Abstract: Methods and apparatus for non-invasively assessing physiological hard of soft tissue of human and other species are described. In a preferred embodiment, tissue is vibrationally stimulated in vivo through a frequency spectrum. The tissue reacts against the stimulus and the reaction is preferably measured and recorded. Based on analytical algorithms or comparisons with previously taken measurements, changes within the tissue can be detected and used for diagnostic purposes. Further embodiments describe the usage of the device and methods for in vivo intra-operative and post-operative implant evaluations and as a therapeutic tool.

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: To provide a muscle strength increasing device for a pressure muscle training method that can easily be tied around a region to be compressed. A muscle strength increasing device has a main belt 10 and a tie-down belt 20. A ring 11A and a loop-shaped belt 12A are fastened to the one end and the other end, respectively, of the main belt 10. The main belt 10 and the tie-down belt 20 are provided with two-dimensional fasteners 16, 21 for fastening. In order to tie the muscle strength increasing device around the region to be compressed, the region to be compressed is first passed through a loop of the main belt 10 that is formed by passing one end of the main belt 10 through the belt 12A. Then, the end of the tie-down belt 20 is passed through the ring 11A and turned right back. Thereafter, the tie-down belt 20 is pulled and the tie-down belt 20 is fastened to the main belt 10.

Abstract: A pneumatic system consists of an inflatable/deflatable article, for example, a compression garment connected to a pump by connectors, respectively. The connector attached to the garment carries an RFID transponder and a corresponding radio circuit is located within the pump. In use, the transponder transmits and receives information to and from the pump radio circuit. The information exchanged is used by the pump control system to activate the pump and to operate the pump to provide the particular operating parameters for that garment, for example, pressure, inflation/deflation cycle duration of treatment, etc. The pneumatic system may include communication means for the pump, such as a radio circuit, that is located remote from the pump. Also, the pneumatic system may include a support mechanism that functions both as a handle and a hook.

Abstract: A cuff for measuring volume and change in volume of a body appendage includes a hollow, rigid tube having an inner surface; and a bladder having an inner surface and an outer surface, the ends of the bladder being sealed to the ends of the tube to create an enclosed internal volume between the inner surface of the bladder and the inner surface of the tube and an external volume defined by the outer surface of the bladder and surrounded by the internal volume, the bladder having a normal, relaxed state, in which the internal volume is filled with a fluid and a retracted state in which the fluid is evacuated from the internal volume. Two stiffener ribs placed on the inner surface of the bladder, parallel to each other and to the lengthwise axis of the tube at diametrically opposite positions. A plurality of emitters and detectors arranged in a linear array are embedded in one of the ribs, so as to emit and detect light through the bladder.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring blood pressure of a wearer has an inflatable arm cuff that is selectably inflatable to differing air pressures that incorporates a fabric having both a light transmission property and a light reflection property when the fabric is illuminated with light having wavelength(s) in the range from about 400 to about 2200 nanometers. A radiation source and a detector are attached to the fabric in relative positions such that the reception of incident radiation by the detector is directly affected by a change in the amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric as the fabric stretches in response to motion in the wearer's body due to changes in the flow of blood through an artery disposed beneath the fabric occurring in consonance with variations in the air pressure within the inflatable cuff.

Abstract: An adaptive tourniquet cuff system comprises: a tourniquet cuff having a physical characteristic and including an inflatable bladder of a length greater than the circumference of a limb at a selected location; a cuff connector carried on the cuff and communicating pneumatically with the bladder for releasably connecting to a tourniquet instrument to establish a gas-tight passageway between the bladder and the tourniquet instrument; and an identifying collar including identification means indicative of the physical characteristic and detectable by the tourniquet instrument upon establishment of the gas-tight passageway. The tourniquet instrument may supply gas to the bladder through the gas-tight passageway at a pressure sufficient to stop arterial blood flow into the limb distal to the cuff at the selected location, and may adapt its operation in response to the detected physical characteristic of the cuff.

Abstract: A counterpulsation system for enhancing blood flow in a patient includes inflatable cuffs positionable on a leg of a patient. Three cuffs are preferably used for positioning on the calf, thigh, and buttocks. The cuffs are inflated in accordance with a timing sequence during diastole to enhance cerebral blood flow, and are then deflated. The process is repeated several times throughout a treatment session. A blood velocity sensor such as a transcranial Doppler (TCD) system detects cerebral blood flow velocity during treatment. The TCD output produces a first peak P1 corresponding to the blood flow velocity during a contraction of the heart and a second peak P2 corresponding to blood flow velocity resulting from the compression forces of the cuffs. If P2 does not exceed P1, the timing sequence is manually or automatically altered to optimize the effect of the compression sequence during diastole.

Abstract: A method of controlling an external counterpulsation apparatus includes selecting a patient treatment pressure; outputting a signal corresponding to the selected treatment pressure; detecting a pressure of a compressed fluid reservoir; comparing the selected treatment pressure to the compressed fluid reservoir pressure; and controlling a pressure regulator valve based on a difference between the patient treatment pressure and the compressed fluid reservoir pressure. The compressed fluid reservoir pressure may be decreased when the compressed fluid reservoir pressure is greater than a preset difference from the patient treatment pressure, particularly by venting the compressed fluid reservoir to atmosphere. The compressed fluid reservoir pressure may be necessary when the compressed fluid reservoir pressure is less than a preset difference from the patient treatment pressure, particularly by operating a compressor.

Abstract: A cuff for measuring volume and change in volume of a body appendage includes a hollow, rigid tube having an inner surface; and a bladder having an inner surface and an outer surface, the ends of the bladder being sealed to the ends of the tube to create an enclosed internal volume between the inner surface of the bladder and the inner surface of the tube and an external volume defined by the outer surface of the bladder and surrounded by the internal volume, the bladder having a normal, relaxed state, in which the internal volume is filled with a fluid and a retracted state in which the fluid is evacuated from the internal volume. Two stiffener ribs placed on the inner surface of the bladder, parallel to each other and to the lengthwise axis of the tube at diametrically opposite positions. A plurality of emitters and detectors arranged in a linear array are embedded in one of the ribs, so as to emit and detect light through the bladder.

Abstract: The present invention is a surgical tourniquet controller which receives operational parameters from a remote unit, allowing flow components associated with controlling a surgical tourniquet to be collocated with a surgical tourniquet in use, while allowing an operator of the tourniquet to operate the flow components from a remote location, such as at an anesthesiologists position, thus reducing the involvement of the surgical tourniquet operator from the surgical field.

Abstract: An external counterpulsation apparatus has an efficient cuff and bladder system. Embodiments of this system generally allow effective treatment at lower pressures and a reduced total body surface area being compressed. An accurate and reliable combination of automatic and preset timing for inflation and deflation of the bladder system is used to simplify use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A glove that when worn by a user quickly, comfortably, conveniently and effectively applies a specific amount of pressure to a particular point on the wearer's hand, thereby relieving and/or eliminating pain of the wearer such as from a type of headache. A glove worn by the person with pain, such as a headache, includes an internal pressure point applicator and an inflatable bladder to apply pressure to a desired point on the wearer's hand.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high efficiency external counterpulsation apparatus having accurate and reliable timing of inflation and deflation and reduced temperature of the pressurized gas, such that the gas flow temperature of the inflatable devices is near to room temperature, as well as faster and more responsive inflation/deflation equipment. The external counterpulsation apparatus includes a plurality of inflatable devices received about the lower extremities of the patient, a source of compressed fluid in communication with said plurality of inflatable devices, and a fluid distribution assembly interconnecting said source of compressed fluid and said inflatable devices. The fluid distribution assembly includes a selectively operable inflation/deflation valve interconnected between each of said inflatable devices and said source of compressed fluid. The fluid distribution assembly separately operates each inflation/deflation valve to sequentially inflate and deflate each inflatable devices.

Abstract: A probe for application to a body part particularly a finger of a patent to detect a change in the physical condition of the patient includes a housing defining a compartment closed at one end and open at the opposite end for receiving the distal end of the patient's finger and a medium wholly self-contained within the probe for applying a static pressure field substantially uniformly around the distal end of the patient's finger, of a predetermined magnitude sufficient to substantially prevent distention of the venous vasculature, uncontrolled venous backflow, and retrograde shockwave propagation into the distal end, and to partially unload the wall tension of, but not to occlude, the arteries in the distal end when at heart level or below. A sensor senses changes in the distal end of the patient's finger related to changes in arterial blood volume therein.

Abstract: The anti-gastroesophageal reflux valvular prosthesis has a body presenting a seat of substantially semicircular shape engageable with the gastric wall of the stomach connected to the body through connectors and inflatable for the variation of this volume to accentuate the angle of His (cardiac incisure) and to improve the natural valvular anti-reflux system.

Abstract: A device for intermittent compression of human extremities such as, for instance, the region of the calves, to assist the return of body fluid in the direction of the heart. The device comprises a cuff and a pressure generator, which intermittently pressurizes the cuff, the cuff comprising in the direction of return a width of maximally 25 centimeters. The device further comprises a pressure generator that can be secured directly to the cuff or secured to the body or to clothing. This highly compact, handy configuration enables mobile application of the device in every-day situations to assist physical well-being.

Abstract: A pneumatic system consists of an inflatable/deflatable article, for example, a compression garment (21) connected to a pump (20) by connectors (12 and 11), respectively. The connector (12) attached to the garment (21) carries an RFID transponder (30) and a corresponding radio circuit (31) is located within the pump (20). In use, the transponder (30) transmits and receives information to and from the pump radio circuit (31). The information exchanged is used by the pump control system to activate the pump and to operate the pump to provide the particular operating parameters for that garment, for example, pressure, inflation/deflation cycle, duration of treatment, etc.

Abstract: In a cuff of a blood pressure monitor, a distance along bending of a first expandable portion is set so as to be different from a distance along bending of a second expandable portion at the time of deflation. When a fluid bladder for pressurizing is inflated with a fluid fed thereinto, the second expandable portion expands longer. As a result, force, which is generated on a cuff fixing element which is pushed by the fluid bladder for pressurizing, acts to a vertical direction with respect to an axial direction of a subject.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflatable tourniquet including an inflatable occluding band, for placement about a limb of a patient, a pump for inflating the occluding band, wherein the pump is capable of producing sufficient pressure within the occluding band in order to block blood flow in a vein of the patient, a fluid conduit, in fluid communication between the occluding band and the pump, and a pressure relief valve, for releasing the fluid from the occluding band.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sphygmomanometer cuff having a double bladder. The sphygmomanometer cuff comprises an envelope placed around a desired portion of the human body such as the arm, wrist, finger, leg, or the like and functioning to protect bladders; a large bladder installed in the envelope to be inflated when air is supplied therein; and a small bladder installed in the envelope in conjunction with the large bladder to be inflated when air is supplied therein and effectively apply pressure to the artery extending through the arm, wrist, finger, leg, or the like, of the human body.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling the pressure within a pressure cuff of a surgical tourniquet so as selectively to occlude blood flow within a portion of a limb of a patient, wherein a sensor determines when flow past the tourniquet is occurring so that corrective action may be taken, such as by increasing the pressure in the tourniquet or by notifying an operator of the flow past the tourniquet. The present invention may use an acoustic sensor to detect Korotkoff sounds indicating incipient blood flow past the tourniquet. When such signals are detected, the tourniquet controller may either incrementally increase the pressure in the tourniquet, or if a threshold would be exceeded by such an increase, signal an alarm indicative of the blood flow.

Abstract: A pneumatic system consists of an inflatable/deflatable article, for example, a compression garment connected to a pump by connectors, respectively. The connector attached to the garment carries an RFID transponder and a corresponding radio circuit is located within the pump. In use, the transponder transmits and receives information to and from the pump radio circuit. The information exchanged is used by the pump control system to activate the pump and to operate the pump to provide the particular operating parameters for that garment, for example, pressure, inflation/deflation cycle duration of treatment, etc. The pneumatic system may include communication means for the pump, such as a radio circuit, that is located remote from the pump. Also, the pneumatic system may include a support mechanism that functions both as a handle and a hook.

Abstract: A suture anchor having a conical surface and a bore in which an end of an insertion tool is inserted. The insertion end of the insertion tool is made of material having elastic properties. The bore and base of the suture anchor are angled with respect to the central axis of the suture anchor and preferably are parallel to each other. During insertion, the suture anchor is reoriented to fit into the hole, thereby bending the elastic end of the insertion tool. When the suture anchor is within cancellous bone tissue, the elastic properties of the insertion tool deploys the suture anchor to an orientation in which the suture anchor cannot fit through the bone hole, thereby firmly anchoring the suture anchor in the human bone.

Abstract: A pneumatic tourniquet adapted for self application by an injured person in a military or emergency situation to stop arterial blood loss in an injured arm or leg comprises: a bladder having a width dimension and having a length dimension greater than the circumference of an injured limb of a subject at a selected location; and clamp means for securing the bladder around the limb at the selected location and adapted for sealing the bladder across the bladder width to establish an inflatable portion of the bladder to be the portion of the bladder that encircles the injured limb at the selected location.

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: A low cost tourniquet cuff with identification apparatus comprises: an outer strip; an inner strip positioned against the outer strip; a gas-tight seal joining the inner strip to the outer strip to form a cuff having a physical characteristic wherein the cuff includes an inflatable bladder of a predetermined length greater than the circumference of a limb at a selected location; and a cuff connector carried on the cuff and communicating pneumatically with the bladder for releasably connecting to a tourniquet instrument to establish a gas-tight passageway between the bladder and the instrument, wherein the cuff connector includes identification means indicative of the physical characteristic and detectable by the tourniquet instrument upon establishment of the gas-tight passageway.

Abstract: A pressure bandage applies a pressure pad to a dressing on a wound, or two or more such pressure pads are applied to the dressings of multiple wounds, and a pneumatically operated air bladder is placed over the pressure pad in each case and held in place by an over-wrapping bandage, the pressure bandage so installed then being used to apply amounts of pressure to respective one or more wounds as appropriate to the nature of each particular wound.

Abstract: A thrombus filter which can be securely fixed at a selected location in the vascular system of a patient and removed when no longer required. The thrombus filter includes a body portion and a plurality of struts, each strut having a joined end and a free end. The joined end of each strut is fixably attached to the body portion. The struts radiate outwardly from the body member such that the thrombus filter is generally conical in shape. The free end of each strut includes an anchor member. A weakened portion is disposed proximate the free end of each strut. When removal of the thrombus filter is desired, forces are applied to the thrombus filter causing the struts to break at the weakened portions proximate the free ends. When breaking of the struts has been accomplished, the thrombus filter may be freely pulled into the lumen of the retrieval catheter.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling the pressure within a pressure cuff of a surgical tourniquet so as selectively to occlude blood flow within a portion of a limb of a patient, wherein a sensor determines when flow past the tourniquet is occurring so that corrective action may be taken, such as by increasing the pressure in the tourniquet or by notifying an operator of the flow past the tourniquet. The present invention may use an acoustic sensor to detect Korotkoff sounds indicating incipient blood flow past the tourniquet. When such signals are detected, the tourniquet controller may either incrementally increase the pressure in the tourniquet, or if a threshold would be exceeded by such an increase, signal an alarm indicative of the blood flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflatable tourniquet including an inflatable occluding band, for placement about a limb of a patient, a pump for inflating the occluding band, wherein the pump is capable of producing sufficient pressure within the occluding band in order to block blood flow in a vein of the patient, a fluid conduit, in fluid communication between the occluding band and the pump, and a pressure relief valve, for releasing the fluid from the occluding band.

Abstract: A pneumatic tourniquet adapted for self application by an injured person in a military or emergency situation to stop arterial blood loss in an injured arm or leg comprises: a bladder having a width dimension and having a length dimension greater than the circumference of an injured limb of a subject at a selected location; and clamp means for securing the bladder around the limb at the selected location and adapted for sealing the bladder across the bladder width to establish an inflatable portion of the bladder to be the portion of the bladder that encircles the injured limb at the selected location.

Abstract: A hazard monitor for surgical tourniquet systems comprises: pressure transducing means for detecting a pressure in a pneumatic tourniquet cuff; power switch means for enabling an operator in initiate an interruption in the supply of electrical power required by pressure regulator means, wherein the tourniquet instrument is connectable pneumatically to the tourniquet cuff to supply pressurized gas to the cuff, thereby producing a pressure in the cuff; pneumatic connector means for enabling an operator to connect an inflatable cuff to the pressure regulator means, and hazard detection means communicating pneumatically with the pneumatic connector means for detecting pressurized gas having a pressure greater than a predetermined pressure level when an interruption in the supply of electrical power is initiated by the operator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high efficiency external counterpulsation apparatus having accurate and reliable timing of inflation and deflation and reduced temperature of the pressurized gas, such that the gas flow temperature of the balloons is near to room temperature. The external counterpulsation apparatus also has a new gas distribution device and devices for monitoring the blood pressure and oxygen levels in the blood of a patient for improving safety. The present invention further provides a method for controlling the external counterpulsation apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a compression device for living being, simply structured and capable of fitting a site to be measured of any size. The compression device includes an elastic plate formed in one piece and elastically holding a predetermined curvature, provided for preventing a fluid bag from expanding outwards. The elastic plate includes a first curvature substantially matching a lateral cross section of a thin site to be measured, a second curvature and a connection connecting the first and second curvatures together. The connection allows the second curvature to be arranged outwardly of a virtual extension of the first curvature substantially matching the lateral cross section of the thin site to be measured. The second curvature extends inwardly of a virtual extension of the connection extending toward the second curvature.

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: There is provided a compression device for living being, simply structured and capable of fitting a site to be measured of any size. The compression device includes an elastic plate formed in one piece and elastically holding a predetermined curvature, provided for preventing a fluid bag from expanding outwards. The elastic plate includes a first curvature substantially matching a lateral cross section of a thin site to be measured, a second curvature and a connection connecting the first and second curvatures together. The connection allows the second curvature to be arranged outwardly of a virtual extension of the first curvature substantially matching the lateral cross section of the thin site to be measured. The second curvature extends inwardly of a virtual extension of the connection extending toward the second curvature.

Abstract: The anti-gastroesophageal reflux valvular prosthesis comprises a body presenting a seat of substantially semicircular shape, means of engagement with the gastric wall of the stomach connected to the body through means of connection, and means of inflating the body for the variation of this volume to accentuate the angle of His (cardiac incisure) and to improve the natural valvular anti-reflux system.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer cuff (10A) having an air bag (12) arranged within an outer bag (11), from which a tube (13) attached to the air bag (12) is extended outward, is provided. The outer bag (11) is provided with an opening portion (15) for replacing the air bag, and an anti-rotating member (20) for preventing rotation of the air bag (12) within the outer bag (11) is provided at a tube attaching portion (17) of the air bag (12) or at the vicinity thereof. The tube (13) of the air bag (12) is drawn out of the outer bag (11) through the opening portion (15). This structure allows replacement of the air bag (12) and, in addition, prevents any inconvenience such as winding of the air bag (12) within the outer bag and the like.

Abstract: A bladder incorporated in a cuff includes an outer wall located at the outer side, an inner wall located at the inner side, side walls connected to both side ends of the outer wall and the inner wall in the wrapping direction, and folded inward of the bladder, and a joint connecting the side walls inside the bladder. A sphygmomanometer cuff is provided that can maintain the former configuration even when inflated or deflated without change in the width even if the bladder is inflated, and that does not dilate in the width direction when inflated.

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 low cost tourniquet cuff with identification apparatus comprises: an outer strip; an inner strip positioned against the outer strip; a gas-tight seal joining the inner strip to the outer strip to form a cuff having a physical characteristic wherein the cuff includes an inflatable bladder of a predetermined length greater than the circumference of a limb at a selected location; and a cuff connector carried on the cuff and communicating pneumatically with the bladder for releasably connecting to a tourniquet instrument to establish a gas-tight passageway between the bladder and the instrument, wherein the cuff connector includes identification means indicative of the physical characteristic and detectable by the tourniquet instrument upon establishment of the gas-tight passageway.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention an improved mobile workstation is provided. The workstation has a base frame, a housing attached to the frame, a vertical upright portion also attached to the frame, and a horizontal member having a work surface with the horizontal member being attached to the vertical upright portion. The base frame has a top and a bottom, with the bottom having wheels attached thereto. The housing contains a portable power supply, a battery, a DC/AC converter, a switch, an external outlet, and circuitry, with the circuitry connecting the power supply to the switch and the power supply to an external plug, the switch to the battery, the switch to at least one female connector, and the DC/AC converter to the external outlet. The vertical upright portion extends higher than, or above, the housing, and in the preferred embodiment of the invention, has a locking mechanism to control the height of the horizontal member above the base frame.

Abstract: An inflatable cuff for being wound and inflated around a body portion of a living subject to press the body portion in measuring a blood pressure of the subject, the cuff comprising: an inflatable bag; and an inner sheet member and an outer sheet member which are positioned inside and outside the inflatable bag, respectively, when the cuff is wound around the body portion of the subject; wherein at least a portion of the inner sheet member that is positioned inside the inflatable bag includes at least two layers which are separate from, and superposed on, each other.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling the pressure within a surgical tourniquet so as selectively to occlude blood flow within a portion of a limb of a patient, wherein the pressure within an inflatable cuff surrounding a portion of a limb of a patient is changed by automatically opening a first valve connected to a controller and located within a first conduit between an inflatable bladder and the inflatable cuff, when the pressure in the inflatable cuff is different from that in the inflatable bladder. In another aspect, a system and method of controlling the pressure within a surgical tourniquet so as selectively to occlude blood flow within a portion of a limb of a patient within five seconds. In another aspect, a system and method of detecting a leak in a surgical tourniquet. In another aspect, a surgical tourniquet that, from an inflated state, may enter a deflated state, a set state, a default display state, or an off state.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a venous thromboembolism of a living subject, including an inflatable cuff which is adapted to be wound around a body portion of the subject and applies a pressing pressure to the body portion so as to press the body portion and thereby prevent the venous thromboembolism; a blood-pressure-relating-information obtaining device which obtains blood-pressure-relating information which changes corresponding to blood pressure of the subject; a pressing-pressure determining device for determining the pressing pressure of the inflatable cuff, based on the blood-pressure-relating information obtained by the blood-pressure-relating-information obtaining device, according to a prescribed relationship between pressing pressure and blood-pressure-relating information, in which the pressing pressure increases as the blood pressure corresponding to the blood-pressure-relating information increases; and a pressing device which operates the inflatable cuff to apply the pressing pressure determined

Abstract: A method and system for delivering a medicinal agent, such as a therapeutic drug or diagnostic 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 coupled to an inflation pump, or a tourniquet. The medicinal agent is then injected through the catheter with an infusion pump while the blood flow is stopped. 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 can be used to automate the process.

Abstract: An inflatable cuff for being wound and inflated around a body portion pressing a body portion of a living subject to press the body portion in measuring a blood pressure of the subject, the cuff comprising: an inflatable bag which is located in a portion of the cuff in a lengthwise direction thereof and a connector which is attached to a portion of the inflatable bag that is distant, by a predetermined distance, from a distal end of the cuff in a widthwise direction thereof, and which is adapted to connect the inflatable bag to a gas-supply pipe to supply a pressurized gas from the pipe to the inflatable bag.

Abstract: A device for use in the correct application and monitoring of the technique of ACF (Applied Cricoid Force) during tracheal intubation comprises a cylinder (1), a piston (2), seal (10) and either an aneroid gauge (3) or a calibrated spring (6) which provides resistance to force applied to the device and at the same time permits monitoring of the force applied. The device may also or alternatively be used as a training tool on a suitable patient substitute e.g. a table, bench or a manikin, until the trainee gains the experience and skills which enable them to reproduce the correct force when applying cricoid force directly on patients.