Abstract: In a system with a policy server, a first device able to communicate with the policy server and a second device able to communicate with the first device and unable to communicate with the policy server, the first device is to act as a policy proxy. The policy server may push to the first device a policy for the second device, and the first device may push the policy to the second device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for non-invasive anatomical and systemic cooling, fluid removal and/or energy removal. The present invention provides for removal of fluid and cooling of various bodily fluid-containing spaces or surfaces, such as mucus-containing spaces or surfaces via delivery of a dry fluid not including a coolant into or upon the mucus-containing space or surface. Exposure of mucus to the dry fluid yields evaporation of body fluid, removal of energy, cooling of the anatomical feature, and systemic cooling. Therefore, therapeutic hypothermia may be achieved for neuroprotection of various organs after ischemic insult, like the brain after cardiac arrest. Similarly, excess fluid removal is achievable for treatment of cardiogenic shock or other conditions that cause significant fluid build-up, especially in cases of compromised renal function.

Abstract: Dry eye treatment apparatus and methods are described herein which generally includes a patch or strip affixed to the skin of the upper and/or lower eyelids to deliver heat or other forms of energy, pressure, drugs, moisture, etc. (alone or in combination) to the one or more meibomian glands contained within the underlying skin. The treatment strip or strips include one or more strips configured to adhere to an underlying region of skin in proximity to one or both eyes of a subject such that the one or more strips allow for the subject to blink naturally without restriction from the one or more strips. Moreover, the one or more strips may be configured to emit energy to the underlying region of skin and where the one or more strips are shaped to follow a location of one or more meibomiam glands contained within the underlying region of skin.

Abstract: Structures and protocols are presented for supporting a medical or veterinary patient with therapeutically significant normothermia and other practical advantages.

Abstract: A medical pad has multiple layers. A first layer is for containing a first thermal-exchange fluid circulatable therethrough, with the medical pad being operable for thermal exchange between the first thermal-exchange fluid and a patient through a first side of the first layer. A second layer of the medical pad is interconnected to a second side of the first layer, opposite to the first side of the first layer. The second layer encloses a second thermal-exchange fluid that may have a freezing point of 0° C. or less. The medical pad is operable for thermal exchange between the second thermal-exchange fluid and the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for the treatment of dermatological conditions, including, for example, viral infections, microbial infections, cancers, dermatological conditions and particularly infections of the skin caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for use in the selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling. The present invention further relates to a device for use in carrying out the methods for selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling.

Abstract: A therapeutic collar comprising an elongate body made from a flexible material for extending around at least a portion of the neck of a patient. The body has a length approximating the circumference of the neck, two thermoelectric devices for overlying two carotid arteries in the neck and two thermoelectric devices for overlying of two vertebral arteries in the neck when the elongate body is secured around the neck of the patient. At least one cooling tube is carried by the elongate body and extends in the vicinity of each of the thermoelectric devices for removing heat from the thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: A hand-held neuroscreening device includes an elongate handle having a first end, a second end, and longitudinal axis extending therethrough between the first end and the second end. A head portion is fixedly attached to the first end of the handle. The head portion has a longitudinal axis, a fixed temperature surface extending in a first plane oblique to the head portion longitudinal axis, and a variable temperature surface extending in a second plane oblique to the first plane. A method of using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient temperature control system and method are provided for automated temperature control according to a programmed protocol. In one aspect, at least one programmed protocol may be established for each of a plurality of patient thermal therapy phases. In turn, the temperature of a thermal exchange medium may be controlled, based at least in part, upon the programmed protocol, during each of the phases. In another aspect, a plurality of programmed protocols may be established, wherein a selected one of the protocols (e.g. selected by a user at a user interface) may be utilized for automated temperature control during patient thermal therapy. The protocol(s) may include a target patient temperature and/or a set duration for one or more of the phase of thermal therapy. Further, the protocol(s) may be user-definable and modifiable during therapy.

Abstract: A cold therapy system including a cooling bath; a therapy pad in fluid communication with the cooling bath; a pump positioned and arranged to pump water from the cooling bath to the therapy pad and back to the cooling bath; and a control unit controlling the pump, the control unit programmed to operate the pump according to a cycle in which the pump is operated at less than maximum to cause the therapy pad temperature to be raised and to conserve a cooling resource within the cooling bath.

Abstract: In a system with a policy server, a first device able to communicate with the policy server and a second device able to communicate with the first device and unable to communicate with the policy server, the first device is to act as a policy proxy. The policy server may push to the first device a policy for the second device, and the first device may push the policy to the second device.

Abstract: A system for altering or maintaining temperatures of objects having a heating/cooling unit having at least one primary fluid line for circulating a heating fluid, a cooling fluid or both through at least one pad in fluid communication with the heating/cooling unit. The heating/cooling unit may accommodate any number of primary fluid lines to correspond to the number of pads utilized or the heating/cooling unit may include at least one flow divider manifold in fluid communication with a primary fluid supply line for channeling a fluid through a plurality of pads.

Abstract: A cervical collar that facilitates therapeutic hypothermia is provided and includes an outer shell having a front portion and a back portion fixedly coupled to the front portion on one side and removably coupled to the front portion on an opposite side. A fastening device removably couples the back portion to the front portion on the opposite side. At least one cooling device is provided on an interior of the outer shell to induce hypothermia in a patient. A sensor is provided that measures a physical characteristic of the patient.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for stimulating eating by an animal is disclosed. The system may include a primary unit and a secondary unit. The primary unit may be configured to be at least partially supported by a rear portion of the animal's spine. The secondary unit may be coupled with the primary unit and configured to be coupled with a top dorsal portion of the animal's tail. The primary unit may include a first power supply, a processor powered by the first power supply, a second power supply, and a speaker powered by the second power supply and controlled by the processor. The secondary unit may include a vibration generation device powered by the second power supply and controlled by the processor, and a pressure generation device powered by the second power supply and controlled by the processor.

Abstract: A compressive patient warming device is provided. The device includes an elastic inner layer that conforms snugly to a shape of an appendage of a patient so that the inner layer wraps around and substantially contacts most of an underlying surface area of the appendage. An outer layer is attached to and covers the inner layer to form a space that holds a heat transfer medium between the inner layer and the outer layer while the inner layer is wrapped around the appendage. The outer layer may be a rigid layer, and a predetermined compressive load may be applied to the outer layer to encourage blood flow in the appendage. A source of heat may be applied to the device to maintain normothermia and/or treat hypothermia.

Abstract: A sequential compression and temperature therapy blanket with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The temperature therapy blanket includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression.

Abstract: An apparatus for cosmetic RF skin treatment where the RF energy supply is isolated from the patient treated, such that in course of treatment no undesired current flows through the subject body.

Abstract: A cold therapy system includes (i) a cooling bath structured to chill and hold chilled water; (ii) a pump positioned and arranged to pump the chilled water; (iii) a to-pad line positioned and arranged to hold chilled water pumped by the pump from the cooling bath; (iv) a from-pad line positioned and arranged to hold water returning to the cooling bath; and (v) a therapy pad in fluid communication with the to- and from-pad lines, the therapy pad including a patient-contacting chamber that is in heat exchange communication with a chilled-water chamber residing outside of the patient-contacting chamber when the therapy pad is donned.

Abstract: A combination underbody and overbody blanket has first and second portions sandwiching a middle portion. The first portion may be shorter than the second portion. At least one air inlet is provided at the middle portion to allow air to be input into the blanket. The blanket is configured in the shape of a poncho, with the first portion covering the front torso of the patient and the second portion covering the back of the patient. A tearable seal is provided at the first portion that allows the first portion to be separated into two halves to expose the front upper torso of the patient and/or to facilitate the placement of the middle portion about the neck and onto the shoulders of the patient.

Abstract: A cold plasma mask application device for delivery of a cold plasma to the face of a patient. An appropriate gas is introduced into a gas containment area that is energized by one or more electrodes that receive energy from a pulsed source. The plasma can be prevented from contact with the patient's face, or can be allowed to make contact with the patient's face at the appropriate treatment area. A three-layer approach to the manufacture of the cold plasma mask application device is also described. Such a device and method can be used to treat acne as well as complex facial wounds such as those resulting from trauma, melanoma, and other cancers of the face, rosacea, and psoriasis.

Abstract: An inflatable convective pad for warming a person during surgery has two ends, two sides, and at least two openings, each located in an area of the pad between the two ends and between a respective side and the center of the pad. The openings, which may be in the form of slits, allow the threading of a sheet or the person's arms through the pad to restrain the arms during surgery.

Abstract: The present application relates to methods for maintaining core body temperature in a subject. Heat is applied to peripheral thermoregulatory control tissue of the subject to increase or maintain perfusion of blood in glabrous tissue of the subject, and a warming stimulus is applied to the glabrous tissue. The application of heat to the peripheral thermoregulatory control tissue occurs discretely and simultaneously with application of the warming stimulus to the glabrous tissue, without application of a heating device or a warming device to tissue other than the tissue subjected to the applied heat or to the applied warming stimulus, thereby maintaining the core body temperature of the subject.

Abstract: A patient temperature control catheter includes working fluid supply and return lumens through which working fluid circulates to exchange heat with a patient in whom the catheter is positioned. At least one lumen is defined by plural coils axially spaced from each other. At least a first coil is a large coil that inflates with working fluid to seat against a wall of a blood vessel in which the catheter is positioned, with blood flowing through the coil so as not to block blood flow in the vessel.

Abstract: A segmented RF electrode with one central segment delivering the treatment energy and at least one peripheral segment arranged around the perimeter of the central segment and a temperature control element communicating with the peripheral segment. The electrode is incorporated into an applicator for aesthetic and other skin treatments.

Abstract: Home-use applicators for non-invasively removing heat from subcutaneous, lipid-rich cells via phase change coolants, and associated devices, systems and methods. A device in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an applicator releasably positionable in thermal communication with human skin, and a coolant vessel having a coolant. The device further includes a heat transfer conduit operatively coupled to the applicator and housing a heat transfer fluid that is isolated from fluid contact with the coolant. A heat exchanger is operatively coupled between the coolant vessel and the heat transfer conduit to transfer heat between the heat transfer fluid and the coolant, and a fluid driver is operatively coupled to the heat transfer conduit to direct the heat transfer fluid between the applicator and the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for use in the selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling. The present invention further relates to a device for use in carrying out the methods for selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the instant invention is a method that includes at least providing a prosthesis that includes at least an implant capable of deformation under pressure; inserting the implant in a void space in a joint; inflating the implant by adding a first amount of a filler to the implant, where the first amount of the filler is X; articulating the joint; releasing a second amount of the filler from the implant through a pressure regulating valve based on a predetermined pressure in the implant, where the second amount of the filler released from the implant is Y; and sealing the implant, where X is greater than Y.

Abstract: A thermal therapy device (100) comprises a tissue-interacting device (400) which is designed to target one or more significant areas of the therapy-receiving person's body by concentrating the passage of the therapy-providing fluid in these areas. The thermal therapy device (400) can comprise a head pad, eye pads, a knee pad, an ankle/foot pad, an elbow pad, or a neck/shoulder pad.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including an induced state of hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette is attached to the circulatory conduits of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within a control unit. The control unit includes a heater/cooler device for providing heated or cooled fluid to a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the fluid heat exchange medium circulating to the heat exchange catheter, a user input device, and a processor connected to receive input from various sensors around the body and the system. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for adding or removing heat from a heat exchange fluid circulating between an external heat exchanger and an intravascular heat exchange catheter is described. The system includes a two stage cooling system providing for a high rate of cooling in one stage and a lower rate of cooling in a second stage. Both stages may be used to provide maximal cooling while the second stage is used to provide improved control of the cooling rate as a target temperature is approached. The second stage may also be used to provide heat to the heat exchange fluid.

Abstract: A cryogenic needle probe having a proximal and distal region. A cooling supply tube provides pressurized cooling fluid within the needle. The proximal region is more conductive that the distal region. The proximal region is conductively coupled to a heat source.

Abstract: A sequential compression and temperature therapy blanket with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The temperature therapy blanket includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression.

Abstract: A heat transfer pad includes a pad inlet port for feeding a heat transfer fluid to the pad, a pad outlet port for discharging the heat transfer fluid from the pad and a bladder having an internal flowpath for the heat transfer fluid which extends from the pad inlet port to the pad outlet port. The internal flowpath is divided into a first flow channel and a second flow channel through which first and second flow streams of the heat transfer fluid, respectively, flow between the pad inlet and outlet ports. A first flow restrictor is positioned downstream in the first flow channel and a second flow restrictor is correspondingly positioned downstream in the second flow channel and the flow restrictors are configured to create substantial back pressures in the first and second flow channels, respectively.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method of treating a target tissue site method comprising selecting the tissue site based on a tissue profile or condition of the tissue site; delivering energy to the tissue site at a first depth to achieve a first tissue effect using an energy delivery device; delivering energy to the tissue site at a second depth to achieve a second tissue effect using an energy delivery device; and remodeling at least a portion of tissue at the tissue site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for sampling, retrieving and storing fluid samples obtained from a liquid environment. An embodiment comprises a sample holding unit, at least one check valve, a trigger valve coupled to a triggering mechanism, and a decanting valve. Alternatively, apparatus comprises a holding unit, a four-way connector, at least one pressure relief device, a first flow regulating valve, a second flow regulating valve, and a ball valve. A method for sampling, retrieving and storing fluid samples obtained from a liquid environment includes deploying a sample apparatus to the site of interest in a liquid environment, opening the trigger valve with the triggering mechanism, allowing fluid to enter the sample holding unit until the internal pressure becomes substantially equivalent to the external pressure, once check valve closes, the triggering mechanism closes the trigger valve and the sample apparatus is retrieved from the liquid environment.

Abstract: A device for selectively cooling of the brain of a patient includes a cervical immobilization collar including a substantially annular support structure having an extended axial length and an anterior opening. The collar may also include a securing member capable of substantially covering the anterior opening and at least one pressure member. The immobilization collar may be used to secure a cooling element to the anterior portion of a patient's neck, cooling the blood in the patient's carotid arteries.

Abstract: A method for selective cooling of the brain of a patient includes providing a cervical immobilization collar, the collar including a substantially annular support structure having an extended axial length, an anterior opening, and a securing member capable of substantially covering the anterior opening. The method also includes applying the cervical immobilization collar to the patient, placing a first cooling element within the anterior opening of the substantially annular support structure, and securing the first cooling element within the anterior opening.

Abstract: Heat sensors can be positioned within the esophagus of a patient so as to monitor temperature changes during ablation procedures in the heart. Some heat sensors can include one or more fluid passageways that define an extended heat sensing region capable of detecting a change in the local temperature. Some heat sensors can be conformable to an inner surface of the esophageal wall to maintain contact therewith or to be in close proximity thereto.

Abstract: A solution of erythritol and water, saturated at a desired therapeutic temperature, is contained in a hot water bottle, or other appropriate vessel, for the purpose of therapeutic warming, for example, for the relief of gastro-intestinal or muscular discomfort. The heat of crystallization of the erythritol significantly extends the time of therapeutic warming. Nucleation agents are added to delay the formation of large crystals upon cooling of the solution. The resulting product is non-toxic to humans and to canines.

Abstract: A cold plasma treatment device for delivery of a cold plasma to patient treatment area. Gas is fed to a gas compartment where it is energized by an electrode coupled to a pulse source to thereby generate a cold plasma. A dielectric barrier is sandwiched between the gas compartment and the electrode to form a dielectric barrier discharge device. The cold plasma exits the gas compartment via a bottom member having a plurality of holes. Gases that can be used include noble gases such as helium or combinations of noble gases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the treatment of free-form areas and zones of human or animal skin areas or plant surfaces by means of cold atmospheric-pressure plasma. The core of the device is a specific, preferably gas-permeable, electrode arrangement for generating a dielectrically impeded surface discharge where the earthed electrode is composed of electrically conductive textile material and the high-voltage electrode consists of a thin wire or electrically conductive thread which is sheathed with an insulting layer which has to meet specific requirements. On the basis of the present invention, it is possible to generate, in the area of diseased skin parts of the human body, in direct proximity to the skin surface or to wounds, a flat plasma for the treatment of the diseased areas which is acceptable in respect of the stress on the skin caused by temperature and electric potentials.

Abstract: The invention relates to an applicator for use with a device for treating subcutaneous lipid-rich cells by cold treatment, wherein the applicator (1) comprises a contact surface (2) that is formed as a surface (3) of a solid treatment plate (4) made of aluminum or another material having good heat conductivity. The invention further relates to a device for treating subcutaneous, lipid-rich cells by cold treatment comprising a heat transfer circuit and an applicator (1) through which a heat transfer medium (6) flows for treating a live body. The device consists of a refrigeration device (30) for providing the heat transfer medium (6) having a specific temperature and connecting supply lines (29) to the applicator as well as a compensator (31) that compensates the weight of the applicator.

Abstract: Apparatus for a disposable, portable thermal therapy device that is self-contained for shipping as a single unit to a patient. The therapy device has a shipping configuration that presents a single, self-contained durable container. The container includes an insert that defines a compartment between the insert and the container. The compartment stores various electrical components, such as the power connection. The insert has a cavity that contains a pump and stores a thermal pad and associated fluid lines. The insert is a shell with a cable grip that secures the cable from pump and a recessed area for securing the pump. The edges of the insert are sealed to the inside surface of the box. A carrying strap is secured to the sidewalls of the box in a manner that prevents protrusions and aid in minimizing storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separable device for the application of compression and thermal therapy to a patient. A first section includes a reservoir, liquid pump and a thermal exchange system for the application of thermal therapy as well as a dock. The second section of the device includes an air compressor and at least one controller for the application of compression therapy and can be operated independently from the first section. Additionally, the second section may be engaged with a dock of the first section.

Abstract: Infant warming systems are described herein generally comprising a temperature regulation assembly which encloses a phase change material (PCM). The temperature regulation assembly may be initially heated (or re-heated) by water contained within a heating assembly and then placed within a retaining pouch of an infant bedding. The PCM may then provide constant heat over a period of time to the infant. A control/indicator interface coupled to the regulation assembly may constantly monitor the temperature of the PCM as well as the ambient temperature to provide one or more indications or alerts to the user with respect to one of several states of the warming assembly.

Abstract: A housing for soaking a hand with arthritis, trauma, or skin conditions. The housing may include an outside container and an inside container. The outside container may house the components. There may be a channel between the inside container and the outside container. The present invention may include a heating element and an impeller within the channel. In certain embodiments, the heating element and impeller housing may be attached to the bottom of a lid that covers the housing.

Abstract: Noninvasive system for rising or lowering a patient's body temperature in a controlled manner comprising: a) a cervical blanket (1) with ducts (2) through which a fluid circulates (3); b) a fluid (3) capable of transferring heat from and to external bodies; c) a heat exchanger (4) which rises or lowers the fluid temperature that circulates through cervical blanket ducts; d) means of connection (5) between ducts (2) of the cervical blanket (1) an the heat exchanger (4); e) a body temperature sensor (6); f) a controller (7) which rises or lowers fluid temperature according to a predetermined temperature and according to the temperature measured by the body temperature sensor (6).

Abstract: A calf garment assembly having, a calf garment having an internal chamber and being substantially airtight and being in fluid communication with a pressurized air source, and a heating element working in conjunction with the calf garment to provide heated DVT therapy.

Abstract: A heat treatment device with a handle portion, a tip portion, a power source, and a heating element. The tip portion is heatable to a desired temperature and can be positioned against an affected area for therapeutic treatment. The device can also have control circuitry that can adjust a current flowing to the heating element to regulate the treatment temperature.