Abstract: The present invention provides improved devices for removing energy and fluid from body fluid containing spaces and surfaces of a mammal, and new uses for such devices, including fluid removal, energy removal, increasing metabolic rate; promoting weight loss; preventing esophageal burn-through, reducing beta-amylase accumulation in the brain, delaying or inhibiting the onset of Alzheimer's and other senile dementia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heated blanket for use on a boat. The blanket has a top layer which is nylon, and a bottom layer which is fleece. There are one or more heater hose inserts (or openings) on each side and one or more foot pockets. The one or more heater hose inserts may be inserted with one or more heater hoses of a boat. The one or more heater hoses may blow in hot air. The hot air fills in the blanket, thereby warming the surrounding environment, which in turn warms the user body who is using the blanket. The blanket prevents the loss of body heat while utilizing the on-board heater hose to keep the user warm.

Abstract: Systems for maintaining normothermia in a patient via compression and warming are disclosed and include a first warming element configured to apply warming to the popliteal fossa, a second warming element configured to apply warming to the sole of the foot, and a compression element configured to apply compression to the calf.

Abstract: The invention includes a forced-air blanket for providing a profusion of air to a patient, comprising a bottom layer with a plurality of openings configured to allow a profusion of air to pass through the bottom layer and an upper layer bonded to the bottom layer around a periphery, wherein the upper layer is also bonded to bottom layer by a plurality of linear seals and a plurality of staked seals. In an embodiment, at least one of more of the linear seals have one end which is joined to a portion of the periphery. In another embodiment, the forced-air blanket may further include at least one elongated seal that is positioned proximate to the inlet. The arrangement of the plurality of staked seals, elongated seals and linear seals assists in providing a blanket that is of a low-profile with even air distribution.

Abstract: A power bypass apparatus with a current-sharing function includes at least two bypass switch assemblies and a control unit. Each bypass switch assembly includes a controllable switch, a cooling unit, and a temperature detection unit. Each the temperature detection unit, correspondingly disposed to a heat-dissipating unit, detects a temperature value of the controllable switch to produce a temperature detection signal. The control unit receives the temperature detection signals and outputs at least two switch control signals to control at least one of the controllable switches or outputs at least two cooling unit control signals to control at least one of the cooling units, thus making currents flowing through the controllable switches identical. Accordingly, it is to increase overall efficiency of a power system and implement current-sharing function of the power system providing high power.

Abstract: A body illumination device adapted to surround at least a part of a user including at least one inflatable structural element and a light emitter. The at least one inflatable structural element includes a first inflatable structural element including a first inflatable chamber including a first wall and a second wall which is transparent to the light emitted by the light emitter such that light can be is provided to the user from the light emitter through the second wall. The light emitter is on or integrally formed with said first wall and is for providing light to the user. The body illumination device may be stored easily in a deflated state and may be used in the treatment of psoriasis, eczema or skin cancer.

Abstract: A cold plasma helmet application device for delivery of cold plasma benefits to the head of a patient. An appropriate gas is introduced into a helmet receptacle within a containment dome of the helmet. The gas is energized by one or more dielectric barrier devices that receive energy from a pulsed source. The dielectric barrier devices can be configured to match the treatment area. Such a device and method can be used to treat large surface areas treatment sites associated with the head, head trauma, brain cancer, the control of brain swelling with closed head injury or infection, as well as treating male pattern baldness.

Abstract: A prosthetic socket system includes a socket having an inner surface defining a socket cavity. A liner is adapted to receive a residual limb and be removably positioned within the socket cavity. A substantially sealed volume is defined between at least a portion of an outer surface of the liner and a corresponding portion of the inner surface of the socket. A wicking material is positionable in the substantially sealed volume and at least one cooling fluid can be carried by the wicking material. The at least one cooling fluid is adapted to selectively boil within the substantially sealed volume such that heat from the residual limb is converted into latent heat of vaporization by the at least one cooling fluid for a cooling effect.

Abstract: An air circulating structure includes a housing having first, second and third sidewalls. The second and third sidewalls are positioned in a receiving space defined by the first sidewall and the second sidewall is positioned between the first and third sidewalls. The first sidewall has an opening and bending portions are formed at ends of the first sidewall and bending inward. Further, guiding elements are disposed on sides of the second sidewall facing the receiving space and positioned between the third sidewall and the bending portions. As such, air ducts are formed between the second sidewall and the first sidewall, the third sidewall, the guiding elements, the bending portions, respectively, and air vents are formed in junctions of the guiding elements with the bending portions and the third sidewall, thereby forming circulating air in the air ducts and vents to effectively improve the temperature regulating efficiency of an air-conditioning device.

Abstract: A prosthetic sock for a patient to wear over a residual limb is provided. The prosthetic sock includes an inner layer configured to fit over at least a portion of the residual limb of the patient. A foam layer is disposed on an outer surface of the inner layer. The foam layer compensates for changes in shape or volume of the residual limb within the prosthetic sock by changing shape in a manner effective to maintain a secure fit between the residual limb and a prosthetic socket of a prosthetic limb.

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 warming device for perioperative use includes a clinical garment and a convective thermal blanket supported on an inside surface of the clinical garment. A mechanism may be provided to releasably attach the thermal blanket to the clinical garment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for non-invasive anatomical and systemic cooling. The method and device provide for 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 such mucus to the dry fluid results in evaporation and cooling of the anatomical feature and/or systemic cooling, as intended. In this fashion, therapeutic hypothermia may be achieved to provide for neuroprotection of various organs after ischemic insult, such the brain after cardiac arrest.

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: 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: Systems and methods for affecting metabolism, such as the treatment of metabolic syndrome are disclosed. A method for treating metabolic syndrome can include one or more of the steps including identifying a region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue; positioning the region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue into an enclosed chamber; adjusting the relative humidity of the enclosed chamber sufficient to create a physiologic metabolic effect; and activating a convection fan within the chamber to promote heat transfer from the glabrous tissue. The method need not involve altering the temperature within the enclosed chamber.

Abstract: A camera mounted in a motor vehicle cabin monitors an upper body and/or face of a vehicle occupant. A computer unit applies pattern recognition methods to compare an image from the camera with reference data stored in a database, and to determine based on the comparison that the occupant is experiencing neck discomfort. The neck discomfort determination is made based on the comparison indicating a change in occupant posture, a change in occupant facial expression, and/or a relaxation movement of the upper body and/or of a head of the occupant. If neck discomfort is detected, warm air and/or infrared light is directed toward the affected neck area to alleviate the discomfort.

Abstract: A device is provided for cooling intra nasally the brain of a patient, in particular of a patient suffering from cardiovascular emergency. The device comprises a pressurized gas container for containing a gas or a mixture of gases, and at least one cannula with a lumen, a proximal opening and at least one distal opening. The cannula is for introduction into the patient's nasopharynx. Upon operation, gas expands adiabatically upon exiting from the at least one cannula, thereby cools and provides a coolant effect on the nasopharynx and inside the nasal cavity.

Abstract: A warming blanket is provided that includes a first sheet and a second sheet sealed at least along a common edge. An air inlet is provided on the warming blanket where the first sheet and the second sheet are not sealed. An inlet opening device is attached to the inlet opening. The inlet opening device separates the first sheet from the second sheet at the inlet opening in the absence of an opposing force. Methods of forming and using the warming blanket are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system which employs a cooling or heating pad which is preferably a thin, flexible pad for placement at an intended area of the body. The pad includes a layer of highly conductive material which can be cooled or heated using a portable source of heat or cold material delivered to the conductive material by a delivery conduit. Valves can be included to regulate flow of the cooling or heating material from the source to the pad. The system can also include a dual-chambered canister for containing two different media for heating, cooling or for alternating heating and cooling the pad.

Abstract: A thermoregulation device which is adapted to be used for covering part of a living body, includes: a first sheet which is higher in thermal conductivity than cotton cloth; a second sheet which is higher in heat insulating and retaining properties than cotton cloth; and a gas passage which is formed between the first sheet and the second sheet. A first opening which communicates with the gas passage is formed in one of the first sheet and the second sheet. A second opening which communicates with the gas passage is formed in one of the first sheet and the second sheet. A gas which is introduced through the first opening is discharged from the second opening via the gas passage.

Abstract: A warming moxibustion device is adapted for at least one moxa strip inserted therein for burning moxa to treat a patient. The warming moxibustion device includes a housing that has a first open end provided with an abutment surface to abut against a patient's body and a second open end opposite to the first open end. An insertion net is disposed in the housing and has two opposite sides respectively facing the first and second open ends. The insertion net has at least one insertion hole in size that is sufficient for insertion of the moxa strip therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus for convective air therapy blankets for companion animals. Convective air blankets include two sheets joined together to form an inflatable chamber. One of the two sheets is air permeable to exhaust conditioned air toward the animal. The blankets includes fenestrations, slits, straps, and inlet ports positioned to accommodate the anatomy and surgical needs of companion animals. Blankets with fenestrations have an I-shaped opening to allow passage of a limb. The opposite end of the blanket has a slit to drape the blanket around the neck and head of the animal. Blankets with a central access port provide surgical access of the animal's underbody. Blankets also have integral straps for securing the blanket to the animal. Inlet ports are provided to allow connection to an air supply from either side of the blanket or to an edge where the two sheets come together.

Abstract: A control circuit wirelessly couples to at least one free-standing wireless temperature sensor that the control circuit employs to monitor a temperature corresponding to a patient and thereby provide monitored-temperature information that the control circuit then uses to control personal warming of the patient. By one approach the control circuit can also wirelessly couple to one or more non-free-standing wireless temperature sensors the control circuit can also use to provide additional monitored-temperature information regarding the patient, which additional monitored-temperature information the control circuit can further use when controlling personal warming of the patient.

Abstract: A convective blanket may be converted from an underbody blanket to a combination over body and underbody blanket by having an openable seal positioned substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the blanket away from the head area of the blanket. The seal may be preformed with a line of weakness so that it may readily be separated to form an opening for the head of the patient. The upper portion and the main portion of the blanket may be folded relatively towards each other to cover opposite sides of the patient. Elongate openings are provided in the main portion of the blanket to allow the arms of the patient to extend through the blanket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for classifying and/or ablating tissue. By directing microwave radiation through a probe (5) into tissue (6) and detecting the amplitude and phase of radiation reflected back through the probe and a reference signal, the tissue type can be classified. An impedance tuner which is actuated by magnetostrictive material (800) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A full body convective blanket has a head portion, a body portion and a foot portion. The head and foot portions each taper in a decreasing manner from a corresponding opposite side of the body portion to the head and foot ends, respectively, so that the blanket has a rectangular shaped body portion and head and foot portions that are shaped in the form of isosceles trapezoids. Two elongate openings are provided longitudinally along the body portion sandwiching a non-inflatable area. An opening is provided at the head portion of the blanket.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a warming system is disclosed. The warming system may include an elastic pad having inner and outer surfaces, wherein a chamber is defined along the inner surface. The warming system may also include a hollow air conveyor positioned within the chamber and supported relative to the elastic pad by the inner surface, wherein the hollow air conveyor has first and second open ends positioned along an air path through the elastic pad, and wherein an inner air vent is defined within the hollow air conveyor and positioned adjacent to a portion of the inner surface such that this portion of the inner surface is exposed to air that is located within the hollow air conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and a method for thermally comforting a patient include pneumatic, convective device providing thermal treatment for persons or animals, which is adapted for use in combination with a clinical garment such as a hospital gown, robe, bib, and other equivalents. The pneumatic convective device provides convective warming focused or directed primarily on the thorax or body core. The pneumatic convective device includes at least one inlet for being accessed through a clinical garment, a region in distribution with the inlet for distributing a stream of pressurized, thermally treated air, and a permeable member for emitting pressurized, thermally treated air from the distribution region.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a temperature controlled gaseous medium for dermatological applications is described. The gaseous medium may be cooled and applied to an area such as a skin area to provide an analgesic effect thereon. The system and method also include an automated defrost cycle for minimizing the effects of decreased hydraulic diameter due to freezing.

Abstract: The invention provides a forced air warmer comprising: a chamber having an outlet port; an air heater arranged to heat air within the chamber; an air propagator arranged to propagate heated air from the chamber along a heated air flow path passing through the port; and a temperature sensor provided in the heated air flow path to measure the temperature of heated air propagated along the heated air flow path. The forced air warmer further comprises an air flow conditioner in the heated air flow path downstream of the temperature sensor, the air flow conditioner being arranged to condition air flow at the temperature sensor so as to improve the reliability of temperature measurements made by the temperature sensor. The forced air warmer may be used to supply heated air to an air warming blanket for regulating the temperature of a patient.

Abstract: A flameless heater apparatus and method whose heating capacity and performance can be selected and tuned at the time of manufacture, and which is easily used and has a long shelf life. The apparatus and method may be used in flameless ration heaters, such as may be used in military or emergency situations. There is provided a flameless heating method and apparatus in which the solid reactive ingredients (not including liquid reactant, typically water) are not all blended or mixed together at the time of apparatus fabrication. Rather, at least one key ingredient (typically a super-corroding alloy of magnesium and iron) in a dry powder form is kept physically segregated from all the other ingredients, such as catalysts (normally acids such as acetic or tartaric acid or acidic mixtures) and surfactants. The exothermic chemical reaction is initiated only after at least one (typically a dry powder catalyst) goes into aqueous solution after the application of water (saline or non-saline).

Abstract: An eye compress kit includes a thermally adjustable gel pack, a strap and at least one moistened, disposable fibrous non-woven fabric sheet. The thermally adjustable gel pack is configured to be applied against an eye region of a user's body. The gel pack includes a casing that defines a chamber holding a thermally activatable gelatinous substance. The strap is configured to secure the gel pack against the user's eye region and to exert compressive forces to the gel pack. The at least one moistened, disposable fibrous non-woven fabric sheet is adapted to be positioned between the gel pack and the user's eye region wherein the fabric sheet is removable from the outer surface of the gel pack.

Abstract: An insertion system is provided for delivering an intraocular lens into an eye. The insertion system has an inserter for delivering the lens and a lens case for holding the lens prior to delivery. The inserter has a handpiece having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The inserter also has a nosepiece disposed at the distal end of the inserter, the nosepiece having a rotational axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a load chamber with a transfer interface for receiving the lens. The case has a transfer port for transferring the lens from the case into the load chamber. Once the lens is transferred into the load chamber, the nosepiece is adapted to rotate approximately 180 degrees about the rotational axis between a first position for loading the lens and a second position for delivering the lens into the eye.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying heated air to a person and comprises an air-permeable inner sheet and an air-impermeable outer sheet which are connected to one another by welds in order to form a panel-like shape in the inflated state. The welds produce a main duct having, viewed at the inlet end and in the non-inflated state, a main duct width. The main duct is delimited by at least one first series of elongate first welded strips, the first intermediate spaces which are in line with one another. The length of each of these first intermediate spaces, viewed in the non-inflated state, is in each case smaller than the main duct width. The length of each first welded strip is at least 15% of the main duct width and at most 80% of the main duct width.

Abstract: A device for warming a human body. The device is a gown (100, 1500) that has a thorax portion (110, 1502) and a leg portion (112, 1504). One embodiment prevents redistribution hypothermia with a distributor (206) attached to the inside of the leg portion (112). The sleeves (108), leg portion (112), and posterior of the gown (100) are heat reflective. The anterior of the thorax portion (110) of the gown is non-reflective. The distributor (206) inflates when heated air is supplied and exhausts air into the gown (100). Temperature is maintained at a desired level for the extremities, while preventing the thorax area from being elevated to an uncomfortable level. Another embodiment is a perioperative warming device. The device is a gown (1500) that has a thorax portion (1502) and a leg portion (1504). Each portion has an independent air chamber and inlet. The two portions are releasably connected. The sleeves (1508), leg portion (1504), and anterior of the gown (1500) are heat reflective.

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: A multifunction warming device for perioperative use includes a clinical garment and two convective warming apparatuses supported on an inside surface of the clinical garment. A first convective apparatus is disposed transversely in an upper portion of the clinical garment, running between sleeves of the clinical garment. The second convective apparatus is disposed longitudinally in a lower portion of the clinical garment and has separately inflatable sections, each for enabling a particular mode of warming.

Abstract: A method for cerebral and systemic cooling by providing a nebulized liquid having a boiling point of 38-300° C. The nebulized liquid is delivered as a mist or a spray via the nasal and/or oral cavities of a patient. The mist causes cooling by direct heat transfer through the nasopharynx and hematogenous cooling through the carotids and the Circle of Willis. Compositions and medical devices for cerebral and systemic cooling are also provided. Cooling assemblies, and methods of use, are also provided that include flexible balloon assemblies that are inserted to various locations in a patient's body. The flexible balloons are then infused with a liquid having a temperature between about ?20° C. and about 37° C. The flexible balloon assemblies can be inserted into the nasal cavity, oral cavity, throat, stomach, and other locations to effect cerebral cooling.

Abstract: An assembly for preventing and treating moisture-based skin dermatitis includes an air flow conditioning module positioned in the output air flow in the output air flow chamber for increasing or decreasing the temperature of the generated air flow as received from the fan responsive to a received control signal, a temperature sensor positioned in the output air flow at the nozzle for sensing a current temperature of the output air flow as conditioned by the air flow conditioning module, an air flow conditioning control module is coupled to the air flow conditioning module and the temperature sensor and is configured for generating the control signal, and air flow conditioning control module that has a defined maximum temperature of the output airflow and is adapted for receiving the sensed current temperature from the temperature sensor, comparing the current temperature to the defined maximum temperature, and generating the control signal to provide the generated air flow at the nozzle does not exceed the de

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of airflow applicators used for delivering directional, heated air to, for example, the scalp and hair of humans and/or animals to eliminate ectoparasites, such as lice and lice eggs. In preferred embodiments, the applicators are configured to deliver heated airflow (from a separate device, or from another portion of a single device, that generates heated airflow) efficiently right to where ectoparasites and their eggs most frequently reside. Also disclosed are treatment methods, including preferred treatment patterns, for delivering heated airflows for use in eliminating ectoparasites and their eggs on an animal.

Abstract: Both the flow rate and the temperature of the air exiting a forced air warming unit are regulated in response to a single act or operation of a single element of control on a manually-operated remote control.

Abstract: Apparatus for altering the body temperature of a patient comprises a cover for covering at least a portion of a patient's body and a compliant support adapted to underlie and generally conform to the shape of the portion of the patient's body to define a well adjacent to the patient's body portion for accumulating heat transfer liquid. The cover and compliant support cooperatively define an enclosure for receiving the portion of the patient's body and are constructed to conduct a heat transfer liquid into direct contact with the portion of the patient's body received in the enclosure to promote heat transfer between the patient's body and the heat transfer liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for non-invasive anatomical and systemic cooling. The method and device provide for 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 such mucus to the dry fluid results in evaporation and cooling of the anatomical feature and/or systemic cooling, as intended. In this fashion, therapeutic hypothermia may be achieved to provide for neuroprotection of various organs after ischemic insult, such the brain after cardiac arrest.

Abstract: A hand-operated cooling device for cryotherapy for treating pain, inflammations, muscle tensions or the like, includes a main body and a receptacle, which can be inserted at least partially into the main body, for the exchangeable accommodation and insertion of a gas pressure vessel. The main body includes a gas outlet actuation arrangement, which can effect, by manual actuation, the outflow of a gas from the gas pressure vessel when the receptacle is inserted, and the receptacle includes a cooling surface, which can be cooled by the outflowing gas and by the gas pressure vessel jacket, wherein the gas can be conducted inside the main body and inside the receptacle by a gas conducting arrangement and can exit at the receptacle adjacent to the cooling surface.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a temperature controlled gaseous medium for dermatological applications is described. The gaseous medium may be cooled and applied to an area such as a skin area to provide an analgesic effect thereon. The system and method also include an automated defrost cycle for minimizing the effects of decreased hydraulic diameter due to freezing.

Abstract: A convective thermoregulation blanket (204) includes an exterior surface (220), a plurality of interconnected distribution channels (940, 941) and a first inlet opening (1244). A portion of the exterior surface is configured to be in contact with a patient. The interconnected distribution channels are located internal to the convective thermoregulation blanket and include a primary distribution channel (940) having an interior surface. The first inlet opening extends between the exterior surface of the convective thermoregulation blanket and the interior surface of the primary distribution channel to deliver thermal regulated convective air into the primary distribution channel. At least a portion of the primary distribution channel includes a filter material. The filter material filters unfiltered thermal regulated convective air in the primary distribution channel and provides the remaining plurality of distribution channels with filtered thermal regulated convective air.

Abstract: A patient warming device includes a gasket coupled to an interior surface of a base film to define a target region that is attachable to a body surface of a patient. The base film extends from a perimeter of the gasket to provide a surgical drape. An evacuation port is in fluid communication with the target region. When attached to the patient, suction applied to the target region via the evacuation port vasodilates the body surface of the patient such that a heat source communicating with the target region increases a core temperature of the patient.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a temperature controlled gaseous medium for dermatological applications is described. The gaseous medium may be cooled and applied to an area such as a skin area to provide an analgesic effect thereon. The system and method also include an automated defrost cycle for minimizing the effects of decreased hydraulic diameter due to freezing.

Abstract: An underbody convective warming blanket that may be used by a pediatric or neonate patient includes a head portion configured with multiple substantially U-shaped channels each having a plurality of adjacent rows of apertures that circumscribe the head of the patient positioned on the blanket. The adjacent rows of apertures are configured on the upper layer of the blanket so as to be positioned at an orientation or angle relative to the base plane of the blanket or the head of the patient such that those apertures would substantially face the head of the patient when the blanket is inflated, so that the heated air output from the apertures is directed substantially towards the head of the patient to thereby effect an invisible dome of heated air that envelopes the head of the patient.