument includes a handle portion, an endoscopic portion extending from the handle portion, an articulating section pivotably connected to a distal end portion of the endoscopic portion, and a retractor assembly operatively associated with the articulating section. Structure is provided for manipulating the articulating section relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscopic portion within an angular degree of rotation. An injection port may also be provided to deliver fluids through the endoscopic portion to the operative site.

Abstract: This application introduces an improved and modified version of previously applied means of prevention from bleeding by this applicant. The previous applications were as follows D. Device, Pressure bandages and dressings, Device 2, D. Device 3, and D. Device 4 which were all primarily designed for this purpose. Here again wraps are primarily made from a non-stretchable material although elastic materials are introduced in which these wraps will allow the application of pressure by an inflatable balloon, fluid-filled bag, or even a hard proper plate to certain wounds on the body to prevent bleeding and related complications. In this application it is stressed that the front part of these units on the wound will be made clear to allow visualization of the wound. A hard plastic is also introduced to be placed in front of the balloon or on the wound site. Many other modifications are introduced as well. The inventor believes that these units will be very useful in this regard.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method for wound dressing are provided for application with all sizes and shapes of wounds, particularly lacerations and deep and ragged cuts. The medical apparatus includes a compressed pad that expands as it absorbs body fluid from the wound and a backing member that increases the pressure applied to the body part as the compressed pad expands. The medical apparatus applies pressure to the wound of at least 0.4 psi.

Abstract: Apparatus in the form of a trocar adapted for penetration of the wall of a blood vessel, such as the ascending aorta, contains an inflatable diaphragm carried in a collapsed condition within the interior of the trocar and an appropriate fluid connection of the diaphragm to a source of inflating fluid effects the expansion of the diaphragm and release from the trocar into occluding relation with the blood vessel wall to obstruct the flow of blood through the occluded passage.

Abstract: A medical device for forming an external extension of the pneumoperitoneum, thus allowing the surgeon more flexibility in a surgical procedure. The device includes an enclosure and an elastically deformable flange or ring at an open end of the enclosure. The flange/ring is deformed and inserted into a trocar puncture site, upon which it deploys against the inner surface of the abdominal wall. By maintaining a gentle lifting force on the external portion of the device (this being essentially a balloon shape) the neck of the device forms a seal between the opening in the abdominal wall and the `balloon`, allowing the insufflation gas to inflate the external `balloon` or `bubble` portion of the device. Once inflated, the internal pressure maintains the device in a stable shape. The device includes one or more valved openings which allow access to the interior of the balloon, and hence the abdominal cavity.

Abstract: A bracelet-like appliance for the treatment or prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome includes a C-shaped member having a central portion located over the dorsal side of the wrist and two arms encircling the wrist. Each arm has a pad for engaging the palm near the attachment edges of the carpal ligament at the medial border and the lateral border of the carpal bones. The bracelet also includes a pad attached to the central portion for engaging the dorsal part of the wrist. The member is shaped to cause the pad attached to the central portion to press against the dorsal side of the wrist while the ends of each arm press in the opposite direction on the edges of the palm. The C-shaped member is a single piece of resilient, malleable material, such as aluminum, or is divided into sections interconnected by spring loaded hinges.

Abstract: Bleeding from a wound created as a consequence of catheterization of a vessel proximate the groin is prevented by a balloon that is secured by means of a wrap around the abdomen and thigh, and inflated. Several embodiments are disclosed. In one, the balloon has an edge proximate to and parallel with the groin line; in another, there are two such balloons on opposite sides of the groin line; in a third, a third balloon wedges the first two. The balloons may be attached to the insides of shorts. Electrodes placed over the area can detect bleeding.

Abstract: A clip to be attached to an ear for alleviating pain includes a first plate having a rough inner surface for placing on a front portion of the ear, a second plate having a smooth inner surface for placing on a rear portion of the ear and an elongated spring connector having one end attached to the first plate and the other end attached to the second plate. The rough inner surface of the first plate has bumps substantially covering the surface. The first and second plates may have differently shaped peripheral contours from each other, and the outer surface of each plate is smooth. The elongated spring connector includes a pair of curved arm portions and a U-shaped portion therebetween, and the arm portions cross each other distally from the U-shaped portion. The spring connector includes a pair of tab portions spaced opposite to each other for pressing together against the force of the spring to open the clip and for releasing to close the clip.

Abstract: An acupressure glove includes upper and lower skins which closely adhere to the back and palm of a hand, respectively, when worn by a user, the skins defining a cavity therebetween for receiving a hand; a plurality of receiving holes in the upper and lower skins; a plurality of hollow acupressure protuberances for applying acupressure to the hand, the protuberances being positioned within the cavity in association with selected receiving holes, each acupressure protuberance including a flat sheet portion which lies against the inner surface of one skin, a narrow neck portion extending toward the other skin from the flat sheet portion and a bulbous portion extending toward the other skin from the narrow neck portion, the narrow neck portion and the bulbous portion being hollow and the flat sheet portion having an opening which opens into the narrow neck portion; and a plurality of securing protuberances extending into the receiving holes and engaged within the plurality of hollow acupressure protuberances, res

Abstract: A compression device for applying compressive pressures against a patient's limb through means of a flexible, pressurizable sleeve which encloses a limb. The compression device has a pressure control apparatus which includes a microprocessor, a driver circuit and a flow control valve having a stepper motor attached thereto. The microprocessor is programmed to control pressure to the sleeve in conjunction with the driver circuit and the flow control valve by actuating the stepper motor. The microprocessor compares a signal generated by a pressure transducer to a preselected pressure value, it then generates an electrical signal to a driver circuit which in turn sends pulses to the stepper motor to automatically adjust the flow control valve, thus, controlling the flow of fluid therethrough so as to maintain a preselected pressure applied to the limb by the pressure chamber of the sleeve.

Abstract: The devices have various features including balloons that are joined by a line of folding parallel with the groin line and a wrap for holding the balloons that has a similar line of folding, but is unconstrained between abdomen- and thigh-wrap portions so as to allow the person to sit up and lie down while balloon pressure is maintained on the groin. Another feature is a stretchable layer of wrap that includes zig-zag elements that allow limited stretch and then prevent further stretch. Rigid covers can be used over the balloons. The balloons are also used with shorts that can be worn by the person.

Abstract: A therapeutic wrap is securable in an operative orientation around the forearm for relieving stress of the myofascial structures caused by repetitive motion and vibration trauma, such as "tennis elbow". The wrap has a circumference sufficient to encircle the forearm of a user and includes a pocket for accommodating a pressure pad having plural parallel aligned elongate chambers. The parallel aligned chambers of the pressure pad extend lengthwise in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the forearm when the appliance is secured in the operative orientation. The pressure pad may be formed of an air bladder having plural parallel air chambers and a valve mechanism for allowing the user to increase an air pressure contained within the air bladder chambers.

Abstract: A manual assist apparatus and method for obtaining hemostasis of a wound on luminal tissue, such as a femoral artery puncture, after a cannulated procedure such as angioplasty. This apparatus has a substantially cylindrically shaped handle with a rod extending downward into a sterile disposable disk member. The disk member is placed just above the catheter insertion site with catheter inside a notch of the disk member for proper pressure point for compression of artery, as the catheter is inside of the artery. The catheter is then removed from artery and pressure applied to the handle in downward direction to force the disk member to compress the artery for the purpose of controlling arterial bleeding and to obtain hemostasis. The weight of the cylindrically shaped handle assists the practitioner with above mentioned compression task. The disk member may then be discarded after use.

Abstract: The invention creates an elastic variable tension medical device that relieves pain due to injury, disease, ailment, infirmity, condition, or the like. The elastic variable tension medical device is comprised of multiple strips of elastic material stacked one on top of another and forming a stack of elastic strips. Hook and loop fasteners are attached to each end of the elastic variable tension medical device for securing the elastic variable tension medical device around a part of the body. Reinforcing ribs on the elastic variable tension medical device provide increased strength and reduce folding and binding of the elastic material. The elastic variable tension medical device is wrapped around an appropriate part of the body with sufficient tension to relieve the targeted pain. It is adjusted by the user to achieve the desired pain relief.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vein spotter which consists of a flexible band which has a buckle attached to one end and a hook and pile Velcro type of fastener mounted on a first surface. A plurality of protrusion members are mounted on the second surface of the band. The buckle and the hook and pile fastener allow the flexible band to be formed into a loop encircling a limb with the protrusion members pushing into skin, displacing tissue into spaces formed between the projecting members and causing superficial veins to distend and become visible.

Abstract: The artery clamp of the invention includes a base which has an elongate rod mounted normal thereto. An elongate sleeve having a central bore is carried on the rod. The sleeve includes a channel which extends the length thereof, which channel has an axially extending slot along at least a portion of its length. The rod is received in the central bore to allow rotation of the sleeve relative to the base of the artery clamp. An arm structure extends laterally outwardly from the sleeve and includes an extensible portion which is laterally adjustable relative to the sleeve and which includes a mechanism for carrying a pressure pad thereon.

Abstract: A adjustable clamping device for applying pressure to a puncture site of an artery. The clamping device has a radial arm movably supported on a column which extends from a base. A carrier movably mounted on the end of the arm supports a pressure pad. The radial arm extends in a parallel attitude over the base and may be adjusted vertically upwardly and downwardly in reference to the base and may also be pivoted in reference to the column. Lateral movement of the arm facilitates positioning the pressure pad over the puncture site. A releasable feed mechanism on the arm controls movement of the carrier and thus the pressure pad. With the feed mechanism engaged, rotation of the carrier provides a controlled feeding of the carrier relative to the arm. With the feed mechanism disengaged, the carrier may be rapidly advanced or retracted. Independent locking mechanisms are provided for clamping of the lateral movement of the arm separate from the vertical and pivotal movements.

Abstract: An elongated elastic cylindrical member joined at its opposite ends to form an annular member is provided. The annular member is designed for disposition about a body limb near the end thereof adjacent the torso and with the annular member circumferentially stretched and exerting a heavy radial inward pressure upon the limb at least substantially the full length of an elongated zone extending completely about the associated limb with the inward force of the annular member on the limb being sufficient to locally compress not only limb veins closely adjacent the skin surface but also arteries spaced further beneath the limb surface.

Abstract: An improved method and device are disclosed for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome. Direct pressure is applied to the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the base of the wrist. Application of 100-200 mm mercury pressure to the nerve for thirty seconds produces numbness and paresthesias in the distribution of the median nerve distal to the carpal tunnel in patients having anatomic evidence of carpal tunnel syndrome. The disclosed device is a clamp having an opposing wrist support member and pressure application member. The distance between the support and pressure application members can be varied to alter the amount of pressure applied to the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Use of the disclosed method and device provides a much more sensitive and specific clinical test for carpal tunnel syndrome than could previously be obtained with Phalen's test or Tinel's sign. Clinical use of this test can, in some cases, eliminate the need for electromyographic studies.

Abstract: A hemostasis pressure pad band is shown and described including a controllably adjustable band for tightening about a patient's limb and a needle site contacting pad which bears against a needle site at the time of needle removal to prevent bleeding therefrom. The pad includes a pair of cheek formations which define a channel along and in which a graft is positioned prior to needle removal. The channel formation may further include a ridge formation of its base and along its length which further defines side channels for better permitting circulation while engaging the needle site. The pad also includes a notch formation at one end of the channel for accommodating the inclined needle at the needle site prior to its removal.

Abstract: After intervention of the vessels in the groin, a routine procedure is to apply pressure by a sand bag to prevent bleeding.The device of the present invention is a better solution for this problem. It consists of a wrap which covers the groin area to support a specifically shaped pressure balloon when it is inflated. The balloon is inside a cover and the pressure inside it can easily be changed and monitored. A mesh inside a plastic tube may help to watch for bleeding. By using this wrap, a patient no longer need be motionless, and may even be allowed to stand if needed.

Abstract: A manual compression aid for applying direct pressure to arterial and venous punctures to obtain hemostasis includes an integrally formed pressure applicator having a relatively flat first surface adapted for contact with a human body and having a user manipulable member for holding the pressure applicator and for applying force thereto. In one embodiment, the user manipulable member is a peg extending upwardly from the first surface. The peg not only is manipulatable by a user to manually apply pressure to a puncture site, but also functions to receive a separate cylindrical weight. The weight is pivotally mounted on the peg so that it can swivel. A stretchable bandage is used to secure and stabilize the weight in place. The bandage, being held above the puncture by the pressure applicator and the weight, also acts to supply pressure to the puncture site.

Abstract: A slide fastener splicing band for use in splicing a therapeutic compression device embodying a plurality of parallel compression bands for applying compression to a body or a limb and from which intermediate portions of the compression bands are removed to shorten them to the desired lengths for encompassing the body or limb to which compression is to be applied. A therapeutic compression device embodying a slide fastener splicing tape to facilitate removal of the therapeutic compression device from the body or limb and reapplication of the device to the body or limb.

Abstract: An acupuncture treatment pad includes a flexible backing sheet having a multiplicity of similarly constructed rigid blocks at spaced points along the sheet surface. Each block has at least one tapered protuberance extending away from the sheet surface to form a relatively sharp edge or point; each protuberance can be a conical needle element, or alternately, a triangular cross-section knife element. When the pad is held under pressure against a person's body the sharpened protuberances act as acupuncture elements to stimulate nerve endings under the skin, thereby increasing the blood circulation and relieving pain experienced in damaged tissue deprived of adequate blood flow.

Abstract: A surgical instrument useful for performing Caesarean sections including a frame of stiff, springy material connected to a handle at either end of its long direction, the frame being dish-shaped with its convex side facing the handle, the frame being used by being pressed firmly against the uterus wall and an incision is made in the open center of the frame whereby uterine blood vessels are compressed and bleeding in the field of the operation is diminished.

Abstract: An arterial manometric dressing includes a pressure applying assembly having a pressure pad at a lower end thereof. A Doppler probe for determining blood flow in an artery forms part of the pressure applying assembly and engages an upper wall of the pressure pad, through which ultrasound signals are adapted to be transmitted. The pad also has a lower surface spaced from the upper surface for engaging a patient in a region for apply a pressure to an artery, and a fluid for transmitting ultrasound signals to and from the Doppler probe is disposed between the upper and lower walls of the pad. The dressing also employs a pressure indicating device for indicating the amount of pressure being applied to the artery. The invention also resides in the fluid-filled pressure pad, both alone and in combination with the Doppler probe.

Abstract: A contractile stocking element (10) intended to form together with further stocking elements of the same type a compression sleeve for peristaltically treating patients' lower extremities, consists of a hose to be disposed around the patient's limb and which is made from flexible material, the hose being substantially more flexible in its longitudinal direction than in its transverse direction, and carrying a fabric strip (12) with hooking means of the Velcro-type (13) at the ends of the strip and being intended to constrict around the patient's limb upon establishment of a partial vacuum in the interior of the hose. The individual stocking elements of the compression sleeve are activated sequentially by a control arrangement with a sequence control circuit.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a mastectomy compression surgical brassiere having as a component a mastectomy brassiere having a pair of camisole shoulder straps and lined brassiere cups, a rectangular compression pad sewn to the inside of the front of the brassiere at substantially its mid point, the rectangular compression pad is covered with a soft porous VELCRO pile looped structure on its external surface lined with a soft fabric, and has an elastic return force band having a portion of a VELCRO hook fabric fastener fabric secured on the side of said return force band away from the body of said compression pad adapted to engage the loops of the VELCRO pile structure cover on said compression pad to retain surgical gauze pads against the incision between the body and the compression pad, and wherein a loop fabric type hook and fastener fabric is secured to the elastic return force band positioned to attach the VELCRO hooks on the return force band to said brassiere to retain the compression pad of