Abstract: A therapeutic ischemic and reperfusion device with an associated monitoring system for generally enhancing the vascular and metabolic environment and wellbeing of a subject. A method for the treatment and prophylaxis of various medical conditions including environmental induced oxidative stress using the therapeutic ischemic and reperfusion device and associated monitoring system is also contemplated herein. The method uses an inflatable cuff around the limb or torso of a subject operated by a controller configured to inflate and deflate the cuff. The monitoring system is used to monitor the physical and metabolic environments of the subject during and subsequent to the ischemia and reperfusion.

Abstract: Methods for adaptive cuff inflation for the purposes of occluding a limb of a subject include inflating a cuff to a pressure at or above limb occlusion pressure and periodically deflating the cuff to detect amplitude of oscillometric oscillations reaching or exceeding a predetermined threshold, whereby indicating that the cuff pressure has reached an updated systolic blood pressure. Selecting the cuff to be wide enough to define limb occlusion pressure at or below the systolic blood pressure assures that this maneuver does not compromise cessation of blood flow to the limb. Devices are disclosed configured to operate in at least two of the following three operating modes: a tourniquet mode, a remote conditioning mode and a blood pressure monitoring mode.

Abstract: A tourniquet hazard suppressor suppresses an action initiated by a user of a surgical tourniquet system having a touchscreen user interface if implementation of that action by the system may be hazardous to a surgical patient.

Abstract: A method for augmenting blood flow in a limb that is wrapped with a sleeve having at least one chamber for applying compression to the limb in a region generally underlying the chamber includes pressurizing the chamber to a first compression pressure and then reducing the pressure to a refill pressure. Pressure in the chamber is then sensed to determine a first venous refill time. The preceding steps are repeated a second and other times using second and other compression pressures that are different from the first compression pressure and from each other to determine second and other venous refill times. A customized compression pressure is determined by locating the compression pressure at which blood flow out of the region generally underlying the chamber is maximized by finding compression pressure at a maximum venous refill time. A compression device employing such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating the distance of penetration (66) of arterial blood into a portion of a patient limb (6) encircled by a tourniquet cuff (2) comprising a cuff (2), a physiologic transducer (24), estimation means (74) and control means (70). The physiologic transducer (24) is associated with the cuff (2) and adapted for sensing a physiologic parameter indicative of penetration of arterial blood into the limb portion (6) encircled by the cuff (2) while blood flow past the limb portion (6) is stopped. The estimation means (74) responds to an output of the physiologic transducer (24) and produces an estimate of penetration of arterial blood past the proximal edge (60) of the cuff (2). The control means (70) responds to the estimation means (74) for facilitating the control of the pressure applied to the patient limb (6) by the cuff (2) to stop the flow of blood in the artery (58) by maintaining the estimated distance of penetration (66) near a selected penetration distance.

Abstract: An inflation-deflation device for tourniquet comprising: a barrel (11) and a plunger (12) fitting tightly within the barrel (11). A connecting rod (13) is fixed at one end of the plunger (12). The barrel (11) is fixedly connected at its bottom to a short tube (10). The short tube (10) is connected to the interior space of the barrel (11). The connecting rod (13) having a cruciform cross-section structure, a baffle (16) is perpendicularly fixed to the two sides opposite each other from the central axis of the structure. Connected on the barrel (11) is a clasp (15), the clasp (15) is fixedly connected to the barrel (11) and extends into the interior surface of the barrel (11). The inflation-deflation device has a distinctively designed inflation hole connection tip, to prevent confusion with a standard Luer connection of an ordinary liquid syringe, and also has a distinctively designed deflation limit, to control effectively the volume of gas discharged in a single deflation, and to prevent mishandling.

Abstract: A dual mode automatic device for delivery of remote ischemic preconditioning treatment includes a cuff and a controller configured to deliver a first regular treatment protocol or a second extended treatment protocol. Switching to an extended treatment protocol may be done by an operator for selected groups of patients such as elderly or patients with diabetes. Automatic determination of the best mode is also disclosed. Optimal delivery of remote ischemic preconditioning treatment in this individualized patient-specific manner provides strong ischemic protection to a greater number of patients.

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 low-cost contour cuff for surgical tourniquet systems comprises: a sheath containing an inflatable bladder, the sheath having an arcuate shape, an outer surface and a centerline equidistant between first and second side edges; a securing strap non-releasably attached to the outer surface and formed of substantially inextensible material having a shape that is predetermined and substantially flat, wherein the strap includes a bending portion near a first strap end and a fastening portion near a second strap end, and wherein the bending portion is adapted to allow twisting of the bending portion out of the substantially flat shape to facilitate positioning of the fastening portion into any of a plurality of positions in the substantially flat shape; and fastening means for releasably attaching the fastening portion of the securing strap to the outer surface whenever the sheath is curved into a position for surrounding a 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 method to stop bleeding at a puncture site of an artery on a wrist of a patient comprises wrapping a flexible band of a hemostatic device around the wrist of the patient, wherein the hemostatic device also includes a curved plate, a balloon and a marker used to position the balloon at the puncture site, and wherein the flexible band, the curved plate and the balloon are substantially transparent. The wrapping of the flexible band around the wrist of the patient involves wrapping the flexible band around the wrist of the patient while the balloon is in an uninflated state. The wrapping can also take place while an introducer sheath is in place at the puncture site. The method also involves using the marker to position balloon relative to the puncture site such that the balloon overlies the puncture site, introducing a fluid into the balloon and inflating the balloon, and maintaining inflation of the balloon and compression against the puncture site.

Abstract: A system for controlling blood flow through a zone of a patient limb, the zone being bounded by a proximal end and a distal end, comprises: a cuff configured for securing to the limb and for covering the zone, the cuff providing pressure to the zone for occluding the flow of blood flowing through the zone in the direction from the proximal to distal ends of the zone; an array of sensors fitting between the cuff and the limb and arranged for sensing and signaling the amount of penetration of blood flow into the zone; and a control instrument connected to the array and to the cuff for regulating the pressure in the cuff to occlude the blood flow in the zone depending upon the amount of blood flow penetration signaled by the array.

Abstract: A device to compress the limb of a living being includes a user interface, a programmable logic controller, a power source, a source of fluidic pressure, valves with ports in fluidic connection with the source of fluidic pressure, other valves, and a first and second inflatable bladders, wherein the programmable logic controller is programmed to cause the repeating sequence of inflating the first inflatable bladder by manipulating the ports of the valves, after a first preset period of time, deflating the first inflatable bladder and allowing the pressure within the first inflatable bladder to inflate partially the second inflatable bladder by manipulating the ports of the valves. The source of fluidic pressure can be a self-contained pump, a connection to fluidic pressure in a health care facility, or a pressurized canister. The power source can be a battery. The device may extend the life of the power source.

Abstract: An ABPI measurement system includes two cuffs for each ankle and two cuffs for each arm of a patient. Each cuff has chambers. The four cuffs are applied to each limb (or finger or toe), each chamber is inflated simultaneously to a pressure until a Pneumo Arterial Plethysmography (PAPG) signal related to the arterial flow in the limb is detected at the chambers. The chambers are then simultaneously inflated until the PAPG signals are extinguished in each limb, the inflation of chambers continuing for 10 mmHg to 20 mmHg above that pressure. The chambers are then deflated and the pressure at which the PAPG signal returns in the first chamber is recorded for each limb and this value of the pressure is used to calculate the ABPI. The ABPI is displayed or sent to a remote site.

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

Abstract: A junctional and truncal tourniquet and a hip-girdling pelvic sling device for maintaining a desired amount of tension surrounding a person's hips and pelvis to securely support and stabilize a pelvis that has been fractured and for securing a pressure applying device to a person with a preferred amount of tension so that blood vessel-occluding pressure can be applied. Areas of mating types of fastener material such as mating hook-bearing fastener material and loop pile fastener material are arranged on the device to enable a strap to be secured at various effective lengths to provide a wide range of adjustability. The device may include inflatable bladders, and may be wrapped around a patient's torso to occlude blood vessels proximal to an injury on a limb. A bladder may be expandable in distinct tiers and may carry a separate and removable pressure-concentrating fitting. An auxiliary strap may be included and may be used to keep the junctional and truncal tourniquet in place on a patient's torso.

Abstract: Improved tourniquet apparatus for measuring a patient's limb occlusion pressure includes an inflatable tourniquet cuff for encircling a limb at a location and to which a tourniquet instrument is releasably connectable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a femoral compression system (14) for applying compression against a puncture site of a vessel in a patient, and a method for applying compression with a femoral compression system. The compression system (14) comprises an inflatable compression element (15) adapted to apply a pressure against the puncture site, a tightening unit (23) adapted to extend around a part of, or the whole of, the patients body to fixate and to tighten the compression element (15) against the puncture site, a pump (16) adapted to inflate the compression element (15), a valve (17) adapted to deflate the compression element (15), a pressure transducer (18) adapted to sense the pressure within the compression element (15).

Abstract: An integrated monitoring and body fluid sampling device constructed to permit digital as well as alternate-site body fluid sampling and analysis, the device comprising: a housing; at least one skin-penetration member; and a member constructed for the application of circumferential or vacuum pressure to an appendage; wherein the member is detachably or retractably connected to the housing in a manner such that the integrated monitoring and body fluid sampling device can perform digital or alternate-site body fluid sampling and analysis. Additional arrangements and techniques are also described.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer cuff is provided for measuring the blood pressure over a blood vessel. The sphygmomanometer cuff has at least one inflatable cuff part (3), which can be filled with a fluid for exerting pressure on the blood vessel, wherein the inflatable cuff part (3) has different widths at at least two points (I, II) along its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compression unit adapted to be arranged around a patient's forearm to provide pressure to a radial artery puncture site, wherein the compression unit comprises a unit attachment band provided with a frame, and a compression element in the shape of an inflatable bladder, the compression element is further adapted to be arranged within said frame, such that when the compression unit is arranged around a patient's forearm, the compression element provides pressure to the puncture wound when the compression element is inflated. The invention also relates to a radial artery compression system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection pressurizer for pressurizing an inflatable device comprising:—a housing enclosing a first cavity;—a plunger adapted to fit inside said housing and provided with a plunger sealing unit adapted to define a second cavity inside said housing, the plunger is further provided with an end part at the end opposite the plunger sealing unit; wherein the plunger further comprises an elongated tube defining a tube cavity extending from said plunger sealing unit to said end part of the plunger, said tube cavity being in fluid communication with said second cavity via an opening in said plunger sealing unit; and a pressure indicating piston adapted to be moveably arranged inside said tube cavity, such that the piston delimits a first volume (A) in said tube cavity from a second volume (B), such that when a pressure is built up in the second volume (B), the piston is moved by the pressure to equalize the pressures of said first volume (A) and said second volume (B), and thereby indicat

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying focused pressure to a target vessel to dilate the target vessel for hemodialysis.

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

Abstract: A system for performing remote ischemic conditioning includes an inflatable cuff configured to encircle a limb of a subject and a controller removably attached to the cuff. The controller includes a pump; a manifold in fluid communication with the pump; a connector in fluid communication with the manifold and in removable fluid communication with the inflatable cuff; a pressure sensor; and a control circuit configured to implement a remote ischemic conditioning treatment protocol.

Abstract: A method to relieve menstrual cramping which includes the step of placing one or more symmetrical tapered pads having an inner and outer side, each outer side being semi-rigid and each inner side being flexible and compressible. The outer side of each pad is affixed to one or more straps having a first and corresponding second end. A fastener is connected so to attach the first end of each strap to a corresponding second fastener at the second end of each strap as an additional step. The apparatus also includes a constricting device (such as a ratchet) located on or proximate to one pad sufficient to create a compression force through each strap when the first and corresponding second fasteners connect to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus and system is disclosed for applying a compressive force to the axilla of an individual to reduce or inter the flow of blood to the individual's upper extremity. An inflatable bladder may be mounted on a flexible plate and directed toward the apex of the axilla. The flexible plate may be attached to a flexible retention strap that can be wrapped around the individual's torso or over the individual's shoulder. The retention strap may be secured in a number of ways, and the flexible plate and attached strap provide enough stiffness to direct the expanding bladder toward the axilla. The expanded shape of the bladder may conform to the shape of the axillary recess, or an attached adjacent compression mass may be sufficiently flexible upon expansion of the bladder to conform to the shape of the axillary recess.

Abstract: A surgical tourniquet cuff that includes a stabilizer component that facilitates application of an overlapping cuff around the limb of a patient. The stabilizer is fixed to the cuff, and requires no tying or similar user manipulation to secure the overlapping cuff in alignment with the underlying cuff. The stabilizer improves the stability of the inflated cuff to prevent sideways shifting motion of overlapping cuff portions as the cuff is applied to the limb. The stabilizer also provides a handle mechanism to enable the user to snugly apply the overlapping cuff around the patient's limb while the overlapping portions remain properly aligned along their long axes. The stabilizer is designed to also facilitate attaching together two tourniquet cuffs end-to-end, with respective bladders overlapping and in proper alignment so that those attached cuffs can be used as a single, extended surgical cuff applied around a patient's limb.

Abstract: Methods for ischemic conditioning treatments of a chronic medical condition are provided. Baseline disease-related parameters of a patient with a chronic medical condition are measured. Ischemia is induced in the patient by occluding and releasing arterial flow in one or more extremities of the patient. Post-ischemia parameters in the patient are measured. The baseline and post-ischemia parameters are compared to provide an assessment of an ischemic conditioning treatment of a chronic medical condition. The repeated, scheduled delivery of ischemic conditioning provides a beneficial, therapeutic effect on the chronic medical condition. Also provided is a device for pulse oximetry during periods of absent or low pulsatile blood flow including an artificial pulse generator as well as the use of said device in assessment of ischemic conditioning.

Abstract: A disposable tourniquet cuff for encircling a patient's limb includes first and second sheets; a gas-tight peripheral seal joining the first sheet to the second sheet around a perimeter of those sheets to form an inflatable bladder within the perimeter. A stiffener fits inside the bladder and is sized to extend substantially the length of the bladder and to fit completely within the peripheral seal. The stiffener is separate from the second sheet and the stiffener surface is welded to the first sheet at a location within the bladder and away from the peripheral seal. A tubular port is provided for directing gas into the bladder from a tourniquet instrument to which the port may be connected. The port defines a passageway therethrough and includes a flange made of a thermoplastic polymer that is compatible for welding the flange to the first sheet.

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

Abstract: A clamp apparatus is particularly configured for controlling bleeding by applying localized pressure to a wound site without strangulating the body member. A restraint supports the body member and inhibits bending thereof. A clear pressure pad having a protuberance is applied to the wound site. The protuberance may include a magnifying lens to magnify the wound site. Slots may be formed in the protuberance and a backing and aligned to receive a needle so that the transparent, magnifying pressure pad may be applied to a patient while undergoing an injective procedure, e.g., angiography. A pressure source provides force to the pressure pad. Strangulation is either prevented by wrapping an inflatable pressure cuff around the restraint or facilitated by wrapping the cuff directly around the body member without a restraint. An inflatable pressure pad is also provided to be applied to a wound site without a restraint.

Abstract: A constructed device for use maintaining an inflatable tourniquet cuff in place on a limb of a person, kits, and methods of using the device are provided. The construction of the cuff holding device prevents a blood pressure cuff or other tourniquet cuff from slipping out of position during use.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cuff which includes a wrap band. A surface of the wrap band is provided respectively with a first Velcro strip and a second Velcro strip made of a different material than the first Velcro strip that the first Velcro strip and the second Velcro strip can be fastened and fixed together. An interior of the wrap band is provided with a bladder which is connected with more than one joint pipe. The joint pipes are connected with a pressure regulation device by which a pressure of the bladder is increased and decreased repeatedly to result in a volume change that wounded tissues and surrounding unwounded tissues are depressurized and pressurized, thereby achieving an effect of reducing a risk of necrosis to the wounded tissues and the surrounding unwounded tissues.

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

Abstract: A portable device for enhancing circulation in a limb by applying intermittent squeezing force on the limb, the device comprising at least one inflatable fluid-cell having a proximal face and a distal face; a rigid member juxtaposed with the distal face of the air-cell, the rigid member is having two lateral sides; at least one adjustable strap connectable to the lateral ends of the rigid member for encircling the limb; and a mechanism for intermittently inflating and deflating the at least one fluid cell.

Abstract: A garment is provided with a tube that may be used to facilitate placement of needle electrodes into a patient to facilitate intraoperative monitoring during surgical procedures.

Abstract: Apparatus for estimating a magnitude of leakage from a surgical tourniquet system while pressure in a cuff of the system is regulated near a reference pressure.

Abstract: A non-invasive blood pressure monitoring system is disclosed herein. The non-invasive blood pressure monitoring system includes a pressure cuff comprising a resistive portion and a conductive portion aligned with the resistive portion. The non-invasive blood pressure monitoring system also includes a controller operatively connected to the pressure cuff. The controller is adapted to estimate the circumference of the pressure cuff based on the position of the conductive portion relative to the resistive portion.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining proper endotreachal placement is disclosed. The apparatus includes an audio receiver having a body, a microphone mount in a center thereof the body and an audio cavity, an audio processing unit; and a signal cable connected at a first end to the microphone and at a second end, where the receiver is adapted to be positioned in a suprasternal notch of a patient and the acoustic signal detected after inflation of a balloon associated with an endotracheal tube. The method uses the apparatus to detect and analyze an audio signal. The audio signal is then used to confirm endotracheal tube placement.

Abstract: Tourniquet effector system estimates and indicates the pressure gradients produced on the surface of the body by an effector, thereby allowing the pressure gradients to be minimized. The system also detects and monitors blood flow beneath the effector, thereby allowing the pressure applied by the effector to be regulated near the minimum necessary to stop blood flow past the effector.

Abstract: An internal tourniquet and method for establishing hemostasis within a portion of a limb to facilitate surgery controls flow of a fluid into a capsule surrounding substantially all of a human joint. Blood concentration in the capsule is sensed; and pressure in the capsule is controlled to maintain a fluid pressure in the capsule within a predetermined pressure tolerance window. The concentration of blood in the capsule is maintained below a predetermined maximum concentration while the fluid pressure is within the pressure tolerance window.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for reducing traumatic injury through the use of ischemic conditioning.

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

Abstract: Ischemia-reperfusion injury commonly results from any surgical procedure requiring stopping of blood supply to an organ followed by reperfusion such as in heart bypass, angioplasty or organ transplant. The invention discloses a method to harness the innate power of repetitive transient ischemia in protecting organs against imminent ischemia-reperfusion, or any patho-physiological insults. This method of optimal remote ischemic preconditioning (ORIP) comprises of utilizing a pair of programmable pneumatic cuffs that inflate/deflate alternately occluding blood circulation to each of the limbs for pre-defined time intervals. The apparatus delivers maximal ORIP dose in shortest possible time either as an EMS procedure during patient transportation to hospital, as elective pre-surgery treatment, or in critical care for preventing multiple-organ-dysfunction-syndrome. ORIP can be self-administered and remotely monitored by clinician especially in chronic patients for homeostasis of malfunctioning target organs.

Abstract: A circumferential compression sleeve has bladder openings extending through a bladder, making the sleeve generally breathable and comfortable for the wearer. The device has a static evaporation rate through the device of at least about 20 mg/minute. The device has a convective evaporation resistance of less than about 75. In one example, the device includes a wicking layer for contacting the wearer's skin. The wicking layer wicks moisture from the wearer's skin and generally moves the moisture to portions of the layer in registration with the openings where the moisture is allowed to evaporate therethrough.

Abstract: A method for augmenting blood flow in a limb that is wrapped with a sleeve having at least one chamber for applying compression to the limb in a region generally underlying the chamber includes pressurizing the chamber to a first compression pressure and then reducing the pressure to a refill pressure. Pressure in the chamber is then sensed to determine a first venous refill time. The preceding steps are repeated a second and other times using second and other compression pressures that are different from the first compression pressure and from each other to determine second and other venous refill times. A customized compression pressure is determined by locating the compression pressure at which blood flow out of the region generally underlying the chamber is maximized by finding compression pressure at a maximum venous refill time. A compression device employing such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for stimulating the trigeminal nerve of a patient in order to reduce the heart rate of the patient for recording image information from the heart of the patient. In at least one embodiment, the device includes at least one device for mechanical, electrical, magnetic, thermal, optical and/or chemical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve. Furthermore, at least one embodiment relates to an apparatus including at least one such device and a unit for registering the heart rate of the patient, which unit interacts with the device. Furthermore, at least one embodiment moreover relates to a method for reducing the heart rate of a patient in order to record image information from the heart of the patient, in which method the trigeminal nerve of the patient is stimulated by at least one such device in order to lower the heart rate of the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of manufacturing and inflating an elongated bladder of a tourniquet cuff that may be secured around the limb of a patient. The method includes sealing together side edges of layers of material to form the bladder, and stiffening the cuff with a stiffener for compressing the portion of the bladder underlying the stiffener inwardly toward the limb while preventing two layers of the cuff from contacting each other at a location adjacent to an edge of the cuff to thus provide a continuous pneumatic passageway in the bladder between the overlying stiffener and the sealed edge for distributing inflating gas through the passageway along the length of the bladder.