Abstract: An ice pack is provided having an inner waterproof container for holding ice and an outer fabric pouch for holding the inner container. Four straps having a dense pattern or pile of loops extend from the pouch. The loops on the strap can be mechanically coupled with a strip of corresponding hook fastener material having a dense pattern or pile of hooks that is fixed to the outer pouch.

Abstract: A temperature control system provides for the optimal management of patient temperature during a surgical procedure, such as those which require the patient to on bypass. The system employs a plurality of controllers as well as a plurality of temperature control means in order to provide optimal temperature control. In one configuration of the invention, controllers for each of the heat exchange devices may be interconnected using a data link. The connection may provide for a master/slave relationship wherein temperature sensors included in each system are employable as temperature feedback for initiating temperature changes. This device may be configured such that it operates in conjunction with another device or provides stand alone temperature control.

Abstract: A shapeable, glycerine-free cold pack for providing cold therapy, and a method of producing the same, are provided. The pack comprises a plurality of encapsulated units, wherein a mixture of an NaCl based salt dissolved in water is encapsulated in polyacrylamide. An impermeable enclosure contains the encapsulated units or mini-gels to form the pack, which is pliable over a range of temperatures applicable to cold therapy.

Abstract: An apparatus applies heat to tissue from a level that does not contact the tissue, in order to elevate the temperature of the tissue being treated toward normothermia. The apparatus may be attached to the skin of a person to form a treatment volume about the tissue to be treated. A heater, supported at the layer, is held near the tissue to be treated, out of contact with the tissue. The heater is for operating in a near-hyperthermic temperature range in order to treat the tissue. An example of a near-hyperthermic temperature range is 38° C. to 46° C. A controller may include means that cause the heater to operate over a therapeutic sequence, that cycle the heater on and off, that provide selectable average temperature values, that cause the heater to operate over an average temperature range, that cause the heater to operate at an average temperature over a therapy cycle, or that cause the heater to operate at an average temperature over a therapeutic sequence.

Abstract: A thermotherapy device for treating the substantially whole body of a human being by thermotherapy. The thermotherapy device is for a human body and provided with a heat capsule (5) and a control computer (8). The heat capsule (5) is filled with a Ringer's solution, and the substantially whole body of a human being except the head can be soaked in the Ringer's solution. The control computer (8) controls the temperature of the Ringer's solution in the heat capsule (5) to control the body temperature of the substantially whole body to a predetermined treatment temperature.

Abstract: A flexible, foldable re-freezable cooler is adapted to fold relatively flat for storage or freezing, and to expand to a use configuration for receiving items to be cooled or kept cool therein. A therapy wrap, for human or animal use, is adapted for easy cold therapy application.

Abstract: A disposable splint that has a brace, at least one instant cold pack, and an attachment means for attaching the brace and the at least one instant cold pack to a wearer's limb. In a preferred embodiment, the disposable splint is secured to the wearer's limb via an elastic wrap. Also in a preferred embodiment the brace portion is foldable and comprises a bottom brace portion and two side brace portions. Also in a preferred embodiment, the instant cold pack is fixedly attached to the brace portion via a hook and loop connection.

Abstract: Methods and devices for manipulating the thermoregulatory status of a mammal are provided. In the subject methods, thermal energy is transferred between the environment and both the thoracic/abdominal core body and head of the mammal. In general, such thermal energy transfer occurs under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating hemorrhoids and similar ailments are disclosed in which one or more piece of material are used to separate swollen, inflamed tissue from non-swollen tissue. material may be included within an undergarment that may be worn for the treatment of ailments such as hemorrhoids or an episiotomy. The material incorporated into the undergarment has elastic properties that, in the case of hemorrhoids, acts to separate the buttocks. The undergarment may also include one or more pocket enclosures to hold cold compresses, ice packs, pain ointment, etc. directly upon, or in close proximity to, the affected area. Alternately, the material may be one or more single-use strips that include adhesive such that the strips act to separate the affected area from the non-affected area.

Abstract: A fistula thermotherapy device uses 4-14 &mgr;m infrared waves for thermotherapy on fistula. The infrared waves penetrate the epidermis of patients 2-3 centimeters deep so as to have sanative effect on fistula and cells nearby. Therefore, the blood circulation of fistula is improved, the cells nearby are activated, and the metabolism of that area is enhanced. Thus the fluency and elasticity of the fistula can be maintained. The fistula thermotherapy device includes an electric heating layer, an inner cover, and an outer cover.

Abstract: A pressurized ventilation system for providing air to the body of an individual wearing the ventilation system to regulate the individual's body temperature is provided. The ventilation system includes the use of an air bladder defining an enclosed volume wherein there is located a plurality of channels for permitting airflow throughout the air bladder. The channels include a plurality of spaced apart apertures, which permit the escape of air out of the air bladder to the body of the individual wearing the ventilation system.

Abstract: A joint-specific apparatus that reliably retains a cold pack in a preselected position and under compression adjacent to an anatomical structure such as a limb or joint, or adjacent to an anatomical region, to maximize the desired therapeutic effect when that anatomical structure or region is cooled or heated.

Abstract: A system for measuring a thermal property of a garment includes a mannequin having a form similar to at least a portion of a mammalian body and adapted to wear the garment. Fluid is circulatable through at least a portion of the mannequin. An outer surface temperature sensor is affixed to the mannequin, and a fluid pressure regulator and temperature controller are located exterior of the mannequin. A meter monitors the energy usage of the controller, which is indicative of the thermal property of the garment. Environmental conditions are controllable, including variable wind speeds and induced mannequin motion.

Abstract: An apparatus for warming a patient includes a patient support surface having an outer cover configured to contact the patient, an electrically conductive fabric located within the cover, and a controller electrically coupled to the conductive fabric to heat the electrically conductive fabric to a selected level.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device suitable for releasable attachment to a patient's skin surface over a selected wound area in a non-contact position relative to the selected wound area, the wound treatment device comprising an attachment portion suitable for releasable attachment with the patient's skin surface, having an inner perimeter for defining the selected wound area, a wound treatment portion with a substantially planar wound cover and a support member supporting the wound cover, and a transition portion with a membrane connecting the wound treatment portion to the attachment portion, the membrane extending around the outer perimeter of the support member and attached to the attachment portion between the inner and outer perimeter of the attachment portion.

Abstract: A heating or cooling pad for reducing pain or swelling, or increasing range of motion, includes: (a) phase change material having a melting point of between about 42 and 65 degrees Centigrade, or between about −10 and 6 degrees Centigrade; (b) a gel or viscous fluid carrier in which the phase change material is relatively evenly distributed; and (c) a fluid-impermeable, conformable envelope surrounding the phase change material and the carrier. A preferred embodiment herein includes: (a) a fluid-impermeable, flexible, conformable envelope; (b) a mixture of from about 10 to about 75 weight % of alkanes having a carbon chain length of between 12 and 14 or 22 and 30, and from about 25 to about 90 weight % of a gel or viscous fluid carrier in which the alkanes are substantially evenly distributed, the mixture being sealed within the envelope; and (c) at least one layer of insulation adjacent to a first side of the envelope.

Abstract: A tissue treatment apparatus includes a bandage that is transparent to, or transmissive of, energy in a predetermined range of the infrared (IR) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The bandage includes a layer that acts as a bandpass filter, permitting IR radiation in the range of wavelengths between 3 and 30 &mgr;m to pass through the bandage to tissue against which the bandage is disposed. A heater is used to generate heat, including IR radiation, and an attachment device retains the heater over or on the bandpass bandage layer. The bandage and heater together have a low profile so as to be convenient for a patient, and are flexible so as to conform to the shape of a wound and to contours of the skin near the wound. The bandage is provided with an adhesive pattern for maintaining moisture at the wound site. The heater may maintain a normothermic condition at subdermal regions of the wound treatment area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for manipulating a core body temperature of a mammal. The system of the invention includes a chamber for enclosing a body portion of a mammal and a seal in operative association with the chamber for sealing the chamber around the body portion and for inhibiting movement of the body portion relative to the chamber when the system is in operation. A thermal energy exchange system in operative association with the chamber includes an energy element assembly coupled to a flexible membrane assembly. The flexible membrane assembly facilitates an exchange of energy between the energy element assembly and the body portion. A vacuum system is operatively associated with the chamber while the thermal energy exchange system is in operation. The vacuum system generates a sub-atmospheric pressure within the chamber.

Abstract: A device suitable for vein dilation includes a chamber having an interior for receiving a portion of a body, and having at least one inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber. A fluid supply is connected to that inlet to enable the fluid to be admitted into the chamber. A suction source is connected to the chamber such as to be able to apply suction to the interior of the chamber, and a heater is positioned to be able to heat the fluid being supplied to the chamber by the fluid supply. In use, a portion of a body may be massaged and heated (one possibility is to use a fluidized bed formed in the chamber while the body portion is in the chamber), and a vacuum is applied to the portion of the body after performance of the massaging and heating step. Alternatively, the massaging may be omitted, and the body portion heated first and then subjected to a period of suction.

Abstract: A physiotherapeutic device for concurrently applying heat and electrical stimulation to a localized treatment area comprises a heat transfer medium for placing in contact with the treatment area, the heat transfer medium having a heat capacity such that the device is operable to change a temperature of said heat transfer medium from a temperature able to induce a burn to a safe temperature substantially within a minute.

Abstract: A device to treat the temporomandibular and maxillomandibular region of patient with cryo, thermal and/or compression therapy is disclosed. The device comprises a fabric layer anatomically designed to contact the temporomandibular joint and the maxillomandibular region, an inflatable layer, and a heater for heating the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint and temporal regions. In an alternative embodiment, a device comprises a fabric layer designed to contact the maxillomandibular region, an inflatable layer, a hard plate placed on said fabric layer to resist bulging of said inflatable layer when inflated, and a conductive layer covering said inflatable layer. Methods to use the device to treat the maxillomandibular region and temporomandibular joint of a patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: A headband for the treatment or relief of headaches having a means for attaching said headband to the head thereby producing variable pressure to the head, said headband having one or more pockets for the insertion of treatment elements including cold, heat, vibration, and magnetism; wherein said headband is attached to the head in an annular fashion and headaches are treated or relieved by applying pressure, cold, heat, vibration, or magnetism, or any combination thereof intermittently or continuously.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use in controlling subject's body temperature during a medical procedure comprises a flexible garment adapted for enveloping portions of the subject's body surface with dedicated sections for enveloping different body parts. Defined within the garment is a continuous, fluid tight space, wherein a flow path for heat-control fluid is defined between fluid inlet and fluid outlet. The inner faces of the garment's internal and external layers are made of a heat-weldable material and are point-welded to one another at a plurality of locations throughout the garment with a distance between two adjacent points being between about 8 to about 20 mm.

Abstract: An electric connector having an electrically insulative housing, terminals respectively mounted in respective terminal chambers of the housing, and a metal shielding shell covering the housing. The housing has locating notches. The terminals include signal transmission terminals and grounding terminals, each having a protruded positioning portion. The grounding terminals have the respective protruded positioning portions respectively engaged into the locating notches of the housing and maintained in contact with the metal shielding shell positively, forming with the metal shielding shell a grounding loop.

Abstract: A pressurized ventilation system for providing air to the body of an individual wearing the ventilation system to regulate the individual's body temperature is provided. The ventilation system includes the use of an air bladder defining an enclosed volume wherein there is located a plurality of channels for permitting airflow throughout the air bladder. The channels include a plurality of spaced apart apertures, which permit the escape of air out of the air bladder to the body of the individual wearing the ventilation system.

Abstract: A pliable contact bandage for placement over a wound site located on any skin surface, is provided. The apparatus includes a re-openable, flexible enclosure adapted to receive a source of heat or cold, and an adhesive for mounting the pliable contact bandage on a skin surface. The source of heat or cold is temporarily placed within the flexible enclosure and the pliable contact bandage is placed over the wound site in a heat conducting relationship. Typically, a hypo-allergenic adhesive is located along at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible enclosure. The periphery of the flexible enclosure surrounds the wound site.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising or maintaining the core temperature of a mammal comprising a radiant heater, for example an LED array for heating the areas of high concentration in Arteriovenous Anastomoses. The LEDs are energised to provide radiant heat energy to the patient hand to achieve a skin temperature with in a predetermined range or a desired core temperature. A pulse oximeter may also be included to sense biological parameters.

Abstract: Prevention or treatment of hypothermia in a person is afforded by an inflatable cover with a surface for expelling air from the cover. A heater/blower unit is connected to the cover to inflate the cover with warmed air and to maintain the temperature of warmed air expelled through the surface in a range of 85.2° F. to 117.7° F. The heater/blower unit may also maintain the temperature of warmed air provided to inflate the cover in a range of 113.3° F. to 121.3° F. The heater/blower unit may also maintain the temperature of warmed air under the surface in a range of 103.8° F. to 112.5° F. A pattern of apertures in the surface or vents in sides of the inflatable cover may be provided in order to circulate the warmed air to edges of the inflatable cover.

Abstract: The present invention essentially comprises a cooling blanket having multiple pockets to contain a heat sink with the heat sink provided in the pocket, the heat sinks being either a thermoelectric cooling unit or a cold pack.

Abstract: A cryogenic therapeutic massage Tube includes a pressure-deformable gel, which may be cooled by freezing, and which is permanently encased in a flexible thermally conductive material to substantially define a cylindrical compress having a diameter of about 4 to 7 inches and a ratio of length-to-diameter in a range of about 2 to about 4. The deformable cylindrical compress is proportioned to engage a plurality of anatomic curves including curves of the neck, back, feet and hands, and to impart thereto a soothing, cooling and pain relieving effect, in which such tube or cylinder of cryogenic gel may be provided within a thick cloth sack to preclude skin burn and absorb moisture from the surface of the skin against which the compress is applied.

Abstract: A band is provided for effecting body temperature changes, locally as well as core body temperature changes. The band includes a shell containing and easily replaced thermal insert filled with a high thermal capacity substance, and may also include thermal insulation, a radiant barrier, or an insulating airs space in order to increase thermal efficiency. The band may be strapped or otherwise attached to a user's body, preferably inside the forearms, directly over the wrists, where core body temperature changes may be effected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical device for treating a breast. Specifically, the medical device according to the present invention can apply heat or cold for treating the breast, and is configured to conform closely with the shape of the breast.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use in controlling subject's body temperature during a medical procedure comprises a flexible garment adapted for enveloping portions of the subject's body surface with dedicated sections for enveloping different body parts. Defined within the garment is a continuous, fluid tight space, wherein a flow path for heat-control fluid is defined between fluid inlet and fluid outlet. The inner faces of the garment's internal and external layers are made of a heat-weldable material and are point-welded to one another at a plurality of locations throughout the garment with a distance between two adjacent points being between about 8 to about 20 mm.

Abstract: A light weight, portable thermal rescue/recovery system for mammals up to 300 lbs. In weight comprising of a mummy bag which contains a circulating liquid which is either heated when the mammal needs to be warmed as in the case of, for example, a mammal suffering from hypothernia, or cooled when the mammal's body temperature or skin temperature needs to be lowered as in the case of a burn, stroke and some heart attack victims. The mammal is placed into the mummy bag of the portable thermal rescue/recovery system which also has a pump to circulate the liquid and a heat exchanger to cool or heat the liquid. This portable thermal rescue/recovery system is suitable for all rescue vehicles including helicopters, boats, EMS ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, avalanche rescues, ice rescues and fair cushion vehicles, as well as stretchers and other manual transport means, among others.

Abstract: A thermally regulatable, pulsating cushioning device having a deformable outer membrane being adapted to sealably receive a liquid material therein; a foam core being encased within and in intimate contact with, but not bonded to the flexible, deformable outer membrane wherein the foam core has a dimension substantially coincident with the outer membrane; a liquid material, sealably contained within the flexible, deformable outer membrane and saturating the foam core, with the liquid material being at least partially circulatable throughout the foam core, wherein the cooperation of the saturated foam core and the sealable flexible membrane provide a uniform, thermally regulatable medium and structural support such that the pulsating cushioning device is readily, uniformly deformable when a load is applied thereto; a means for directly pulsating the liquid within the flexible, deformable outer membrane, causing the device to undulate or vibrate; and a thermal regulator cooperating with the liquid material to e

Abstract: The invention provides methods for using local heat to control gene expression. The heat shock protein (hsp) gene promoter is recombined with a selected therapeutic gene and expressed in selected cells. Local controlled heating is used to activate the hsp promoter, for example by using focused ultrasound controlled by MRI.

Abstract: The present invention provides for rapid heat transfer with a tissue region of interest (24) by the direct contact of a circulated thermal exchange fluid with the tissue region of interest (24). The tissue region of interest is covered with an appropriately configured flexible membrane (28). A spacing structure maintains a spaced relation between an interior side (30) of the flexible membrane (28) and the tissue region of interest (24) to define a fluid circulation space (34) for fluid flow therebetween. Thermal exchange fluid is drawn into the fluid circulation space (34) though an inlet (60) in the flexible membrane and out of the fluid circulation space (34) through an outlet (64) in the flexible membrane (28) under negative or nearly negative gauge pressure. The fluid directly contacts the tissue region of interest (24), resulting in cooling/heating of the tissue region of interest (24).

Abstract: A disposable ice pack for treating an area of a person's body that has been traumatized or inured is disclosed. The ice pack includes a polyethylene bag portion having a sealable open top end, a pair of side edges and a closed bottom end forming an inner cavity. The inner cavity receives ice. A closure mechanism is disposed along an inner surfaces of the bag portion top end and provides a water tight seal for the ice pack. A pair of fluid absorbable material sheets are attached by a heat seal along the side edges and bottom end to the bag portion. The sheets of fluid absorbable material permit the disposable ice pack to soak-up any body fluids seeping from the traumatized area. An alternate embodiment further includes a plurality of tie-straps for permitting the ice pack to be wrapped around a person's body part. The tie-straps are attached by the heat seal.

Abstract: An improved, multi-functional, portable, electronic climate control device to maintain personal body temperature at a desired level in relationship to different environments. The portable electronic control device can combine a refrigeration system with a circulation pump in fluid communication with a garment-like vest to provide personal cooling below surrounding ambient temperature, or include an electronic heating element with circulating pump in fluid communication with a garment-like vest to maintain personal body temperature above surrounding environment.

Abstract: A portable thermal control module (TCM), for use in rapid heating or cooling the body, is provided. This thermal control module creates or displaces heat through the Peltier effect. A system and method of dynamically controlling the temperature of a body using multiple TCMs is also provided. This system and method involves a flexible thermal control suit (TCS) and a microprocessor.

Abstract: A method to modify a skin surface or a soft tissue structure underlying the skin surface includes a template with a mechanical force application surface and a receiving opening to receive a body structure. The mechanical force application surface is configured to receive the body structure and apply pressure to the soft tissue structure. An energy delivery device is coupled to the template. The energy delivery device is configured to deliver sufficient energy to the template to form a template energy delivery surface.

Abstract: A heat sealing instrument for use in the treatment and prevention of hair loss and stimulation of new hair includes a heating element, a protective shroud, a handle, and control circuitry. The heating element is heated to a temperature of from about 400 to about 1,000° F. sufficient for fusing and sealing the cuticle, cortex, and medulla layers of a hair shaft. The instrument includes a control panel for monitoring and adjusting the temperature of the heating device and a vacuum source and filter combination for drawing in and filtering the fumes from the area around the heating element.

Abstract: The bra with hot/cold inserts is a therapeutic device in the form of a vest-like elastic garment adapted to be worn on the human upper torso. The device includes front panels having pockets therein for retaining gel packs. The device is effective in providing warm or cold therapy to the chest and rib areas. The garment can be used by humans of both genders.

Abstract: The invention provides a wearable hemorrhoidal aid, which includes a waistband, a crotch portion, and a rear portion. The waistband forms a closed loop. The crotch portion has a front edge attached to a front section of the waistband. The rear portion has a front edge attached to a rear edge of the crotch portion and a rear edge attached to a rear edge of the waistband. The rear portion includes a pouch defining an enclosure. The pouch has an opening for insertion of a thermal insert into the enclosure. The thermal insert is removable from the pouch. The insert may be preheated or precooled. The rear portion will then provide heating or cooling to an area near the anus where hemorrhoids may occur.

Abstract: A multi-layered composite comprising a protective layer, a retaining layer, a conductive layer and a filler layer intermediate the retainer and conductive layers. The filler layer is impregnated with liquid absorbent particles and/or fibers. An optional protective layer having specific characteristic for protection against extreme temperatures, physical impacts and the like is specifically disclosed for use in combination with the retainer, filler and conductive layers. The protective layer provides additional protection of the person from catastrophic events such as exposure of a person to fire and/or severe impact such as may be caused by gunfire.

Abstract: An apparatus to modify a skin surface or a soft tissue structure underlying the skin surface includes a template with a mechanical force application surface and a receiving opening to receive a body structure. The mechanical force application surface is configured to receive the body structure and apply pressure to the soft tissue structure. An energy delivery device is coupled to the template. The energy delivery device is configured to deliver sufficient energy to the template to form a template energy delivery surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides for rapid heat transfer with a tissue region of interest (24) by the direct contact of a circulated thermal exchange fluid with the tissue region of interest (24). The tissue region of interest is covered with an appropriately configured flexible membrane (28). A spacing structure maintains a spaced relation between an interior side (30) of the flexible membrane (28) and the tissue region of interest (24) to define a fluid circulation space (34) for fluid flow therebetween. Thermal exchange fluid is drawn into the fluid circulation space (34) though an inlet (60) in the flexible membrane and out of the fluid circulation space (34) through an outlet (64) in the flexible membrane (28) under negative or nearly negative gauge pressure. The fluid directly contacts the tissue region of interest (24), resulting in cooling/heating of the tissue region of interest (24).

Abstract: A portable therapeutic heat device having an electrical heating pad suitable for positioning against a users back and having electical connector means for connecting the pad to any desired electrical power source, wherein the device has pad support members affixed to the pad, preferably removable for vertical adjustment, and having upper hook-like segments adapted to hook over the rear of a seat or over a users shoulders such that the pad will be retained in a desired position or posture with respect to the users back.

Abstract: A device suitable for vein dilation includes a chamber having an interior for receiving a portion of a body, and having at least one inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber. A fluid supply is connected to that inlet to enable the fluid to be admitted into the chamber. A suction source is connected to the chamber such as to be able to apply suction to the interior of the chamber, and a heater is positioned to be able to heat the fluid being supplied to the chamber by the fluid supply. In use, a portion of a body may be massaged and heated (one possibility is to use a fluidized bed formed in the chamber while the body portion is in the chamber), and a vacuum is applied to the portion of the body after performance of the massaging and heating step. Alternatively, the massaging may be omitted, and the body portion heated first and then subjected to a period of suction.

Abstract: A wrap is configured for positioning at different sites including the ankle, calf, knee, thigh, lower arm, elbow, upper arm, neck, shoulder and torso including the lower back. The wrap is formed from laminated closed-cell neoprene so that it is elastically deformable. The wrap has a therapy section with a pocket sized to receive a gel pack that can be heated or cooled to apply the desired thermal therapy. Long connecting ears extend outwardly near the top of the therapy section and short connecting ears extend outwardly near the bottom. One ear of the long connecting ears and one ear of the short connecting ears has the hook portion of a hook and pile type connector with the material laminated to the neoprene selected to function as the pile portion of a hook and pile type connector. A strap also formed from closed-cell neoprene has a material laminated to function as the pile portion and has a hook portion at one end.